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Arts of Substance #1
To Form a Passage
Quakes isolate Devron's underground homeland, threatening starvation. He holds the only solution—and it’s terrifying.
Devron sees a vision for the perfect design—to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Elegant and powerful, but why would he create anything so dangerous? The Formers’ Guild will never allow it.
While he saw creative beauty, others had visions of horrific collapse. Are they warnings of disaster? Some gather their families and flee the caverns, but most shrug off the ominous signs. After all, the formers are staying. Their power to alter solid rock by command alone has kept the underground cities safe for generations. No quake can bring the cavern ceilings down.
Until it does. Countless lives are lost, and the surviving cities are cut off from the rest of their kingdom. As fear tightens its grip, looming starvation spawns one problem after another. Never again will they trust the formers they once relied on. Devron least of all.
Yet Devron knows the only solution to their survival. And even he thinks it is terrifying.
To Form a Passage is a fantasy novel in the ARTS OF SUBSTANCE trilogy. Each stand-alone novel explores one of the world’s three substance gifts: forming, wind weaving, and streaming. With every ability comes risk. These gifts are neither easy nor safe. Who has the courage and wit to use their gift well? And at what cost?
Join the adventure today.
Devron sees a vision for the perfect design—to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Elegant and powerful, but why would he create anything so dangerous? The Formers’ Guild will never allow it.
While he saw creative beauty, others had visions of horrific collapse. Are they warnings of disaster? Some gather their families and flee the caverns, but most shrug off the ominous signs. After all, the formers are staying. Their power to alter solid rock by command alone has kept the underground cities safe for generations. No quake can bring the cavern ceilings down.
Until it does. Countless lives are lost, and the surviving cities are cut off from the rest of their kingdom. As fear tightens its grip, looming starvation spawns one problem after another. Never again will they trust the formers they once relied on. Devron least of all.
Yet Devron knows the only solution to their survival. And even he thinks it is terrifying.
To Form a Passage is a fantasy novel in the ARTS OF SUBSTANCE trilogy. Each stand-alone novel explores one of the world’s three substance gifts: forming, wind weaving, and streaming. With every ability comes risk. These gifts are neither easy nor safe. Who has the courage and wit to use their gift well? And at what cost?
Join the adventure today.
- GenresFantasyChristian Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2023
10 people are currently reading
2341 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Rose
24 books124 followersSharon Rose has been weaving stories since her second-grade masterpiece, titled My Life as a Flying Squirrel. No publisher snatched it up, but her classmates loved it.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this one. Once I got past the first 6 or so chapters, I got more invested. The opening chunk was a bit on the slow side for me, but the rest of the book was great.
October 31, 2023
There's this thing about Sharon Rose's books, at least for me. For every new series of hers that I start, it takes a while for things to gel together. It's like there's this high price of admission - you need to be persistent, to press on, to get to the payoff.
But, as with all her novels, oh boy, what a gem. You'll be glad you persisted. You'll close the book with a sigh, eager to read the next one.
To Form a Passage takes place in an all new fantasy world, one where the people live underground and have special gifts from Ellincreo that help them survive. There are the Formers (which I capitalise, even though Rose doesn't, so I kept stumbling over it) who can form stone and metal. There are the Streamers, who can sense water and guide them to wherever they wish. And then there are the Wind Weavers, who do the same with air and wind.
Living underground, emphasis is placed on Formers who are fundamental in making sure that the roofs are stable, that new caves and light sources can be found, that metal and ore can be extracted to trade for food. Streamers help with finding water and rivers - often food sources in their own right and necessary for living - but Wind Weavers are almost forgotten, because who remembers about the air until it runs out?
And so (obviously) there is a catastrophe, and suddenly everyone underground is cut off from the land above, including access to food, resources, and their main government in the form of the King and his Judges.
Whilst this struggle to survive encompasses the core of the conflict, visions and gifts are the most important aspect of To Form a Passage. The novel revolves around Devron in Jourandia and the vision he saw right before the catastrophe. It's beautiful and awe-inspiring, and Devron is convinced that it came from Ellincreo. It's something he feels compelled to build, as dangerous as it is. But as fear grips the underground cities, the gifted - especially the Formers - are banned from using their gifts, despite the fact that it is those very gifts that have kept them alive so far.
Thematically, much of this struggle pings my Christian radar, as if Rose is pondering on that verse in Matthew 25:29 which says:
Or Luke 12:48(b) which says:
Because as the story progresses, and the ban on using their gifts continues, Devron has to ask the hard question: Are the Formers not using their gifts because they are blindly obedient to the law? Or is it because they have lost them altogether?
And what now should he do with the vision which may be both Jourandia's salvation and his death?
Weighty reflections indeed, wrapped in a fantastic story.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
But, as with all her novels, oh boy, what a gem. You'll be glad you persisted. You'll close the book with a sigh, eager to read the next one.
To Form a Passage takes place in an all new fantasy world, one where the people live underground and have special gifts from Ellincreo that help them survive. There are the Formers (which I capitalise, even though Rose doesn't, so I kept stumbling over it) who can form stone and metal. There are the Streamers, who can sense water and guide them to wherever they wish. And then there are the Wind Weavers, who do the same with air and wind.
Living underground, emphasis is placed on Formers who are fundamental in making sure that the roofs are stable, that new caves and light sources can be found, that metal and ore can be extracted to trade for food. Streamers help with finding water and rivers - often food sources in their own right and necessary for living - but Wind Weavers are almost forgotten, because who remembers about the air until it runs out?
And so (obviously) there is a catastrophe, and suddenly everyone underground is cut off from the land above, including access to food, resources, and their main government in the form of the King and his Judges.
Whilst this struggle to survive encompasses the core of the conflict, visions and gifts are the most important aspect of To Form a Passage. The novel revolves around Devron in Jourandia and the vision he saw right before the catastrophe. It's beautiful and awe-inspiring, and Devron is convinced that it came from Ellincreo. It's something he feels compelled to build, as dangerous as it is. But as fear grips the underground cities, the gifted - especially the Formers - are banned from using their gifts, despite the fact that it is those very gifts that have kept them alive so far.
Thematically, much of this struggle pings my Christian radar, as if Rose is pondering on that verse in Matthew 25:29 which says:
For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
Or Luke 12:48(b) which says:
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Because as the story progresses, and the ban on using their gifts continues, Devron has to ask the hard question: Are the Formers not using their gifts because they are blindly obedient to the law? Or is it because they have lost them altogether?
And what now should he do with the vision which may be both Jourandia's salvation and his death?
Weighty reflections indeed, wrapped in a fantastic story.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 15, 2023
To Form a Passage by Sharon Rose is the first book in a new series that features a type of elemental gifting similar to the abilities seen in the popular The Last Air Bender anime.
Like Rose's previous works, this story also deals with conflict resolution, problem solving and doing what is morally right.
What it lacks in epic fight scenes it makes up for with realistic characters and emotionally charged conflict. Every time I found myself screaming at the page for someone to do something about the injustice, someone did — in a way I did not expect.
What I liked most about this story was that the hero wasn't some teenager with no life experience. Deveron is a Skilled former, a craftsman who can manipulate solid rock at will, he is also middle aged. As I get older I find myself seeking out books about people my age. They are in short supply.
*I was lucky enough to be given an early review copy of this book and the opinions expressed above are my own and are left willingly*
Like Rose's previous works, this story also deals with conflict resolution, problem solving and doing what is morally right.
What it lacks in epic fight scenes it makes up for with realistic characters and emotionally charged conflict. Every time I found myself screaming at the page for someone to do something about the injustice, someone did — in a way I did not expect.
What I liked most about this story was that the hero wasn't some teenager with no life experience. Deveron is a Skilled former, a craftsman who can manipulate solid rock at will, he is also middle aged. As I get older I find myself seeking out books about people my age. They are in short supply.
*I was lucky enough to be given an early review copy of this book and the opinions expressed above are my own and are left willingly*
May 2, 2024
Danger is coming and he has dreams to make it better but he is unsure how it will all go. Quakes are hitting his world and a solution which could help. What will he do? Will he set it in motion? How will it all go? See what will happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
July 27, 2025
nothing is more to be feared than fear itself
An inspiring story with new variants on tropes on those with giftings for air, water and earth. The latter are the formers, and after a disaster in a distant city in the underkingdom, martial - or mayoral - law forbids exercise of this gift lest it cause you disaster. At the same time prophetic visions are given to some - but following the divine guidance means opposition to the usurping mayor.
An excellent gripping well-constructed story.
