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UPON THIS ROCK
Jonah Clancy, an aspiring mixed martial artist, encounters a career setback when his mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Always the devoted son, he rushes back to his hometown of Pouch Cove. Newfoundland, to be by her side.
However, when Jonah's mother discloses a profound fear of death, stemming from an uncertainty of God's existence, he becomes determined to alleviate her fear. Though seemingly impossible, the young fighter vows to provide his mother with proof of God and embarks on a quest for faith and truth.
Guided by unexpected companions, Jonah ventures into the realms of spirituality, philosophy, and the human spirit. He confronts both external and internal challenges to fulfill his mission. Amidst this pursuit of something transcendent, Jonah's journey is marked by love, sacrifice, and profound revelation.
Will Jonah find the proof he promised his mother, or will certain battles remain unchallenged?
Upon This Rock' is an enthralling narrative that delves into the profound significance of belief and the strength it provides.
However, when Jonah's mother discloses a profound fear of death, stemming from an uncertainty of God's existence, he becomes determined to alleviate her fear. Though seemingly impossible, the young fighter vows to provide his mother with proof of God and embarks on a quest for faith and truth.
Guided by unexpected companions, Jonah ventures into the realms of spirituality, philosophy, and the human spirit. He confronts both external and internal challenges to fulfill his mission. Amidst this pursuit of something transcendent, Jonah's journey is marked by love, sacrifice, and profound revelation.
Will Jonah find the proof he promised his mother, or will certain battles remain unchallenged?
Upon This Rock' is an enthralling narrative that delves into the profound significance of belief and the strength it provides.
281 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Thaine Chase
14 books16 followersThaine Chase, the pen name of Newfoundlander Glenn Doyle, has captivated audiences across various media for nearly four decades. Born in Newfoundland, he studied journalism and screenwriting in Toronto, where he achieved success in both film and theatre before eventually becoming a novelist.
To date, Thaine has published a diverse range of titles across various genres, earning critical acclaim and a few awards.
To date, Thaine has published a diverse range of titles across various genres, earning critical acclaim and a few awards.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 1, 2026
Thaine Chase is hands down my favorite literary fiction author. Every book I've read of his has left me feeling emotionally full by the time I turn that last page. With UPON THIS ROCK, I finished the story with my spiritual cup running over!
God reached out to me through Jonah's journey, in ways that are relevant to EXACTLY where I'm at spiritually. As I went through the book, I marked all the places where the perspective Jonah was learning about God taught me something. There were quite a few, and I'm not a new Christian either!
I loved walking alongside Jonah as he encountered a series of unique characters who shared their testimonies and answered the tough questions of the faith. How does one prove the existence of God? How should you pray? How do you get into Heaven?
The story was impossible to put down, and every time I had to, I couldn't wait to get back to it. Not only was I eager to find out if Jonah would be able to have one last faith-filled conversation with his mother before she passed, but I was learning so much myself that I couldn't get enough!
Getting to know Jonah's backstory in the beginning of the book was heartfelt and humorous. The substance of the middle of the story is really where I sank in spiritually. And the thrill of getting Jonah to his mother at the end had me clinging to every sentence. The predictability of the ending was completely overshadowed by how rewarding the journey was to get there.
I loved this book. I learned so much from the story, and I would absolutely recommend this book to both believers and non-believers.
God reached out to me through Jonah's journey, in ways that are relevant to EXACTLY where I'm at spiritually. As I went through the book, I marked all the places where the perspective Jonah was learning about God taught me something. There were quite a few, and I'm not a new Christian either!
I loved walking alongside Jonah as he encountered a series of unique characters who shared their testimonies and answered the tough questions of the faith. How does one prove the existence of God? How should you pray? How do you get into Heaven?
The story was impossible to put down, and every time I had to, I couldn't wait to get back to it. Not only was I eager to find out if Jonah would be able to have one last faith-filled conversation with his mother before she passed, but I was learning so much myself that I couldn't get enough!
Getting to know Jonah's backstory in the beginning of the book was heartfelt and humorous. The substance of the middle of the story is really where I sank in spiritually. And the thrill of getting Jonah to his mother at the end had me clinging to every sentence. The predictability of the ending was completely overshadowed by how rewarding the journey was to get there.
I loved this book. I learned so much from the story, and I would absolutely recommend this book to both believers and non-believers.
February 14, 2026
Where to begin? Well, I have to admit right from the get go how super surprised I was when I saw Thaine Chase, the writer who created the ultimate butt-kicker, Corbin Dwyer, releasing a book in this genre. I’m not usually a big believer in this whole faith thing, so I was a bit hesitant when I read the blurb. But since I’m a huge fan of Thaine’s work, I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, I was blown away! No, I’m not going to go around gushing and praising God or anything like that, but this book is a real eye-opener. It’s a much-needed novel for anyone who wants to examine their own morality, how short life is, and the importance of staying connected to family & friends.
