New locally-authored books to add to your gift getting or giving list

 

[November 21, 2018] 

Whether you are buying for a teen or a more mature reader, there are two new books on the market this year that would make great gifts to give or receive.

Local authors Kyra Doolin and Dr. Tom Ewald each have books on the market with a spiritual basis. 'When Legends Arise' delivers a creative fictitious struggle between good and evil and 'Judas and the criminal mind' serves up an in depth analytical examination in the psychology of deception and the psychopath.

When Legends Arise

Earlier this year Lincoln native Kyra Doolin proudly introduced her now in print book "When Legends Arise." Previously available in e-version, the book had received accolades and endorsement that with some revisions it should go to print.

The fictitious story of the battle between good and evil might be described as an action fantasy, and so much more. When Legends Arise characters offer a fresh mix of intentional lives filled with an intense sense of purpose. Dynamic relationship dramas unfold illustrating commitments and betrayals, and all the while you are reading the book, there is this persistent dim sense that this is a familiar story re-imagined.

It is a different time in a chaotic unfamiliar land. Something epic has been brewing and those with a keen sense know it is about to come to fruition. You will meet strong characters defined by unusual strengths, and they belong to different sides of the battle being either 'Striders' and 'Ruathars.'

The personalities are introduced and as they are meeting, their mission slowly takes shape, whereby individual purposes unfold. It is a precariously loaded moment in history, so dangerous as to require secretive, limited need-to-know, step-by-step information to the participants. Even acquiring simple resources such as a bar of soap to bathe can contain life and death risks. The weight of history is about to turn - at any given moment by just the slightest chance or a falter, all future can change.

When Legends Arise is fraught with tension, yet the undergirding story line is an examination of depths of trust, friendship, genuine love and commitment to the right cause.

Special powers characterize the story's personalities in a blend of science fiction/fantasy and spirituality.

The story builds with an air of urgency and sense of higher purpose cloaked in mystery, one that you just have to trust you'll understand by its end; and then, who knows, it may only gain you a shadow of understanding.

When Legends Arise is an edgy adventure in style of modern writers Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkin's 'Left Behind' series, and of creative fantasy generations past as that of George McDonald, whose influences are seen in Lewis Carroll, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien and W. H. Auden writings.

Great reading for teens upward, after settling in with the story's unique terminologies - an alternate reality in time, personal skill sets and places - what readers can appreciate while going on this adventure is the opportunity to get acquainted with and attached to its characters and their mission.

And always a bonus, when you don't want a story to come to its end, fans can look forward to experiencing more of the same storyline from this author. Doolin has some whispers and yet shapeless vapor, which she expects to mold either as historical back-stories, and/or forward telling of the Legends.

Author Kyra Doolin began writing what would become When Legends Arise when she was just 14 years old. It came out in print in May 2018; the same month she graduated Truman State University in Kirksville, MO with a degree in International Business. She now lives in a suburb of Seattle, WA and works for Boeing.

During a book signing at Guest House, Doolin greets an old friend Emma
Nobbe and a friend of Nobbe.

When Legends Arise is available by ordering on Amazon or you can pickup a copy at Integrity Data at the corner of Pekin and Kickapoo Streets.

You will find the following information about the book, author and ordering on Amazon:   When Legends Arise: The Parallel Novel Paperback – April 19, 2018
by Kyra Mae (Author)

Our second recommendation is a hot social topic today. 'Judas and the criminal mind' has been gaining much attention since being announced before the books were yet printed. For those who ordered right away, books have begun shipping. 

You will find the following information about the 'Judas and the criminal mind', Dr. Ewald and ordering on Amazon  Judas and the criminal mind (link to book on Amazon)
by Dr. Thomas Ewald
Publication Date: October 25, 2018

Judas and the criminal mind

In Judas and the Criminal Mind, Dr. Ewald explains how the Bible gives three reasons for Judas's betrayal. All biblical passages referring to Judas Iscariot are examined and tools of social science are applied. These accounts show how Judas could hide among Jesus' closest associates yet emerge to betray his master and commit high treason. The words of Jesus, other New Testament passages, and contemporary psychiatry provide ample support for an antisocial criminal diagnosis of Judas Iscariot. Ancient and contemporary works which treat Judas as a hero or as a well-intentioned but mistaken victim are also examined. His deception contributed to the death of Christ, but God's redemptive plan was unimpeded.

About the Author

For more than 40 years, Tom Ewald was a college and seminary professor of psychology, pastoral counseling, theology, and Bible survey. He was dean of students and chairman of the disciplinary committee of Lincoln Christian University for more than 30 years. There he dealt with students fitting the description of antisocial personality but functioning in the Christian community. He has an M.A. in New Testament, an M.S. in educational and clinical psychology, an M.Div., and a D.Div. He has taught classes in Canada, Austria, Bradley University, Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln Christian University, and Christian colleges in several states. He is a university adjunct professor and a teaching elder at his local church. His hobbies include hiking, fishing, running (5 marathons), gardening, mountain climbing, photography, and carpentry.

- Amazon

[Jan Youngquist]