Rachel Starr Thomson on Your Kingdom Calling

Rachel, what have you been up to since your last visit to Homeschooled Authors?
Wow, so much has happened since then! In my writing life, the most significant things have been starting a new blog (Revelatory Creative, located at rachelstarrthomson.com) in 2015, releasing several new fiction series, and finally making the leap to "full-time" writer in early 2017. It's been a crazy ride with lots of ups and downs, but I've loved it.

What inspired Your Kingdom Calling?
The biggest inspiration for Your Kingdom Calling came in a pretty roundabout way. When I went full-time as a writer in 2017, I shared my story with my readers and used the language of "finding my calling" several times. I was caught off guard by how many people responded strongly to that -- so many just had questions and comments about the whole idea of calling. At the same time, so many people struggle with understanding where their natural gifts, talents, and abilities "fit," or even how they have any value at all. I think we all know instinctively that we were born with a higher purpose, and we're on a journey to figure it out. I decided to teach a course on the subject because I wanted to help people uncover their own gifts and callings, and also get free of a lot of false guilt that comes with lumping all "calling" into certain categories of ministry or similar things. Calling is a really powerful and freeing biblical concept when we really understand it.

What is one of the stories that has come out of the Your Kingdom Calling video course that has touched your heart?
I've been really touched by people who've written to say, "I've been doing this thing for thirty years and I never realized it was service to God and my calling in life. All this time I felt guilty that I wasn't doing ministry, and yet God has been using me here." I love helping people lift off that condemnation and expand their vision for the kingdom of God. I've also heard from several people that the course inspired them to launch something concrete, be it a new blog or a whole new career!

Where can people get their hands on the book and/or video course?
The book: http://amzn.to/2GlREwS (full disclosure: this is an affiliate link)
The course: https://rachelstarrthomson.com/enroll-your-kingdom-calling/

The course is a great investment in understanding your place in the kingdom of God, but it's not inexpensive, so I'd highly recommend reading the book first to see if it's a good fit for you. The book is free on Amazon and elsewhere :).

You are also about to release a fiction book, Seeds. Would you share they synopsis for that?
SEEDS: A Christian Fantasy actually released on January 21-22, so it's out and ready for purchase! Here's the synopsis:

In the fantasy world of Kepos Gé, a young woman flees her past by joining a frontier settlement on the edge of the wilderness. But she can’t escape the threats abroad in this new world — or the wild things growing in her own heart.

Something is deeply wrong in Jerusalem Valley, where the persecuted religious faction called Tremblers are trying to create a new society. As Linette Cole struggles toward acceptance and newfound faith, friends turn to enemies and enemies become friends.

Soon Linette will face the greatest challenge of her life:

Because words have been spoken.

And words grow.

SEEDS is page-turning Christian fantasy by acclaimed author Rachel Starr Thomson — a novel about a wild frontier, monsters in the shadows, and a world trying to hold onto a fragile peace even as dark forces conspire against them.

Rachel’s signature spiritual parallels make SEEDS a journey that will not only keep you reading, it will also strengthen your faith.

Buy it today.

What is next for you as a writer?
I always have several things on the go, but the sequel to SEEDS is high priority. I'll also be cowriting a nonfiction book in February along with my coauthors for FEARLESS: FREE IN CHRIST IN AN AGE OF ANXIETY. By the way, this last is another book you can get free from Amazon, for the time being--our goal is to give away 10,000 free copies, and we're halfway there! You can grab your copy here: http://amzn.to/2Gny2c7 (affiliate link as well).

Any final thoughts?
Being a writer is a huge blessing to me, and I'm grateful for everyone who has helped make it happen. Thanks to you and the HA readership for being a part of that journey as well!

Review: Abaddon's Eve

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Description: The prophet's name is Kol Abaddon--the Voice of Destruction. To Alack, a young shepherd boy, Kol Abbadon's visions of coming destruction fascinate and disturb. But when Alack begins to see visions of his own, the course of his life changes as he treks into the wilderness to become a prophet in training. Left behind, Rechab, a trader's daughter whom Alack loves, must choose to change her own life when a pagan god claims her for its own. Salvation can only be found on the run, in the friendship of an infamous merchantwoman with a checkered past, and under the eye of another God. The stars tell the story of a terrifying doom, a war between gods, and the fates of Alack, Rechab, and all they love. But the end of the story--and whether they can change their own future--is a mystery they must journey to discover.

I am not often in the mood to read fantasy, but I was on the day I picked up this book. I wanted to read a fantasy book, and I was happy to find I had a book by Thomson on my Kindle. It has been too long since I read her excellent The Seventh World series. I knew that I would be in for a treat.

Thomson has a rare quality to her books that just makes them sparkle and come alive. It isn’t something that can be taught or copied, some authors have it and others don’t. Her characters leap from the page. In this one you felt like you know each of them. You could taste the desert sand and feel the wind. It was so realistic feeling that I felt as if I was there.

Each character was so dear and real – Alack answering the call to be a prophet was awesome, Rechab tugged at my heart strings, and Kol Abbadon felt so much like a biblical prophet. My favorite character though was Flora. I cannot wait to see what happens with Flora, and I really hope she has a happy ending.

The story kept me reading; in fact, I read most of it in one sitting. It was fast paced, and I could not believe it when I came to the end. It left me very, very tempted to break my vow of not buying any books this year. I stayed strong but the next two books will be at the top of my list to buy in 2017.

As always, Thomason weaves biblical truths into her stories as well as real struggles that everyone can relate to. As with her other series, I found myself encouraged and pointed toward God.

I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, relatable characters, and lyrical writing.

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Guest Post: The worlds of Rachel Starr Thomson

by Rachel Starr Thomson

This week’s feature—ABADDON’S EVE—is Book 1 of a new series called The Prophet Trilogy. Fans will have to wait until August to read Book 2, but in the meantime, Rachel Starr Thomson’s prolific pen has produced many other exciting, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous stories—whole worlds, in fact.

Rachel’s most popular series to date is The Seventh World Trilogy. WORLDS UNSEEN, BURNING LIGHT, and COMING DAY are set in a fantasy world that owes its milieu to medieval, Reformation, and Victorian Europe and Great Britain. Its characters, with Maggie Sheffield at the helm, find themselves at the center of a centuries-old war between powers that underlie their world.

What are readers saying about the Seventh World?

5 stars. A SPECTACULAR SURPRISE!!!

By Henry C. Martin "Dreamwriter"

Talk about being blindsided! I was quickly drawn into another world where evil was attempting to finalize its grip on a darkened world.

5 stars. Amazing Well-Written Fiction like C.S. Lewis - you won't be disappointed!

By S. Walker

Amazing well-written fiction of the likes of C.S. Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia, and easier to read than J.R.R.Tolkien. I have been looking for good fantasy fiction that depicts good versus evil, especially with the twist of the "unseen realm". Rachel Starr Thomson nailed it beautifully! She gives us characters we can care about, plot lines that are well thought out and conflict that resonates with our souls. In the midst of it, she also causes us to lift up our heads and look for another realm - something good that is higher, something good that is coming even when evil abounds. We need more creative fiction like this - that entertains yet holds a deeper mystery of Truth.

5 stars. Fantastic blending of characters, writing styles, intense action and poignant moments

By Beleafer

As soon as I finish this review, I am getting the next book in the series! This is the first book I have read by Rachel Thomson, and it was an excellent read. She changed styles from poetry to dialogue to third person narrative and back again so fluidly that the story was one of the richest reading experiences I have had in a long time.

Then there’s the Oneness Cycle, just released in 2013. The Oneness books are set in a relatively modern world, much like the American west coast in the 1990s. Its characters are the Oneness: men and women who belong to an interconnected body charged with the task of holding darkness at bay in the universe. The Oneness Cycle—EXILE, HIVE, ATTACK, RENEGADE, and RISE—are a fascinating and thought-provoking set of stories that, in a world of very real spiritual warfare, may prove to be surprisingly relevant.

Here’s just some of the early reader response:

5 stars. The fiction I've waited for my whole life!!!

By Mercy Hope

I have tried reading fiction over the years and eventually assumed that I was just not a fiction fan. This series has changed my mind!! I am HOOKED! I just got book 2: "Hive" and cannot wait to start it! I am going to be reading every book in this series. I have been recommending it to all my friends. Imaginative, insightful and brilliant. Loved the twists and turns, but also how much I could relate to certain characters. I recommend this even to readers who think they are not fiction fans!

5 stars Gripping plot, great characters

By Phyllis H. Wheeler

Rachel Starr Thomson has an engrossing story going on in this spiritual warfare series, where "Oneness" warriors fight demon-possessed people under no certainty of winning. Highly recommended.

5 stars. Good versus Evil

By A Navy Vet

Some belong to the "Oneness" and some don't want to become one of them. Conversely, the Hive is buzzing with evil and searching for new members.

This is an intriguing read that has a wonderful cast of characters . . . Found this a fascinating read and the inherent message that one is "never alone" resonates true with me. Pray, pray, pray. And, as the ending illustrates sometimes it is the "power of the unexpected" that will be the greatest surprise to others.

5 stars. Fast Paced

By Alexis

Plot twists and lots of edge-of-your-seat action, I had a hard time putting it down! Waiting with great anticipation for the next in the series. Christians will appreciate the deeper meanings woven throughout the story, I know I found myself relating to each character at different points in the story; their struggles are real life and the Author does a beautiful job of developing each character and drawing you in. Gently, the Author places timeless truths in a non-preachy way for the reader to meditate on as they read.

But that’s not all. Whether it’s the haunting love story of TAERITH, the heartwarming coming-of-age tale ANGEL IN THE WOODS, the humorous romp of LADY MOON, or the old-fashioned adventure of REAP THE WHIRLWIND, Rachel’s books are full of intriguing characters, unforgettable places, and gripping stories, plus her signature insight and lyrical writing style.

The Prophet Trilogy will wind up this fall with Book3, BELOVED. In the meantime, there are worlds to explore.

Guest Post: Favorite Homeschool Authored books

by Rachel Starr Thomson

It’s been thirteen years since I graduated high school as a homeschooler, so I’m part of the early homeschooling generation. It’s been a lot of fun to see how various of my counterparts have fared in different careers and ways of life, but of course, I’m especially interested in the authors—those who share my own career path!

I discovered the work of Anne Elisabeth Stengl a few years back when I was reading books for a competition. The book in question was Veiled Rose, one of her Tales of Goldstone Wood stories. From the first paragraph, I knew I was in the hands of someone who could write—a master both of language and of the harder-to-define art of storytelling. The mystery, the beauty, the fear, and even the humour evoked in the first few pages made the book impossible to put down.

As it happens, Veiled Rose won a Christy award the year it was released. The prior book in the series, Heartless, did too. And this year, another Goldstone Wood book, Dragonwitch, is a Christy finalist. And there are more: Moonblood, Starflower, Shadow Hand, and Golden Daughter round out the continuing series. The books can be read in order or as standalones.

My first impression has held true: Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s books are entertaining, powerful, and beautiful. They have grace and depth, and they’re a joy to read.

I didn’t actually know we were fellow homeschooler grads until very recently, so it’s with pleasure that I recommend these stories as some of the finest work being put out among those who share our educational background—and some of the finest work being put out in the Christian fantasy market, period.

You can check out Anne Elisabeth’s books at her blog: anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.ca

P.S. All that, and Anne Elisabeth is also doing fantastic and creative things as an indie publisher. Go visit her blog!

Guest Post: Why you write what you write

by Rachel Starr Thomson

Recently, while reading a great book on writing (Million Dollar Outlines by Dave Farland; check it out!), I learned that most kids are drawn to stories that invoke a sense of wonder. Because everything in this world is still relatively new to them, they love stories about discovery, about new and wonderful people and places and things.

That’s why kids are some of the biggest readers (and watchers) of fantasy and other speculative fiction, aka “wonder literature.”

As a kid I think I was more drawn to wonder literature than most, possibly because in my imagination, the world always had more to it than met the eye. When other girls were playing dolls, I was lost in a world of talking trees, warring animal tribes, and a variety of mythic beings.