The story is tight, well-written, and so full of depth that I know it’s going to take a few reads to fully appreciate all the hard work that went into it. And with the dedication telling me how Thaine’s mom passed away as he finished the book, the story takes on a whole new level of heartache.
In short, I was moved, inspired, challenged, and reinvented by this unexpected yarn. I hope everyone who reads this amazing little book experiences what I did, a real awakening of my appreciation for life and the incredible gift that it truly is.
The story is tight, well-written, and so full of depth that I know it’s going to take a few reads to fully appreciate all the hard work that went into it. And with the dedication telling me how Thaine’s mom passed away as he finished the book, the story takes on a whole new level of heartache.
In short, I was moved, inspired, challenged, and reinvented by this unexpected yarn. I hope everyone who reads this amazing little book experiences what I did, a real awakening of my appreciation for life and the incredible gift that it truly is.
October 9, 2026
Umm wow! This book was truly a once-in-a-lifetime read for me. I was completely surprised by the story when I picked it up. Even the back cover didn’t give me a clue about what I was in for. To truly honour this literary gem with a detailed review that deserves its five-star rating, it would need to be a book in itself. I wouldn’t be surprised if I revisit this book before Christmas.
I’m forever changed!
I’m forever changed!
February 15, 2026
I half expected Upon This Rock to be a martial arts-influenced book, much like Thaine Chase’s other title, The Letters From Lincoln Bee (which I loved btw), but instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a charming story about a mother and son.
Jonah Clancy, an angry young fighting man, resents his mother because of his childhood shortcomings and this resentment prevents him from reconciling with her as an adult, leading to a missed opportunity and some devastating news.
This was a fast read, and though I’m not always a fan of the first-person point of view in a book, it worked well in this story. Jonah’s journey to make amends with his mom and find his faith again is inspiring and raw because we’re inside his mind, and I’ll confess, setting the story in Newfoundland really hit a chord with me, which might make this review a bit biased.
All in all Upon This Rock proves how faith can enhance a life, but it doesn’t come across as preachy at all. Instead, it encourages us to step outside our comfort zone and think about the bigger picture; a good lesson for everyone nowadays.
Jonah Clancy, an angry young fighting man, resents his mother because of his childhood shortcomings and this resentment prevents him from reconciling with her as an adult, leading to a missed opportunity and some devastating news.
This was a fast read, and though I’m not always a fan of the first-person point of view in a book, it worked well in this story. Jonah’s journey to make amends with his mom and find his faith again is inspiring and raw because we’re inside his mind, and I’ll confess, setting the story in Newfoundland really hit a chord with me, which might make this review a bit biased.
All in all Upon This Rock proves how faith can enhance a life, but it doesn’t come across as preachy at all. Instead, it encourages us to step outside our comfort zone and think about the bigger picture; a good lesson for everyone nowadays.
June 8, 2026
Mind-boggling!
Upon This Rock has an energy that is hard to capture in words. It's a story about faith but it somehow avoids the pitfall of sounding preachy or judgy. I can't explain it, but it just eases you into a tale of raw love, fear, anger, confusion, and complete surrender like you'd ease yourself into a nice hot bubble bath. Then once your comfortable, you just soak, close your eyes, and contemplate your own life through the miraculous experiences of Jonah, the book's main character.
I think this book will be a different experience for each individual reader depending on where they are in their lives, but rest assured there with be something in the pages of Upon This Rock that will remind any reader of a greatness beyond the limits of rational thinking. As I said, MIND-BOGGLING!
Upon This Rock has an energy that is hard to capture in words. It's a story about faith but it somehow avoids the pitfall of sounding preachy or judgy. I can't explain it, but it just eases you into a tale of raw love, fear, anger, confusion, and complete surrender like you'd ease yourself into a nice hot bubble bath. Then once your comfortable, you just soak, close your eyes, and contemplate your own life through the miraculous experiences of Jonah, the book's main character.
I think this book will be a different experience for each individual reader depending on where they are in their lives, but rest assured there with be something in the pages of Upon This Rock that will remind any reader of a greatness beyond the limits of rational thinking. As I said, MIND-BOGGLING!
April 21, 2026
This book is just what I needed. I have recently experienced several deaths in my circle and I was having my own crisis of faith. This author gave me the explanations, clarity, and tools to move forward and I honestly didn't know what I would have done without it. This book should be read by anyone struggling with loss or illness or anyone that wants to help someone in those positions. The author weaves a wonderful tale of redemption and restoration of faith. A perfectly crafted tale of self doubt, self pity, and self loathing transformed into an epiphany of faith. I can't say enough good things about this book and it's author. Do yourself a favor, read this book and then tell a friend about it's healing message. Every grief counselor should have this as a standard read for their clients.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews