Young Adult Fiction
Yes! I also write Young Adult Fiction for Christian teens. And just so there’s no confusion, that genre is published under the name J. Rodes.
Still me, though.
There’s some debate as to whether or not Christian science fiction is a legitimate thing. I’m not going to debate that here, because obviously, as a Christian science fiction author, I think it is. So rather, let’s talk about dystopian fiction, as well as speculative fiction, shall we?
Dystopian: What is that? Katie over at Fiction Aficionado has a great post for that question! Check it out here. I also had the opportunity to share why I love this genre here.
Or maybe some would be more comfortable with the idea of Speculative Fiction–which boils down to a science fiction genre that feels a little more dangerous because it tells a story that, though feels both scary and unlikely, it could happen.
Both fit The Uncloaked Trilogy. A very different venture for me, but if you’ve read my blog posts about why I stepped this direction, you get it. 🙂
The Uncloaked Trilogy is a dystopian book series (or speculative fiction series) written from a Christian world view. I hope you brave the ups and downs of Braxton Luther and Eliza Knight’s world through this dystopian trilogy.
Maybe, just maybe, their journey might influence your own.
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Book 1: The Resistance
***
No one stirred in the area—people stayed in their little hovels. Hiding, most likely. From the cold, the helplessness. Maybe from the Party. Staying out of sight, like cockroaches.
I am not a cockroach.
***
In the shadows of an economic crisis, a new power is rising. The promises of the Party are many and attractive, but lurking beneath the shiny new order is something dark and overpowering…
Sixteen-year-old Braxton Luther is determined to keep a grip on the dreams he has for his life. Success. Happiness. Love. When he’s challenged to stand in defiance of a Party that will demand his total allegiance, he’s not sure resistance will pay off. Actually, he’s pretty sure defiance will cost him everything.
Eliza Knight, however, doesn’t bow. Not if it means trading her soul for comfort. Which is a problem, because she’s the girl he can’t live without, and protecting her becomes his number one priority.
Then the killings begin, and the threat to Eliza becomes darker than Braxton had ever imagined. Reality sinks in.
Defiance is no longer optional.
“This book had me riveted from its opening lines, and hasn’t let go of me yet.” -Katie Donovan, Fiction Aficionado
“…magnificent and thought provoking…” -Singing Librarian Books
“…a really fantastic dystopia, one of the best I’ve ever read.” -Ashley Sapp, Rustic Reading Gal
Book Two: Tearing the Veil
***
Braxton Luther, the sellout.
They trained us well. Power punctuated our every move, driving fear into the intended target. Who would stand against them?
***
Now a part of the Den, he’s determined to make good on Eliza Knight’s faith in him—to be more than what he’d settled for when the Party had taken over. But his goal is dangerous, and not just for him. As he searches for a way to protect the silent, invisible victims of the new government, Braxton’s mission—which includes finding a way to rescue Eliza from the Reformation Camp—becomes even more complicated. Hannah Knight, Eliza’s sister, is simply too much like him.
Tired of standing in her perfect sister’s shadow, Hannah determines to find her own place in the world. If that place is with the Pride—the girls’ home and training center provided by the Party—so be it. When she leaves the hopelessness of the cellar, that’s all she’s aiming for. But Quinn Sanger, the handsome son of a powerful political leader, finds her at the creek, and her life takes an unexpected and optimistic turn.
Braxton’s convinced Hannah’s in trouble. Hannah’s convinced Braxton, and all the Uncloaked, are insane. But when they peek behind the real veil the Party maintains, the truth is beyond what either had feared or hoped.
If everyone knew, it could change everything. They redefine their mission. It’s time to tear the veil.
“This series is edge-of-your-seat dystopian at its best! Can’t wait for the next book!” –Amazon bestselling author Sarah Monzon
“I need book three – NOW!!” –Tassaboo, Goodreads review
Book Three: Charging the Darkness
***
You were not saved for this…
***
They tore the veil. Now the country is ripping apart. The captive Uncloaked have 
In the turbulence of the fallout, Braxton Luther finds himself in a new kind of battle. Eliza Knight is back, but her heart is not the same. They will be put through the ultimate test as they struggle with the fact that Eliza has the chance to save many, but only if she chooses to do so. Seeing her wrestle with doing what is right only adds to Braxton’s regrets, and when he finally tells her the truth about her capture, they discover how painful betrayal can be.
Ultimately, she gets to choose. They all do. Every survivor who somehow managed to outlive the cruelty of the Party must choose——what will they do with what they believe?
Braxton’s and Eliza’s answers could change the fate of the shattering nation.
“…heart wrenching and powerful all at once.” –Toni Shiloh, Author
Then there’s my newest YA release, a Christian Fantasy that I LOVED writing with all of my heart.
Emerald Illusion is a spin-off of The Wizard of Oz. But, don’t prejudge… this is an Oz you’ve never seen!
“Exquisite sentence crafting and soul-deep meaning… this is unlike any Oz previously visited and the plot is, in fact, richly layered and Narnia-esque. A definite must read!” Book Marked Review, Hope By the Book magazine
A world trapped in an illusion. A girl who didn’t believe in the beyond. Now she is locked in a realm she didn’t believe existed, and if she can’t find her younger brother, they might all be lost to the illusion.
Emerald Illusion is also available in Audio!
