I close my eyes—my last sight is that of a tear slipping down Skelley’s cheek.
“Sir?”
“… can’t be . . .”
“… flat-lining, sir . . .”
The beeps mesh together into one loud beep that doesn’t stop. As a long breath whooshes out of me, a verse scrolls across my last flicker of consciousness. And through her faith, though she died . . .
… she still speaks.
Discussion Questions
Parvin believes God is calling her to something, but she can’t pinpoint what it is. How do I know if these are my ideas or His? I guess I’ll have to do what I did in Ivanhoe, pursue what I believe is the best choice and commit it to God and to prayer. Do you ever have a hard time knowing what God wants from you? How do you pursue clarity?
When Parvin first returns to Unity Village after Reid and Jude’s deaths, she feels like every problem was her fault and she can’t fix anything. When is a time you felt things were out of your control? What helps you give those feelings to God?
What if God called you to do something you were uncomfortable about? Like when he asks Parvin to speak or lead. How would you react?
We tend to fear what people will think of us. What are some ways to try and overcome that fear?
Which character in this story do you find yourself relating to most? In what ways?
Cultures often have a habit of labeling people. In A Time to Speak, the Council decided that Radicals and the poor aren’t worth keeping in the USE. In fact, they sell some of them as slaves and send the others off for hard labor. What dangers are there in labeling people? Do you ever find yourself labeling people (homeless, different ethnicities, “nerds,” etc.) and treating them differently because of that label? What does the Bible say about this? (See Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Acts 10:34-35, and Romans 2:11, 12:18)
When Parvin is traveling to Antarctica, Skelley Chase continues to offer her ways out. He tries to bribe her and a lot of his bribes sound pretty good. Have you ever been tempted by something that is very appealing and seems like it could even be the right thing to do? How did Parvin resist? How can you?
At the end of this book, Parvin finds herself willing to sacrifice her life for what she believes is right. If you were in a similar situation, do you think you’d be afraid of dying? Why or why not?
Acknowledgements
My thank yous could fill a book by themselves. This journey is not one I’ve walked alone. I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for changing my life as I wrote these books, and for His ultimate sacrifice, which allows me to see and pursue shalom with the hope of eternity with Him. May He speak through me always.
Thank you to my handsome hunk of an adventuring husband (yes, I call him that daily), Daylen. Thank you for telling me you’re proud of me every single day, even on those days I don’t cook for you or I write into the late hours. You are my hero.
Thank you to:
Steve Laube—forever titled Most-Awesome-Publisher. Thank you for your leadership, your humility, and the round-the-clock work you put toward our books at Enclave.
Karen Ball—My hard-working friend, editor, and agent. You can cheer me up with a single word and remind me that God’s called me to write.
Jeff Gerke—my incredible mentor and editor who tears my books into pieces in just the right ways so that when I tape them together again, they tell better stories. Also, thank you for the many many pep talks.
Thank you to Kirk DouPonce from DogEared Design—for letting me nit pick the already amazing covers you make for me!
Captain Aaaaargh (aka: Dad)—for doing awesome Dad-ish things (you know, like taking me through the Panama Canal for the sake of book research) even though I’m a grown-up married girl now. Thank you also to Pat, Simon, and Matt—for teaching me all I need to know (and more!) about cargo ships and the Canal. Mom—for being a constant an encourager. Elisabeth—for supplying me with more resources and research books than I could ever read. Binsk—you always claim you’re “bad at giving feedback,” yet your feedback is often the most helpful. Love you, little bro. To my Little Weed (aka: Melanie)—for being the epitome of excitement with every. single. update. ever.
Grandad and Judy—for your insight regarding Antarctica and your travels there. You inspire me to be an adventurer. I love you. My beta readers who caught all the typos—Brenda Wood (bestie!), Megan David, Angel Roman, Lisa Godfrees, Ashlee Willis, Josh Hardt, Emily Kopf, Jill Williamson, Karen Foster, and Binsk. (I’m so sorry if I’m forgetting anyone!)
Angie Brashear—the best writing buddy, critique partner, and friend an author could ask for. You’re always the first to pop into my mind when I need writer chat and you constantly remind me of God’s calling. You’re an irreplaceable blessing to my life.
For the Readers of Nadine Brandes FB group—thank you for helping me brainstorm everything from FB parties, to back cover blurbs, to marketing ideas, to character photos. You’re my crew.
Thank you to all the readers who picked up this book to continue Parvin’s story. These books would get nowhere without you. I’d give all of you a hug if I could. May your faith and your relationship with God grow so deep that He speaks through your lives—and, one day, your deaths–for His glory.
About the Author
Nadine Brandes learned to write her alphabet with a fountain pen. In Kindergarten. Cool, huh? Maybe that’s what started her love for writing. She started journaling at age nine and thus began her habit of communicating via pen and paper more than spoken words. She never decided to become a writer. Her brain simply classified it as a necessity to life. Now she is a stay-at-home author, currently working on next book.
Visit her web site: www.NadineBrandes.com
Facebook - @NadineBrandesAuthor
Twitter - @NadineBrandes
Goodreads - @NadineBrandes
Instagram - @NadineBrandes
If you enjoyed the story (or even if you didn’t), please consider writing a brief honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews are the greatest gift you can give an author, as they help get books into the hands of new readers!
A Time to Die
Book one of the Out of Time trilogy
Available now
Don’t Miss the Rest of the Story!
What will happen to Parvin?
Her story isn’t over!
The Out of Time Series continues with book three, available in Fall 2016.
To get the latest details as they release, visit nadinebrandes.com or on any social media site.
Facebook - @NadineBrandesAuthor
Twitter - @NadineBrandes
Goodreads - @NadineBrandes
Instagram - @NadineBrandes
A Time to Die
Book one of the Out of Time trilogy
Available now
Don’t Miss the Rest of the Story!
What will happen to Parvin?
Her story isn’t over!
The Out of Time Series continues with book three, available in Fall 2016.
To get the latest details as they release, visit nadinebrandes.com or on any social media site.
Facebook - @NadineBrandesAuthor
Twitter - @NadineBrandes
Goodreads - @NadineBrandes
Instagram - @NadineBrandes
A Time to Speak Page 43