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The Chosen Kids: Encounter At The Dunes
What if you were just an ordinary kid one minute and tasked by God with saving His world the next?
On the sunny coast of California, 11-year-old booklover Caiden and his family set off for The Dunes after months of lockdown.
Caiden decides to leave his book at home for the trip and explore the beach for once.
Their fun-filled day is soon interrupted when a supernatural encounter sends the group on a secret mission to save humanity. Caiden wanted a fun adventure, not a dangerous quest! He’d like to put it off for ten years—or at least a week.
Each of the family members is appointed a certain job and receives a supernatural tool based on their individual skills and traits. But reluctant Caiden struggles with his task and threatens their success.
With only one afternoon to learn their new roles, the Chosen Kids must put faith over fear and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance to prevent an evil being from causing an unnatural disaster in their Golden State.
Encounter at the Dunes is book one of the new Christian middle-grade series, The Chosen Kids. Suitable for ages 10 to 13.
But this series isn’t just about the adventure of hunting monsters and sending them back to the underworld. This story is about the spiritual journey of each of the characters. They start off as selfish or mean or irritating or bossy or disobedient or maybe a little confused. But by the time their quest is over, these chosen kids will be the children God always knew them to be. With family love, kid banter, humor, danger, supernatural power, and the story of redemption all woven into it.
Set in the present day, but with a nostalgic feel, this fast-paced adventure is sure to inspire young Christian readers. The adventure continues in Encounter at Paradise coming March 2023
On the sunny coast of California, 11-year-old booklover Caiden and his family set off for The Dunes after months of lockdown.
Caiden decides to leave his book at home for the trip and explore the beach for once.
Their fun-filled day is soon interrupted when a supernatural encounter sends the group on a secret mission to save humanity. Caiden wanted a fun adventure, not a dangerous quest! He’d like to put it off for ten years—or at least a week.
Each of the family members is appointed a certain job and receives a supernatural tool based on their individual skills and traits. But reluctant Caiden struggles with his task and threatens their success.
With only one afternoon to learn their new roles, the Chosen Kids must put faith over fear and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance to prevent an evil being from causing an unnatural disaster in their Golden State.
Encounter at the Dunes is book one of the new Christian middle-grade series, The Chosen Kids. Suitable for ages 10 to 13.
But this series isn’t just about the adventure of hunting monsters and sending them back to the underworld. This story is about the spiritual journey of each of the characters. They start off as selfish or mean or irritating or bossy or disobedient or maybe a little confused. But by the time their quest is over, these chosen kids will be the children God always knew them to be. With family love, kid banter, humor, danger, supernatural power, and the story of redemption all woven into it.
Set in the present day, but with a nostalgic feel, this fast-paced adventure is sure to inspire young Christian readers. The adventure continues in Encounter at Paradise coming March 2023
- GenresMiddle Grade
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 7, 2022
On the sunny coast of California, 11 (going on 12) year old booklover Caiden, his siblings, 15 year old big brother Caleb and 13 year old sister Ava, and their cousins, 16 year old Ella, 14 year old Raelyn, and 13 year old Victoria, all set off to The Dunes with their favorite Aunt Rosie (or Nina) after months of lockdown. Caiden decides to leave his book at home for the trip and explore the beach, for once. However, their fun-filled day is interrupted when a supernatural encounter with an angel sends the group on a secret mission to save the world from terrifying monsters with special objects powered by God that show them just how important each one of them is.
Caiden wanted a fun adventure, not a dangerous quest, and would like to put it off for ten years—or at least a week. Can the reluctant boy find his courage and rely on his faith in time? Will the chosen kids listen to the Lord and let Him guide them to victory before the enemy causes an untimely apocalypse? What would you do if you were just an ordinary kid one minute and tasked by God with saving His world the next? Encounter at the Dunes is an easy-to-read, fun story of faith with relatable characters who must choose obedience over their fear. Readers will see examples of prayer, scripture, family love, and the strength of Jesus with humor throughout to keep it light. This unique tale has an openly Christian theme but is not “preachy.” It is Book 1 of “The Chosen Kids” series. The adventure will continue with Encounter at Paradise coming in the spring of 2023.
Caiden wanted a fun adventure, not a dangerous quest, and would like to put it off for ten years—or at least a week. Can the reluctant boy find his courage and rely on his faith in time? Will the chosen kids listen to the Lord and let Him guide them to victory before the enemy causes an untimely apocalypse? What would you do if you were just an ordinary kid one minute and tasked by God with saving His world the next? Encounter at the Dunes is an easy-to-read, fun story of faith with relatable characters who must choose obedience over their fear. Readers will see examples of prayer, scripture, family love, and the strength of Jesus with humor throughout to keep it light. This unique tale has an openly Christian theme but is not “preachy.” It is Book 1 of “The Chosen Kids” series. The adventure will continue with Encounter at Paradise coming in the spring of 2023.
