The Thorn is author Daron D. Fraley’s debut novel. You can read about a chance to win this book and a $25 Barnes and Noble gift certificate over on his blog.

Back cover copy from the book:

Three tribes are at war on the planet Gan, unaware that the sign of Christ’s birth on an unknown world – Earth – is about to appear in the heavens.

During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These two distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being waged by a self-proclaimed emperor, and soon discover the intentions of a far more dangerous foe named Rezon – a sinister general bent on ruling those he can bring into subjection and destroying all others.

In the end, Pekah’s selfless bravery is the means by which all the tribes are united. But there are dissenters, and Rezon escapes a well-deserved fate. When the promised heavenly signs appear, will there be peace at last, or will the malefactors once again threaten the safety of them all?

The first time I read about the premise of this book I was intrigued. Over the years I’ve wondered about the other worlds we know exist and how they too believe and follow Christ who was born on our Earth. Mostly I stop there and place those wonderings on a shelf for later. I’m interested to see how Daron imagines this other world taught to believe in Christ. The Thorn will be released on March 16 at this launch party:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Valor Author Lollapalooza Book Launch
A world of difference…
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 Rio Grande Drive
Salt Lake City, UT

New books by authors Michele Ashman Bell (Young Adult-Coming of Age/Romance), Tristi Pinkston (Mystery/Comedy), Karen E. Hoover (YA Fantasy), Daron D. Fraley (Speculative Fiction) and Kimberly Job (Romance) will be released at this book launch event as well. All these authors will be in attendance and signing books.

I’m particularly interested in one other upcoming release. Karen E. Hoover’s Sapphire Flute has been touted as clean gripping YA fantasy. Since I’m a parent of a couple of YA readers that’s important to me.

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother’s wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father’s secret–a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father’s greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C’Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls’ paths are set on a collision course…a course that C’Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.

So there’s a few new choices if you’re looking for something to read.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

by Christopher Mcdougall

Christopher McDougall opens the world of ultramarathoning. I enjoy running and one day want to run a marathon. (That will have to wait until all my children are in school. It’s too much of a time commitment right now.) That said I believe this book is not only for people addicted to running. It is a fascinating, intimate look at the athletes in the forefront of the ultra-running world. McDougall takes the reader on a journey through running shoe history, sports medicine, and human physiology in an intriguing, upclose manner. He weaves together, science, technology, and human experience culminating in “the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen”.

It is not a how to manual of any sort. McDougall brushes over techniques used by ultra-athletes keeping his focus on the athletes’ stories. Vivid personalities are brought to life in his tales of Barefoot Ted, Ann Trason, Jenn, and Billy. His depiction of the Tarahumara and Caballo Blanco unveil a culture with a quiet strength struggling to lead a simpler life as outside society encroaches. McDougall skillfully entwines science and medicine with human experience always keeping the story at the forefront. The reader learns a little and is entertained all along the way. A very enjoyable read.

Hopefully I’ll  get a recipe posted tomorrow. I have to (meaning Nate has to) reconfigure my Photoshop settings that were lost in last week’s computer crash.

1. Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

I’m so hooked on these books it’s pathetic. We’ve been on the waiting list at three different libraries since March. My daughter’s birthday fell on Mother’s Day this year. When I was ordering a Webkinz for her birthday present from Barnes and Noble (I live in the middle of nowhere, remember? I survive through online ordering.) I discovered I could get free shipping if I spent another ten dollars. Now who wouldn’t want to spend money on merchandise rather than shipping? So I bought the fourth Fablehaven book  and wrapped it up as my Mother’s Day present. You should have seen my ten-year-old son’s face when I opened it! Long story short my two oldest drew names out of a hat to see who got to read it first and I opted to be last. Now it’s my turn–or was my turn. See, I read it in two days flat about two weeks ago. That’s what happens when you don’t get around to posting things right away.

2. Farworld: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage

Again, I’m the last to read this. Though I have read the first page. (I was doing a study of first pages about a month ago to see how to improve my manuscript.) I’m eager to see if I agree with my son’s opinion that, “This is the best book ever!” He was sorely disappointed that it didn’t win a Whitney Award.

3. Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston

I won this last week on LDSPublisher. It made my day. I love a story with mystery and suspense so I’m looking forward to curling up late one night with this book.