Gift of the Tiding Bearer

Tiding Bearer Series #1

by Grace Soto, Jess Cantrell (Illustrator)

An imposter rules the throne. A prophecy remains unfulfilled. The light is nearly gone.

In the kingdom of Tenebra, allegiance to the true King has been all but obliterated by a jealous rival. Only a handful of faithful subjects remain to challenge his authority and spread the truth; these are known as the Tiding Bearers. But after years of brutal slaughter, the rebels are hardly more than a legend and nothing stands between the false ruler and his ultimate victory—until a new generation of heroes takes up the cause, from the unlikeliest of origins…

A crippled slave, a spoiled heiress, and a disgraced prodigy, drawn together by the message of a mysterious stranger, set out on a quest that promises them unmatched power, wealth, and wisdom. What they didn’t dream of was an enemy who would stop at nothing to stop them and a choice that would change their world forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christian

373 pages, Unknown Binding

First published July 21, 2021

About the author

Grace Soto is a Christian writer on a mission to fuse faith with fantasy and speak the truth above the lies. Growing up in a house filled with stories, her passion for relatable characters, satisfying arcs, immersive worlds, and heart-warming relationships spills into everything she writes.

Learn more about Grace and get her complete series, the Tiding Bearer Trilogy, at www.writesofgrace.com. (And when you visit, take advantage of the FREE preview of chapters 1-3 of Gift of the Tiding Bearer.) Follow her on Instagram and YouTube @writesofgrace to stay up to date on all the latest news from Tenebra!

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Fantasy/Allegory (those that enjoy this genre more will probably rate it higher than me!)


About this book:

“An imposter rules the throne. A prophecy remains unfulfilled. The light is nearly gone.
In the kingdom of Tenebra, allegiance to the true King has been all but obliterated by a jealous rival. Only a handful of faithful subjects remain to challenge his authority and spread the truth; these are known as the Tiding Bearers. But after years of brutal slaughter, the rebels are hardly more than a legend and nothing stands between the false ruler and his ultimate victory—until a new generation of heroes takes up the cause, from the unlikeliest of origins…
A crippled slave, a spoiled heiress, and a disgraced prodigy, drawn together by the message of a mysterious stranger, set out on a quest that promises them unmatched power, wealth, and wisdom. What they didn’t dream of was an enemy who would stop at nothing to stop them and a choice that would change their world forever.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Tiding Bearer” trilogy.


Spiritual Content- Jeremiah 9:23-24 at the beginning; Scriptures are also quoted, remembered, referenced, & thought over (including Isaiah 41:10 being said to be the Giver’s pledge); God is often called the Giver in this book & Christians are called Tiding Bearers; Talks about God/the Giver, gifts from Him, mercy, & the characters’ heart’s desires; Most ’H’s are capital when referring to God; All three main characters meet a mysterious woman who quotes Scriptures and tells them to follow the Path to the key of life, to not stray from the Path, trust the Giver, & about the gifts from the Giver; The physical gifts the characters receive from her change into something else (*Spoilers* They all receive a special stone: Mavis’ turns into a necklace, Doran’s is a sword with Isaiah 41:10 on it and makes him feel courageous when holding it (later realizing it’s the words and not the sword), and Errol’s turns into a key that is able to unlock anything he tries; Soon after, Mavis wonders if their items are giving them the desires of their hearts when an opportunity she wants appears; They get distracted by this and realize that they were warned this would happen; Mavis thinks that God must be disappointed in them for their actions; After making a mistake, Doran hopes he can show the Giver what he has learned through the experience *End of Spoilers*); When hearing about Tiding Bearers being attacked, Doran wonders why the Giver didn’t protect His faithful followers; Doran recites the Gift’s pledge and adds to help him make his enemy pay; *Major Spoilers of the Ending* At the very end, the trio go to the mountains and meet the Giver Himself who is described as “so tall that His mighty white head nearly touched the ceiling, and His shoulders hulked like distant mountains, snow capped by His bright robes. His voice was as powerful as the roaring ocean I’d heard off the cliffs on the coast, yet as gentle as the evening breezes rustling through the grass on the plains”; Doran is healed by Him and the other two also have special moments with the Giver and they feel peace and joy in His presence *End of Spoilers*; A few mentions of prayers & praying;
*Note: The villain (also called “the deceiver”) is able to do illusions (through incantations) & is a master of manipulation and deception (*Major Spoilers* Towards the end, the trio are taken to his castle and experience the illusions (such as guards disappearing into thin air and one is described as an “unholy concoction”, & the villain saying that he is in control and their God can’t save them); He also makes it where each one of the trio can see the other’s deaths and Doran sees the illusion of blood covering himself from all those he loved, but each of their gifts from the Giver shows the truth and they have to trust in that; The villain accuses that God wouldn’t want to ally Himself with someone like Doran); A fire happens and Doran leaves the deceiver in the flames *End of Spoilers*); The villain tries to manipulate Doran especially and says that the Giver is a charlatan (also adding that Doran has gotten this far due to his own skill and intelligence, not “the Imposter and his so-called gifts”); Others call Doran (who was born with one leg shorter than the other) “cursed” (when Mavis finds out about this, she repeats it in a tone of awe, but then comments that it makes sense because of their luck turning sour quickly); One group seems to place a high importance on “Bounteous Earth” for the answers to their questions and believe the stars to be an external source of wisdom (implying they worship them); Errol says he and his people worship Reason and Logic instead; Fiction fantasy phrases are said: Doran saying that “Fury” granted him something, something happing when “Mount Fury freezes over”, something being “Fury’s fortune” or a miracle, “Shadows knowing” someone needs help, Doran asks for “Fury” to give him strength, ‘stones bury us all’, and ‘Fortune help me’; In a moment of anger, Doran asks “Fury” why he isn’t dead and prays for Fury’s inferno on someone; Doran also swears “on Fury” that he is telling the truth; Errol calls Mavis a “golden-haired goddess”; The group visits a town that has a “goddess of pleasure” with a temple overflowing with offerings to her; The trio takes part in cheers to the city of pleasures (called Myway), Mavis saying that she’s never felt so “happy and free as Myway has made” her; Mentions of gods & serving them; Mentions of the “goddess of pleasure”; Mentions of luck; A few mentions of superstitions & superstitious people; A few mentions of curses & wishing curses on others; A mention of a place having an “almost holy glow” to it; A mention of lucky charms; A mention of counting lucky stars (which is implied that one group of people do seriously); A mention of Errol calling himself “wickedly handsome”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘biddies’, a ‘putz’, two forms of ‘blast/blast it all’, eight forms of ‘shut up’, nine ‘blasted’, eleven ‘bloody’, and sixteen forms of ‘stupid’; Fantasy-world curses: a ‘my stars’, two ‘stars above’, two ‘cursed heavens’, a ‘blasted Reason’, a ‘by Reason’, four ‘what in Reason’, two ‘Fury’s inferno’s, two ‘hurts like Fury’s, five forms of ‘where/what/how in Fury’, eight ‘Fury’s, eleven forms of ‘what/why in Fortune’, and fifteen forms of ‘bloody/smoldering Fury’; Other fiction phrases like ‘fury’s wrath on you’, ‘Mount Fury consume us all’, and ‘for Fury’s sake’ are all said up to twice each; Insults like “may his corpse feed a thousand vultures”, “may his bones bleach white in the desert”, “may a thousand worms make a feast of him”, “maggot-infused corpse of a man”, and “maggot” are all said; Mentions of curses (said, not written; including by Doran and Errol; When Errol curses at Doran, Doran responds to teach him to swear in Errol’s region and he’ll have strong words for him as well); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Some lying (due to keeping secrets from villains); Lots of fighting/fights, being attacked and beaten, punching, being held at sword/knife-point and holding others at sword-point, being choked, being chased, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & passing out (semi-detailed); An earthquake, A fire, Being trapped in a cave-in, & Seeing dead bodies around (including of a child, up to semi-detailed); Seeing fighting/fights, people being beaten and stabbed, & other people nearly killed and killed (semi-detailed); Thinking they saw a murder & Grief (x4, up to semi-detailed); Going to a tavern, accidentally getting drunk, & gambling (*Spoiler* Errol gets drunk and also drags Doran to a gambling den where he also gets drunk; They both regret their actions and have hangovers afterwards; Doran says it will never happen again and Errol later refers to himself as a reformed gambler; *End of Spoilers* semi-detailed); Doran has been a slave most of his life under a cruel master that killed Doran’s family (including his grandmother that was killed in front of him) and Doran wishes throughout the book to be able to take revenge on the man and kill him (*Spoiler* As the book continues, he wonders when the man’s hold on him will be broken and thinks it would have been better to die in the mines; Doran imagines himself standing over the man’s bloody body, but the stone from the Tiding Bearer feels heavy in his pocket when he does; Towards the end, Doran is cut on his face by the man and the man torments him with more pain to come; *Main Spoilers* Towards the end, the villain gives Doran the opportunity to execute the man, but Doran does not (though he does draw blood with the sword he is given) and the man is murdered off-page; The villain tells Doran that he will never feel peace unless he does it, but Doran tells the villain that he is aware that he is trying to manipulate him *End of Spoilers*; all up to semi-detailed); Doran has nightmares and memories of the murders of loved ones (PTSD-like, semi-detailed); Mavis slaps Doran in a moment of being upset, but shortly after apologizes for doing so; After being betrayed, Errol wishes to make someone pay for their actions against him; A few side characters are eager to beat someone up or kill them; Many, many mentions of deaths, murders, fighting/fights, weapons, threats, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (including phrases like “running someone through”, slitting throats, and gouging someone’s eyes out, semi-detailed); Many mentions of slaves & slavery (and how mistreated they are); Many mentions of gambling, betting, alcohol, drinking, drunks, getting drunk, & taverns; Mentions of executions; Mentions of old women and pregnant women being beaten and killed by villains; Mentions of threats of harm & death; Mentions of earthquakes, cave-ins, & people suffocating; Mentions of a group of “supposedly dangerous revolutionaries”; Mentions of kidnappings, kidnappers, & ransoms; Mentions of crimes & criminals; Mentions of bandits, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of gangs, thugs, & con-artists; Mentions of cheating; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of prison; A few mentions of vomiting; A mention of someone threatening to harm a horse;
*Note: Doran was born with one leg shorter than the other and is called a “cripple”, “defective”, and “cursed from birth” (which Doran notes his case is considered to be a “curse worse than stillbirth” in his region; Another offers to kill him, calling him a “disfiguring boil” on the area; Doran wonders if his parents ever thought about disowning him); Errol betrays his friend’s secret to get ahead; Errol can be arrogant with his knowledge & someone warns him about it; Mentions of PTSD-like symptoms by those who have been through trauma.


Sexual Content- Seeing a kiss in a play & Being jealousy; Men kiss Mavis’ hand (as a greeting and while flirting); A few touches, embraces, dancing, & blushes (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of “companionship inns” during a pleasure festival a town is having, the place having many women, & women offering men “delightful company”; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of some men might want a pretty girl as their slave; A couple mentions of a girl looking at a man like a love struck puppy; A mention of Errol wishing he was writing “rejections to dozens of love confessions from beautiful women”.

-Doran
-Mavis, age 16
-Errol
P.O.V. switches between them
375 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

I didn’t know when I added this book to my reading list for the year that it was an allegory and as some you normally struggles with those, I’m glad I didn’t because I wouldn’t have read it most likely. “Gift of the Tiding Bearer” was a strong allegory, but I was able to follow along well despite my usual challenges with the genre.

This book starts out a bit intense with the POV of one of our main characters that is a slave and frequently being mistreated and beaten. Somehow despite this though, those parts still had a hopefully note to them and while I felt horrible for Doran, it didn’t make those parts feel horribly sad. More like stoking a righteous anger against the villains he is facing in a way? His POV is the only one in first person, which gave it more of a personal story and I would say more lessons as well. There was a bit more blood and fighting than I personally prefer to read about, but I’ll admit to having a low threshold for that kind of thing. It definitely didn’t feel gory, though, or like the author was determined to show all the bad things to heighten the light that would come (like I’ve seen other authors do), which I appreciated.

While our female main character, Mavis, is a bit of a spoiled brat at times, you can truly tell it’s because of how she was raised and the lack of attention from her parents. I overall liked her and seeing her growth. Realger was my favorite character, though.

Errol had his moments of being an arrogant and annoying jerk when we first meet him. I really didn’t like him for a while, but he eventually got better and bothered me less.

The allegory elements of this book reminded me very slightly of the children’s edition of “Hinds Feet on High Places” that I read when I was young, but I think most would compare it to “The Chronicles of Narnia” or similar books. Personally, I still haven’t read Narnia, so I can’t compare it to that, but from what I know of those books, I think it’s got similar elements and fans of either book would probably enjoy this one as well.

As far as the world building, it was a very unique setting. I would have preferred to have more details up front about all the cultures and all those elements, however, as it was really a learn-as-you-go type of style (which I don’t usually like for fantasy books). These elements were very fleshed out, but because there was so many of them and all the different places and cultures were shared here and there throughout the book, I had a hard time keeping track of it all. By halfway through I hit my stride in it and became more invested in these characters and their mission. I definitely had moments of wanting smack some sense into the characters for some of their poor decisions, but it was all for the sake of lessons and learning for them.

I wasn’t sure about continuing the series, personally, but I saw that it seems like it’s about Mavis more, so I think I probably will see about reading it as well.



Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Grace Soto]

AUTHOR NOTE: When I set out to write an allegorical fantasy after the fashion of Pilgrim's Progress and Narnia, I had no idea it would lead here, to a complete published trilogy. but I've always written with one simple goal:

✨To speak truth above the lies.✨

To tell the ones who feel worthless that they are infinitely loved.

To remind the restless and anxious ones that God designed them with a purpose and a future.

And to assure every wanderer who fears they've gone too far that God is able to save to the uttermost, and they are never beyond redemption.

These aren't just arbitrary messages chosen at random. They're lies I've personally faced, and truths I've come to accept through God's grace and even through writing this series. Because this story is for the teens like me, who grew up knowing Bible truth, but somewhere along the way lost sight of how to apply it to their deepest fears and most personal struggles.

A little ironic, isn't it? I wrote a fantasy to speak more plainly about reality. But that's what makes an allegory so powerful, and I'm confident that if anything I've said has struck a chord with you, the Tiding Bearer Trilogy will too. My prayer is that you will see yourself in Doran, Mavis, and Errol and that you will find joy, purpose, and rest in the Giver's embrace.

***
Trigger Warnings:
- death of a child
- PTSD & panic attacks
- physical and emotional abuse

Content Guide:
- language: fantasy swearing
- romance: crushes and butterflies
- violence: sword and fist battles with minimal graphic description

[Katelyn Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?
This novel had my attention from the very first page, and kept my attention all the way through.

I laughed, I cried, I squealed, I (kind of) screamed, I got angry at antagonists.
And I enjoyed every single second I spent reading this book.
I honestly didn't want to put it down, and now I have realized that I'm going to need the next two. (I'm gonna tell friends and family that if they want to get me a gift, the rest of this trilogy is it.)

My favorite character overall is Errol. I originally thought it was Doran, but Errol soon stole my heart and ran away with it.

But I loved all of the characters (with a few exceptions...antagonists), and Mavis took some warming up to, but every character played such an important role and all helped this be a beautiful story.

The truth of the Bible is found in every page, and felt when you're reading. In my opinion, this novel defines what Christian fantasy should look like, and exactly what I look for in Christian fantasy.

Can't wait to read the rest, can't wait to see where else Grace Soto goes, and can't wait to see how much her novels touch lives.

5 ⭐️ and I'd give it 500 ⭐️ if I could.

[TheRoer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!!! 🥰 I would highly recommend it and I hope someday to read the sequels!!

[Tayler Marie Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!! I absolutely loved the deeper meaning entertwined throughout! This is Christian fantasy at its finest! I loved the adventure and lessons!! I don't think I could pick a favorite out of Doran, Mavis, and Errol. They're all so dynamic, captivating, and unique. I cannot wait to continue this series!

[S.H. Dontell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely lovely book! Honestly, it kind of felt like Pilgrim's Progress crossed with The Seven Sleepers. I loved seeing the character development of where everyone started versus where they ended. The journey was amazing, and the world building was real cool. I loved the main three characters, of course, and Realgar and Dara were GEMS. And I LOVED the Isaiah 41: 10 reference, it was AWESOME!! Such a cool book, can't wait to read the others! (and Inheritance of Ink, too)

[Katelyn O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this gave me Chronicles of Narnia and classic older barbie movie vibes 👌🏼

The Storyline was so authentic, the characters were so relatable, PLUS Doran and Errol's witty bantor and Mavis's superior chime ins 👌🏼

This series has my heart right now 🧡

[Amy Rietveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD!

This was such a fun, warm, thoughtful, and genuinely entertaining story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

I absolutely loved the main trio. Doran, Mavis, and Errol. They were such a perfect found family. They were most certainly not perfect, but they grew so much and became so close over the course of the story.

One thing that this books does incredibly well is show the internal struggles of each of the characters. It provides teenagers a positive message of seeking God rather than riches, revenge, or wisdom.

On top of it all, it is just a fun story with an epic quest, sword fights, and danger.

I would recommend this book to any teenager. I think that they would be blessed by it.

[Becky Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It felt like a blending of Narnia (no talking animals) and Pilgrim’s Progress. I really enjoyed it! It was very well written. It was well foreshadowed and plotted, making you asking questions and keep turning pages to find the answers. The world building was fun and the descriptions really placed you in the story. I loved the illustrations. I loved the Christian themes and the theology was solid. I found it humorous. The climax was epic! I got chills! It had romantic elements but was sweet and I think this book could be read by any age. I really enjoy stories rich with allegory and symbolism and this one was. I highly recommend this and can’t wait to read the rest of them.

[Kathryn Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping adventure with strong spiritual themes. Book one of the Tiding Bearer Trilogy introduces us to three characters in great need of growth. The challenges they overcome and the lessons they learn all ring with instruction the reader may benefit from as well, as scripture influences the story and is woven into it. A great read for Christian teens and adults alike!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series ;)

[Emma Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I’ve ever read. This was one of those books filled with so much excitement and wonder. It made me laugh. It made me cry. If I could pick a book to read again for the first time it would be this.

Content warning: I struggle with children dying in books and Obie was a young child who was the mc’s only friend. A mine collapsed killing him in the beginning of the book. But It was handled well and brought so much to the story. it hurt me so much, But obviously that didn’t deter me. The book is so worth reading. 10/10 recommend

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a slow start for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The character development was rewarding. The book’s influenced by "Pilgrim's Progress" is clear. I appreciate that each location they visit ties into one the “gods” of our time - might/power, money, intellect, pleasure, fame/celebrity, etc. There were many encouraging points and scripture woven throughout.

Spoilers/TWs:
-there is a child death early in the book
-one of the main characters exhibits symptoms of PTSD (these are very appropriate for his experience and tastefully written)

[J. Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!! Doran, Mavis, and Errol were such GOOD characters. Each of them were flawed, but you could still see the good in then, how their arrogance or selfishness came from a place of pain, or a gift that had been twisted by years of grief. And their growth was an absolute DELIGHT to watch!!! Plus, their dynamic was SO good, I love them. I can't WAIT to get ahold of the next book in this series!!!

[Jess Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Christian fiction" as a genre has always been hit-or-miss for me; much of what I've read in the past have been cheesy at best. I've always longed for high-quality Biblical storytelling, and that's what I found in Gift of the Tiding Bearer.

From the first sentence, Soto immerses you in a carefully-crafted world inspired by giants of the fantasy genre, blending their elements into something fresh and lovely. Every character runs deep: compelling protagonists, vicious villains, and memorable side characters that bring both laughs and tears. Action packs out every page, suspense builds with every chapter, and the climax had me on the edge of my seat. Rarely do I read books and feel a wanderlust for a place I've never been -- but Tenebra and its tiding bearers beckon me to return to see just how everything plays out.

[Virginia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry tears of both joy and sorrow. I had fairly high expectations going in and was not disappointed! I loved exploring the world of Tenebra with these three fun characters. I've picked up some rough YA novels recently, and this blew all of them out of the water by a long shot. Great pacing, beautiful description, well-written characters, and a very interesting world! I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested! I can't wait to read the other two and continue to follow Doran, Mavis, and Errol's journey!

[Jordyn Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift of the Tiding bearer, is not only a great work, but also shows the different perspectives of each character and allows you to fall in love with them all. This book is a reflection of some of greatest Christian and Fantasy writers of our age.

It is definitely worth the read, and allows you a moment to enter another world, but it is not so different from ours that the theme of the story does not suffer.

[Benjamin Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great YA fantasy with strong Christian themes. Characters are believable and the story moves along nicely. Christian readers will recognise the biblical quotes littered throughout. Great option for the teens in your house.

[Authormoniquew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world and characters Grace built were so interesting. I read it rather quickly because the story begged not to be put down.
I will say that it is definitely YA, so it will be best enjoyed by someone younger (I'm turning 30 this month)
But if you're looking for adventure I highly recommend it!

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC!

I definitely think this is a book I will have to reread! I read it with a group, and those who were re-reading said it's even better the second time, and I see how that would be the case. Don't get me wrong! It was awesome this time, but I can see how it would be even better on the reread!

I loved how each of the characters were unique, with their own motivations and flaws, and getting to see how they grew over the course of the book was so satisfying! I loved how their gifts tied into who they were and what drew them to the Giver in the first place, while also showing that their heart was initially in the wrong place. The world building was really cool, too.

I also really loved the point of view the book is written in! Doran's chapters are written in first person, and the other characters' chapters are written in 3rd person, which gives it the feel of Doran telling the whole story, even the parts he wasn't there for. It all flowed really smoothly, and I really liked it!

[Melinda Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I seriously love this story! I was a little confused by some of the events (abrupt or felt unfinished, but this is Book 1 of 3), a character, and some terms(like Auteers vs Terravants). Overall, in my opinion, the meaning/lesson is great, the pacing is wonderful, the characters and banter is fun, artwork is beautiful, and I love the descriptions of the country. Written alternatively in 1st & 3rd person POVs.
I received this book in a giveaway by the author, and I'm so excited to purchase the next books!
Content Warnings: death/death mentioned, bullying, betrayal, made up 'swear words' while including 'blo*dy,' trauma, blood/violence, and manipulation.

[Heidi Lil' Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This review is actually for the sequel. I'm blessed to be friends with the author, who has let me be one of her betareaders!)

This book is truly amazing and I can't wait until it's totally finished and released so I can hold a physical copy! I highly suggest these books to everyone!!💕

[red_rose_purple_prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I loved this. (Full review to come when I’ve read the whole series)