June 18, 2022
Enchanting tale
This is a cross between Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, and Rick Riordan. The author has good writing technique. The story is told in the present tense, giving it a sense of urgency. Also, it is narrated in first person POV, the narrator being an 11-year-old Harry Potter-type boy. That gives it a fresh and original perspective, adding a humorous touch throughout. Besides the author shows, rather than tells, and the dialogue is witty. She uses action verbs throughout giving the narrative a vibrant feel. She’s also adept at painting a scene colourfully, so it’s easy to visualize the picturesque seaside scenes where most of the action occurs. It is very suited for middle-grade readers and underpins the importance of selfless teamwork in the quest for a higher goal. The story flows along very nicely and it can easily be read in one sitting, to a reflection of how well a book is written. It builds to an epic climax at the end, gripping and vividly narrated. All in all, a simple, but charming book that is sure to entertain young readers.
This is a cross between Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, and Rick Riordan. The author has good writing technique. The story is told in the present tense, giving it a sense of urgency. Also, it is narrated in first person POV, the narrator being an 11-year-old Harry Potter-type boy. That gives it a fresh and original perspective, adding a humorous touch throughout. Besides the author shows, rather than tells, and the dialogue is witty. She uses action verbs throughout giving the narrative a vibrant feel. She’s also adept at painting a scene colourfully, so it’s easy to visualize the picturesque seaside scenes where most of the action occurs. It is very suited for middle-grade readers and underpins the importance of selfless teamwork in the quest for a higher goal. The story flows along very nicely and it can easily be read in one sitting, to a reflection of how well a book is written. It builds to an epic climax at the end, gripping and vividly narrated. All in all, a simple, but charming book that is sure to entertain young readers.
June 19, 2022
This is a great book! It's full of action, adventure and suspense. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. I love how the author showed how the kids turned to God and prayer to help them. This book should be in every school library.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2022
What a fun read! As a child of the 80's who grew up watching movies like the Goonies, Monster Squad etc, this book was right up my alley. Being a follower of Christ, it's tough to find stories I can share with kids in my family that have elements of the gospel that are interesting without being “preachy”. I'm stoked and can't wait for the next one!
March 15, 2022
Great story for kids looking for an adventure! 6 kids and their aunt have to save the world from terrifying monsters set out to start an apocalypse with objects powered by God! A Short and fast paced read to be enjoyed by everyone!
April 26, 2022
Really enjoyed reading book 1 of “The Chosen Kids” by R.M. Ruiz. The snappy action and style reminded me of Percy Jackson, but rooted instead in the Christian faith with an emphasis on family. This is a stellar series in the making and I look forward to seeing what Caiden and the crew face next!
July 27, 2024
Encounter at the Dunes by R.M. Ruiz is the first book in The Chosen Kids middle grade series. This exciting Christian fantasy story will grab kids' attention and hold it. In addition, it is a great reminder of the spiritual forces that are around us, even when we can't see them.
Caiden and his older cousins are going to the beach with their Auntie Rosie. Upon entering a strange antique shop, they have an encounter with a shopkeeper who turns out to be an angel in disguise. They are surprised to discover that they have been selected as the "Chosen Kids" to save the world from evil beings!
Each kid is given a "blessed" object: a compass that will lead them where they need to go, "blessed" candy that tastes like whatever they love (but also attracts creatures), goggles that can see creatures' true state, and a Compendium book that records the experiences of previous groups of Chosen Kids.
Will the slimy "sea devils" disguised as beachgoers be able to boil the ocean and destroy all living things? Or will the power of the Holy Spirit and a group of Chosen Kids be able to send them back to the underworld?
The actual adventure is thrilling, but may be slightly scary for younger readers. Older readers will appreciate the exciting battle between good and evil, fought by preteen and teenage protagonists. And of course, their quirky and loveable Auntie Rosie.
I also loved the elements of Mexican culture and a few Spanish words sprinkled in.
Caiden and his older cousins are going to the beach with their Auntie Rosie. Upon entering a strange antique shop, they have an encounter with a shopkeeper who turns out to be an angel in disguise. They are surprised to discover that they have been selected as the "Chosen Kids" to save the world from evil beings!
Each kid is given a "blessed" object: a compass that will lead them where they need to go, "blessed" candy that tastes like whatever they love (but also attracts creatures), goggles that can see creatures' true state, and a Compendium book that records the experiences of previous groups of Chosen Kids.
Will the slimy "sea devils" disguised as beachgoers be able to boil the ocean and destroy all living things? Or will the power of the Holy Spirit and a group of Chosen Kids be able to send them back to the underworld?
The actual adventure is thrilling, but may be slightly scary for younger readers. Older readers will appreciate the exciting battle between good and evil, fought by preteen and teenage protagonists. And of course, their quirky and loveable Auntie Rosie.
I also loved the elements of Mexican culture and a few Spanish words sprinkled in.
October 7, 2025
What a fun and cute story. A perfect read to round up the summer. (Beginning of autumn! Haha!)
The family dynamic is lovely. The cousins and siblings doing what they do best is bringing back memories and nostalgic feelings.
Oh my goodness. I loved how the story foundation was laid. I was so eager to see what each of the children would be assigned and why.
I would have liked to see the kids utilize their gifts a bit more in the story and work together more than they did. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next installment.
If you liked stories like Goonies (the beginning of the movie when all the friends were together) and those Christian shows like Superbook, Focus on the Family, and McGee and Me then you might like this one.
The family dynamic is lovely. The cousins and siblings doing what they do best is bringing back memories and nostalgic feelings.
Oh my goodness. I loved how the story foundation was laid. I was so eager to see what each of the children would be assigned and why.
I would have liked to see the kids utilize their gifts a bit more in the story and work together more than they did. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next installment.
If you liked stories like Goonies (the beginning of the movie when all the friends were together) and those Christian shows like Superbook, Focus on the Family, and McGee and Me then you might like this one.
July 21, 2024
I just finished the first book of The Chosen Kids Saga by R. M. Ruiz. I absolutely loved it. The kids are relatable and very real and you can watch them grow in their faith. Ruiz does an amazing job of bringing in the supernatural and the power of the Holy Spirit into everyday life of cell phones, beach vacations, and family squabbles. All with the backdrop of fighting denomic powers to save mankind. Quite an adventure!
I highly recommend this to your middle schooler (and adults like me!)
Can't wait to read the next book.
I highly recommend this to your middle schooler (and adults like me!)
Can't wait to read the next book.
September 19, 2025
Gods Chosen
I really enjoyed “Encounter at The Dunes”. Sometimes it was abit wordy but I appreciated getting to know the characters. A great book to make our preteens and teens aware of evil and inspire them to want to fight evil. As a grandparent I am enjoying this series and can’t wait to share with my grands!
I really enjoyed “Encounter at The Dunes”. Sometimes it was abit wordy but I appreciated getting to know the characters. A great book to make our preteens and teens aware of evil and inspire them to want to fight evil. As a grandparent I am enjoying this series and can’t wait to share with my grands!
August 31, 2024
Awesome, Christ center Children’s book! I love how the author created an adventure book that also gives glory back to God. Interesting plot line and the characters are all relatable at any age. Truly a great book and I cannot wait to see how the series will continue!
March 31, 2022
When their beach day is turned upside down by a divine mission, eleven-year-old Caiden and his family find themselves racing against the clock to stop an evil being from causing earthly destruction. With special tools and little instruction, they must rely on their faith and trust the Holy Spirit to guide them—but that’s easier said than done (as some of us know).
God put this story on my heart for young believers who want an easy-to-read, fast-paced adventure with kids they can relate to who are answering their calling. This would be suitable for reluctant readers as well. My son was a reluctant reader, and I know how difficult it is to find an uncomplicated but exciting book for kids who struggle with reading.
I hope your middle schooler enjoys this family adventure and is inspired to answer their own calling when the time arises. Suitable for ages 8-12, but it would make an entertaining family read-aloud too!
I know I unashamedly gave my book five stars, but, hey why not? I do love it. :) Blessings, R.M. Ruiz
God put this story on my heart for young believers who want an easy-to-read, fast-paced adventure with kids they can relate to who are answering their calling. This would be suitable for reluctant readers as well. My son was a reluctant reader, and I know how difficult it is to find an uncomplicated but exciting book for kids who struggle with reading.
I hope your middle schooler enjoys this family adventure and is inspired to answer their own calling when the time arises. Suitable for ages 8-12, but it would make an entertaining family read-aloud too!
I know I unashamedly gave my book five stars, but, hey why not? I do love it. :) Blessings, R.M. Ruiz
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews