Memoir of Samuel John Mills (1829)

A fourteen-year-old boy’s doubts and fears are the springboard for this fantasy. Thomas’s story begins in horror on planet Penumbra when he is separated from his parents, and the Holy Triunite assigns him a mission on Earth. With only vague instructions and seemingly useless gifts, Thomas flies away on the back of Chaucer, his pet heelabite. Immediately Thomas makes friends on Earth, but there are those who want him gone at all costs. Danger chases him through quickly shifting scenes, from the magic-filled mansion to fairgrounds, football stadiums, classrooms, and friends’ homes. All the while, the Evil Raven whispers Defeat as he hounds Thomas with reminders of his losses and past failures. But Thomas’s earthly host, Bickerwheel, uses wisdom and humor to help Thomas realize that victory is not only possible, but certain. The secret lies in the ancient words carved on the stone altar, Born for this Moment.