Book Spotlight: The Wayward by Tabitha Caplinger

Last December, I was fortunate enough to discover and read the book The Wolf Queen by Tabitha Caplinger. *warning: I am about to fan-girl a little*

The Wolf Queen was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, and it steadfastly holds a spot in my top ten all time favorite books. The characters and the messages stayed with me long after I turned the final page and, as an author myself, it gave me inspiration tenfold. I hope to beautifully weave poignant messages in a captivating story with relatable characters in a manner that brings readers closer to God in my writings like Tabitha does; she uses her gift to share God’s light through her writing. She is talented, kind, and I admire her so much. *end fan-girling…kind of*

Now, Tabitha has a NEW BOOK releasing February 7, 2023 with Blue Ink Press: The Wayward! *jumping up and down with excitement*

The Wayward is not a YA fantasy like The Wolf Queen. It is classified as a YA/NA clean dystopian; however, I have no doubt that Tabitha has created another beautiful book. I cannot wait to read it!

What is The Wayward About?

Wilder James has spent her entire life in Beartooth, secluded from the Necanians and their domed cities where most of humanity resides. Content to keep her distance within the confines of her rustic community, she desires nothing more than to live out her years with her husband, Declan, in their simple mountain home.

But when an unexpected tragedy rips apart her dreams, and intruders pull her from the safety of her camp and into a dark reality, she discovers the shocking truth. The Necanians are not bringers of peace. They’re harbingers of death.

Now Wilder must decide if she will protect only herself and her people, or risk everything to try to free all of humanity. She is armed with the one thing her people have always had – faith. Will it be enough?

Faith and The Wayward

“Faith is a funny thing because it requires trusting in something bigger when you can’t see the light. It means believing in Goodness even when you don’t feel it. It is remaining steadfast even when you don’t understand why or how. Faith often isn’t just something we have or choose but something we wrestle with. In The Wayward we find characters wrestling with faith because they are trying to reconcile their grief and suffering with Goodness and having to trust when they have no clue of the outcome.”

Title Track

Who Will Love This Book?

I asked Tabitha who would enjoy this book. She said, “On the surface, it’s a clean dystopian so I think if you like that you will find a story to enjoy. But I think readers who love a story with flawed and vulnerable characters that contrasts light and dark, hope and despair, grief and joy will connect to The Wayward. Also, there are aliens.”

What Others Are Saying About The Wayward

“Caplinger creates a gripping and intense story in her upcoming novel, The Wayward. As we follow Wilder through her loss and grief, beautiful depictions of perseverance, faith and true love are portrayed through elegant prose. It is through this riveting story we learn how valuable the strength of one’s heart and soul can truly be.”

– V. Romas Burton, Author of the award-winning Heartmender Series

Meet the Author

How To Pre-Order

The Wayward will be available for preorder soon! If you would like early access and first chance to claim the limited preorder goodies, please fill out this form and you will be the first to know when preorders are open!