Cat Luker: The Dark Clock
A tale of courage, friendship, and faith in 1930s Alabama
FOREWORD
When I was approached about the possibility of narrating The Swamp Witch Chronicles, of course, I was honored to be considered for the task. But as I hadn't yet read the book, I prepared myself for the (almost) inevitable let-down. You see, after three decades of helping artists and bands bring their stories to life through the music they create and engaging in all of the "art-meets-commerce" battles along the way, it's hard to emerge from those experiences without baggage.
I can be cynical and jaded. I remained hopeful that there might be something inspiring out there to throw myself into, but more often than not—you get it. So, proceeding cautiously with all the mechanisms in place to protect myself from disappointment and armed with questions like, "What if there's nothing there? What if I have nothing to bring to the project?" I waded in.
In my process, I first look for the story. Whether it's music, a book, or a painting—anything, really—there's always a story. In the case of The Swamp Witch Chronicles—box checked. It's an adventure/fantasy involving three kids from rural 1930s Alabama, enthralled in an epic battle of good vs. evil. As I read, my mind was filled with images of classics like The Chronicles of Narnia mixed with the folksiness of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Everything a middle-grade reader could ask for. But, as with any great surface story, there's also something more profound, something bigger, lurking underneath.
Monroe Jones
Grammy Award-winning Producer
The Adventure Begins
Book One in the Cat Luker Series
At the bottom of the Great Depression in 1930s rural Alabama, three young friends- Cat, Little Preacher, and Jane Alice- form a secret alliance to do battle with the Swamp Witch. After a dare from her brothers, Cat comes face-to-face with the mysterious witch and barely escapes her clutches. Afraid of what she has found, she enlists her two friends on a mission to save their small town from the evil lurking in the swamp.
This beautifully illustrated time-traveling adventure takes readers back to a forgotten era of French-speaking Alabama. As our heroes journey through time, they discover historical secrets and face challenges that test their faith and courage. This coming-of-age morality tale interweaves historical fantasy with spiritual growth as the children call on God for deliverance.
Perfect For:
- ✓Young readers ages 9-13
- ✓Family read-alouds
- ✓Classroom discussions on historical fiction
- ✓Faith-based learning environments
- ✓Fans of time travel and historical fantasy
- ✓Series readers looking for a new fantasy adventure
Historical Setting
Experience the authentic atmosphere of Depression-era Alabama through rich descriptions and historically accurate details.
Read an Excerpt
Chapter One: The Dare
Many have tried to record what happened in that God-forsaken swamp, just as it was handed down from the beginning by those with first-hand knowledge. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything, it seemed a good idea for me to write an orderly account for you, most dear Catherine. My prayer is that others may know with certainty the wonderous things that you have done for your beloved.
A long time ago, at the bottom of the Great Depression, Cat Luker lived in the backwoods of Alabama, down a red dirt road on the edge of a little town called Aimwell. She had six brothers and a momma named Gertrude Leafy Flowers. Her daddy, Johnny Luker, was a farmer and worked for the county doing roadwork from time to time. The family lived in an old house that wasn't painted and needed work. Her daddy called it a shotgun. It had an open breezeway in the middle where Cat liked to read, daydream, and draw pictures for hours on end. She was only ten years old but was already a talented, natural artist with a vivid imagination.
Her brothers—Otto, Cecil, Raymond, John, James, and Curtis—called her Sister but all her friends called her Cat. She had long, wavy, black hair and green eyes, and her nickname fit her to a tee.
Begin Your Adventure Today
Start the Cat Luker series with Book One: The Dark Clock. Join Cat and friends on an unforgettable journey through time to French-speaking Alabama in this beautifully illustrated adventure of courage, faith, and friendship.