July Writing Update
Hey story adventurers,
This month, I’ve been hidden away in a Celestial base somewhere in the Congo region, helping our characters out of a tough situation.
Things are starting to get hairy here in book two of Demon Tide: Celestial Wars, and I’m not quite sure how it’s going to turn out for Matt and the others.
Fortunately, some really interesting lore drops come out in this book, which help to explain what is happening in the world as it descends into chaos.
I’m really excited to get this story into the hands of readers. If you haven’t read Demon Tide, you might want to pick it up so you can follow what’s happening when book 2 releases in November. And, if you’re worried about the title of the book keeping you up at night, good. You should be:)
Stay faithful, adventurers, and keep in the Light.
Demon Tide: The Dystopian Lore
“There is an entire world that exists, outside of the purview of humans. Celestial entities have been warring from the beginning of time, and throughout the existence of the Earth."
The date is 2030, sometime in early Autumn, when the days are still warm but leaves are beginning to change. Cities around Matt’s home in Idaho are quickly falling to the Purple Hand, a massive and highly organized rogue group of anarchists using violence to assert their goals of complete domination.
The Purple Hand started from humble roots, with only a few radicals who desired to change society for the better. As their numbers increased, however, so did their aspirations. It began with a few cities, the idea of anarchy: freedom from government control, create systemic mayhem, cause chaos to the status quo…
But as with many things that begin with good intentions, the darkness of the human soul disrupts good and uses it for evil. Power desires more power, until at last it is ripe for corruption. Supernatural corruption. And who better to aid humanity corrupt itself than the self-proclaimed lords of the earth–the fallen Celestials with ancient origins…
Matt’s family, along with three others, quickly learn that this isn’t just a small conflict that will eventually go away. It is, in fact, a much larger problem. The fallen Celestials and their terrifying plans are here to stay.
As society begins its march towards collapse, Matt and the others must learn to live in a new world. A world where darkness reigns, where fallen Celestial beings rule. A world where every step could be your last…
The Faith Connection
Matt and the others face some pretty terrible situations in the book. On many occasions, their resolve is tested, and they must learn how to depend on each other and upon God for their source of strength. They carry swords, axes, and weapons of Light to fight the monsters, but the real challenge comes when their courage is tested. They can’t rely on weapons alone; there is much more they will need to learn if they are to defeat their foe…
The lore of Demon Tide is the story behind the story. The lore built around the very real possibility that our lives may one day be upended as God’s timeline draws to a close.
It is important to note that while all of the events in the book are based on fictional lore, they aren’t out of the question of reality. We may not know all of the details of the end of the world, but we know that someday the Lord will return, and He has promised judgment to a fallen world. We look at the events happening in the world around us and wonder: “Is that time near?”
It very well could be. And as Christians, it should make us aware of the supernatural war happening around us, and wary of the tools Satan will use against us to get us off track from our primary mission: “To seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
The last days aren’t going to be easy prior to the Lord’s return, and that makes our job of winning the lost even more difficult than it already is. But we must remain steadfast in our faith (1 Corinthians 15:58), putting on the full armor of God so we can fight against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:13), and in the end, if our lives are in danger, be faithful, “even to the point of death” (Revelation 2:10).
Reflection: Faithful Heroes
Family question
If you were called to hunt monsters, what virtue would you carry with you? Bravery, wisdom, kindness? Something else? Why?
Reflection
If you were in a similar situation to what Matt and the others went through, would you be courageous enough to fight off the Camazotz, or even the Flesh Eater?
Dive Deeper
When your faith is tested in real life, what steps do you take to make sure you are well-armed against the enemy’s attack?
I’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts! Send me a message and tell me your story!
Creative Connection
Ready to go on your own monster-hunting adventure? Here’s a quick printable on how to build your own hero to accompany you!
Introducing: The Demon Tide Puzzle
Strange things are stirring in the mountains.
Odd things are appearing. Whispers of a new tide is rising.
And only the brave will dare to follow the clues…
Welcome to the Demon Tide Puzzle—a secret challenge for readers to age 15!
Over the next four months, hidden messages will be revealed through blog posts, story quotes, riddles, and character clues, all connected to the world of Demon Tide. Each one brings you closer to uncovering a powerful truth lost in the shadows.
If you solve the final puzzle, you’ll unlock a special prize and join the ranks of the Quark Seeker alongside Matt, Luca, Bennett, and Nolan.
Are you ready to step into the shadows and decode the clues to help bring down the Demon Tide?
Watch this space. The tide is rising…
Demon Tide Puzzle: Clue #1
Decode the clue: Staying safe is the way to decode this clue. For three three three is the number of safety. If it begins at six and ends just after midnight, for how many minutes do the waves travel the skies?
*Hint: You’ll need to read the book to understand the clue!
