Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new young adult (YA) inspirational novel, The Messengers: Discovered. The debut novel by Lisa M. Clark, Discovered is the first Christian dystopian fiction book to be published by CPH.

“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,” writes author Colleen Oakes. “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.”

Young adult fiction has proven to have a strong appeal for adults as well as teens. Nielsen reports that 80 percent of young adult titles are purchased by adults (Publishers Weekly, September 17, 2015).

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. The government tells Simon everything he needs to know. Except what really happened to his mom. And why no one can go out at night. And why the Darkness is so dangerous. Simon and the Messengers will risk their lives to protect the Message worth dying for.

“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.”

Discovered will release in May. To preorder, visit cph.org/messengers or contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, by phone at 314-268-1303 or by email at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org.

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 hymns and choral arrangements. Learn more about Clark at cph.org/lisamclark.