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Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom

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The Lightgliders Origins saga continues with the story of a strong-willed teenager who wants to save her tribe from violence and restore peace, but instead finds herself in the land of Glideon.

Tanganyika, Africa, 1896

As long as she’s been alive, Tambika’s tribe, the Hehe, has lived in conflict. She longs to be a leader who stands up for her people, but her desire for vengeance endangers her destiny. When Tambika and her friends break into the German armory to take back their tribe’s silver, she attacks a young soldier and flees the scene.

As she escapes into the bush, Tambika sees a cosmic light that fills the sky and transports her to another realm, the land of Glideon. She discovers an old journal with clues that lead her to an abandoned training facility, where her purpose in Glideon is revealed. She has been chosen to resurrect Lightglider Academy and to equip teenagers from all over the world to rescue Gliddles and restore the land. She must first locate the Shield of Wisdom, a crucial component of the Armor of Light, which will empower the next generation of Lightgliders.

Through the Lightglider Origin series, readers will be awakened to the truth that whenever darkness comes, they were made to shine!

Second of seven books in the Lightglider Origins series for ages 8–14, telling the stories of teens from different time periods and locations around the world who are transported to the mystical land of Glideon to become Lightgliders.Fantasy adventure stories with relatable, authentic characters that affirm a biblical worldview and positive values.The Lightglider Origin series is based on the characters and story found in the Lightgliders virtual world of Christian faith, games, and community for kids.

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2025

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About the author

Derek Holser

9 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Jane.
1,313 reviews46 followers
November 25, 2025
I realize that sometimes authors have ideas for a prequel after part of a series has been published. I’m sure Holser and Fay had their reasons for releasing this book after the first book in the Lightglider series. I kind of wish I had read this book before starting the Lightglider series as, for me, it helped make the first story make better sense.
Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom tells the story of one of the characters we met in Bryce and the Lost Pearl - Tambika, the Principal of Lightglider Academy. A brief version of Bryce’s story is told in this title.
This story starts in the 1800’s in Tanzania at a time when the Germans were ruling over the tribes. Tambika, due to events in her family and community, chooses to rebel against the Germans. She ends up having to flee for her life. A bright flash, like a comet, transports Tambika to the fantasy wolrd of Glideon w.here she becomes the leader of the Lightglider Academy. She is trained using holographs of the missing founder of the school and by the Gliddles, the creatures who live there.
Tambika learns to be a more peaceful person and near the end of the story is transported back to her home for a time. The book ends with Tambika being called back to Glideon with a hint that her friends may join her.
Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom would be a great addition to the fantasy section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school.
I received a complimentary copy of Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom. This is my honest review. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Luminous Reads.
194 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2025
About the book:
The second installment in the Lightglider Origins series, Tambika’s story unfolds in 1896 Tanganyika, Africa. Amidst German colonial oppression, Tambika’s thirst for vengeance sparks a chain of events that will lead her to flee her home and suddenly find herself transported to Glideon, a world where she must learn to choose love over hate.


My thoughts:
The characters and storyline from this faith-filled adventure are found in the online world of Lightglider–a virtual world of “faith, games, and community for kids.” While I’m not familiar with the virtual background of this series, I loved this story and Tambika’s character!

Filled with powerful lessons about trusting God, showing mercy, the power of prayer, and following God’s call to make a positive difference in the world, this book is both entertaining and enriching for young readers with a brilliant blend of excitement and faith-based values.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,478 reviews86 followers
December 9, 2025
Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom isn’t something I’d normally read, but I can imagine I would’ve loved a series like this when I was young. It’s kind of difficult to categorize it because it’s a mixture of different genres—a little historical, a little fantasy, and a little time-travel with a Christian adventure foundation.

Tambika is an interesting and courageous character who was fun to get to know. I enjoyed discovering her transformation. I especially enjoyed the Christian messages and lessons she learns along the adventures.

First Line: I can never return home.
Series: Lightglider Origins, book 2
Genre: Children, Christian Action
Author: Derek Holser, Zach Fay
Page Count: 272
Reading Age: 9-13

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Erik Rostad.
422 reviews179 followers
August 7, 2025
A really fun book for middle-age kids (and enjoyable for adults as well). This is book 2 in the series. I loved the parallel universe and how there was an ease and familiarity between the two. I also really enjoyed how things learned in one place transferred to the other.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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