So currently I am working on several books.
My biggest and most important is one called A Path through the Setting Sun
In modern day France a monster from the past has returned. A young boy is held captive. People are dying. In the chaos and bloodshed a hero is needed. But who is to play the part?
Jack Chasseur, a young American boy living with his divorced father, struggles with his role in this battle. As he enters into the greatest adventure he's ever had, he begins to discover that there are two fights to be fought. Can he, an average teenage boy, get through his difficult life while battling a beast of legend? He's about to find out.
This book is an allagorical story about a boy fighting against a beast. The boy represents the average Christian. The beast represents sin...in this first in the series anger specifically. The book highlights the ways we deal with sin and discusses complex issues like anger and how it is to be used. Here is a small snippet of Jack speaking with Adonai, my representation for Jesus.
In the clearing stood a man in armor mounted upon a shining white horse. He absolutely gleamed in the light of the moon. A sword hung at his side, ready to be used at any moment, and Jack felt terrified as he looked at the weapon. The man was large, an individual to be feared. His entire self radiated with an aura of power. And yet there was a gentleness about him, the feeling that he was not bad, and instead used his strength for good. Even then Jack felt overwhelmed by the knight and quickly fell to his knees.
“Welcome Jack,” the warrior said softly. His voice was magnificent, loud and majestic, and yet loving and melodious at the same time. It was a voice he recognized. Adonai. A feeling of awe and wonderment built with in Jack as he knelt before the great being. And at the same time he felt a little bit of joy wash over him.
“I am your servant,” Jack said softly. “Use me as you will.”
The knight said nothing for a moment. And then his voice broke through the night. “You took long in coming, child. Why is that?” The voice sent shivers down Jack’s spine with every word.
“It was a long way down!” Jack said, lifting his arm to display the bruises and scratches.
“But that is not why it took you so long,” the knight said.
“I did stop for a glass of water,” Jack admitted.
“Because you did not trust I would satisfy your needs,” Adonai murmured. “Tell me child, are you still thirsty?”
“Yes, my lord,” the boy whispered.
The warrior nodded and then dismounted. “Then come. Come and drink your fill.”
Jack followed Adonai to the river and slowly knelt before it.
“But water doesn’t help!” he tried to protest.
“But this is not just any water,” Adonai said softly. “You got water from a very different source. Try this, it will satisfy you more than you could ever have imagined.”
Slowly Jack leaned forward, cupping his hands so that he could hold the water. Slowly he dipped them into the stream, shivering as the cold liquid met his skin. Gently he watched as the clear water filled his hands. He looked at it for a moment, staring at his reflection. He had changed, he realized that for the first time. His appearance was still quite the same, and yet he could sense that he was different…new.
For a moment he longed to ponder this, try to find out what had been transformed within him, but he quickly realized that he should drink first. With a gentle motion he bent his head, and brought his hands to his mouth.
Sweet fresh water filled him, his tongue rejoiced at the coolness of the liquid. The burning thirst slowly died as the water ran down his throat. For a moment he held some of the liquid in his mouth and let it remain there, tasting how sweet and how refreshing it was. With a sigh he swallowed and looked up at Adonai.
“Are you satisfied?” the knight asked.
“Yes,” Jack whispered.
“Then come, there is much I wish to show you.” Adonai dismounted, and slowly led the horse back into the woods. Jack felt numbed by the sudden realization that Adonai was probably seven feet tall, if not taller. There was such a strange feeling about the knight. He was not human, even though he seemed to take an appearance as a man. Something radiated from within him, an invisible light that Jack felt instantly drawn to. The knight was terrible and yet wonderful all at the same time. And Jack could not help but feel two things from this strange being. He felt totally unworthy of Adonai’s attention, and also joyful that such a great and magnificent one could be so caring of him, a mere mortal.
Jack rose to his feet slowly, feeling suddenly unsure of every step that he took. Adonai glanced back and nodded at Jack’s movement.
“Come,” he said, his voice making it a command and yet making it clear that Jack could choose whether or not to follow. “I will lead you.”
Jack followed slowly, watching as they came to a beautiful field, filled with green grass. A feeling of life was visible all around him. Flowers were visible along the edges in the small light from the moon. The place was beautiful.
“Rest for a moment,” Adonai said gently. Obediently Jack sat down and laid his head back amongst the soft grass. His eyes closed and he readied his mind. For a moment he almost drifted to sleep, but he quickly stirred himself and instead focused on preparing. When at last he opened his eyes again he felt a new vibrancy within himself. He was ready, and new energy and confidence swelled into his heart.
“Come,” Adonai said again. And he rose, following after the majestic knight without hesitation.
Their path once again met with the small stream and Jack felt peace fill him as the calming sound of running water met his ears. He glanced up at Adonai, wondering how much more it would take before he was ready for what he needed to see. For a moment impatient thoughts came to mind, demanding why they couldn’t just get on with things. Yet he killed those ideas in a minute, reprimanding himself, and reminding himself that Adonai would know best. He must be totally equipped before the battle. Adonai was going to reveal something important to him, and as a result he must be calm before seeing it.
“Where are we going?” Jack asked. He knew in an instant he shouldn’t have said anything. He should simply have trusted that they were going towards a place that would be helpful to him. And yet Adonai didn’t seem angered by the simple question.
“We must go to the mountain.”
“What mountain?” Jack asked.
Suddenly a huge peak appeared in his vision, rising up over the trees. It towered above everything, and Jack knew he had never seen this place before. Wherever it had come from was a mystery, and yet Jack accepted the strange appearance, understanding that Adonai worked in strange and miraculous ways.
“What’s at the mountain?” Jack inquired.
“You will see,” Adonai murmured.
They were on a path now. Jack could see it, leading straight towards the mountain. Not every part of the path was visible, and yet Jack once more trusted Adonai. If they were taking this path it was sure to lead to something good, even if it wasn’t easy to walk.
And indeed, it wasn’t a simple task to follow the path. It was long and tedious. In places Jack stumbled and fell, but he always managed to get back up again. By the time they reached the top of the mountain, he felt that many years had passed rather than the few hours it must have taken. He felt wearied from the journey, and yet as he looked out, gazing back at his path, he realized what good the voyage had been for him.
Slowly he turned his eyes up to Adonai, looking at the great knight with reverence and respect. He was ready for what was to be shown to him.
“What are we here to see, my lord?” Jack said.
The knight said nothing, but instead nodded out at the scene before them.
Jack glanced back out at the world and found his vision had changed. Before him the sun had broken through, shining out onto a beautiful scene.
The world seemed different somehow. Gone were any signs of man, the pollution that had filled the waters and skies. The forests were healthy, growing ever larger. There was no sign that they needed to be saved from extinction or anything else for that matter.
It was awe-inspiring. Jack felt his breath leave him as he stared out at the beauty before him. The sun was shining, the day was spectacular. Peace and harmony resounded. Evil and ugliness did not exist in this world.
But as Jack looked on, the scene before him suddenly transformed. Jack stared out at a world of chaos, darkness and evil. Flames seemed to roar up in all locations. Maniacal laughter rang out followed by horrible screams, and then the sound of children crying. Jack felt his heart sink at the site. The world before him was not beautiful, not full of hope. It was dark and dismal. It was a place of death. Was this the world that he lived in? Somehow Jack had a feeling it was. The first was far too perfect to possibly be his home. As he stood watching he could not help but feel utterly alone, and almost a little bit fearful. Could he survive in such a place?
Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the knight dismounted, standing beside him.
“Do not be afraid, I am with you,” the knight assured him in a deep and gentle voice. Immediate comfort filled Jack at that knowledge.
“What is this?” he asked, glancing at Adonai with sadness.
“It is the world. It is the realm of the beasts…the way they would have things.”
“Surely there is no hope here,” Jack whispered. “I can’t stand the thought of living in a place so destitute.”
The knight was silent for a moment. “It can be lived in. I myself have done it.”
“But you’re perfect…strong…magnificent…in such a place it would be easy for you to survive.”
“I assure you, Jack, when I lived here I was much like you. I was young…small…mortal. I faced human troubles each and every day. I lived in this for many years, experiencing pain, and sorrow. I know what it is like.”
Jack studied the warrior for a moment, although it was hard to gaze upon him for so long. His power was inexplicable, far too radiant for any human to be with for any great lengths of time. “But why? A wolf mentioned that to me, that you had been a human once. Why would a being like you actually be a human? Why for years and years? Why wouldn’t you just be one for a day to understand and then be done with it?”
The warrior chuckled, and Jack liked the sound instantly. Adonai had a sense of humor, he realized. It astonished him, and yet he was thrilled to know it as well.
“You cannot understand everything, Jack. But know this, I wanted to experience every bit of humanity. I wanted to have a birth, a childhood, a life and yes…even a death. To live only one day would be merely a glimpse. I wanted to live it…furthermore…I had to live it for my battle plan.”
“Your battle plan?” Jack inquired.
“My biggest war. It was the turning point, Jack.”
“Your biggest war?” Jack glanced back at the world that seemed to be overrun with beasts. “Then what is this?”
“Part of the biggest war. But, Jack, the battle is already won. I defeated our enemy, the king of the beasts, years ago.”
“Then why leave things like this?” Jack demanded. “How is this the way things turn out if you have already prevailed over evil?” A sudden wave of anger touched him, and almost at once a little voice whispered into his ear. See, the voice said, he doesn’t care for your kind. He pretends, but it’s all just an act. Why would one so great allow so much sadness, pain and evil if he truly is in control? He only wishes to play you. Jack almost allowed the voice to sway him, but he suddenly shook off the thoughts. No, he assured himself. Adonai must have a reason. He is not cruel. He is not uncaring.
“Child, one day you will understand these things. I’m afraid for now you will simply have to be satisfied with this. This world is what man will make of it. If they choose to follow the beasts then the beasts have their way. If they choose to follow me then the world will be well. However, no man is perfect, and for that reason there will always be evil in the world. I do not force anything on man. Each may choose their path.”
Jack shook his head. That line seemed familiar. Where had he heard it before? Hadn’t he seen things, in his dreams…and elsewhere too…an allusion to two different paths. He thought on them, remembering the details. One led to death, destruction, but the other led to life. He knew which path Adonai would lead him to. There was no doubt, even as the little voice tried to edge into his thoughts.
Adonai’s hand tightened on Jack’s shoulder as though he sensed his troubling thoughts.
“I recall well what it was like as man…the constant doubts…the options that presented themselves easily at every opportunity. It was easy to fall into the clutch of the beasts.”
“But you never did,” Jack said softly.
“No,” Adonai answered firmly. “I never did. Turn from them, Jack.”
“I will,” Jack said, although the voice did not leave him.
“Jack, a battle approaches you swiftly. Are you prepared?”
Jack glanced up at him and felt his confidence sink. “I don’t think I can do it alone.”
“You never are,” Adonai assured him. “I sent you help in other fights. I will not let you be alone for this one.”
“Thank you,” Jack said softly. “Is this all you wanted to show me?”
He glanced out at the world before him feeling slightly nauseous.
“Jack, look at the world. Tell me what you see?”
“I’ve already told you. It’s terrible. It’s full of evil.”
“Look again.”
Jack glanced and saw thousands of beams of light gleaming from various locations.
“What are those?”
“They are my followers. They are lights in the darkness. Through them the evil of this world lessens just a little. Do you wish to be one of them?”
Jack stared out at the beautiful vision he was seeing. The world indeed seemed to be less terrifying. And even better Adonai’s radiant light was brighter than all the others.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Good. The path will not be easy, but I will help you. It will not be more than you can bear. Come.”
Jack followed the warrior away from the edge of the mountain. He hesitated for just a moment.
“Adonai, by more than I can bear do you mean I won’t die?”
Adonai paused for a moment. “Jack, I know what you can bear.”
“Then…that means you think I can bear death?”
“You are a brave boy, you will see in the end. I promise you, Jack, that whatever happens I will always be there with you. I will never let go of you. As long as you are mine you have nothing to fear.”
