Thalia never expected to be taken.

But the Darkness has plans of its own.

ABOUT THE STORY

Two years ago, I was overwhelmed with the production schedule I’d made for myself after the Towers of Light series was completed.  I had a vision for three new series. First, I was trying my hand at writing a picture book with everyone’s favorite kitten, Meow Meow, as the hero. I also had a mind for an early chapter book series that was classic frontier boy hijinks, think Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, but was an exploration of the fruits of the spirit that boys could relate to.  Finally, I had a series that had the classic Victorian elements of a boarding school for girls, but set in the war-torn landscape of the Heathlands.  I wanted to retell the story of Daniel’s exile to Babylon and the lessons we learn about following our conscience and persevering in a world with ungodly values.

For the first two, I had a collaborator who helped make the story real, but I just didn’t seem to have the time for the third.  I had an outline and overall concept that tied the story in nicely to Spring Fields from the Towers of Light series, but there was no way I could really sit down and write it as well as everything else. 

Then an email landed in my inbox written by Thalia Shertzer, an 11-year-old homeschooler from Canada. She had been a fan from the beginning, and her family was a huge supporter of my work.  Thalia asked me if I needed any help writing for the Towers of Light world.  I immediately knew that this was a match made in heaven.  I wanted to write a story about a girl around her age, and now I had a girl who wanted to write a story.  We met on a video call a few days later, and I laid out the “flight plan” for what would become Thalia in Exile.

MEET THE AUTHORS

ALLEN BROKKEN

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He's a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help illustrate the Bible's deep truths in an engaging, age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off on their own adventures, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his blog https://www.allenbrokken.com

THALIA SCHERTZER

Thalia Schertzer is a dedicated writer whose Christian faith is central to her life and the heart of her storytelling. Outside of writing, she has a strong interest in science and hopes to pursue a future career in clinical medicine. Thalia balances her time between her academic goals, her faith, and her love for reading and capturing moments through the lens of her camera.