Lisa Bergren’s books and I go WAY back, yep, like the ’90s way back đ I have read, and actually own every fiction title Lisa has published so I can say with some authority that she keeps getting better and better! Lisa’s foray into YA novels has been fantastic with the addicting River of Time series and now a dystopian adventure, beginning with REMNANTS: Season of Wonder. I’ve had the privilege to read an early copy of REMNANTS and you are in for a real treat ~ it’s fabulous! I’ll be raving in a review soon!
THE SYNOPSIS
THEIR ARRIVAL WAS FORETOLD FOR YEARSâŠ.
Andriana is a Remnant, gifted as an empath and one of the Ailith, destined to act as humanityâs last shield against the horrors that now plague those who remain.
After years of training in stealth and warfare, Andriana and her Knight protector, Ronan, are finally ready to answer the Call and begin the life they were designed for. But as they embark with the other Remnants on the first of their assignments, they quickly discover that the world beyond their protected Valley is more dangerous than they imagined.
The Sons of Sheol will stop at nothing to prevent Dri and Ronan from rescuing anyone sympathetic to the Remnantsâ cause. And as the Remnants battle the demonic forces, still other enemies close in. Dangers intensity, but so do Driâs feelings for Ronanâthe one emotion she is not meant to feel. In the midst of their mission, Andriana must fine a way to master her feelings. Or risk compromising everythingâŠ
MEET RONAN OF THE VALLEY
I have the pleasure of introducing you to a character all female readers will be keen to meet ~ Ronan of the Valley, a Knight of the Last Order. Ronan was even willing to answer a few questions for you all!
REL:Â So, Ronan, I know guys arenât big on this question but who do your friends say you look like?
*peers at me as if uncomfortable, then shrugs*
RONAN:Â I look a lot like my dad. I have his straight dark hair and green eyes. My mom says itâs like looking into the past, looking at me.
(Cameras are scarce in Ronan’s world but Lisa assures me Taylor Kitsch is a great likeness (in appearance!) for Ronan ~ who am I to complain?!)
Do you ever feel youâre only appreciated for your muscles?!
*laughs under breath*
Yeah, well, maybe. I think everyoneâs glad the Maker made me in the form he did. Helps me do my job better.
Youâre a Knight of the Last Order ~ sounds heroic and gallant! How do you see it?
I see it as just part of who I am. Who I was born to be. Itâs good for a man to know who he was meant to be, who he is in the Makerâs eyes, whether knight or 
farmer.
Youâre bonded to Andriana, your Remnant. Andriana told me this about your first meeting at age twelve, âHe took my hand in both of his and stared into my eyes, and Iâd learned the full meaning of the term bonded.â Can you recall what you felt at the time?
*stares out window for a moment*
She said that? Yeah, it was exactly like that. Itâs almost as if sheâs part of me. As if we became one in that moment. But weâve never talked about it.
*shakes head*
As close as we are, there are some things we avoid discussing. It could get us into trouble, dwelling on it too much.
Your sole purpose in life is to protect Andriana ~ how has that shaped the man you have become?
I think itâs made me stronger, more selfless in a way. Many men are out to protect themselves first. To claim whatâs theirs. In becoming Andrianaâs knight, itâs as if I can think of nothing but her and her welfare first. It makes a man rise above himself to take on a higher call. I appreciate that honor.
When youâre stressed or agitated, what ways do you find to cope?
I like to spar with Vidar or Bellona. Working up a good sweat while practicing swordsmanship is a good thing.
Andriana is an empath ~ how do you feel about her ability to read your innermost thoughts and emotions?
I loathe it. She knows too much. It makes me feel vulnerable, as if sheâs cheating somehow, being able to know me and my thoughts or feelings so well when I cannot know the same in her. Iâd give my right arm to read her in the same way.
The world you love in is a shadow of what it once was ~ how has deprivation impacted you the most? Good, and not so good?
We have always had what we needed in the Valley. Food, shelter, family, community, faith. As we travel and I see those with access to more, I only can detect further degradation, a skewing of the soul that makes me hurt, within. Does that make sense?
Yes, I believe so. If you could bestow three blessings on someone else, what would you choose, and upon whom?
My parentsâprotection from those who have sworn to destroy all those who follow the Way. Our trainerâa new call, now that Dri and I are on our own. Heâs put so much into us, I worry heâll be a bit lost. And for Andrianaâprotection and yet freedom to be all she was made to be. And love. She deserves to know love. Once we see our mission throughâŠ
When you look at Andriana, what do you see?
Beauty. Strength. Generosity. She sees the world with her heart, which gives her grace for all. Which also makes her vulnerableâŠ
And to give us a little insight into your world, Ronan, a quick quiz!
Canned sardines or canned peaches?
Sardines. You have to opt for the protein.
Pencil or typewriter with ink?
Pencil.
Socks or gloves?
Socks. A blistered heel can hobble a knight.
Bucket or stream?
Stream.
Mudhorse or motorbike?
Mudhorse. Petrol is in short supply.
Goatsâ or cowsâ milk?
Goatsâ. Whatâs a cow?
Sword or pistol?
Sword. You never run out of bullets.
Thanks Ronan ~ stay safe!
Remnants: Season of Wonder is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, or at your local bookstore. Email Lisa that you ordered or purchased Remnants: Season of Wonder IN APRIL and sheâll mail you a signed bookplate! (Lisa@bergrencreativegroup.com)
LAUNCH TOUR CLUE #6: I SPENT
Collect all 26 clues, gathered from each of the Launch Tour stops this month, and you could win a Kindle Fire HDX ($229 USD). Open internationally. At the end of the month, just go to LisaBergren.com and enter the completed clue stream in the Rafflecopter (available after April 30, 2014).
Comment below, noting your favorite dystopian (so far), or one you intend to read, and you could win a copy of REMNANTS, hot off the press!
April 6, 2014 at 11:38 pm
You own every one of my fiction titles? Wow, I’m so honored. xoxo
April 7, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Lisa T. Bergren » I do, Lisa! And proudly đ I have original copies of your Full Circle series ~ gotta “love” those covers đ
April 7, 2014 at 1:11 am
Sounds like a lovely book. I must confess that Ronan sounds like a great guy! Thanks for the giveaway!
April 7, 2014 at 1:15 am
Ah yes, I havenÂŽt met my absolute favorite dystopian yet đ But I like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
April 7, 2014 at 7:12 pm
Janka H. » REMNANTS may just be the one, Janka!
April 7, 2014 at 2:40 am
I’ve read a sneak peek, and this is one of my most anticipated reads this year. I gobbled up Lisa’s River of Time series, and have developed a liking for dystopian YA stories lately. I’ve read The Hunger Games and the Divergent series.
I have a copy of Remnants coming so no need to enter me in the drawing.
April 7, 2014 at 7:12 pm
Lori Benton » Mmmmm….does that mean we might see you write in a different genre, someday, Lori?!?!
April 8, 2014 at 12:50 pm
You never know. But for now I’m rooted in the 18C. It’s great to read other genres though.
April 7, 2014 at 3:05 am
Have read nearly all of Lisa’s books.. enjoyed the river of time series. Looking forward to reading this new series.
April 7, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Lois Harris » Great to hear, Lois.
April 7, 2014 at 3:18 am
I loved the Divergent series and the Hunger Games series – LATELY. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
April 7, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Debra Kay Neiman » Thanks Debra – they are the popular series in this genre, for sure.
April 7, 2014 at 7:37 am
I have just heard about this series! I am excited about it! I just found this post through Ms. Bergren’s FB page. Is this giveaway opportunity open to internationals?? And… I really like Hunger games, but haven’t seen or read others yet… Though, are you familiar with Mirriam Neal’s book Monster? It has some dystopian feel to it. I liked that, too.
April 7, 2014 at 8:41 am
I really enjoyed Captives by Jill Williamson. Thank you! Looking forward to reading this one.
April 7, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Mama Lusco » Thanks for sharing you favourite dystopian!
