About the Book

Book: Torch

Author: Sofia Simpson

Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Relentlessly pursued by the Extremists, Vela and Linc embark on a perilous journey toward a hidden Elemental community in the Canadian mountains. It’s a place where couples of different elements thrive, raising families while living off the grid.

These Elementals, like the Extremists, are searching for the portended Chosen Child, the one who will unit the clans. Vela is forced to accept she might be a part of this prophecy whether she likes it or not.

Vela is more than intrigued by a mixed Elemental in the community who single-mindedly pursues her. Faced with a choice between two very different men makes committing to Linc as her Intended harder than she imagined.

Can Linc win the fight for her heart? Will this prophecy be her undoing or the Elementals’ salvation?

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About the Author

Sofia grew up moving constantly. Never in one place more than three years, there was plenty of time to daydream during long car rides. College finally gave her a chance to study what she had always dreamed of doing, writing her stories.

She obtained a B.A. in Journalism, married her handsome husband and had two amazing sons.

A big believer in dreaming big, Sofia loves speaking to youth, encouraging them to find hope no matter what their life looks like. Sofia is a daughter of the Lord first and foremost and finds inspiration with the stories like King David and Esther.

More from Sofia

This book has been my absolute favorite to write. I switched my POV to first person, and it made all the difference in the world as far as getting into my character’s head. I’ve been so intimidated in writing in first person POV, so I’m so happy I went out on a limb and tried it. The story flowed so easily once I did! I wrote the first draft of this book in 10 weeks! I got on an intense writing schedule, stuck to it and voila! Out popped this book.

I loved every minute of it, especially the researching part. Researching how to live off the grid was fascinating to me, and it couldn’t have been more interesting. It really made me understand how people lived without modern conveniences. Well, in my book, they lived with modern conveniences thanks to generators and the Elementals’ gifts and abilities, but they had to make their own soap, butter, cheese, sometimes, clothes. I learned how a toilet can work thanks to gravity and setting up the pump on a hill. It’s all fascinating to me and I hope everyone finds it fun to learn, too, all while a great story unfolds!

The following recipe was so neat, I had to include it! And, yes, it’s in the book. They had to cook bread without an oven, so this worked nicely so they could still enjoy some fresh cooked bread.

This recipe was copied from the following link from Veganonboard.com:

Campfire Bread on a Stick Recipe – Vegan on Board

Ingredients

1 tsp dried yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 ½ cups (300 g) flour
⅞ cup (200 ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp salt

Dough:

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients into a moist dough. No need to knead!
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size – about 1 hour.
With floured hands, briefly ‘knock back’ the dough by making it into a ball.
Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 pieces.

Shaping your breadsticks:

Start by stretching the dough into a strip and then roll it into a long sausage shape.
Twist a strip around the end of your sticks. Pinch the dough together to secure the end if necessary.

Cooking Over a Campfire:

Either hold or prop up your stick over the fire.
Choose a spot over hot embers for best results.
Keep rotating until all sides are browned.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread!

MY REVIEW

I remember reading the first book in this series thinking that I really liked the author’s style of writing. I am thrilled to be back with the author as I delve into this book. Once again we are thrust into a place where strange things happen. It is easy to become engrossed in the story and I found myself right back with these characters on their journey. I love that the author has put faith throughout the story.

As we venture out with Vela we witness just how much danger is around. With the ability to heal, Vela is valuable to many. I liked when her powers were used to heal friends and her faithful dog. Perhaps the attack on them was just for fun, but beneath the surface darkness starts to arise.

The story is full of action and non ending danger as we witness Vela’s skills. It was nice to see that God plays a big part in the story . As I became more aware of what was going on in the story I witnessed friendship, faith and strong values that could not be shaken. Many times I wasn’t sure if Vela or her friends would survive. There is a little conflict between a few characters with Vela in the middle. Relationships are tested as conflicts start to interfere with friendship and trust.

I liked Linc and how much he cares for Vela. What happens when someone else has feelings for one of them?

Overall the story is good and enjoyable as we travel to a place where hope of a better life may exist. I like when Vela is steadfast in praying for safety. She cries out to God for help as things look bleak at times. Get ready for another installment in this exciting series.

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