A Dim Hope

by Katie Clark

Amber is in trouble. Her sister is dying—and so is her homeland. The Lifeforce stones that power their world are waning, and no one knows why. When the rulers of the land prepare a scientific expedition to study the place where the veins of the Lifeforce run deep, Amber is forced to travel as a servant with the expedition. Though Amber has longed for adventure, her dream always included her sister. Now her only wish is to return home with a cure before it's too late.

Crops are wilting, food is scarce, and sandstorms, avalanches, and earthquakes threaten to doom the expedition. Besides this, there are more sinister forces at work. Quiet arguments and missing supplies lead Amber to believe their efforts are being sabotaged. She uncovers clues, but the real source of their trouble—and hope—lies in places she never expected.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

Katie Clark’s published works include multiple YA novels, children's book, and inspirational romances.

Reviews

[Regina Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading “A Dim Hope” I couldn’t put it down. This fantastical story is filled with fist-clenching tension, action, and heartfelt sparkles of romance with Oliver, the handsome young hero whose father is a nobleman. Amber, the heroine, is a beautifully developed character. She shines while she is on a quest to be sure the world's life-giving force is not obscured by darkness. The themes of good vs. evil, light vs. dark, and faith vs. despair ring true—even amid adventures such as natural disasters and other seemingly impossible challenges that come up in the quest for redemption. This book will enthrall you and keep you turning the pages to see if hope remains dim…or if it indeed prevails. Set in another world, “A Dim Hope” is incredibly relevant for today’s world. It will make for a very exciting holiday read, and will probably also inspire lots of interesting discussions, too.

[Teresa Smyser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dim Hope was an exciting read. The main character, Amber, unwillingly left home as a servant with an expedition crew to explore TerraQuadro. They needed to uncover why the "stones" that kept the provinces alive and thriving were dimming. From the journey's beginning, problems abounded. Earthquakes, sandworms, thieves, sabotage, and mysterious happenings kept me turning the pages. I needed to know who was behind the bizarre events. Katie Clark wrote a riveting novel with a satisfying ending. I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All thoughts are my own.

[Karen Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dim Hope by Katie Clark is a delightful read! The book follows the adventures of a teenage girl as she makes her way on a dangerous expedition through foreign lands to determine why the Lifeforce stones, the key to health and prosperity in their world, are dying. Fans of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will enjoy this book. While there are no lions, you’ll find plenty of horses and even ostriches! There are no overtly Christian references, but it is easy to see how the story applies to the Christian life. Great writing, engaging characters, and a page turning plot make it a fun read for all ages!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching tale in the form of a page turner! The words leap off of the page and play on a screen only visible with the mind’s eye. This book leaves one challenged to be more than is possible with human strength alone.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I found to be the most fascinating truth about this book is the importance and emphasis on prayer. Prayer is so vital for the Christian life; without it, our world would go dark with corruption and evil. I very much enjoyed the allegorical usage throughout the book as it serves as an example how we should seek our Lifegiver for guidance and His light.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark crafts an adventure story in a fantastical land. 4.5 stars to the latest by Katie Clark.

When the Lifeforce stones are waning in brilliance, Amber sets out on an expedition to restore the life-giving force to the world. The expedition is made up of interesting characters from the four quadrants of the world. As Amber and her newfound friends travel in search of the "Keepers" of the light, sabotage and calamities strike.

Amber is drawn to a nobleman's son from her home. Oliver is handsome, but will he notice Amber who serves as a servant? Their friendship grows during the story. The romance factor is mild and safe for teens and younger aged readers.

While this book is from a Christian publisher and themes of a light giver and encouragement could be made to the true light of the world, Jesus Christ, the correlation would need explaining. I would say this is an uplifting adventure and a sweeter read.

A delightful fantasy for young readers from YA author Clark.