Where the Garden Begins: Messengers and Thieves

Messengers and Thieves #1

by J. Suthern Hicks

When Seth began college a year ago, the world of science opened up to him, and he soon found himself questioning his faith in God. His younger sister, Melissa, has also distanced herself from anything spiritual. She's too busy chasing high school boys. The teens are quite content to remain in their unbelief, but their determined grandmother intervenes. Her prayers set in motion a series of incredible supernatural events that sends the brother and sister to a fantastical world where everything they think they know will be tested. In order to survive this otherworldly experience, Seth and Melissa must work together for the first time in their lives. The obstacles that come their way are numerous and challenging, but they have help throughout their adventure from newfound friends, including the loyal, kind-hearted red fox, and a benevolent owl named Adriel. This extraordinary journey could reconcile their doubts about the truth of the Bible. But most importantly, Melissa and Seth will discover that faith is a precious gift, and without it, they may never get back home.

Genres: Christian Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy

260 pages, Hardcover

Published December 11, 2021

About the author

J. Suthern Hicks was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts and receiving a master’s degree from Arizona State University, he spent many years in Los Angeles, including a few years as a working actor. His first foray into professional writing was for the theater. His play, Turtle Tears, received both the Critics' Choice Award from LA Weekly and praise from the Los Angeles Times. He also wrote a Christmas musical, Evergreen, which gave him the impetus to write even more music. His numerous Christian songs have had collectively over a million streams. Two of his songs have been featured in films. Mr. Hicks is currently writing and producing a new album to be released in late 2023.

He and his wife, a professional violinist, have recently moved back to his home state of Arkansas. They enjoy a peaceful and creative life amongst the trees and the natural beauty of Hot Springs. Suthern and Michele share their home with three elderly cats: Gracie, Charlie, and Chocolate. Chocolate inspired the children’s book series Charlie and Chocolate’s Purrfect Prayer and Charlie and Chocolate’s Furry Forgiveness. Almost presciently, Suthern's very first work of fiction was a book titled The Fat Cat, which he wrote and stapled together in the first grade.

Mr. Hicks’ most treasured accomplishment is the recent completion of his Christian trilogy, Messengers and Thieves. The fantasy series begins with Where the Garden Begins, followed by A Leaf of Faith, and concludes with Roots and Branches: The Battle for Here. Over fifteen years were spent carefully cultivating and nurturing the characters and plot into something everyone can enjoy. Mr. Hicks is currently working on a prequel to his popular fantasy series, Messengers and Thieves, the release date of which is yet to be determined.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book were fantasy meets science and religion. Definitely a book to make you think.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. There were parts of it that were really cool and other parts felt wildly corny. The writing for Melissa was very clearly done by an older man. That’s fine but when I pictured Melissa, I didn’t picture a teenage girl. I pictured what an older gentleman thinks a teenage girl acts like. Seth was an okay character, but I will say that he seems like a concept of a person that was thought up after they scrolled through r/atheism in 2012. Some of the imagery was pretty cool. When places were described I saw it clearly. I think the world building was neat, but the character building was lacking. Also the ending did feel a bit rushed. Like the mother didn’t try to look further into why her children disappeared for two days and had no recollection of what happened? This book was tolerable, but incredibly corny.

[Jimmy Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved it. It was entertaining and so endearing. I love the way the author describes things and the plot was realistic even though this is a fantasy. However, it is a very Christian themed book, so probably not for those who aren't believers.

[Alan Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like nothing I've ever read before. The writer has a way of describing animals and nature that is beautiful. In some ways it's a simple story but with deep undercurrents. Not sure if non-christians would want to read this--unless they are open minded. Still, I think anyone should enjoy it, religious or not.