Adventure Novel Explores the Power of Hope

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Sept. 15, 2015 - PRLog -- Teacher and author, David Zelenka, just released his second novel, “Point Horizon,” a speculative fiction adventure story. The power of hope is the central theme of the book, recurring as the extraordinary journey of two young people unfolds. Written for middle and high school readers, the novel’s essential message is to pursue a life of purpose and integrity despite the temptations to view life selfishly and without greater meaning.

Set in the canyon country of western Colorado, the story follows the plight of Tommy and Kate as they are pushed into a cavern by a local gang led by a modern shaman named Psy. As they flee, the two main characters take a plunge into the unknown. Lost, they face dangerous challenges, tough decisions and extraordinary creatures as they struggle to find a way home.

They come to understand that going through the “Way,” a special light, is their only way home. The Way is the central feature of the place they discover called the Firmament. Though not explicitly Christian, the book explores the power of hope and prayer through Tommy and Kate’s encounter with the Way.

As a former National Park Service ranger, Zelenka uses his knowledge of ecology, geology and earth science to paint a vivid picture of new environments from caves and canyons to a special world with altered physics.

“Seeing the kinds of books students read in the middle school has led me to write something exciting, brainy, yet filled with hope,” Zelenka said. “I wanted to provide something more than just another dystopian novel. In fact, it's just the opposite.”

Zelenka has published two other books, “Too Far to Wander” and “Hope the Lamp of the Body.”