Three tribes are at war on the planet Gan, unaware that the sign of Christ's birth on an unknown world - Earth - is about to appear in the heavens....
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Apr 13, 2010
Taffy
rated it: 
The Thorn is full of rich descriptions. The author has a great handle on helping the reader "see" the countryside, towns and the characters.
I must admit, I was a little confused at the beginning of this book about the religion. But as I got more into the book, I understood what Daron was doing.
The story takes place on a planet called Gan where three tribes were warring against the other, each wanting to rule, and many believe owning The Thorn is the key. But not everyone wa More...
I must admit, I was a little confused at the beginning of this book about the religion. But as I got more into the book, I understood what Daron was doing.
The story takes place on a planet called Gan where three tribes were warring against the other, each wanting to rule, and many believe owning The Thorn is the key. But not everyone wa More...
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Feb 12, 2012
Mary
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Another World of Prophecies and Miracles
This book is a sort of allegory. It seems to follow Hebrew Old Testament culture much more closely than the usual New Testament focus, as in C.S. Lewis and Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. It takes place on a distant planet, one with multiple suns and moons, but everything else is Earth-like. The detail of it being a different world seems to matter only because there is a prophecy about a King and Savior, clearly a Christ figure, who will be born on a far More...
This book is a sort of allegory. It seems to follow Hebrew Old Testament culture much more closely than the usual New Testament focus, as in C.S. Lewis and Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. It takes place on a distant planet, one with multiple suns and moons, but everything else is Earth-like. The detail of it being a different world seems to matter only because there is a prophecy about a King and Savior, clearly a Christ figure, who will be born on a far More...
Jun 04, 2010
Duane Scott
rated it: 
Free your imagination.
Walk with me for just a bit. The way may be a bit foggy at first, but before you know it, your eyes will adjust to the possibilities that lie beyond the clouded horizon. What could have been. What might be.
Imagine being in heaven. I’m not sure if God lives in a house or not, but in my imagination, I see Him standing at the window of his bedroom, admiring the gold-paved streets. Their reflection shines cheerfully around heaven, and God smiles as He brings More...
Walk with me for just a bit. The way may be a bit foggy at first, but before you know it, your eyes will adjust to the possibilities that lie beyond the clouded horizon. What could have been. What might be.
Imagine being in heaven. I’m not sure if God lives in a house or not, but in my imagination, I see Him standing at the window of his bedroom, admiring the gold-paved streets. Their reflection shines cheerfully around heaven, and God smiles as He brings More...
Jun 04, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
Daron has talent as a writer when it comes to descriptions and emotions. They're enough that they help readers picture things, and yet did not go overboard and get boring. I felt drawn into the story through Jonathan and especially Pekah--their experiences, thoughts, and reunions with loved ones. There were many instances when I actually got chills at what was happening. I found myself yearning to understand what was going on in this world, and was happy with how things played out.
As More...
As More...
May 05, 2010
Laurie
rated it:
"THE THORN: Book One of the Chronicles of Gan"
by Daron Fraley
Daron Fraley’s “The Thorn, Book One of the Chronicles of Gan,” is a unique YA Speculative Fiction novel wrapped around a fascinating premise. Gan is a distant planet with three moons and two suns, whose people await heavenly signs that will announce the earthly birth of Christ, who they know only as “The One Who Would Suffer." The religious symbolism of Gan as one of the many “worlds without number” add More...
by Daron Fraley
Daron Fraley’s “The Thorn, Book One of the Chronicles of Gan,” is a unique YA Speculative Fiction novel wrapped around a fascinating premise. Gan is a distant planet with three moons and two suns, whose people await heavenly signs that will announce the earthly birth of Christ, who they know only as “The One Who Would Suffer." The religious symbolism of Gan as one of the many “worlds without number” add More...
Apr 02, 2010
David
rated it:
I was able to read The Thorn last year but have had to wait until now to review it. Oh the pains of being an author with friends in high far-off places. Daron’s high and far-off place is the world of Gan.
Now Gan and The Thorn are Speculative writing at its best-why-because you can’t pigeonhole it as anything else and what he has in the book is so compelling.
Faith and a belief in Jesus Christ are paramount to characters motivations but this isn’t a Biblical tale, none of t More...
Now Gan and The Thorn are Speculative writing at its best-why-because you can’t pigeonhole it as anything else and what he has in the book is so compelling.
Faith and a belief in Jesus Christ are paramount to characters motivations but this isn’t a Biblical tale, none of t More...
Feb 26, 2011
John
rated it:
I finally managed to find time to sit down and read this wonderful book, and I regret that I put it off for so lone. I was very happy that I spent the time to read. As a first book of a series, Mr. Fraley lays a wonderful foundation to and even greater novel.