An inspiring story with new variants on tropes on those with giftings for air, water and earth. The latter are the formers, and after a disaster in a distant city in the underkingdom, martial - or mayoral - law forbids exercise of this gift lest it cause you disaster. At the same time prophetic visions are given to some - but following the divine guidance means opposition to the usurping mayor.
An excellent gripping well-constructed story.
November 9, 2023
My mother would be proud to say that someone who shares her name wrote this book, "To Form a Passage." Though my mother may have passed on, Sharon Rose is still here! Rose's book is a captivating read.
I have wondered about underground communities that form in the largest cities in the world, whether by choice or because they lost everything. Rose puts a new spin on this kind of life. It is a science fiction-based book where living underground is a necessity. Living underground during a disaster becomes tomb-like. The fight for survival is as old of a plot as there is, but with this new spin, it makes for ingenious reading.
I can see modern problems encased in this novel. The usual politics surrounding what is and isn't safe, questioning the validity of the methods used for survival because of the danger involved, and questioning the people who have kept everyone alive. It reminds me of politics today. The characters in the story are believable. You form emotional attachments to the characters quickly. You can relate to them as they weigh up the moral issues of the day.
You will experience a range of emotions in this book: joy with bouts of laughter, anger with bouts of shouting, and fear of what might happen to the characters you fell in love with. There is a sense of relief when these characters put aside their fear for the common good.
The love of science fiction and post-apocalyptic worlds with real-life issues ensures you will love this book. Who knows, maybe this was a vision Sharon Rose had. Perhaps this is a possible future scenario for us. I encourage everyone to read this.
I have wondered about underground communities that form in the largest cities in the world, whether by choice or because they lost everything. Rose puts a new spin on this kind of life. It is a science fiction-based book where living underground is a necessity. Living underground during a disaster becomes tomb-like. The fight for survival is as old of a plot as there is, but with this new spin, it makes for ingenious reading.
I can see modern problems encased in this novel. The usual politics surrounding what is and isn't safe, questioning the validity of the methods used for survival because of the danger involved, and questioning the people who have kept everyone alive. It reminds me of politics today. The characters in the story are believable. You form emotional attachments to the characters quickly. You can relate to them as they weigh up the moral issues of the day.
You will experience a range of emotions in this book: joy with bouts of laughter, anger with bouts of shouting, and fear of what might happen to the characters you fell in love with. There is a sense of relief when these characters put aside their fear for the common good.
The love of science fiction and post-apocalyptic worlds with real-life issues ensures you will love this book. Who knows, maybe this was a vision Sharon Rose had. Perhaps this is a possible future scenario for us. I encourage everyone to read this.
December 1, 2024
Captivating and pulls you in.
I have to start by saying the book is a little confusing at first until I learned the Authors writing style. I kept thinking I missed something by the way the main character was thinking out loud and working through his thoughts, but alas it all came together.
I enjoyed the storyline and appreciate that the author made real connections with the characters and not superficial.
The build ups were just enough for me. Not too lengthy but not so short it left you wanting connection to details.
Because I dont do spoilers, no names or specifics are mentioned in my review but I will say that the ending left me needing more and satisfied at the time.
This was a good reads giveaway win (Thank you so very much Sharon Rose) and not my normal type of book so I went in with an open mind and to my surprise it kept me coming back for more and when I finished I purchased the second book in the series.
This book is a thumbs up for me 👍
I have to start by saying the book is a little confusing at first until I learned the Authors writing style. I kept thinking I missed something by the way the main character was thinking out loud and working through his thoughts, but alas it all came together.
I enjoyed the storyline and appreciate that the author made real connections with the characters and not superficial.
The build ups were just enough for me. Not too lengthy but not so short it left you wanting connection to details.
Because I dont do spoilers, no names or specifics are mentioned in my review but I will say that the ending left me needing more and satisfied at the time.
This was a good reads giveaway win (Thank you so very much Sharon Rose) and not my normal type of book so I went in with an open mind and to my surprise it kept me coming back for more and when I finished I purchased the second book in the series.
This book is a thumbs up for me 👍
January 10, 2026
Will Keep Reading the Series
I found the the three acts of substance an interesting idea. The characters are well-developed, so I liked several of the characters, disliked others, and wasn’t sure how to feel about others - just as the author intended. I think the world is interesting and would like to learn more about it. With multiple underground cities, I was surprised they only had one access tunnel to above ground.
The main character needs to do what is forbidden to save the underground people of Dirklan after an earthquake blocks the tunnel to above ground where they get supplies. Most of the activity takes place in Devron’s home city. He makes friends who help him, while others don’t want any activities because of fear. Some people in positions of power try to increase their control. Devron has to persist against all that.
I would give this 3 1/2+ stars. It didn’t make it to 4 stars for me, but I rounded up, since I definitely want to keep reading the series.
I found the the three acts of substance an interesting idea. The characters are well-developed, so I liked several of the characters, disliked others, and wasn’t sure how to feel about others - just as the author intended. I think the world is interesting and would like to learn more about it. With multiple underground cities, I was surprised they only had one access tunnel to above ground.
The main character needs to do what is forbidden to save the underground people of Dirklan after an earthquake blocks the tunnel to above ground where they get supplies. Most of the activity takes place in Devron’s home city. He makes friends who help him, while others don’t want any activities because of fear. Some people in positions of power try to increase their control. Devron has to persist against all that.
I would give this 3 1/2+ stars. It didn’t make it to 4 stars for me, but I rounded up, since I definitely want to keep reading the series.
September 29, 2024
Another stunning success by Sharon Rose. This story is so imaginative that I had no idea where it was going from chapter to chapter, but delighted in finding out!
The main character resonated with me on many levels. I enjoyed his passion, his focus, his gentleness and his wisdom. Although the story is speculative in genre, the themes are particularly relevant today: elder family members being disrespected, the irrationality of ignorant groups, the cruelty of fearful people, and the triumph of good over evil. There is also a romantic thread woven into the novel.
I can never recommend Sharon Rose enough. I have read all of her books and eagerly await every new one. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for using this sweet lady to touch and move the world one reader at a time.
The main character resonated with me on many levels. I enjoyed his passion, his focus, his gentleness and his wisdom. Although the story is speculative in genre, the themes are particularly relevant today: elder family members being disrespected, the irrationality of ignorant groups, the cruelty of fearful people, and the triumph of good over evil. There is also a romantic thread woven into the novel.
I can never recommend Sharon Rose enough. I have read all of her books and eagerly await every new one. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for using this sweet lady to touch and move the world one reader at a time.
October 11, 2023
I am awed by the author's ability to create and develop believable characters dealing with apparent real-life conflicts in a realistic fantasy world. Devron and Fairlynn are sympathetic practical idealists whom I want to root for; Kevenor and Crilla suit each other because of their flaws; Sairtoka and Borchel are unfortunately people I recognize in the world around me. All of this, together with a calamity that any miner or miner's family would fear to recognize, makes for an epic fantasy that is less epically action-packed and more simply epically heroic at heart.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
Oh, wow, what a great read!! Devron is among the very few formers who still retain their gift. Fairlynn is one of the streamers, and one of a few that Devron trusts. When their world is changed overnight, can these two find others to trust who will help them do what they need to do to make things right again? People who won't let fear cripple them and who will use their gifts for the good of all?? I LOVED Devron!! He was ready to put his life on the line to get the help that his people needed, and to try to provide food for them, even when they were after his life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
February 19, 2024
I really enjoyed reading To Form a Passage. I could envision myself in the fantasy world created by this author and I enjoyed getting to know Devonshire and Averlee.
There are many messages in this book making the reader consider, "What would I do if I was in the same situation? Would I take the honorable road?" I also liked that this world had a supreme being.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy
and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I hope a sequel is published soon.
There are many messages in this book making the reader consider, "What would I do if I was in the same situation? Would I take the honorable road?" I also liked that this world had a supreme being.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy
and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. I hope a sequel is published soon.
Read
August 16, 2024As the author, I can only comment on writing this book, not reading it. It was great fun imagining life in caverns and wielding power over matter. I'll admit, though, that I struggled through some chapters of the first draft, because the underlying issues were part of my life. Not that I live in the caverns of Dirklan, but fear is an ever-present reality in our society. I rarely know the theme of a book until I'm near to finishing it. For this novel, the theme became having the courage to do the wise thing when everyone else was doing the fearful thing.
I also did something new with this novel. Just this week, I released it as an audiobook. Check it out. I hope you enjoy it!
I also did something new with this novel. Just this week, I released it as an audiobook. Check it out. I hope you enjoy it!
September 28, 2024
This is an inspirational fantasy with strong character development and an intricately woven world. Unlikely heroes emerge after grappling with questions and actions that we all do, especially in crisis, and shape their future one decision at a time.
