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The Thorn

(The Chronicles of Gan #1)

Daron D. Fraley (Goodreads Author)

3.54 · Rating details · 117 ratings · 34 reviews

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. During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These two distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being w ...more

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Paperback, First Edition, 300 pages

Published March 16th 2010 by Valor Publishing Group, LLC

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· 117 ratings · 34 reviews

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Apr 12, 2010 Taffy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2010-reads

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 wants bloodshed.The Thor ...more

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May 05, 2010 Laurie rated it really liked 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” adds a refreshing perspective on thi "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” adds a refreshing perspective on this tale of good versus evil, and the quest to unite a divided people through hope in the promise of The Holy One.

“The Thorn” opens powerfully with an attack on the Danielite city of Hasor by Gideonite warriors who murder Samuel, the king, establishing the struggle between the three powerful, warring tribes, the offspring of three brothers—Daniel, Uzzah and Gideon.

The root of the conflict is centuries old, dating back to the first man on Gan--Noah, father of the three brothers. Before his death, Noah told his sons the prophecy regarding the coming of “The One Who Would Suffer,” before giving them each a blessing, charging them with a sacred responsibility to protect a legendary scepter that holds “the Thorn,” symbol of the Holy One’s foretold coming.

Noah also assigned duties to each tribe to insure that future generations would grow in peace and faith. Gideon and his people were to watch out for the welfare of the other tribes. Uzzah and his people were to serve in and around the temples, while Daniel received the birthright, making his tribe the ruling clan. But the tribe of Gideon rose up against their brethren, thrusting Gan into war.

In book one, Samuel is murdered for refusing to relinquish “the Thorn” and the whereabouts of his son and heir to the throne, Jonathan. Torn between his love for his father and his duty, Jonathan takes refuge in the woods where he watches Gideonite patrols march his kinsmen and Uzzahites away in captivity. Eventually, he sees his friend Eli, an Uzzahite, being led away. Jonathan wields his wondrous glowing sword, freeing Eli, and taking a young, reluctant Gideonite soldier captive. This soldier, named Pekah, becomes another of Jonathan’s allies, and a providential figure in Jonathan’s quest.

Fraley has created a primitive, albeit wondrous world which he describes with vivid detail. His efforts to draw the reader into this world sometimes results in long, descriptive passages that occasionally slow the read. Several chapters are laden with backstory that is essential, but presenting it in large blocks caused a few middle chapters to lag a bit. Don't let that deter you. I found the second half a solid page-turner and the ending compelling.

Pekah becomes the most charismatic character in this volume. Jonathan never quite rises to the heroic stature expected from a potential king and hero, but watching this character continue to grow and develop in future volumes will be a delight.

Though the cover gives the book a young YA feel, the story appeals equally to adults. The storyline could easily launch thoughtful, non-preachy family discussion on topics such as faith, loyalty, repentance, mercy and forgiveness. I hope parents will read this one with their children. Used in this manner, "The Thorn" exceeds being a satisfying read.

I expect this series to really take off. "The Thorn" proves Daron Fraley's ability to successfully crest the biggest hurdle—creating a marvelous world that challenges the imagination while presenting suppositions that touch us spiritually as well. ...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Marsha Ward rated it really liked 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 off-world sett 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 off-world setting. Although there was a Glossary containing both places and characters (for which I was very thankful), flipping back to it in a computer file was not an easy task. Later, the physical book arrived, and I was much more comfortable in accessing both the Glossary and the Map of Gan, which the pdf had lacked.

Before I received the physical book, however, for ease of carrying the novel with me, I converted it to a format that could be read on my iPod touch. This made the reading go faster, as I wasn't tied to my computer. I even got used to the fact that I had inadvertently stripped out much of the formatting, so the chapter breaks and italics were gone. As I got immersed in the book, that didn't matter anymore.

I was gratified to find my fear of being bored was unfounded. Fraley weaves a grand story of action, intrigue, and loyalty that is not boring. Crisp writing and interesting characters mingle with a well-conceived plot.

Although it occurs in a galaxy far, far away, the tale is not set in the distant future, but in the past, concurrent to the period in Earth's history slightly before the birth of Christ. Here's the back-cover blurb:

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.

During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being waged by a self-proclaimed emperor, and soon discover the intentions of a far more dangerous foe--a sinister general bent on ruling those he can bring into subjection and destroying all others.

End blurb.

I did have occasion to wonder if Fraley's children are all boys, because some of the horse-play between a few characters seemed a mite juvenile, but that was a minor niggle. I look forward to reading the second book in the three-book series, Heaven's Garden. ...more

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Jun 04, 2010 Marty rated it it was amazing

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 His attention to th 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 His attention to the day ahead.

