Several months ago, I picked up a new book. That is nothing uncommon for me. What was unusual was the impact this book had on me as I read it and the effect that lingered after it was finished.
Today, I’m pleased to present my review of this book alongside an interview with the author.
book review
Voice of the Ashes is the story of one young man and his search for truth—yet it is also so much more. Few novels have spoken to me as deeply and challenged my faith as powerfully as this one. It’s a testimony to the lasting impact our words and lives can have on those who come after us. It’s a witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing hungry hearts to the only One who can satisfy. And it’s a reminder that each and every one of us is called to carry the light.
Following Laurence’s journey from beginning to end was all at once harrowing, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It was beautiful to see the many ways God was working in his life and leading all along even when he couldn’t see it. I loved that the author wasn’t afraid to show the consequences that came from Laurence’s choice to follow Christ while also showing that the cost is so worth it.
While the story is especially compelling for young adults, older readers will be able to benefit from it as well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to think deeply about the price they would be willing to pay to live the truth they believe.
author interview
What drew you to write this story?
T.R.Q.T.: Originally, it was just a thirteen-year-old’s desire to write! I had written my first complete story six months before, and I was interested to try my hand at another. But as time passed and this story grew, I began to see it in a different light, to see how much impact it could have on readers. I grew with it, and God drew me to write to glorify Him and challenge and inspire my readers.
The original storyline shifted dramatically, switching from 19th-century England to the heartbreaking times of the Reformation. The more I discovered, the more I wanted other people to experience those times—and the unfailing grace of God throughout.
A significant character in the book is Mr. Claybrook, Laurence’s mentor, who plays an important role in shaping the young man’s faith. Have you had mentors in your life? If so, how have they impacted you spiritually?
T.R.Q.T.: I’m so thankful that God gave me spiritual mentors in my parents. All my life, they’ve answered my questions, talked me through difficult situations, and led me to lean on Jesus in everything. They not only encourage reading the Bible, praying, and talking to others about Christ, they live it every day in front of me.
Is there a real-life martyr whose testimony has spoken to you?
T.R.Q.T.: There are so many impactful stories of men and women who stood for truth no matter the cost, but I think the one that sticks with me the most is the disciple Stephen. After being lied about, caught, and charged by false witnesses, peace still reigned in his heart—they could see it in his face. And he still took the opportunity to speak the truth for which they had apprehended him. His love for God overflowed, and they could not resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke. His courage challenges me when I struggle to speak of Jesus in our peace-filled land.
How has writing Voice of the Ashes challenged your perspective of what it means to follow Christ no matter the cost?
T.R.Q.T.: I’ve been challenged by noticing the “little” things, and the fact that following Christ affects every detail of life. Choosing Christ over comfort doesn’t come just in the “recant or die” moments; it’s a choice we make in conversations, in relationships with friends and family, in the way we dress and the things we read and the places we go. It makes me ask, “Am I living like Jesus died for me—and like I’d be willing to die for Him?”
What are some questions you hope will linger in readers’ minds as they come away from this story?
T.R.Q.T.: I pray that after reading Laurence’s story, people will ask, “Is Christ really everything to me, or have I let other things rule my speech and actions? Am I hiding my faith instead of living it openly? And am I willing to stand for truth in the small areas as well as the large ones?”
Sharing these answers has reignited my desire to live fully and uncompromisingly for my unfailing, almighty God. To Him be all glory and honour and praise—for He is worthy!
closing note
Thank you to T.R.Q.T. for writing this book and for visiting the blog today to share about it! If this post has piqued your interest and you’d like to pick up a copy for yourself, well, I have some sad news for you. Voice of the Ashes has been temporarily taken off the market (due to a new distribution opportunity from the publisher) and won’t be printed again until spring of 2028. That being said, as of the time of this writing, it appears that there are still a few copies left on the Calla Press Publishing website and on Amazon, so you may still be able to purchase one if you’d like. Or if you know me in person, I might be willing to lend you my copy. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait.
For now, I’ll leave you with an excerpt from the book:
The walk home was bitterly cold, but this time it did not reflect Laurence’s heart. He was free, light, and encouraged. He was forgiven. He was back on the straight and narrow way. There, among the night-stained streets of London, God had reached down and touched him.
Lord, you spoke to me through the ashes, and I promised to serve you for the rest of my life. I don’t know how long that life will be, God. But help me—help me stay true to you.
T.R.Q.T. is a redeemed daughter of God with a passion for historical fiction. She blogs about writing and living for the glory of God on her website, trqtbooks.com. When she’s not in her walk-in closet turned office (affectionately called her dungeon), she can be found composing music, mentoring children at a farm-based ministry, playing strategy board games, or making iced coffee.
Leave a Reply