It took a chapter or two to set up the world, but after that the plot moved rapidly and it was hard to put the book down. There are some foundational truths in this book that I hope I don't forget. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
It took a chapter or two to set up the world, but after that the plot moved rapidly and it was hard to put the book down. There are some foundational truths in this book that I hope I don't forget. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
October 10, 2023
What a story! There were a couple of places that I adored what Ms. Rose had to say. Very powerful. Very timely, too. In many ways it read (to me) like it was an artistic interpretation of what we experienced with recently past world events. Very powerful story.
Thank you for writing it and thank you for letting me read an ARC of it! I am deeply grateful, as well as deeply moved. Parts of the story brought me to tears, while other parts had me snort-laughing out loud. Everyone seemed so real to me, like I could truly have some of them as friends. Or at least I'd certainly want to have some of them as friends. Others, they can preferably stay below ground. :)
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Thank you for writing it and thank you for letting me read an ARC of it! I am deeply grateful, as well as deeply moved. Parts of the story brought me to tears, while other parts had me snort-laughing out loud. Everyone seemed so real to me, like I could truly have some of them as friends. Or at least I'd certainly want to have some of them as friends. Others, they can preferably stay below ground. :)
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
October 30, 2023
An underground community is thrown into chaos when many people see a range of visions. Many of these visions predict disaster, but some are different. An expert former, Devron understands what his vision is telling him to make, but he can see no purpose in it. Worse, when he finally realises where it might find a place in Jourendia, he knows there's no way he would ever be permitted to make it - it's far too dangerous. But as the danger deepens and further chaos erupts, he will be forced to make a choice: break the law to obey his vision and face the consequences, or do nothing and watch his world collapse.
This held my interest from the start, and only got more addictive as I continued. The reader is drawn into a fascinating world where some individuals are given various gifts that, to be retained, must be used for good. At first, things seem to be going smoothly, but when disaster strikes, these differences divide communities terribly - and only by doing what is needed rather than what is wanted can the few save the many. It's an intriguing premise, a very well written story, fascinating characters, and a satisfying and hope-filled ending. I'm eager for the next book in the series!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This held my interest from the start, and only got more addictive as I continued. The reader is drawn into a fascinating world where some individuals are given various gifts that, to be retained, must be used for good. At first, things seem to be going smoothly, but when disaster strikes, these differences divide communities terribly - and only by doing what is needed rather than what is wanted can the few save the many. It's an intriguing premise, a very well written story, fascinating characters, and a satisfying and hope-filled ending. I'm eager for the next book in the series!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
November 18, 2024
Such Imagination and then to Weave into an Exciting Story
An entire people, living their lives underground and creating cities and roadways, building houses and stores and all of the necessities by using paranormal skills granted to them by a loving deity. Plenty on which to make a great story but what would an earthquake do to such a people? You'll have to read to find out and I don't think you will be disappointed!
An entire people, living their lives underground and creating cities and roadways, building houses and stores and all of the necessities by using paranormal skills granted to them by a loving deity. Plenty on which to make a great story but what would an earthquake do to such a people? You'll have to read to find out and I don't think you will be disappointed!
October 16, 2024
It took me a little while to understand what the forming gift was and how it was used, but the story was compelling and the characters were very interesting as they survived living underground after loosing access to trade from above. This is the first book in the series and is a great read from an author with unique stories to tell. Grab a copy, you won’t be disappointed.
January 26, 2024
Powerfully Written
I rarely highlight fiction books, but I have several favorite quotes from this book.
The unique world, gifts, and action kept me turning the pages. I can't wait to continue reading Devron's story in the next book.
I rarely highlight fiction books, but I have several favorite quotes from this book.
The unique world, gifts, and action kept me turning the pages. I can't wait to continue reading Devron's story in the next book.
February 7, 2024
The dystopian elements of this novel interested me. Also, the different magical gifts were handled in an atypical way.
Also, reading about older characters who made mature decisions was a nice change of pace.
Also, reading about older characters who made mature decisions was a nice change of pace.
May 5, 2024
A good word building and in depth characters I enjoyed the story showing what could happen if we let happen
February 20, 2024
Great story. It builds slowly, but that makes it all the greater later! By the middle, the reader is completely hooked.
It's also so nice to have such a humble main character.
For sure, I want this on my bookshelf when it releases!
It's also so nice to have such a humble main character.
For sure, I want this on my bookshelf when it releases!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews