
The Lightglider Origins saga continues with the story of a strong-willed teenager who wants to save her tribe from violence and restore peace, but instead finds herself in the land of Glideon.
Tanganyika, Africa, 1896
As long as she’s been alive, Tambika’s tribe, the Hehe, has lived in conflict. She longs to be a leader who stands up for her people, but her desire for vengeance endangers her destiny. When Tambika and her friends break into the German armory to take back their tribe’s silver, she attacks a young soldier and flees the scene.
As she escapes into the bush, Tambika sees a cosmic light that fills the sky and transports her to another realm, the land of Glideon. She discovers an old journal with clues that lead her to an abandoned training facility, where her purpose in Glideon is revealed. She has been chosen to resurrect Lightglider Academy and to equip teenagers from all over the world to rescue Gliddles and restore the land. She must first locate the Shield of Wisdom, a crucial component of the Armor of Light, which will empower the next generation of Lightgliders.
Through the Lightglider Origins series, readers will be awakened to the truth that whenever darkness comes, they were made to shine!
“Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom offers readers a beautiful combination of history, a young woman’s story of adventure, and biblical lessons the world of Lightgliders is famous for. From its opening pages in the 19th century world of colonial Africa, to its subtly woven teachings on the meaning of discipleship, kids (and parents!) will be amazed at all they learn about the world, the power of the love of God, and of how individual Christ followers can change lives every day. What an adventure!”
Eugene Luning, Coauthor of Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible
“What Christian parent isn’t looking for a book that will capture their child’s attention and imagination? Even better is a book that would also encourage the values of our faith as we work to build Christian character in our kids. Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom does that and more as it opens the door for intentional conversation and your child gets caught up in great adventures and a deeper faith walk! Your kids will love it!”
Terry Meeuwsen, Cohost, The 700 Club; founder, Orphan’s Promise
“Those who follow the news will be aware that much of today’s gamer culture among young people is dark, twisted, and nihilistic. Some participants slip into an abyss. Spiritual darkness engulfs their minds and leads them to harm themselves and others. I am 100 percent convinced of the need for a life-affirming alternative, and the Lightgliders series fits the bill. Appealing to preteens, the games, lessons, and new book series found in the Lightgliders universe shape the youthful imagination that is like wet clay waiting to be molded.”
Michael McClymond, Professor of Modern Christianity, Saint Louis University
“Lightgliders is multiverse meets the Great Commission! Youth from around the world are taken into a different realm to be prepared to reach the world, and Tambika’s role as a young African female leader, along with Swahili cultural touches like sugarcane and tamarind, makes the story authentic and inspiring. It’s a creative and engaging way to teach Christian truths and instill purpose in today’s youth.”
Jill Omari, Base Camp Missions, serving in Tanzania over 20 years
“Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom is a deeply inspiring story that blends action, friendship, and faith in a way that young readers will find exciting and meaningful. Readers are introduced to the Lightglider goals—respect, rescue, restore—and values like purpose, humility, confidence, hope, and love, which clearly echo the heart of the Christian faith. The narrative’s sense of mission helps young readers see that they too can make a difference in the world around them. The story frames faith as an adventure, where God is present and guiding, and where darkness can be overcome by light. This book offers a hopeful vision of faith in action, making Christian values come alive in a way that is accessible and engaging for a younger audience.”
Ian Douthwaite, President, Dubit Children’s Digital Experience Studio
“Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom is a captivating story where light and darkness are in constant struggle. The blend of history and fantasy makes for an adventure perfectly suited for readers ages 8 to 12, while still being meaningful for adults. Themes of faith, courage, perseverance, honesty, forgiveness, and restoration are not just mentioned but lived out through the choices of the characters. Suspense and wonder fill the pages, but beneath it all is the deeper invitation to trust God’s wisdom and walk in his light. This sequel to Bryce and the Lost Pearl strengthens the series with both imagination and spiritual depth.”
John Roberts, Head of School, Covenant Christian School, St. Louis, MO
“Rarely does a story unite cultural history, biblical themes, and spiritual depth so seamlessly, but Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom accomplishes exactly that. The narrative honors African heritage while illuminating the universal human journey of truth-seeking and forgiveness, making it both unique and profoundly relatable. It is a book that speaks to believers and seekers alike, offering wisdom, beauty, and hope in equal measure.”
Jeremy R. Smith, Founder and Executive Director, ReThink315
“Deep biblical truths are interwoven throughout this compelling book in ways that will captivate and engage the whole family! Parents looking for entertaining, faith-based fiction to edify their children and stimulate deeper conversation will find exactly that in the Lightgliders’ latest adventure, Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom. Your children are made to shine for the kingdom of God, and this book will inspire and equip them to do exactly that!”
Anna McLaughlin, Overwhelmed to Overcomer podcast host; homeschool mom of four
“In an age of often shallow and self-absorbed stories passed off as youth literature, Holser and Fay’s Lightglider series is a cool breeze on a hot summer day: refreshing, reinvigorating, inspiring. Tambika and the Shield of Wisdom is a captivating second binding on the Lightglider bookshelf, following the dynamite start to the series in Bryce and the Lost Pearl. I've placed multiple copies of Bryce in my middle school classroom collections and am excited to add Tambika to those libraries. Full of adventure, challenging dilemmas, deep Biblical truths, and references to other significant works of Christian literature, these novels for tweens and young teens are exactly the kind of works I hope my students will be reading: adventurous, purposeful, and presenting a clear vision for noble service to others in pursuit of callings greater than ourselves. On top of all that, they are absorbing and fun to read with a great blend of science fiction, historical and literary reference, creepy villainous machines, and relatable characters. Highly recommended!”
Erik Ritschard, Head of School, Grace Cascade Christian Schools, Medford, Oregon
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