Pictured from left, Lesley Smith, Susan Alford-Carter and and Candy Alford.
A legion of angels, an army of demons, and a fellowship of light-bearers all come together in the new book series created by Lee University’s Dr. Susan Alford-Carter and her two sisters, Lesley Smith and Candy Alford.
In the opening of the first book “Sorcha: Awaken,” set to be released Oct. 6, Lucas Quinn and his twin sister Lily watch their father die at the hands of demons in the middle of the woods. Later, it is revealed that Lucas and Lily are part of an ancient league of light-bearers called the Sorcha. This group of 12 is gifted with supernatural abilities. If they can find one another and unite their gifts, the demons hunting them will be conquered. Helping the Sorcha are warriors of light called fierce guardian angels. The series is built around the Sorcha’s quest to find one another before time runs out and to discover the secret to wielding their gifts in battle with darkness. The story is set in Cleveland and the Quinns attend the fictional Centenary College.
Dr. Alford-Carter and her sisters grew up with strong spiritual influences. Raised in a community of believers and listening often to tales of angels and demons told by their grandparents, they have woven these influences into the Sorcha book series. They had no idea their concepts of supernatural gifts and warfare would shape a story that would emerge in a neglected genre of Christian literature.
"I have always thought of spiritual gifts as supernatural, and when expressed within a community of faith, can accomplish the miraculous,” said Ms. Smith.
Dr. Alford-Carter and her sisters all grew up in Cleveland and have lived the majority of their lives with Lee University at the center - first, as children of a professor, then as students, and now as alumni. Currently a psychology professor at Lee, Dr. Alford-Carter continues to learn about her faith through her teaching experiences.
“Lee has and continues to have a significant impact on my spiritual development and understanding of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit,” said Dr. Alford-Carter. “Interacting with young adults for the last 15 years definitely helped to create the characters.”
During the writing process, the sisters referred to their love for the supernatural world, fantasy fiction, and an epic adventure.
“I have always loved creating another world through my art,” said Ms. Alford. “I think using mixed media art, like I do in the book, illustrates the fantasy theme very well.”
Since the series contains Christian themes, it is being released as part of the young adult fantasy fiction sector in Christian publishing. According to Dr. Alford-Carter, it is a highly popular genre in today’s book market and engages both young and old audiences.
“Our book is for everyone – while it is a work of fiction, basic Christian principles unmistakably emerge. The story has believable characters woven into an incredible adventure,” said Dr. Alford-Carter.
Readers will be able to immerse themselves in the supernatural world and discover more about the supernatural and their own imagination.
“As an avid reader of young adult fiction, it’s rare for me to find a unique novel. However, ‘Sorcha: Awaken’ is unlike any other novel I’ve read,” said recent Lee grad Jacqueline Campbell. “There are elements of adventure, action, mystery, and romance which combine to create a fast-paced journey of good versus evil which has been elevated to the divine.”
Dr. Alford-Carter joined the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences in 2001 and currently serves as a professor of psychology and human development. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. She has already published works such as academic papers and devotional articles for magazines. The “Sorcha” series is her first time writing fiction. She has two daughters, Kaitlyn and Caroline.
Ms. Smith, co-author, is a singer and photographer and resides in Atlanta with her family.
Ms. Alford is a freelance artist and graphic designer. She contributed to the book by creating its illustrations.
For more information on the release of “Sorcha: Awaken,” visit http://thesorchabooks.com or https://www.facebook.com/thesorchabooks.