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Saint Cloud of Gaul, The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms
A horrific act of treachery. A hairbreadth escape. A decade of desperate hiding. And an encounter with Christ that changes it all!
When young Prince Cloud, grandson of the mighty King Clovis and heir to the Kingdom of Orleans, is suspiciously summoned to his uncle's castle, little does he know his world is about to implode. Hurled into a life of danger, where his royal identity must remain hidden at all costs, Cloud eventually stumbles upon the only Kingdom worth fighting for.
Nearly everyone has heard of St. Cloud, Minnesota, but few know the story of the inspiring saint whose name it bears. The time has come for Saint Cloud of Gaul to blaze forth from hiding!
When young Prince Cloud, grandson of the mighty King Clovis and heir to the Kingdom of Orleans, is suspiciously summoned to his uncle's castle, little does he know his world is about to implode. Hurled into a life of danger, where his royal identity must remain hidden at all costs, Cloud eventually stumbles upon the only Kingdom worth fighting for.
Nearly everyone has heard of St. Cloud, Minnesota, but few know the story of the inspiring saint whose name it bears. The time has come for Saint Cloud of Gaul to blaze forth from hiding!
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Published February 1, 2025
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About the author
Susan Peek
28 books157 followersSusan Peek is a widow, mother, grandmother, and Third Order Franciscan. Her passion is writing stories of little-known saints and heroes. She's a member of the Catholic Writers' Guild and one of the founding authors of CatholicTeenBooks.com.
All of her young adult novels have been implemented into Catholic school curricula not only across the nation, but in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. "Saint Magnus, The Last Viking" and "The King's Prey" were both Amazon #1 Sellers among Catholic books, and "Crusader King" was featured as one of the 50 Most Popular Catholic Homeschooling Books in 2013.
Susan lives in northeastern Kansas, where she is busy working on her new novel.
All of her young adult novels have been implemented into Catholic school curricula not only across the nation, but in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. "Saint Magnus, The Last Viking" and "The King's Prey" were both Amazon #1 Sellers among Catholic books, and "Crusader King" was featured as one of the 50 Most Popular Catholic Homeschooling Books in 2013.
Susan lives in northeastern Kansas, where she is busy working on her new novel.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 7, 2021
I was thrilled when I saw Susan Peek had released another book and got the Kindle right away. I very much enjoy her books and was waiting for a new one. One thing I enjoy about her books is that she shows variety of vocation. How not all the saints were called to religious life, but some were.
I don't think this was my favourite of all her books as I didn't feel for the characters as much as I usually do, but that might be because I read it very fast:-)
I liked how it showed that it wouldn't be a bad thing for him to try and regain his throne only
I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
I don't think this was my favourite of all her books as I didn't feel for the characters as much as I usually do, but that might be because I read it very fast:-)
I liked how it showed that it wouldn't be a bad thing for him to try and regain his throne only
I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
September 27, 2021
This was the seventh book I have read by Susan Peek over the last few months. I have been greatly impressed by them all. I loved Saint Magnus The Last Viking, and found it very well written. And her handling of mental illness and especially PTSD in The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland was incredible. This volume was on a saint I was not familiar with and it is a fascinating story well written. I could barely put this book down. Peek does an amazing job of writing novels about lesser known saints. And really brings the characters, their history, their lives to life fo us. The books are written for young adult readers but can be enjoyed by tweens, teens, and adults alike. We are informed that the inspiration for this series is:
““In many chapels,
reddened by the setting sun,
the saints rest silently,
waiting for someone to love them.”
These words, penned by an unknown priest, long dead,
were the inspiration for this series on the lives of saints
who have fallen deep into the shadows of obscurity.
My hope is that, in reading their heroic stories,
you will make the acquaintance of some of
God's Forgotten Friends”
The description of this volume is:
“A horrific act of treachery. A hairbreadth escape. A decade of desperate hiding. And an encounter with Christ that changes it all!
When young Prince Cloud, grandson of the mighty King Clovis and heir to the Kingdom of Orleans, is suspiciously summoned to his uncle's castle, little does he know his world is about to implode. Hurled into a life of danger, where his royal identity must remain hidden at all costs, Cloud eventually stumbles upon the only Kingdom worth fighting for.
Nearly everyone has heard of St. Cloud, Minnesota, but few know the story of the inspiring saint whose name it bears. The time has come for Saint Cloud of Gaul to blaze forth from hiding!”
Now to be honest I was not familiar with St. Cloud, Minnesota nor Saint Cloud or Saint Clodoald as he is also known as. This book was a wonderful read. It is inspiring, encouraging, challenging. And at the end is an excellent prayer that I have added to my daily prayers.
The book draws readers in. It brings the characters to life. The story takes place between about 525 and 561AD in Gaul. We experience life in a very different time. But a faith we can learn from. It is a fantastic read. It is another excellent volume from the pen of Susan Peek.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
““In many chapels,
reddened by the setting sun,
the saints rest silently,
waiting for someone to love them.”
These words, penned by an unknown priest, long dead,
were the inspiration for this series on the lives of saints
who have fallen deep into the shadows of obscurity.
My hope is that, in reading their heroic stories,
you will make the acquaintance of some of
God's Forgotten Friends”
The description of this volume is:
“A horrific act of treachery. A hairbreadth escape. A decade of desperate hiding. And an encounter with Christ that changes it all!
When young Prince Cloud, grandson of the mighty King Clovis and heir to the Kingdom of Orleans, is suspiciously summoned to his uncle's castle, little does he know his world is about to implode. Hurled into a life of danger, where his royal identity must remain hidden at all costs, Cloud eventually stumbles upon the only Kingdom worth fighting for.
Nearly everyone has heard of St. Cloud, Minnesota, but few know the story of the inspiring saint whose name it bears. The time has come for Saint Cloud of Gaul to blaze forth from hiding!”
Now to be honest I was not familiar with St. Cloud, Minnesota nor Saint Cloud or Saint Clodoald as he is also known as. This book was a wonderful read. It is inspiring, encouraging, challenging. And at the end is an excellent prayer that I have added to my daily prayers.
The book draws readers in. It brings the characters to life. The story takes place between about 525 and 561AD in Gaul. We experience life in a very different time. But a faith we can learn from. It is a fantastic read. It is another excellent volume from the pen of Susan Peek.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
September 7, 2021
This is my new favorite of Susan Peek's God's Forgotten Friends series.
From the first page, you are in the grip of danger facing the young prince. I couldn't put it down.
Many memorable characters are woven in. My favorite is Granmere, his famous grandmother, St. Clothilde. She leaps off the page as a real person, bowed with sorrow, yet unbreakable. She is an image of the Sorrowful Virgin, although it is her murderous sons that break her heart. But Clothilde prays and sacrifices. I think that is why God gave her a Saint in the form of her grandson Cloud.
All the characters are equally real. And, as usual, there are some humorous moments thrown in, typical Peek style, to make you laugh. Because life is not all gloomy, and neither should be the stories of the saints.
From the first page, you are in the grip of danger facing the young prince. I couldn't put it down.
Many memorable characters are woven in. My favorite is Granmere, his famous grandmother, St. Clothilde. She leaps off the page as a real person, bowed with sorrow, yet unbreakable. She is an image of the Sorrowful Virgin, although it is her murderous sons that break her heart. But Clothilde prays and sacrifices. I think that is why God gave her a Saint in the form of her grandson Cloud.
All the characters are equally real. And, as usual, there are some humorous moments thrown in, typical Peek style, to make you laugh. Because life is not all gloomy, and neither should be the stories of the saints.
November 1, 2021
An outstanding read
I grew up reading Crusader King, thinking him as one of the most valiant saints. Now Susan Peek is back showing another example of a man whose world is that of sacrifice. This book is a very easy read that gives an example of true sainthood and that we are still human even as we become saints. St Cloud was very relatable in his jealousies, anger and fear.
I grew up reading Crusader King, thinking him as one of the most valiant saints. Now Susan Peek is back showing another example of a man whose world is that of sacrifice. This book is a very easy read that gives an example of true sainthood and that we are still human even as we become saints. St Cloud was very relatable in his jealousies, anger and fear.