Before leaving the room, He leans with curiosity over the solar system sitting on His dresser, admiring the freely spinning planets and twinkling galaxies. He notices every minute detail of Earth and shakes His head a bit when He sees an erring child. He knows every person. He loves them all.

After looking at Earth, God walks along His dresser, following the planets as they orbit around the Sun. Far beyond Neptune, He watches another planet, one He has named Gan. On it, He watches more of His children.

Life on other planets. I’ve approached this subject countless times with many friends and family. Who’s to say it isn’t possible? I had one person tell me, “I can’t even start to think down that line, and I feel like my head is going to explode. It creeps me out.”

But to me, it mystifies me. Although careful not to become too radical in my thinking, I allow little episodes of dreaming to take place in this direction. I’ve stepped into the fog of the unknown, but never allowed myself to wander there for long, for fear of becoming lost.

Courtesy of Daron Fraley

However, author Daron D. Fraley not only allowed his imagination to wonder into this fog, he eventually made sense of it in fiction form. When I stumbled upon his book, The Thorn, a while ago and read the excerpt, I instantly became curious. Daron Fraley considers his book as speculative fiction, a genre that I rarely read and know very little about. I admit I was a bit confused, which in turn caused me to read the first few chapters with a critical eye. But eventually, I became wrapped up in a world far from Earth, losing myself to the gripping story and interesting allegories. Filled with adventure and an exciting story plot, The Thorn pointed my mind to the possibilities, but ultimately allowed my imagination to tell the story.

I loved this book. ...more

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Apr 02, 2010 David West rated it it was amazing

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 this takes place on Earth ...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Mary Findley rated it liked it

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 dist ...more

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Jun 04, 2010 Andrea Pearson rated it it was amazing

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 authors we' ...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Tristi rated it it was amazing

"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 only a subtle part of the story an ...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Jen rated it liked 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. He also utilized key po ...more

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Sep 08, 2010 R.A. Danger rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads, bible-christian-fiction, paper-back-or-hardback-and-ebook, speculative-fiction

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 continuing t ...more

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Mar 26, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it really liked 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 flows well with e ...more

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Feb 26, 2011 John Dejordy rated it it was amazing

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, but I feel it was ...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Josiah rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy

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 characters were a bit f ...more

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Oct 02, 2010 Susan Dayley rated it really liked 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 ...more

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Jan 11, 2011 AH rated it really liked 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 ...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Charissa rated it liked it

Shelves: 2012

3.5. This was a well written story with a cool concept about 3 tribes on the planet Gan, and the war that they are trying to stop. The settings were great--two suns crossing each other during the day; I really liked the author's descriptions of these other-worldly phenomenon. I liked the character Pekah a lot. The only reason I'm not giving it a 4 is because the story didn't suck me in; it seemed slow at times. It took me a while to finish, but I liked it once I completed it. I'll probably read ...more

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Apr 05, 2010 Monty Thornock rated it it was amazing

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 highly recommend this ...more

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Apr 08, 2010 Sabine rated it it was ok

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 ...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Eric Schroeder rated it it was amazing

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 uniqueness of t ...more

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May 17, 2011 Lori rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 - "Nate", Eli, a ...more

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Mar 14, 2010 Heather rated it really liked it

Shelves: series

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.

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Jun 17, 2010 Melissa rated it liked 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.

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Dec 28, 2009 Karen rated it really liked 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.

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Mar 09, 2010 Krista Jensen rated it really liked 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.

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Sep 07, 2010 Jewel rated it it was amazing

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.

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Sep 05, 2012 Marlon Johnson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great read. Did not have many characters which made the book flow very smoothly and easy to follow. I would recommend this book to individuals who love action, compassion, and purpose. Christianity was present throughout the book which gave it a gentle message about what God would do if you trust and believe in Him. I could not put the book down, especially at the very end.

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Mar 17, 2010 Marilyn rated it really liked it

I did not expect to love this book but I did. The story is set on another world where they know of Christ but know that he is to be born somewhere else. There's adventure, romance, discussions of deep gospel topics, conversion and miracles and the main characters work through their challenges.

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Jul 09, 2010 Jim rated it liked it

Shelves: my-book, fantasy

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.

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Sep 09, 2010 Steve rated it liked it

I absolutely love the concept of this book--other sheep on other planets!
The topic is bold and creative and worthy of
more consideration. I will be interested to
learn more about Gan in future chronicals.

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Sep 09, 2010 Shauna added it

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!

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About Daron D. Fraley

Daron D. Fraley

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Daron Fraley was born in Powell, Wyoming, but doesn't consider himself a cowboy. Living in France for a couple of years provided him the opportunity to hone his cooking skills and to become addicted to good food and chocolate. Apart from his loving family, teaching and writing are his two most favorite things in the world. A classic computer geek, he still likes to fish and camp, makes a mean appl ...more