Well, that conception of the world stuck. (No need to call for professional help—I actually can tell the difference between reality and fiction!) And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that in some ways, it’s accurate. There is more to life than meets the eye. That’s true whether you’re coming from a spiritual angle (angels and demons are real, to say nothing of our Invisible but Always-Present God) or a material one (atoms—who knew?).

That’s why I write what I do—a mix of fantasy forms that always seem to have one foot in the “real world” and one foot in the fantastic, visible or invisible. I still feel a sense of wonder about the world, and I still want to communicate it. Sometimes the best way to do that is to transport readers to other worlds—ones that will help them see this life differently, maybe more accurately.

My books also tend to be, at heart, love stories—whether it’s the love between romantic partners, friends, family members, or people and their God. I write about connection, loss, sacrifice, and hearts in the process of being purified. Why? Because of all the invisible forces in the world, love is the one closest and most urgent for all of us.

Another theme that recurs in my books is searching after truth. That’s a strong theme in my recent Oneness Cycle stories, as the interconnected members of the Oneness seek out truth about each other, themselves, and the Spirit that binds them together. It’s there in the Seventh World Trilogy, where Maggie and the others must unlock the secrets of the past in order to triumph over the darkness of the present. And it’s a major part of the Prophet stories, of which ABADDON’S EVE is the first book.

I hope that as readers explore my worlds with me, they’ll find themselves strengthened to love, seek after truth, and experience wonder.

Guest Post: Writing Advice

by Rachel Starr Thomson

Don’t Take My Advice!

As a writer and editor, I get a lot of aspiring writers asking me for advice. I also spend a lot of time looking for advice—trying to find out how other writers solve problems and move forward in their careers. I’ve been doing this for about fifteen years now, so I’ve heard a lot of tips and given nearly as many. Show, don’t tell. Avoid info dumps. Don’t overuse exclamation points. Stay away from said bookisms (look that one up if you don’t know what it is). Write every day. Always outline. Never outline.

But my number-one piece of advice? Don’t take my advice!

That is, not without trying it and discovering whether it works for you.

The truth is, every writer is different. Every book, every story is different. Inspiration comes in different ways; words get on paper in different ways. And if we all wrote by the exact same rules, our stories would all be exactly the same, and we’d get so bored we’d quit writing.

It may sound counterintuitive, but in writing, there are no rules. There is only collected wisdom and experience, tips and tricks that may or may not apply in your situation. Your job as a writer is to find out what works for you and use that. (And if it changes down the road—if you’re an outliner one day and the next day find outlines are sucking the life out of your writing and you need to pants it for a while—then your job is to go with the flow and make whatever changes are necessary.)

If you’ve been struggling to apply everything you’ve learned about writing and are finding that some of it just isn’t working, this post is permission: Stop struggling. Throw out any advice that isn’t working for you. Do what does work. The goal is a finished story or book. This isn’t a math test, and you don’t have to show your work.

And have fun.

(Unless, of course, having fun doesn’t work for you.)

Rachel Starr Thomson talks about childhood favorites, Olde Testament prophets, and much more

HA: Rachel, welcome back to Homeschool Authors.

Rachel: Thanks, Sarah! It’s always great to be here.

HA: What inspired Abaddon’s Eve?

Rachel: I was doing a heavy Bible reading schedule that had me going through the Old Testament prophets regularly. The prophets are always amazing, but one day I was really struck by the book of Joel and its terrible prophecy of destruction and corresponding offer of mercy if the people would only respond to God. I got thinking about how it would feel to have such a prophecy over your nation, and how you might try to communicate it to others. The Prophet Trilogy was born out of that, with Abaddon’s Eve the first of three books (“Abaddon” means “Destruction”).

HA: When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Rachel: I keep really, really busy with my editing business and touring with a Christian arts company I co-founded (I’m a speaker, singer, and spoken-word artist with them). When I’m just relaxing, my favourite things to do are enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, go for a walk, or read a truly wonderful book. Or go to Disney World, but that last is a little pricy.

HA: What do you plan to read this summer?

Rachel: I’ve got a shelf of theological books, one of Bryan Davis’s dragon trilogies, and Patrick W. Carr’s marvelous novels waiting for me. If I can get through all of that, I’m hoping to go back and start rereading some of my childhood favourites.

HA: What are some of your favorite books of all time?

Rachel: Those childhood favourites still hold a lot of sway: among them, C.S. Lewis’s Narnia Chronicles, Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain books, Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising Sequence, The Jungle Books, The Lord of the Rings, and books by George MacDonald. But I can never really pinpoint favourites. There are just too many of them.

HA: Can you give us a sneak peek into your work-in-progress?

Rachel: I’m currently writing Book 2 of The Prophet Trilogy, Comes the Dragon. It picks up where Abaddon’s Eve leaves off and naturally, gets our heroes into much deeper trouble. As the story opens, Alack is far from home, prophesying to a pagan king; Flora is still a captive; and Rechab is finding out just how unprepared she is to handle power and wealth. But the uncovering of a terrible plot will draw them all together in the Holy City, where they must inspire their people to listen to the message they carry or be consumed by the enemy within.

HA: What should readers expect when they read Abaddon’s Eve?

Rachel: A quasi-historical Middle Eastern setting, prophecies and dreams, wild men and wealthy women, austere desert communities and fugitives running for their lives. With a little romance thrown in as well.

HA: Do you have any final thoughts?

Rachel: It’s great to be here in this community of authors and readers. Thanks for this opportunity!

Get Abaddon's Eve for only $0.99 this week! Read it, Review it, Enter for a chance to Win it! 

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Announcement Saturday

Opportunities

www.lovelyromancepress.com  is looking for authors who would like to get started in the writing field,  or already a writer. They publish E book Novellas between 20 and 30 k words. They are open to anything with clean, clean romance or christian romance.  These can be put into print once they sell over 500 E books. 

They are currently interested in themes such as: Love discovered at the masquerade, Love discovered in the forest,   basically  not the name of towns etc, but places. These can be contemporary or historical, christian or squeaky clean. 

Send a short outline of your story and the first chapter you can see our submission policy at www.lovelyromancepress.com   They pay 50% of profits 

Would like to meet homeschool graduates that have published books? Would you like to have your books signed? What about you writers? Would you like to sit down and have the first chapter of your book critiqued by a published author? This is the event for you! Homeschool Authors is hosting an event with Sarah Holman and Kelsey Bryant (More authors pending) and Brightside Books in Taylor Texas. Come and join us on March 22, anytime between 10:00AM and 

Authors Added

Rachel Heffington

Mirriam Neal

Books Added

Rise by  Rachel Starr Thomson

Fly Away Home by  Rachel Heffington

(Coming soon) Five Glass Slippers  by  Rachel Heffington
Monster by Mirriam Neal
Ellie's Elephant by Ashley Tetzlaff
Hannah the Hummingbird  by Ashley Tetzlaff
Debra the Dove: Feeds the Hungry by Ashley Tetzlaff
Squeaky by Ashley Tetzlaff
Billy the Bullfrog by Ashley Tetzlaff
Castles In The Sand by Ashley Tetzlaff
Girl and Dude by Ashley Tetzlaff

WRITING THE HOLY: AUTHORS WHO SHOWED ME HOW

When I first started writing stories and novels, I made a deal with God that I wasn't going to write about him directly.

That might sound really strange, but I had a reason for it. Most explicitly Christian novels I had read presented God to me in a way that struck me as so trite, cliched, and unreal that it actually had the effect of driving me away from him--I would come away from those books feeling like God lacked the fascination, power, and personality that I saw in books that included supernatural elements but were not written from a place of faith in him.

And when I tried to write about God, what came out was . . . trite, cliched, and unreal.

Maybe part of the problem is that as Christians, we so often tend to think and talk in cliches. We use language we have not really explored and tend to give quick and simplistic answers to very complex questions. In any case, it takes time to develop maturity in any area, and I didn't have the maturity back then--or the long-term experience of relationship with God--to write about God in a way that I thought actually honoured him or accurately represented him. So I decided not to try until I had more skill.

As I got older, though, and grew as a writer, God became more and more important to me--and I wanted to write about him more than anything else. And that's where other writers began to show me the way.

First, there were the fantasy writers I devoured as a kid. Lloyd Alexander (The Chronicles of Prydain), Madeleine L'Engle (A Wrinkle in Time and other books), Susan Cooper (The Dark Is Rising Sequence), and of course C.S. Lewis and his Narnia chronicles. I read J.R.R. Tolkien later, and his work opened up veins of spiritual power and beauty. Some of these writers are Christians; some aren't.

But fantasy always contains elements of wonder, of discovery, and of reality beyond what its characters initially know is real. In that sense of wonder and a greater reality, I realized that they were writing about what we experience when we experience God. And the sense of longing they awakened in me was in fact longing for God--and I still long for him, and he fulfills that longing as no one and nothing else can.

George MacDonald, the 19th century preacher and author who is probably best known for his influence on C.S. Lewis and for writing the children's fantasy The Princess and the Goblin, took this a step further and gave me hope that I could write about God in more specific terms without being cliched. The key was to write from reality. MacDonald had some unorthodox doctrine and struggled to keep a job in the Scottish church; he wrote novels to feed his family. He wrote quite a few non-fantasy stories for grown-ups, about real people in Scotland and England (most have been edited by Michael Phillips for modern readers and reissued by Bethany House: some of my favourites are The Shepherd's Castle, A Daughter's Devotion, The Gentlewoman's Choice, The Peasant Girl's Dream, and The Highlander's Last Song). Not only do all of MacDonald's heroes love Jesus passionately, they also represent him in beautiful, startling, and unique ways. Reading these books actually increases my love for God.

Although I don't agree with all of his theology, I think the key to MacDonald's amazing presentations of God is that he wrote from his own experience of God, not from a preconceived idea of what things "should" be included in a "Christian book." I strive to do the same.

Stephen R. Lawhead's series The Song of Albion and The Pendragon Cycle gave me another way to write about God. His stories are set in a Celtic milieu (they are sometimes called "historical fantasy" or "mythic history"), and he used old Celtic imagery, prayers, and practices to make God seem strange and new and wonderful again, even while being familiar. The way the characters interact with God is beautiful and poetic. I learned from Lawhead that bringing poetic and cultural sensibilities into the way I wrote about God could take away from that sense of triteness and cliche I hated so much. I could use stories to help readers see God through a new lens.

Today, I continue to discover writers who really can write about God in ways that reveal him to me, challenge my thinking, and increase my devotion. Jeffrey Overstreet is one of my recent favourites, and his books are a fantastic example of writing that is deeply spiritual and Christian, but avoids the expected and the trite.

These days, I still try to write about God in a "slant" way. I think coming at things sideways, using fantasy settings, and exploring ideas instead of just "giving answers" are powerful ways to approach writing about the Lord I love--powerful for me, as a writer, and hopefully for readers. I owe a debt to all of the writers listed above, as they have done their best to be faithful believers and great writers.

Rachel Starr Thomson: Worlds Unseen

Buy it Here.
Age group: 12+ For scary situations, and mild violence

Description: The Council for Exploration Into Worlds Unseen believed there was more to the world and its history than the empire had taught them. Treating ancient legends as history, they came a little too close to the truth. Betrayed by one of their own, the Council was torn apart before they could finish their work. Forty years later, Maggie Sheffield just wants to leave the past behind. Memories of the Orphan House where she grew up are fading; memories of her guardians' murder are harder to shake. When a dying friend shows up on her doorstep bearing the truth about the Seventh World -- in the form of a written covenant with evil -- Maggie is sent on a journey that will change her forever. Along with the Gifted gypsy Nicolas Fisher, who hears things no one else can, Maggie joins with the last surviving members of the Council and a group of eastern rebels led by a ploughman and a princess to discover the truth. It won't be easy. The Seventh World has long been controlled by the Blackness, and its monstrous forces are already on Maggie's trail.

I normally do not read fantasy, but this year it seems I have stumbled into a rare breed of fantasy that I like; non-magical fantasy.  After reading Truth and The Tiphereth Trilogy, I decided I was willing to try Rachel Thomson’s Seventh World Trilogy. I was not disappointed.

This whole series is nothing like I expected it to be. Although an allegory, Rachel went beyond the typical to make an extraordinary tale that not only was captivating, but gave some deeper insight into our faith. Without giving too much away, the allegory focused more on the beginning of the Bible.