The imagery used allowed you to see every scene. You follow the characters on their journey and feel their emotions through how the story is told.
I could go through and talk about the plot of the story as others have done More...
The imagery used allowed you to see every scene. You follow the characters on their journey and feel their emotions through how the story is told.
I could go through and talk about the plot of the story as others have done More...
Apr 06, 2010
Jen
rated it:
I was very excited to review The Thorn because Daron Fraley has formulated a winning plot for the LDS adventure-loving audience: Christ's "other sheep" on a distant planet await the signs of his birth, while in the midst of their own conflicts. Intriguing, no?
Fraley did a great job of incorporating adventure, fighting, ancient relics, with a bit of a love story in the mix--this, with his wonderful idea for a story this completes the recipe for a brilliant adventure novel. More...
Fraley did a great job of incorporating adventure, fighting, ancient relics, with a bit of a love story in the mix--this, with his wonderful idea for a story this completes the recipe for a brilliant adventure novel. More...
Sep 13, 2011
Josiah
rated it: 
While an interesting story I feel it bares mentioning, although listed as a "Christian" fantasy on Amazon.com, it is not of the Evangelical Christian Faith in nature. While biblical names are used and its ideals and beliefs bare resemblance to Christianity they are not Christian in origin, rather LDS (Mormon) in nature. Still an enjoyable read. Yet I would caution any Evangelical Christian to be aware of its LDS doctrine and principles.
As far as writing goes, the author's characte More...
As far as writing goes, the author's characte More...
Apr 28, 2010
Holly (2 Kids and Tired)
rated it:
I was not sure what to expect with this book when I received it and when I read through the glossary and cast of characters I was afraid there would be too many people to keep straight. I'm so glad to say that I was wrong about that. The premise is fascinating: that there are other people on other worlds who are also God's children and for whom Jesus Christ is their Savior. Much like those people of the scriptures, these people are also waiting for the Savior's birth.
The story More...
The story More...
Oct 02, 2010
Susan
rated it:
When three men, each from a different tribe, unite under difficult times, they determine to bring the tribes of their world together. To do so they face a large ferocious army that has been taught lies for generations. This army has superior weapons and armor. Betrayal, murder, and secret oaths are also the tools of their formidable enemy. Will faith and righteousness (and some skill with swords and arrows) bring the three “brothers” the peace they seek? And are the dreams visions of hope or of
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May 17, 2011
Lori
rated it:
Very good book!! I downloaded it onto my Nook for free, thanks to the suggestion from Tristi Pinkston. It's a long book, 600+ pages, but it was a really fast read for me. I had a hard time getting into it, I wish that I had known up front that it was based on a different planet. The talk of the multiple moons and suns, and the glowstones had me really confused. But then, the story really pulled me in. I got really involved with each of the characters (loved the 3 main characters - "Na
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Apr 05, 2010
Monty
rated it:
I really liked "The Thorn". Daron Fraley has a very good imagination and some very entertaining ideas. My son and I read this together. We both loved it. I found his idea of having the setting occur in another world to be an interesting and a thought provoking interpretation of scripture. Taking this course gave him a lot of freedom in creating this new world and I think he did a great job of it. His characters are very likeable and I am anxious to see the next adventure. I high
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Nov 22, 2010
Eric
rated it:
It is rare that I run across a book that makes me sit back and think, "Wow, I never really thought about that before, but it makes sense." The Thorn takes us through a wonderful journey of how Christianity might span beyond the confines of our small planet, and what that might mean for those elsewhere. It is not a deep technical evaluation like a traditional science fiction novel, but an easy read that readers of all backgrounds can enjoy. The freshness of the thought process and un
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Apr 08, 2010
Sabine
rated it:
As LDS fiction goes, this book had a good story line. It had characters with high morals, was not too graphic, and did have a nice spiritual element to it. I had a hard time with the actions of two of the main characters because they read like teenage boys and not grown men. The conflicts were good, but when the time came to resolve them they were done a little too quick and neat for my taste. The writing itself is clean and I never had any moments were I was confused about what was going on, bu
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Jan 19, 2011
Laurette
rated it:
I greatly enjoyed this book. It was awesome and thought-provoking to read about a people living on another planet who are awaiting the birth of Christ on our world. The rich and detailed descriptions of the settings and the likable and intriguing characters were wonderful. I loved how the author depicted the characters' religion, and the beliefs and rituals associated with it. The only thing I didn't like was how rushed some of the events and character development was...things seemed to happen a
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Dec 11, 2010
R. A. Danger
rated it:
First reads.
A story that has two goals: the main character wants peace between the three tribes and the tribe of Daniel is waiting to give the scepter and sword to the one that is said to come to Gan. In the story it’s self you will hear talk of peace, forgiveness, and working together to stop the war start by the emperor of the Gideonites. The book can be divided into three parts them (Jonathan, Eli, and Pekah) going to see the emperor base on a vision stopping General Rezon from contin More...
