Saint Louis, Missouri—The Messengers: Discovered, debut novel by author Lisa M. Clark, was officially released by Concordia Publishing House today. Discovered is the first Christian dystopian fiction book to be published by Concordia Publishing House. The first chapter is available to read at cph.org/messengers-discovered.

The first in a trilogy, Discovered is set in the fictional country of New Morgan where, by day, fifteen-year-old Simon Clay pushes against every boundary there is. And by night, secret visitors and hidden messages make him question everything his life entails.

“Christians in our society today have lives that are countercultural, and this can be especially difficult for youth with the expectations their peers have for them,” says Clark. “Anything I can do to encourage them in their bold witness of simply living out lives as Christians—I’m in. That’s a key reason I wrote Discovered.”

Praise for Discovered

“There are writers, and there are artists. Lisa Clark is both. Her storytelling voice is compelling and consistent—a magical combination not easily achieved in first novels—and her venture into dystopian fiction serves only to make clear the certain and enduring reality of Christ and His Church. If The Messengers: Discovered is any indication, then this series is gearing up to be one of my favorites.”—Katie Schuermann, author of the Anthems of Zion series and Pew Sisters

“Lisa Clark knows how to weave a well-told story, and not just for young-adult readers. And she knows how to weave a story within the Story (big S) of a God whose message is everlasting. The story of Simon in The Messengers: Discovered is the beginning of a very good story indeed.” —Rev. Travis Scholl, managing editor of theological publications at Concordia Seminary

“In a trend that will surely be replicated many times but never perfected in the same way, Lisa Clark has combined heady Christian theology and a dystopian YA thriller for middle-grade readers. . . . Young readers will love the rebellion against the authorities, while parents will delight in handing their children a book that not only encourages sharing their faith—even in the worst circumstances—but also embraces the importance of family, love, and friendship. [Discovered is] the first of a series, and I have no doubt that Clark’s writing will quickly take this book to the top of the growing YA inspirational genre.” —Colleen Oakes, best-selling author of the Queen of Hearts Saga

“Lisa Clark’s compelling novel places us right next to Simon on his road of discovery. Clark does an outstanding job of building anticipation and joy as we see God’s Word and faith revealed. Clark's vivid, dense world is one I look forward to exploring again.” —Julianna Schults, DCE and program manager, Lutheran Young Adult Corps

“Lisa Clark writes in a way that we will sit up and take notice that the world around us isn’t quite the way it’s supposed to be. We begin to find ourselves in the story of Simon, of Jonathan, of Charity, of Zeke. We are reminded that each of us has a message worth dying for.” —Heidi Goehmann, writer

For more information or to order The Messengers: Discovered, visit cph.org/messengers or call 800-325-3040. To schedule an interview with the author, contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org or 314.268.1303.

About the Author

Lisa M. Clark spends her days reading and writing about God’s love for all people. She is an editor for Concordia Publishing House, and she loves the opportunity to work on a variety of resources that share the saving message of Jesus Christ. A St. Louis native, Clark is a prolific writer who has written extensively for Portals of Prayer, the landmark Arch Books series, and a variety of texts for hymns and choral arrangements. Learn more about Clark at cph.org/lisamclark.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For over 146 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers over 8,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.