The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars on Goodreads was that there were some pretty intense and dark moments in the book. The dark didn’t overshadow the good, and Rachel did well at not making it too dark, but it was very intense at points.

Rachel’s writing style is nothing short of lyrical. I reread many portions and read some of them aloud, just because they sounded amazing. I can see this as wonderful book to read aloud as a family. Rachel has what many traditionally published others struggle to obtain -- a unique and compelling writing style.

The story itself kept me on the edge of my seat. In fact I read the whole series in a little over a week while I was sick. It is a real page-turner and took many unexpected twists. The relationships that develop were nothing like what I expected in the beginning. It was so refreshing to read a book that didn’t turn out like I thought it would at the beginning.

I highly recommend this whole series those who love non-magical fantasy, allegories, adventure stories, and those looking for a book that is anything but normal.

Was this review helpful? Vote it up on Amazon!

Other books Reviewed on Homeschool Authors by Rachel Starr Thomson

Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled

Burning Light

Coming Day

Announcement Saturday: New and Better List!

New and Improved List!

Our master list now better! With quick links to interviews and book reviews! Check out!

Attention Authors!
Are you interested in doing a guest post? For December we are doing a series on books that influence  Write a post on the 10 books that have most influence you and submit it to thedestinyofone(at)juno(dot)com Because of limited space, we currently only accepting submissions from Homeschool authors that have a book published

Authors Added

 Rachel Hamilton
C. R. Hedgcock
 Kaycee Browning
Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Leah E. Good
Anita Valle

Books Added

Goddess Tithe by  Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Still Praying in the Wilderness and Other Essays for the Spiritually Thirsty by Rachel Starr Thomson

Undivided Devotion by Rachel Starr Thomson

The Babel Chip by Rachel Starr Thomson

Alternative Witness by Heather Titus
Hidden Struggles: Purity, God, Guys and Life by  Rachel Hamilton
Summer of Suspense by C. R. Hedgcock
Peril on Providence Island  by C. R. Hedgcock
The Treacherous Trail by C. R. Hedgcock
Riddle of the Ruby Ring by C. R. Hedgcock
Ember Flame by  Kaycee Browning
Unveiling The Wedding Veil by Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Sop Sampler: Five Fables And Ten Poems - Country Style by Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Mr. Moppet's Mailbox by Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Dear God...: Prayer and Praise Journal by Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Away From The Manger by Ashley Elizabeth Blair Tetzlaff
Stories for God's Glory by Leah E. Good
Maelyn by Anita Valle
Coralina by Anita Valle
Dog Cartoons Coloring Book by Anita Valle
50 Princesses A Coloring Book  by Anita Valle
Alphabet Monsters Coloring Book by Anita Valle
The Busy Princess Diary by Anita Valle
Best Princess Coloring Book by Anita Valle

Announcement Saturday

Authors Added

Alexa Schnee

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Books Added

Shakespeare's Lady by Alexa Schnee

King’s Warrior by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
Do Take This Quest? by Kendra E. Ardnek
(coming soon) The Ankulen by Kendra E. Ardnek
Hive by  Rachel Starr Thomson
Exile by  Rachel Starr Thomson
Attack by  Rachel Starr Thomson
Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History Curriculum by Amy Puetz
The Parting Glass: A Mrs. Meade Mystery by Elisabeth Grace Foley
(Coming Soon) The Oldest Flame: A Mrs. Meade Mystery by Elisabeth Grace Foley
(Coming Soon) Some Christmas Camouflage: A Short Story by Elisabeth Grace Foley

Deal of the Week

$0.99 on Kindle

Announcement Saturday: More books and authors

News
Homeschool Authors now has a twitter page! @HS_Authors

Authors Added
C. F. Barrows
Felicia Alvarez

Books Added

Fifty Shades of Loved by Rachel Starr Thomson

Mind Soul Ink Paper: And Other Essays on Faith, Reading, and Writing  by Rachel Starr Thomson

Now for the Not-Yet: And Other Essays on Everyday Discipleship  by Rachel Starr Thomson

Letters to a Samuel Generation: The Collection by Rachel Starr Thomson
War With the Muse by Rachel Starr Thomson
Shields of Earth by Rachel Starr Thomson
Of Men and Bones by Rachel Starr Thomson
The Follower by C. F. Barrows
(Now Available) Born to Deliver by Natalie Wickham 
Exposed: The Life and Thoughts of a Home School Graduate by Felicia Alvarez
(Coming Soon) Disenchanted by Felicia Alvarez
(Now Available) The Prodigal Pup by Sarah Brown

Announcement Saturday: Contests and Books

News

From Amy Wiley: Hi friends, I’m helping FaithWriters put on a writing contest for kids, ages 7-14. If you have kids or grandkids that age or work with any at church or in your neighborhoods or otherwise know kids who need encouragement to write, please pass on the word. There will be a small cash prize and publication of the winning entries. The theme is New Year or new beginnings and we’re accepting submissions now through Dec 12th. Check out all the details here: http://kids.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=23555

Injoy Inc. (run by a homeschool family) Is having a writing contest. "We're awarding a publishing package prize to one student author and one adult author. Beginning December 15, 2012 and through January 15, 2013 authors can submit 1-2 of their best chapters for the contest. Finalists will have until April 30, 2013 to submit their entire manuscript for judging. The best way to get info about the contest launch is to sign up for our Facebook page, and to sign up for the free newsletter."

Books Added

(Now Available) Annabeth's War By Jessica Greyson

Trust by Molly Evangeline

(Now Available) Frozen Footprints by Therese Heckenkamp

Will Our Generation Speak? by Grace Mally

The City Came Creeping by  Rachel Starr Thomson

Wayfarer's Dream by  Rachel Starr Thomson

(Now Available) Never by  J. Grace Pennington

Avenir Eclectia (Volume 1) by Mary Ruth Pursselley

Salamont: Rise or Fall by Elisha Wahlquist

Authors Added

Mary Ruth Pursselley

Elisha Wahlquist

Book Review: Coming Day

Age group: 13+ For scary situations, and mild violence

Description: It has been two years since the last battle between the rebels of Pravik and the ruling Empire, and while they have been peaceful, they have also brought a new threat with them: Terrified of the supernatural powers evident in Pravik’s people and unwilling to be branded as traitors themselves, the surrounding communities will not trade with Pravik, dooming the city to a slow, starving death within its own walls. 
When emissaries arrive from the emperor, inviting the Ploughman to form an alliance with him, he has no choice but to go. But in doing so, he ignores the vision of the blind seer Virginia Ramsey, who has seen deadly consequences at the end of the Ploughman’s journey.
Desperate for help from another source, Virginia sets out on a journey of her own, accompanied by the Darkworld priestess Rehtse — a journey to find the King and bring him to Pravik’s aid.
Their parallel journeys will at last open the way to the worlds unseen, bringing in powers, terrors, beauties, and a final confrontation no one could imagine. Central to the fate of their world are the Gifted: the Singer, Seer, Healer, Listener, Warrior, and Voice.

After finished Burning Light, I started Coming Day as soon as I could. I really, really wanted to know what was going to happen to all the characters I had come to love, as well as see the end of this epic fantasy trilogy. It was nothing, absolutely nothing like I expected. It was far better.

This story opens at a very low point. The hope and the energy that the last two books have built on has waned. People are discouraged and weary, a feeling that touched me deeply, because I have been there. I have been at a point where I wondered if anything good would ever happen again. Rachel was able to pull on my emotions and make me feel what the characters were feeling.

As I said before, Rachel’s writing style is nothing short of lyrical. I reread many portions and read some of them aloud, just because they sounded amazing. I can see this as a wonderful book to read aloud as a family.

The most exciting part of this book was that you see all the threads you have been following pulling together. All the stories are pulling together, and so are The Gifted.

The bad guys, as in the first two books, were pretty dark. There were also several intense parts, but I still really enjoyed the book a lot.

The ending was nothing like what I expected it to be. It was so much better. Rachel again showed herself in the top tier of writers for her imaginative story- telling that took this allegory beyond the norm.

I recommend this book for those whole loved the first two, love fantasy, adventure, and allegories.

You can buy this book on Amazon, Barns and Noble, andSmashwords