And Jack knew those words were truth. He followed after the knight feeling slightly comforted by the fact that whatever happened he could deal with the pain…with whatever was thrown at him.
“Jack,” Adonai said softly. “I do promise this will not be easy. It never is. Suffering is something all my people must deal with.”
Jack swallowed. “I understand.”
“I am beside you always. I will provide for you,” Adonai said gently.
Jack’s heart felt light. Surely he would prevail with such a great being watching over him. Fear was loosening slightly within him. He could fight. He could win.
“There is one more thing, Jack. All warrior’s need something special to fight with.”
The next weapon! Jack once again felt a sense of ease.
“What is it?” Jack asked.
“Kneel,” the warrior ordered.
Jack did as he was told without hesitation. A gleaming sword flashed in Adonai’s hand. The knight turned and placed the sword lightly on each of Jack’s shoulders.
“I make you a warrior, Jack,” Adonai said. “I bring you into my people, declare you as my own. You are now my son, a child of Adonai. Let the world know full well your new birth. Rise, John Arthur Chasseur, warrior of the king.”
Feeling honored beyond belief Jack rose to his feet. Adonai gently handed him the sword. Glancing down at himself he found himself clad in his armor, shining silver in the light.
“Bear it well.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Adonai,” he said.
“You may call me father,” the warrior instructed.
The word seemed out of place to Jack, disbelieving this great magician truly could consider such a normal boy his son. However, he did as requested. “Thank you, father. But what of the last weapon?”
“You already know what it is. I do not think you need to be told again.”
Jack felt confused, but he decided not to further question the warrior.
“Thank you,” he said again.
“Now go, Jack. You have much to accomplish. Your time rapidly approaches.”
“You should have done this sooner,” Jack protested. “I’m not ready yet. I don’t even know how to use a sword!”
“Jack, everything has its time. You will find out that I have my reasons for everything. Now, one last thing. You have already seen the warrior’s guide.”
“The book?” Jack said, scratching his head.
“Yes,” Adonai said with a nod. “Read it. It will help you in your battle.”
“I will,” Jack promised.
“I must go, child.”
Darkness seemed to be closing in on Jack.
“Adonai!” he called.
“Go in peace, Jack. You will be safe. Go. Sleep.”
Jack closed his eyes. When he opened them again he was laying on his bed, dressed in normal clothing. It was all a dream.
He started to feel irritated by the fact that it hadn’t been real. But then he glanced down at his hand and found a sword in it. A sigh of relief escaped him. He knew he had to get ready for school, but regardless he couldn’t help but sit and think for a moment.
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you, Adonai.”
And with that he knew he could do anything.
The Tale of the Red Rose. The Order of the Rose book # 1
Another book I am working on is a story of love and redemption. It is titled The Tale of the Red Rose. Though slightly less Christian it does have a few good messages in it. The story includes a girl who betrays the man who loves her deeply, and a man who redeems her inspite of that. Although the man is not a perfect example of Christ he does provide an example of Christ's love for us. We are like adultresses who turn away from God even when they need him, and yet Christ brought us back to Him through His sacrifice.
The guards dragged me up the stairs, and I remained silent, hanging limply in their arms. They pushed me into the bright sunshine (even though it was a rather gray day it seemed bright compared to the cell) and poked at me with their spears in order to get me to walk. With my head hung I made my way out into the world.
I could hear the crowd jeering. Men and women alike calling me a whore, a filthy witch…names I hadn’t even heard before. People threw things at me, and spat at me, and yet I knew it was the right thing for them to do. I was a criminal. I deserved worse.
Slowly I looked up at the scaffold that had been constructed for me. Maldwin had specific executions for specific crimes. I had assumed I would be hung, but instead saw a block of wood and a man with an axe. I was to be decapitated.
With heavy feet I dragged myself up each stair of the scaffold, counting as I went. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… until at last I was at the top. The men undid my collar and folded it down.
“Any last words?” one asked me.
“Only that I go to death ready to greet it. I have deserved this. Indeed, I am not worthy of love…nor have I ever been. This is the right path for me,” I murmured.
The men said nothing and instead forced me to my knees. I was silent, tears streaming down my cheeks as they put my head down upon the block. One pushed back my hair and I waited. The dark man holding the axe readied himself. There was silence as the weapon went up and then started down.
I was ready for death. Expecting the short pain and then the end. And yet I was greeted by something else.
“No!” cried a voice. “Wait!”
A blond-haired youth leapt from the crowd and ascended the stairs, two at a time. The executioner had frozen, his blade an inch from my neck. Slowly he pulled the weapon back as my husband stopped before me. His eyes were pained and yet he looked upon me without hatred.
“Release her. I dismiss her charges. I will divorce her, and leave her to live the rest of her life how she likes it.”
I stared at him. I didn’t understand. He couldn’t be declaring me innocent. That wasn’t possible.
“The customs of Maldwin,” declared a man with an official book, “declare this completely legal. And yet in traditional law it is declared that blood must be given for such a major crime. If the blood of this woman is not spilt, another must give it in her stead. Another criminal must be found.”
“No,” the prince snapped. “Read further. Either the life of an equally guilty can be used in her stead, or the blood of a willing innocent can cover her.”
“What innocent will give his blood for such a filthy woman?” the man with the book laughed.
“Me,” the prince declared. He drew a dagger from his belt and quickly slit his hand. I could see it was painful, for he winced slightly at the motion. His blood dripped upon the platform as he slowly approached me. I sat up and stared at him. With a gentle motion his hand reached out and brushed against my face. He smeared his blood upon my skin, and I sat there, feeling disgusted and yet relieved at the same time. Slowly he made sure it covered me before doing the same to my hands. Once done he rose to his feet.
“You see here my innocent blood upon her. In it she is viewed as you view me as your prince. She is innocent. And I declare her so.”
And with that he stalked off the platform and disappeared into the crowd. I sat in shock for a moment before men pulled me to my feet and dragged me away. I was led to a small room in the palace and left there. Alone.
Faith. The Order of the Rose book # 7
Freya has always loved two things. Adventure and God. When she reaches womanhood she follows her greatest desire and sets out to find a life full of excitement. Upon becoming a pirate Freya drops her interest in God. She lives a carefree wonderful life, even finding the man of her dreams. But as she continues to journey she begins to notice the emptiness in her soul. As she debates over what is right she begins to find that she must give up that which she loves in order to find herself. When her choice comes down to choosing between God or her husband Freya makes a life shattering decision, one that will change her world forever. Will this girl of great faith regret the decision forever, or will God show her an even greater path? She can only wait and see.
A Search for Truth. The Order of the Rose book # 11
As the only boy raised in a nunnerie with a nun for a mother, Nathaniel has a unique take on life. He is spiritually devout, but also curious about the world. At eight years of age he is sent to live in a monastary, and separated from his mother. While at the monostary a stranger comes along inviting him to adventure. He takes the offer up. On the road Nathaniel comes across many new perspectives, some differing greatly from the traditional views of the nuns and monks. As he journeys he begins to be confused. His whole world is destroyed. As Nathaniel journeys he discovers his family, his purpose and his talents, but it is still all meaningless. Instead of being satisfied Nathaniel reaches further, trying to find what the element which has been kept from him for most of his young life: truth.
I have many more books as well. Examples include a fantasy/allegorical version of the gospel. It is the story of a young prince who gives up his throne for a peasant girl whom he loves. It follows the life of Christ in a sort of fantasy setting. The idea of this is to present the gospel to those who have not heard it in a relatable way. Many teenagers find fantasy books enjoyable as an escape from the world. This book would provide an escape that might ultimately lead to Christ.
Yet another is about a young teenage mother who loves Christ deeply and her struggle with finding a place. Many Christians reject her thinking she is immoral, but she wants to live a life of Christ. She wishes people would look past her sins and allow her to live the life she and her young son want in God.
*note, cover art is not mine. This is just a representation of what the cover might look like. I do not own the images.
*note, cover art is not mine. This is just a representation of what the cover might look like. I do not own the images.