April 7, 2014 at 9:09 am
So far, my favorite dystopia series is the Razorland Trilogy! But I’m so excited for Remnants! Love Lisa Bergen đ
April 7, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Sarah Elizabeth » Lisa’s terrific, isn’t she, Sarah?!
April 7, 2014 at 9:52 am
This sounds awesome! It may just hold me over for Deluge! My favorite dystopian..i’m stuck between hunger games and Divergent… haha. Love your work!
April 7, 2014 at 7:09 pm
sarah garretson » Bring on Deluge, right?!
April 7, 2014 at 10:16 am
This book series sounds great. Wll have to purchase it. I loved the River of Times series!
April 7, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Jod » Lisa’s River of Time books are fabulous, aren’t they? Remnants is up there, too!
April 7, 2014 at 10:56 am
Love this interview…. Favorite dystopian? I must admit that I’m fairly new to the genre so I guess I’d say Divergent. But very much looking forward to Remnants! Thank you!
April 7, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Katherine Reay » We can be newbies together, Katherine! Thanks for sharing đ
April 7, 2014 at 12:04 pm
I don’t think I could pick a favorite dystopian since I’ve loved all the ones I’ve read (The Hunger Games series, Divergent, Insurgent, Anomaly, Luminary, Captives, and Outcasts) but some I’m looking forward to reading are: Allegiant, Revolutionary, Rebels, The Maze Runner, and Matched!
April 7, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Abbi Hart » So, you are a devoted dystopian reader then, Abbi!! What draws you in so much, do you think?
April 8, 2014 at 1:26 am
I love the insane amount of imagination that goes into them! Not only do they have to create a basically new world but they have to make with ties back to now which I think would be rather hard. I love how they make you think as well!
April 7, 2014 at 1:36 pm
I have enjoyed Anomaly and in the process of reading Luminary..both by Krista McGee. Would love to win Remnant!
April 7, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Sarah Stewart » Heard great things about Krista’s books, Sarah – good to know you are enjoying them.
April 7, 2014 at 2:08 pm
What an awesome idea for an interview! đ My favorite dystopian is The Maze Runner. But I couldn’t put down the River of Time series, so I’m sure Remnants will be right up there with it!
April 7, 2014 at 7:06 pm
Jennifer » Hi Jennifer – thanks for dropping by. So pleased you enjoyed Ronan’s visit!
April 7, 2014 at 11:34 pm
I must confess I have never really wanted to read dytospian fiction. Well that is until Lisa T. Bergren wrote this book! đ So I’m looking forward to reading this one and the next ones in the series!
I read Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck; I thought that was very interesting!
April 8, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Divergent (book 1)
April 11, 2014 at 1:46 am
I can’t wait to dive in! I love The Giver, Hunger Games and Krista McGee’s series đ
April 12, 2014 at 4:23 am
My favorites so far are The Safelands books by Jill Williamson
April 14, 2014 at 10:36 am
My favorite is the Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano.
April 14, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Jill Williamson’s Safe Lands trilogy is getting really good right now. I’ve also enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy. =)
April 15, 2014 at 12:00 am
I tend to like the first book in a series the best: Divergent, Hunger Games, Matched, Shadow and Bone, & Pure. I think the complete series I liked the best though was the Legend series (Legend, Prodigy, Champion) by Marie Lu. Thanks for the giveaway!
April 16, 2014 at 1:23 am
I haven’t read anything by Lisa Bergren but I look forward to reading Remnant. The blogs help get an inside look at the author and the book. Thanks
April 22, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Christine » oh, Christine, you have been missing out!! Lisa’s books are fabulous đ
April 18, 2014 at 4:49 am
My favorite dystopian novel would be 1984. I read it in high school and it has been one of my all time favorite books since.
April 22, 2014 at 8:36 pm
beckie » Good choice, Beckie!
April 22, 2014 at 10:07 pm
I have loved most dystopian novels I’ve read so far, including Krista McGee’s Anomaly series. I’m really looking forward to reading Remnant!
April 24, 2014 at 1:59 pm
I read hunger games but now will read this – way to go Lisa!
April 25, 2014 at 4:51 am
This guy sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read Remnants, which will be my first dystopian. đ
April 26, 2014 at 5:39 am
I’m a huge fan of Lisa’s River of a Time series and have read some of her other books, which have been great, S well. I am so ready for Deluge to come out. I’m probably a minority in saying I’m not too into dystopian reads even though they seem to be the latest trend. I definitely am going to read Remnants because I love Lisa’s work and Ronan definitely has peaked my interest. I love character interviews and you always do a great job. Congratulations to Lisa on her new release and wish her continued success. Sending her prayers to help her get through her tough times. :). Thank you for the giveaway!
April 28, 2014 at 7:15 am
Hunger Games and waiting to read Divergent. Best wishes Lisa!
April 30, 2014 at 5:47 am
I have not actually read a dystopian book that I know of but I am looking forward to reading Remnants: Season of Wonder and the others in the Remnants series by Lisa Bergren. I have read almost all of Lisa Bergren’s books that I could get a hold of; my favorites being those in the River of Time series.
April 30, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Great Excerpt! Can’t wait to read!
May 1, 2014 at 3:50 am
I’ve read Author Tara Brown’s Born Trilogy and I enjoy that very much.
May 1, 2014 at 2:10 pm
One of my favorite dystopian series that I read was the Hunger Games. I don’t love the movies as much as the books. I’m glad I read the entire series before the movies started coming out. I am looking forward to reading Lisa’s new series. I have loved other books she has written so I am assuming I will love this series just as much.
May 1, 2014 at 4:08 pm
Haven’t read any; not sure if I want to
May 2, 2014 at 2:27 am
I still need to read The Maze Runner.
May 3, 2014 at 1:25 am
Great Contest!
May 4, 2014 at 12:45 am
Oh Ronan…sigh! Such a handsome hunk!
May 4, 2014 at 1:33 am
I just finished Pines and Wayward by Blake Crouch. Love this genre and audio books ROCK! crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
May 7, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Remnant is the book I intend to read. Curious on this genre.
May 7, 2014 at 12:11 pm
I meant to add Especially if I won it :)!
May 8, 2014 at 12:49 am
I read The Hunger Games, which I loved. The Hunger Games lead me to Divergent which I loved even more. I am not a fan of the ending of either book, but that does not keep me from rereading them (maybe one day my books will changed their minds and end differently hehe).
May 9, 2014 at 12:40 am
It’s always so hard to pick a favorite. I’m reliving the Hunger Games because of the movies, so that might be my current top pick.
May 9, 2014 at 1:21 am
I loved Hunger games and am currently finishing Divergent
May 9, 2014 at 3:20 am
I absolutely loved the Hunger Games series! Catching Fire was my favorite, but the first book was a close second.
May 9, 2014 at 5:15 am
I loved the Maze Runner Series!
May 9, 2014 at 6:47 am
I loved this book! đ
May 9, 2014 at 6:48 am
I loved this book! Thanks for the review! đ
May 9, 2014 at 9:55 am
Everyone loves a noble hero.
May 26, 2014 at 7:20 am
Remnants will be my first one.
May 26, 2014 at 8:50 am
I have not read any dystopians, so this would be a first. martha(at)lclink(dot)com
September 6, 2014 at 2:31 am
It was very nice meeting you Ronan! I look forward to getting my own copy of your story.
Mrs.Bergren-very well done! Ronan is an interesting and yet likable character.
September 6, 2014 at 4:22 am
REMNANTS WONDER WEEKEND LOVE THESE BOOKS AMAZING AUTHOR
September 6, 2014 at 4:23 am
REMNANTS WONDER WEEKEND LOVE THESE BOOKS AMAZING AUTHOR AMZING LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR BOOKS
September 7, 2014 at 2:22 am
Remnants Wonder(ful) Weekend! This book was great, and I enjoyed the books…. sigh… Ronan. đ
September 7, 2014 at 3:22 am
Loved this book
September 7, 2014 at 5:28 am
Lisa has become my favorite author to date. Loved River of Time, eagerly awaiting Remnants book 2, and almost finished with book 1 of her Grand Tour series!