The Pretenders is the second book in the Blazing Glory trilogy, following on from Trick or Treat? Aimed primarily at 8- to 11-year-olds, the tale continues to reveal spiritual truths to its readers, helping them to sharpen their powers of discernment between good and evil, the truth and falsehood. Once again, the characters in the story have to choose between following the Master, Jesus, or Vermont the vulture and his evil assistants, the Stalkers - this time the stakes are higher.

The Master is set to return to earth in the Last Hour, but no-one knows exactly when that time will be. The world's inhabitants have been instructed to prepare for this momentous event. They are to watch, pray and be ready, echoing Jesus's Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

In a race against time, the winged heroes Oscar and Penny accompany Devine the dove as he takes messages of encouragement and warning to seven churches around the world. Flying high to avoid Vermont's menacing mist that covers the earth, they are never far away from darkness, and dangers and problems await them at every turn. Some receivers of their messages rise to the challenges and listen carefully to the wisdom and instructions they are given, changing their hearts and minds in the light of God's Word - these are the Preps. Be-attitude stripes are awarded to those whose attitudes and behaviour reflect Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, acceptable in Blazing Glory. For others, however, the task is just too demanding and distractions abound - they look like true followers of Jesus but scratch the surface and they are revealed to be Pretenders.

Interwoven with the main storyline are glimpses back on some of the events and people of the early church, showing the model and standard that God envisaged for his followers in every age.

In The Pretenders, Karen Davies has created another beautifully and skilfully crafted tale that will capture the imaginations of young people. At the same time they will learn how to focus their hearts and minds on God's will and plans for his people as they live in the light of Jesus's return.

Be blessed,

Anna Leggett
Editor
www.clarityeditorial.co.uk