About the Book

Book: Thalia in Exile Author: Allen Brokken with Thalia Schertzer Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy Release Date: June 26, 2026 Thalia never expected to be taken. But the Darkness has plans of its own. When the dreaded Steele Brothers and their Giant allies raid her home at midnight, Thalia and her friends are forced on a harrowing journey to the mysterious academy at Emohnomed. Like the young men of Judah chosen for the King of Babylon’s service, they are dragged towards a land of shadowed luxury to learn the language and literature of a culture that serves the Darkness. Thalia finds brief respite aboard a luxurious train. But when Headmistress Imogen adds a “gift from the bishop” to the students’ punch, Thalia’s keen senses catch the putrescent smell of a counterfeit light. Clinging to the Good Book she smuggled into her bag, she refuses the smoke-laced food that turns friends into unthinking foes. In a world of beautiful lies, Thalia must stand firm against false accusations and prove that the only true strength comes from the Light that cannot be tainted. Because this isn’t just about escaping her captors. It’s about saving the people who no longer know they need to be saved.

Author Q&A 3

• Describe Thalia in Exile in only five words.
  • Variant A: Daniel retelling on the Prairie.
• What are the major themes regarding “The Light” and “The Darkness”?
  • Variant A (Spiritual Discernment): Thalia must rely on her “keen senses” to recognize the counterfeit light and stand firm against a culture of Darkness.
  • We also explore how the Darkness offers “invigorating” things that feel good for a time but have long-term consequences for the soul. Like Daniel in his exile to Babylon, Thalia has to remember who she is and whose she is, even while they try to “retrain” her to follow the false light.
• What drew you to the setting of the American Frontier/Victorian era?
  • Variant A: I grew up surrounded by remnants of the frontier and wanted to bring that level of gritty realism and “Little House on the Prairie” feel to fantasy.
  • Variant B: Most fantasy looks like Middle Ages Europe; I wanted to explore the unique challenges and “organized chaos” of a world resembling the 1860s midwest united states. I grew up surrounded by remnants of the frontier and wanted to bring that level of gritty realism and “Little House on the Prairie” feel to fantasy. I call it Prairie Punk.
• Do you ever hide “Easter Eggs” or things in your stories for readers to find?
  • I love including “hidden treasures” like specific names or inside jokes that reward readers who are paying close attention.

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About the Authors

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off on their own adventures, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.   Thalia Shertzerr is a dedicated writer whose Christian faith is the central part of her life and the heart of her storytelling. Outside of writing, she has a strong interest in science and hopes to pursue a future career in clinical medicine. Thalia balances her time between her academic goals, her faith, and her love for reading and capturing moments through the lens of her camera.