About the Book
Book: Thalia in Exile
Author: Allen Brokken with Thalia Schertzer
Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Thalia never expected to be taken. But the Darkness has plans of its own.
When the dreaded Steele Brothers and their Giant allies raid her home at midnight, Thalia and her friends are forced on a harrowing journey to the mysterious academy at Emohnomed. Like the young men of Judah chosen for the King of Babylon’s service, they are dragged towards a land of shadowed luxury to learn the language and literature of a culture that serves the Darkness.
Thalia finds brief respite aboard a luxurious train. But when Headmistress Imogen adds a “gift from the bishop” to the students’ punch, Thalia’s keen senses catch the putrescent smell of a counterfeit light. Clinging to the Good Book she smuggled into her bag, she refuses the smoke-laced food that turns friends into unthinking foes. In a world of beautiful lies, Thalia must stand firm against false accusations and prove that the only true strength comes from the Light that cannot be tainted.
Because this isn’t just about escaping her captors. It’s about saving the people who no longer know they need to be saved.
Author Q&A 6
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
- I love spending time at the beach. Sitting and watching the waves is the best possible relaxation I can find. When not at the beach, my wife and I spend evenings crafting together or I play tabletop games with children or friends.
- What is your favorite vacation spot?
- Variant A: The beach on the ocean! It’s the one place where I can truly disconnect and listen to the waves. Although my wife and I are trying to visit all 50 states so we’ll be spending a lot of time NOT on the beach. 😉
- Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?
- I listen to audiobooks more than read print books largely for time. It’s easy to turn on an audio book while doing chores or traveling. But on a Sunday I’ll sit and read a print book. Not a big ebook reader.
- What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
- Ephesians 6:10-18 the Armor of God verses stand out the most as driving my faith journey and my writing.
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About the Authors
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 him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and 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.
Thalia Shertzerr is a dedicated writer whose Christian faith is the central part of 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.