Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reading ages for your books?

Quick answer - 5th grade and up

For The Lorian Stones Series & Chronicles, and Yodin the Rescuer, I recommend 5th grade and up. As I originally wrote The Lorian Stones Trilogy for my two younger boys (ages 12 & 14), I therefore made the stories very action-based with sword fights, cool weapons, some bloodshed, monsters and beasts, as well as evil lords and their ruthless minions. Intense scenes with loads of danger and suspense were geared to captivate young teenage boys.

However, 9-year-old boys and girls are greatly enjoying the series. It seems that young readers able to handle full-sized books are accustomed to more intense scenes. But if your child is sensitive, I recommend ages 11 or 12.

Misty Grey – 15 and up.

For Us… – Upper Highschool

Are there Christian themes in your books?

Again, as I initially wrote them for my boys, I wrote from a biblical worldview, sprinkling concepts and themes to help young readers better understand God and life. I did not want the stories to be ‘preachy’ but rather, like The Chronicles of Narnia, have subtle parallels, or suppositions.

In The Lorian Stones Trilogy, trusting God with relentless perseverance is the main theme, that we anchor our hope in His goodness, no matter how dark the day. Book 3 – Pillars and Power unfolds the concepts of spiritual authority under Christ and how we can walk in that authority to help set people free.Yodin the Rescuer touches on the power of declaration (proclaiming whose side you’re on) as well as blessing and praise to overcome the dark forces.

I do not believe that just because a fictional book is for Christian readers, it needs to be drenched in theology or have the antagonist come to faith. As Jesus used stories to illustrate the Father and His Kingdom, to help us better understand the whole of life, both here and throughout eternity, so my goal is to help young readers understand and see their role in this life and how it relates to the one beyond.

What about magic, woke-ness, and dating?

My characters use swords, bows, and courage, instead of spells and wands. The occurances of what may be called ‘magic’ are similar to that of the Chronicles of Narnia, as there are spiritual forces within my books.

As for woke-ness, my beliefs are formed from a biblical view of male and female and their respected roles, so you are likely to find only my ‘old-fashioned-ness’ in my stories.

The best description I can give for the romance within my books is ‘Victorian’ or ‘biblical’ in nature, such as traditional cultural frameworks that do not include dating. Respect, character, and commitment are at the core, versus affection and emotion.

Is there violence in your books?

Yes, my books are not ‘safe.’ As I intended these stories for boys who have a God-given desire to fight and protect what they love, I encourage confrontation and resolution by force when necessary. They do not shrink from the fight, but are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of those they love.

There is, therefore, bloodshed and death. The stories are set in a ‘realistic fantasy realm’ where death is real. As the original intended audience was young teens, I advise caution for younger readers or those more sensitive to fighting and death. Many say the series intensity level sits between Narnia and Lord of the Rings.

How long are your books?

Horse Boy – 84k words

Tombs of Dross – 128k

Battles Grim – 155k

Pillars and Power – 234k

Journey to Hokka Du – 99k

Yodin the Rescuer – 75k

Misty Grey – 80k

For Us… – 25k

The Lorian Stones Series (all 5 books) 700k

For comparison:

Narnia bk 1 – 38k words

The Wind and the Willows – 58k

Treasure Island – 67k

The Wingfeather Saga bk 1 – 71k

The Green Ember bk 1 – 72k

The Hobbit – 95k

The Return of the King – 134k

The Two Towers – 143k

LOTR – 455k

War and Peace – 587k

What is your background?

I grew up in a Christian home where church was the center of our lives, both spiritually and socially. The Bible was to be taken for what it says, the whole book, no cutting or watering down difficult passages. I attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN, where God gave me the most wonderful gift—Cindy and I have been married for over 43 years now.

Being blessed to have grown up on a hobby farm, where I would roam the backwoods shooting my bow or pellet gun at elusive prey, I learned to love being in the woods and open country. We had cattle and horses, and so learned to work with animals, always had a dog or two, with several barn cats. It’s a wholesome way to grow up.

After Bible college, I served as a youth pastor while doing construction and other jobs, until God miraculously called us to Northern Asia, where we worked to reach the remote mountainous peoples who had no Christian message or witness. (Miss that work dearly)

I then pastored a small church in MN, where we experienced the miraculous power of God in various ways. The Lord opened our understanding of authority and the chain of command, and how it relates to prayer, and thereby saw wonderful healings and miracles happen before our eyes.

For about four years, I worked with Destiny Rescue, which fights human trafficking in numerous countries. Although very fulfilling in purpose, the emotional weight took its toll. I deeply respect the men and women working daily to combat this pervasive evil.

We now live in southern Idaho, where I currently focus on helping young readers stand strong in their faith.

What are you working on now?

An apologetics book for young people, entitled “Why I believe in:” It will focus on the supernatural characteristics of the Bible, such as the mind-blowing mathematical tapestry woven within the Hebrew and Greek texts. It will have angel stories, miracles from both past and present, true stories of Heaven & Hell, and the overwhelming evidence for creationism.

I am so excited to get this book out to young people, for there is a plethora of solid evidence in diverse fields confirming the reality of God and His Word.

Where did the idea for the Lorian Stones series originate?

Upon returning from the mission field, we were in a sort of holding pattern, allowing me a good deal of free time. Like many writers, I had wanted to craft a story or two, but never made the effort. So with my two younger boys in mind (ages 12 & 14), I struck up a story with no clue regarding plot and development.

I had a vague scene of some teens finding an ancient stone remnant protruding from the ground, on which was inscribed an unknown script.

Then a brief poem seemed to rattle off my tongue, which I quickly wrote down. It’s the opening lines of Book I. From that little poem, the story grew and grew… and grew.

What Charities do the proceeds help support?

Here are some of them, all of which I highly recommend.

Charity: Water • https://www.charitywater.org
Children’s Hunger Fund • https://volunteer.childrenshungerfund.org/about-us
Compassion International • https://www.compassion.com
IMI – Impact Ministries International • https://tstamman.com
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem • https://int.icej.org
OUR Rescue [formerly Operation Underground Railroad] • https://ourrescue.org
Turning Point USA • https://tpusa.com

What life lessons have you learned?

If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

And if worth doing well, persevere until it’s done.

For “All improvement counts, no matter how small.”

The giving principle:

If you want happiness, make someone happy.

If you want to be loved, love others.

If you want good friends, be a good friend.

If you want respect, respect others.

If you want financial abundance, be generous.

And in all things, gratitude, especially toward God.

Dream big, work hard, and never give up.

Why do you write these kinds of books?

For some time, I felt the need to apologize that my characters always seemed to be fighting some ferocious creature, evil being, or ominous dark force—their battered bodies, beleaguered souls, and wearied spirits pushed beyond all limits.

Then I read this wonderful C. S. Lewis quote: “Since it is so likely that they (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise, you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”

This resonates with me, as I believe we are in a war, a spiritual battle where the souls of our children hang in the balance. We, as Christians, face an age-old enemy that currently seems bent on targeting our children, challenging their faith in unprecedented ways.

We can ignore this fight, pretending the world is safe and free of evil influence. Or we can prepare our kids to understand the role they play, that they are not, and cannot be, passive spectators. We have our faith today only through the courage and perseverance of those who have gone before us, fighting that good fight, with some paying the ultimate price.

Therefore, my books portray this spiritual struggle, casting the characters into minor and epic battles of good vs. evil. I hope to engage young readers with role models who cast their hope entirely upon God, anchoring their trust in His love for them, knowing He always has their backs.