A story that has two goals: the main character wants peace between the three tribes and the tribe of Daniel is waiting to give the scepter and sword to the one that is said to come to Gan. In the story it’s self you will hear talk of peace, forgiveness, and working together to stop the war start by the emperor of the Gideonites. The book can be divided into three parts them (Jonathan, Eli, and Pekah) going to see the emperor base on a vision stopping General Rezon from contin More...
Dec 15, 2010
Marsha
rated it:
Some time ago I was asked if I would participate in the Blog Tour for Daron D. Fraley's recently released debut novel The Thorn: Book One of The Chronicles of Gan. I agreed, even though I don't read speculative fiction for pleasure. My tastes run more toward mysteries, Regencies, and historical fiction.
I began reading the pdf file the publisher, Valor Publishing Group, provided. This had its difficulties, because epic works of this type have a multitude of characters and often, an of More...
I began reading the pdf file the publisher, Valor Publishing Group, provided. This had its difficulties, because epic works of this type have a multitude of characters and often, an of More...
May 19, 2010
Christy
rated it: 
The Thorn, by author Daron D. Fraley, explores the possibility of life on other planets who share a Creator and Redeemer with Earth. To quote Daron, “What if people living on another planet, one of God's other creations, are waiting for Christ to come visit them?” This premise is a fresh idea in the world of fiction. Because I love fantasy, I have been interested to see how Daron would connect the two worlds--the similarities and differences that would be inherent in each.
What I like More...
What I like More...
Sep 17, 2010
Tristi
rated it:
"The Thorn" by first-time author Daron D. Fraley is a unique look into a theology that is frequently overlooked - as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've been taught that other worlds have been created that also house persons like ourselves, seeking to find our way back to our Heavenly Father. "The Thorn" takes place on one of these planets, a place known as Gan.
But while this theology was the jumping-off point for the premise, it's on More...
But while this theology was the jumping-off point for the premise, it's on More...
Jun 17, 2010
Melissa
rated it:
Daron Fraley (the author) is a great writer--the book flows very smoothly and I was able to get a glimpse into his world very clearly through his descriptive writing and good dialogue. I liked this book...it is interesting to think how even though there are other worlds that God has created, ALL of God's children experience the same feelings of love, hate, guilt, and are all searching for meaning in our lives.
Sep 07, 2010
Jewel
rated it:
This story is set on another world called Gan during the anticipated birth of the Savior. All the characters in this book are engaging, especially the main two, Jonathan and Pekah, and there really isn't a boring moment. Of course, with the warring tribes and thirst for power, how could there be? :-)The ending left me looking forward to the next book in the series. Very good read.
Sep 09, 2010
Once I started this book, I couldn't stop reading it! The Thorn is very descriptive, full of adventure and kept me interested. I was also spiritually touched by this book. I am excited to have my teenage boys read it as well. Thanks Daron for the great read!
May 02, 2010
Michelle
rated it:
A very moving and honorable story. Believable characters and fantastic peek into book two. This seems like a 'boy book' and I don't usually get into that type. However, I wanted to try something new and I appreciate an author who branches out into areas beyond my little world.
Jul 20, 2010
Jim
rated it:
Good fast paced story with interesting characters and descriptions. There is no occult powers or wizardry in this world, which is nice. The author does a great job of describing the scenes so you can see what is going on.
May 04, 2010
This was my first foray into speculative fiction. I had a blast. The Thorn is a great read!
Aug 25, 2010
Heather
rated it:
An ancient war between three brothers . . . a legendary scepter that must be protected . . . the looming prophecy of the Holy One . . . In The Chronicles of Gan, Daron Fraley creates a world of three moons that is hauntingly memorable and captivating. With the potential to become a classic, The Thorn will catch you in an intricate web of war, religion, family loyalty, and love—all intertwining into one engaging tale.
Dec 29, 2010
Krista
rated it:
The Thorn is a beautiful fantasy story of hope, faith, and miracles set in an earth-like world with two suns and three moons, and an ancient messianic prophesy. The characters drew me in and I wanted to know more. There were a few times when I wished the story to move along, but I appreciated Fraley's world-building and practiced my patience. These are characters and a land worth cheering for.
Nov 27, 2010
Karen
rated it:
Beautifully written, Daron Fraley is clearly a writer of talent and imagination. This story takes place on another world, with people like us, (well like us 2000 years ago), and it reads very much like a fantasy novel. I had some trouble keeping the characters straight, as I do whenever I attempt to read a fantasy novel, which I don't often do btw. But I liked this one.
May 02, 2010
Christie
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It takes place on another world and has a great adventure while also teaching religious principles.
