Monday, April 24, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian

Release date: March 1, 2023

In the second book of The Underground Book Readers, Leena, Kahn, Casey, Jairus, Asher, and Conroy face unpredicted challenges. The World Force tightens its grip on the remaining teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as they visit their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. The Underground Book Readers attempt to find out the identity and purpose of a new threatening group seen on a nearby mountain while they continue to work on an escape tunnel. But they soon discover there is more under Leena’s house than a cellar. The underground group design a spy mission to the other mountain. Questions remain about possible escapees who left to find a free territory in what used to be called the United States in the world before.

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About the Author

Terry Overton obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. She began her second “career” after retirement writing Christian fiction books and devotionals. She hopes to share the Christian worldview through her writing and touch the lives of her readers. Her novels, middle grade readers, and picture books seek to entertain readers through the travel experiences and characters included in her books. Her books have earned Bookfest Awards, Firebird Award Winner, American Writing Award Gold, International Finalist Book Award, Reader Views Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards and the Mom’s Choice Award. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, and enjoying family and friends. She has seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

More from Terry

The series was motivated by discussions with local community and school librarians who expressed frustration with their inability to order and display classic books, and newer conservative or Christian based books, in their own libraries. The series reflects what is currently seen in many news stories where parents are outraged by the books their own children are being shown in schools. This Christian dystopian book series, written for middle grade readers and up, is an attempt to remind children of the blessings of books and of the Bible. In addition, several historic documents and time periods are discussed. It is my hope that introducing these topics in this way will pique curiosity of young readers who may not have had the opportunity to study these documents and events.

MY REVIEW

I must recommend this book to everyone who has ever wondered what it might be like if the world is taken over by evil. The story is great for middle schoolers, young adults and adults. Be sure if you have not read the first book in this series to grab a copy of it. It would be helpful if they are read in order. From the book description you get an idea of what the story is about. The group of kids in the story have one goal and that is to be free from those who have taken over. Their ability to read a Bible, get food on their own or read books is forbidden. The lines are long to get the meager rations handed out each day.

As the story continues we find our group beginning to become more structured in their daily activities. They watch out for each other and are careful that no one knows about their secret place. I loved the discovery of something very important that will help them stay hidden. The group is now more determined to make a plan to escape where they are and find the place where they will be free.

I like how the author incorporates stories from the Bible which help them understand that God protects them and they can know that He is there with them. The church service they have is good as they find new songs to sing to praise God. There are also documents that they find which describes how it use to be when the Declaration of Independence was something people followed.

This story will introduce a few new characters that the group must decide if they can be trusted. I do worry that they may be adding too many people but their hearts can’t leave anyone behind. We begin to see the author expand the groups territory a little and find that maybe there are others who are out there looking for freedom like they are. I am really enjoying how authentic the story is and the details the author gives so we may be able to follow them on their quest.

I love how the faith element is in this story and lays a foundation for the group. They rely on God as they make decisions and never miss a chance to read the Bible and study it as a group. It is a good illustration for the young people to see how this group hungers for His Word. I will anxiously be waiting for the next addition in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.