Let me introduce you to Jax, Isaiah (Izzy), JT, and Micky. All four of these teens attend one of the top science schools in the nation. These technology geeks are creating some pretty interesting experiments for their school’s science fair. Jax, whose dad was a top scientist, is angry at God after his father’s death. Izzy is Jax’s best friend and lab partner who doesn’t really buy into the whole God thing. JT is Jax’s former girlfriend who is a Christian. Micky is JT’s friend and lab partner; she doesn’t believe in God. Little do they know what God has in store for all of them….
The Truth Chronicles
Book One: The Time Machine
by Tim Chaffey & Joe Westbrook
When Jax comes across some of his dad’s old plans and technology, he and his lab partner and best friend, Izzy, decide to try to build a time machine. Their trial run fails, but they’re not sure why. When they decide to test it out again, they end up running from dinosaurs instead of exploring ancient Egyptian pyramids. What went wrong? Will their friends JT and Micky be able to help Jax save Izzy from the clutches of the dinosaur? Will JT be able to help her friends see God’s truth throughout this adventure?
Book Details:
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Risen Books (April 15, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0984093133
- ISBN-13: 978-0984093137
- Retail Price: $12.95
The Truth Chronicles
Book Two: The Contest
by Tim Chaffey & Joe Westbrook
When Jax, Izzy, JT, and Micky find out that the time machine really works, they decide to combine the girl’s hovercraft technology with the boy’s time machine. They agree that they will only travel back in time if they all agree on it. The teens decide to head back in time to see if they can prove or disprove the whole creation/evolution debate. What danger waits for the teens as they travel back in time? Can Christianity and science really mix? Who will win the creation vs evolution debate?
Book Details:
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Paperback: 150 pages
- Publisher: Risen Books (May 15, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0984093109
- ISBN-13: 978-0984093106
- Retail Price: $12.95
The Truth Chronicles
Book Three: The Rescue
By Tim Chaffey & Joe Westbrook
Maybe heading back in time wasn’t such a good idea. Jax and JT find themselves in a perilous situation. Jax struggles with wrapping his head around the theories of evolution and creation as he and JT search for Izzy and Micky. Izzy and Micky try not to change the future as they look for their friends, but they can’t turn their backs on children in need. Will all of the teens make it safely back home? Will their current actions change the future?
Book Details:
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Paperback: 146 pages
- Publisher: Risen Books (June 15, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0984093141
- ISBN-13: 978-0984093144
- Retail Price: $12.95
Munchkin’s Thoughts:
I thought The Truth Chronicles were really good. I enjoyed the action and adventure, but I could have done without the romantic aspects. I also didn’t really care for the style of pictures. The stories were very interesting, and there was a good message. I like how it pointed out the truth about creation, evolution, and science. I would recommend all three books.
My Thoughts:
For me, this was very much a don’t judge a book by it’s cover type of experience. I’m not a big fan of the manga style of art, so I didn’t really look too much at the Truth Chronicles series when I first saw it. Once I read what the series was actually about, I thought it was something that Munchkin would really enjoy.
As I started reading the first book, I could tell this was going to be a great series, and I wasn’t disappointed. The hard questions of the Bible, Creation, evolution, and science are woven seamlessly throughout the story. The apologetics in the books are not forced or unnatural.
I appreciate how the books handled the friendship/relationship aspects between Jax and JT. (JT would not date Jax since he was not a Christian. Instead, she prayed for him. The youth pastor gave solid counsel on dating and relationships.) While Munchkin didn’t care for the whole relationship thing, it is something that today’s tweens and teens deal with on a regular basis. It was nice to see the issue handled according to the Bible.
The Back to the Future and Jurassic Park moments in the book made me chuckle. The books are packed with action, adventure, and suspense which make readers want to read through the whole book in one sitting. While the story was nicely wrapped up in the third book, I was pleased to hear that there may be more books coming out in this series in the future. I highly recommend these books.
Midwest Apologetics has sample chapters of all three books on their website. For a limited time, you can purchase the set of three books for a discounted price of $24.
I received a copy of these books from the author to help facilitate the writing of this review. All opinions are my own.
