Once I Knew by Victoria Lynn // A Book Review

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for over a year.

Occasionally, I would pick it up and start to read it, but then put it down. I don’t know if it was the devil trying to keep me from fiction that would revive my soul or just my own fear that it wouldn’t be what I needed it to be, but I couldn’t commit to this book for a really long time.

I still don’t know what actually compelled me to pick it up and read it all the way through in a few weeks, but I did. And, I couldn’t be more glad that I did. There are a few moments in life where you can’t explain it, but you just know that God ordained it.

For me, this was one of those moments.

Disclaimer: There are some light spoilers in the review section of this post. I normally don’t talk about the characters’ struggles so much, but it was necessary to make my point. If you don’t want to see any spoilers, skip the fourth paragraph of the section below (titled “The Review”).

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The Review

I’m always hesitant about reading Christian fiction. It’s easy for me to fall into the belief that it’s all preachy, cookie-cutter, and formulaic with no real substance. But, I’m happy to report that this book isn’t any of those things.

If I wasn’t in this particular season of life where I needed to read this book, I don’t know if I would’ve rated it so highly. There are some things I didn’t love about this book (explained below), but for me, this book was everything I needed right now. I needed someone to tell me that I am worthy. That I am whole in Him. That I can be brave and do the hard things even when I’m scared. That my past does not define me.

Yes, the writing style was difficult for me to get into and there were some moments that leaned too heavily into telling instead of showing. But . . . God still used this story to heal a part of me that I didn’t know how to heal. God still used this book, despite its flaws, to touch my heart with what He knew I needed to hear.

Violet’s struggle to stand firm in her faith resonated with me. When I watched her try to carry every burden on her own, I saw myself. Obed’s struggle to let go of who he was and step into who God has called him to be felt so much like my own rebellious heart. His guilt over his past felt like it could’ve been penned by my own heart.

Their journey reflected so much of my own, which made it impossible for me to rate it anything less than four stars.

That being said, I won’t say this is a perfect book. It has some flaws that made it difficult for me to keep reading. But, I also know that God used this book to do extraordinary things in my heart and for my soul. So, for me, it was a much needed and healing read.

Content Warnings

Alcohol, blood, classism, death, death of a parent, fire/fire injury, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, murder, panic attacks/disorders, physical abuse, sexual harassment, and violence.

What I Loved

The characters. I know that some people felt like Violet was too emotional and Obed’s arc was rushed. I don’t know if they’re right, but for me, they worked. Both leads grew and changed as the story progressed, and honestly that’s really the biggest necessity for me. I need my protagonists to have changed by the end of the story, and I feel like Violet and Obed did. Additionally, I pretty much adored all of the side characters (except for that one guy who desperately needs Jesus). Marcus was a sweetheart, and I absolutely cannot wait to start reading his book, This Life of Mine.

The plot. Was it a bit predictable? Maybe. I’m not going to judge it because I accidentally spoiled the midpoint plot twist for myself, so I’m not really the best person to ask about that. However, I really liked the way the external conflict enhanced and escalated the characters’ internal conflict. Striking that balance is really hard, and I think Victoria did it beautifully.

The worldbuilding. I never once felt like Victoria was info-dumping or telling me unnecessary details, which is a feat in and of itself. I adored the little cozy setting of the book, and I also loved when it expanded in the second half of the book. Basically, the worldbuilding was top tier.

How God spoke to the characters. I know some people really struggle with this. Normally, I probably would, too. But, as we’ve well-established by now, God ordained me reading this book right now. So, at this point, I kind of loved this. I understand the way it can rub some people the wrong way to put words in God’s mouth. But, for me, everything God “said” in this book felt reasonable and accurate to who He is. I never felt like the author was taking extreme liberties to portray God in a way that isn’t true to who He is. And beyond that, those moments when God talked to the characters made God feel more personal to me. I didn’t know how badly I needed to think of Him saying those words to me until I was reading them on the page. So, this might be a hit-or-miss for you; but for me, it was incredibly powerful and healing.

What I Didn’t Love

The writing style. I hate docking a star rating because of my personal preferences, but I also think it’s okay to say what I didn’t love. For me, the writing style made it really hard to get through the first half of this book. Once I got used to it, I was solid and really really enjoyed it. But, that first half was rough for me. The sentences sometimes felt a little too long (in a bad way), and I struggled to really connect with the characters for a while because there was a lot of telling and not enough showing.

The problematic errors. I’m not rating this book lower because of the few typos I found. I expect that every book will have a few typos or mistakes because such is the nature of publishing. My only true problem was with one moment when we were following Obed’s POV and the narration suddenly jumped to following Violet. The book goes back-and-forth between them, but this was head-hopping in a single scene. It really pulled me out of the story, but I will say it only happened once. So, not a huge problem, but it was something I wanted to mention in case that really really bothers you.

Favorite Quotes

“The devil’s purpose is great, but Mine is greater. My blood speaks louder. My light shines bright enough to purge the darkness.”

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“Lord, give me strength. With all that is in me, I give to You my hopes and dreams and will sacrifice anything I have to set this to rights.”

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“Do not despise the life you have received . . . Do not throw them in My face and say that you are not worthy. I have called you worthy.”

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Listen to my Once I Knew playlist

My Rating

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About the Book

Violet lives her quiet little life in her sleepy village. Trying to remain as dead to the politics that are threatening their world as possible. She follows the rules, stays out of trouble and does her best to remain out of sight of the dreaded and overbearing Kingsmen.

With the new regent on the throne, the country has been thrown into a turmoil. Unlike the kindly king before him, the new ruler is overbearing, frightening and tyrannical in his rule. Taxes are bleeding the people dry and without the money or goods to pay, they have been forced into penal servitude and imprisonment by the Kingsmen, who know no mercy. The despair and fear that has taken over their lives has ruled out any level of hope.

When Violet stumbles upon an unconscious and injured Kingsman in the woods, despite the consequences, she cannot help but take care of the injured man. When he wakes and has no memory of who he is, she takes the only precaution that will keep her and her grandmother safe; she destroys the evidence of his past life.

If Violet’s lowly Kingsman regains his memory, will she be able to live with the consequences? And will the Kingsman be able to live with his past life?

About the Author

Let’s Talk!

Have you ever read anything by Victoria Lynn? Are you invested in the Chronicles of Elira series? Which character is your favorite? Let’s talk all things Victoria Lynn down in the comments!