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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

You Can Never Have Enough Exciting YA Fantasy, Right?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

If you love YA fantasy with lots of adventure (and super powers), check out D.J. Williams and his Beacon Hill Series!. via @chautonahavig

What do you get when mesh elements of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and National Treasure?  How about a YA Fantasy adventure that combines travel (especially in eastern countries and other worlds) with superpowers!  Put out through Tyndale’s Wander imprint, the Beacon Hill Series by D. J. Williams sounds crazy exciting, and I am rooting for a streaming series (but there are other possible options, too!) Listen in to learn more!

d.j. williams

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

You Can Never Have Enough Exciting YA Fantasy, Right?

The Beacon Hill series (or at least the school/friend group) was inspired by D. J. Williams’ own youth living in Hong Kong. Add to that extensive travel throughout the world (don’t miss his elephant story while on location in Zambia!) and you’ve got a background that can offer a thrilling ride!  I can’t wait to read these books and they’re on their way to my house as I type, so eeep!

One thing I noticed when I read the synopsis of Secrets of the Highlands (book two–available and book 3 comes out later this year) is that it reads a bit like a tabletop role-playing game come to life! The whole quest and trying to find a healer thing really caught my eye (having attempted to play said games and failing miserably! LOL).

But D. J. Williams has written more than just the Beacon Hill series. He also has his adult thrillers and a new series he just started working on, so I think we’re in for a long, literary ride with this guy. I can’t wait to get started.

Hunt for Eden's Star by D. J. WilliamsHunt for Eden’s Star by D. J. Williams

Discover the story of an intrepid, globe-trotting teen and a motley group of friends in a world where choices have epic consequences.

In this new coming-of-age YA fantasy novel full of action-packed adventure, Williams tells the tale of a teen who is thrown into a world of ancient secrets when he discovers a supernatural artifact that protects a weapon of mass destruction. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he embarks on a global adventure, seeking the truth about his sister’s death. He uncovers two clandestine, supernatural societies waging an epic, hidden war that threatens the future of civilization.

As Jack races to collect ancient artifacts critical to the survival of the world, readers are transported to incredible international locales across Asia, including the lush jungles of the Philippines and the high-energy streets of Hong Kong. Themes of addiction, revenge, faith, and friendship emerge as Jack battles literal and psychological demons, and even his own friends and family members, on his quest to thwart the forces of evil.

In this novel, you will find:

  • Relatable characters
  • Clean and compelling YA fantasy
  • The first in a series—more exciting material to come!

D. J. Williams’s suspenseful, page-turning style whisks readers into a wildly exciting, supernatural adventure that grabs hold of the imagination and never lets go.

“Fast-paced action and a rich setting boost the beginning of a promising paranormal saga.” – Kirkus Reviews on Hunt for Eden’s Star

“A blistering, high-stakes, fast-paced supernatural thriller that’s impossible to put down.” – Ryan Steck, author of Fields of Fire

Learn more about D. J. Williams from his WEBSITE and follow him on BookBub and GoodReads.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
byChautona Havig

When Lara d’Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one–especially the art tie-in. I can’t wait to dive in myself.

We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont

Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

But this mentorship is about more than painting.

Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children’s book in the professor’s classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret–some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
October 27, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 481: A Chat with Patricia Bradley
October 25, 2025
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Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
October 20, 2025
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Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
October 18, 2025
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Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
October 17, 2025
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Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
October 13, 2025
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Episode 476: A Chat with Katie M. Reid
October 11, 2025
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Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
October 6, 2025
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Episode 474: A Chat with Ann Swindell
October 4, 2025
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Episode 473: A Chat with Jennifer Willcock
October 3, 2025
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