October 21, 2021
Peek’s latest release is an impressive addition to her God’s Forgotten Friends series. This novel has everything I’ve come to expect from this talented author: relatable characters, vivid writing, refreshing touches of humor, and a fast-paced, action-packed plot—all framed in a solidly Catholic story. Characters deal with discerning God’s will while making impossible choices that involve sacrifice and courage. Cloud’s transformation from a frightened, fleeing boy to a brave saint is an exciting faith journey fraught with danger and adventure. Each chapter leaves you wanting to read the next. Inspiring and highly recommended!
September 22, 2021
Susan Peek grabbed me from the first pages of this short book about St. Cloud, whom I previously knew nothing about. Typical for this author’s books, things keep moving. In this case, Cloud is on the run from his murderous uncles.
What follows is a story of Cloud’s discernment (though it’s not as dry as all that) with plenty of adventure, a lot of jeopardy, and even a wee bit of romance.
How did this prince-in-hiding end up a saint? You’ll just have to read it to find out.
What follows is a story of Cloud’s discernment (though it’s not as dry as all that) with plenty of adventure, a lot of jeopardy, and even a wee bit of romance.
How did this prince-in-hiding end up a saint? You’ll just have to read it to find out.
December 16, 2022
I know this book was written for a younger audience, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this saint. Before reading this book, I knew nothing about the saint for whom St. Cloud, MN was named. Susan Peek did a great job of drawing me in and keeping me hooked. I look forward to reading more by this author!
October 27, 2025
This was a real page turner and brought St. Cloud of Gall vividly to life for us. Older teens and adults will really enjoy and appreciate this one. St. Cloud did live in turbulent times, and the story reflects that, so heads up for sensitive readers. Susan Peek is a gifted story teller; we love her books, and this one did not disappoint.
October 10, 2025
wonderful story
I had never heard of St. Cloud. You brought him to live for me and now I want to know more. Thank you telling the stories of these lesser known Saints from years ago
I had never heard of St. Cloud. You brought him to live for me and now I want to know more. Thank you telling the stories of these lesser known Saints from years ago
January 27, 2025
I loved this book!!! Susan Peek does not disappoint yet again (:
Definitely a page-turner!!
Definitely a page-turner!!
October 25, 2025
Page turner!!!
I couldn’t put it down!!! It truly was a great read full of adventure, and the twists and turns of life!!!! God is good!!
I couldn’t put it down!!! It truly was a great read full of adventure, and the twists and turns of life!!!! God is good!!
November 1, 2021
The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms is another masterpiece in Susan Peek’s growing God’s Forgotten Friends collection. The author’s ability to bring to life the intriguing lives of little-known saints is an enormous blessing to our Catholic faith. This fascinating story about St. Cloud is her most heart-pounding story to date—truly a book that is impossible to put down.
Cloud was born a French prince, destined to rule his kingdom. However, when his cruel uncles change the course of events, he is forced to flee for his life. As he grows, he must decide where God is calling him to be. Is he meant for a solitary life of prayer or to become a just ruler who can lead his people in a new direction? Humor, adventure, unparalleled faith, and miraculous events keep the reader turning the pages as Cloud discovers his destiny.
I didn’t know anything about this fascinating follower of Christ but now I find him one of my saintly friends. Thank you, Susan Peek, for introducing these little-known saints to our generation. There is so much we can learn from the faithful servant of the past.
Cloud was born a French prince, destined to rule his kingdom. However, when his cruel uncles change the course of events, he is forced to flee for his life. As he grows, he must decide where God is calling him to be. Is he meant for a solitary life of prayer or to become a just ruler who can lead his people in a new direction? Humor, adventure, unparalleled faith, and miraculous events keep the reader turning the pages as Cloud discovers his destiny.
I didn’t know anything about this fascinating follower of Christ but now I find him one of my saintly friends. Thank you, Susan Peek, for introducing these little-known saints to our generation. There is so much we can learn from the faithful servant of the past.
December 3, 2025
I love Susan Peeks novels, but didn’t see the need for the love story in here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews