Tribulations

By: Timothy M. David
Publisher: Gem Keeper Creations
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
ISBN: 979-8-9882113-3-4
Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles
Review Date: November 5, 2024

Tribulations, the second book in the Gem Keepers Saga, is one that I have been eagerly anticipating and I have to say that the story and author did not disappoint. The second book in the series is absolutely phenomenal, and you do not want to miss it. While this book is much darker than the first in the series, I can tell you without a doubt that it is exactly what it needs to be.

Tribulations is the return of our six favorite young lady superheroes. As they continue on their quest to stop many of the horrible things that happen on Earth, they must also keep trying to defeat more Dark Ones as they attack in the hopes of obtaining the gems that have given these girls their powers. This book continues the story of Emma and Natalie and our other heroes as they try to rid the world of greater evil, touching upon many dark topics, but especially human trafficking. As Emma and the others push themselves even harder to save others, Tribulations is focused especially on Emma and her thoughts and actions as she becomes more confused about her given path and her attempts to keep evil out of her own soul. At many times in the story, Emma’s pain overtakes her to the point where she would rather die and be at peace instead of continuing to fight, out of her fear of turning into someone who follows a deadly and evil instead of being a hero and saving the world.

As Emma tries to understand her own feelings and the issues she is having, the other girls attempt to bring her back and convince her that they cannot continue on their own paths and help if she is not one of them. The book brings back so many of our favorite characters from The Imposed Path such as Emma and Natalie’s moms, as well as the other girls’ parents; their mentor Mac, although he returns to us in a new form; the military people they have worked with previously; and the President of the United States, who became a close friend to the girls, as well as their leader. Everyone is back and better than ever as they attempt to save the world from the Dark Ones.

As with the first book in the series, Tribulations is so very well-written and the characters so well-developed that the reader cannot help but become completely mesmerized by the whole experience. Timothy David has quickly become one of this reviewer’s favorite authors. Having the ability to write about such harsh parts of our realities and make them a necessary and compassionate part of the stories is so amazing. The places he describes, the dialogue he crafts, and the characters that he builds are just remarkable and keep readers glued to the pages until the very end.

Tribulations is a marvelous addition to this series and I cannot recommend it enough to science fiction and/or fantasy fans. While I will again include a quick warning, as does the author, that there are some harsh topics in the story such as thoughts of suicide, trafficking, and sexual orientation, it is so much a part of the book and handled so well that it would not be the same without it. For those that can accept the realities in the story; however, you must not let it slip past you. I am already anxiously waiting for book three in the series.

Quill says: It is rare to find a sequel that is even more incredible than the first but with Tribulations, this is exactly what the readers will be given. The twists and turns in this book keep you on the edge of your seat and the end of the book is mind-blowing.

For more information on Tribulations, please visit the author's website at: gemkeepercreations.com