Morning Star – A Novel
Many thanks to all who helped bring this project to life. We have finished distributing copies to all of our generous supporters, and the novel is now available on our Website. To order your own copy, click the link below.
A Thoroughly Catholic Adventure on the High Seas
Tale of Adventure
Upon learning the fate of his father, a young man is consumed by an insatiable desire for revenge. His thirst for vengeance sweeps him and others into a perilous adventure. It is a story of vocation, the power of prayer, and sacrificial love.
Authentically Catholic
Readers will find this novel filled with insights into the spiritual life. The storyline vividly illustrates the efficacy of Our Lady’s intercession. Clarity comes from silence. Unchecked passions obscure reason. True power is found in prayer.
On The High Seas
Set in seventeenth century France, the storyline unfolds amidst actual places and events. It is the age of pirates, treasure, and danger, a time when it often seemed that the scales of justice could only be righted if one took matters into his own hands.
Morning Star
A ship. A star. Our Lady.
Returning from a lost city, a vessel named after the Blessed Mother meets a deadly enemy. The treasure is lost. The Captain never returns.
Upon learning the fate of his father, a young man is consumed by an insatiable desire for revenge. His thirst for vengeance sweeps him and others into a perilous adventure that will inevitably bring him face to face with an indomitable pirate captain. It is a tale of vocation, the power of prayer, and sacrificial love. A girl makes a heroic sacrifice; a boy must overcome a vicious enemy.
What follows is mortal combat on a burning ship and a struggle for the young man’s soul.
“Fear ye not them that kill the body and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28
As a homeschooling family of voracious readers, we have experienced first-hand the need for contemporary literature written for young Catholics. We hope this book will bring to life the reality of the interior struggle within each and every soul. When faced with evil, one must either fight back or surrender – there is no alternative.
Updates on this project
Meet the Characters
Joan
Joan is devoted, kindhearted, and beautiful inside and out. Having lost both their parents at a young age, she and her brother, Benoît, are left to rely upon one another. While her brother is off at sea, she fervently prays for his safe return. Her prayers become essential to the success of Benoît’s mission and the struggle for his soul.
Benoît
Benoît de Bellevue is a gifted swordsman who becomes consumed by the desire to avenge his father’s death. Fiercely determined, he finds that his hatred for Rackham begins to take on a life of its own. He must recognize what is happening to his soul and learn to become master of himself before it is too late.
Walters
William Walters is a wily, calculating opportunist who feels slightly insecure about his standing in Rackham’s eyes. Walters lives in the shadow of his domineering employer and is often worried that his contract as pirate captain might be terminated at any moment.
Rackham
Richard Rackham is a ruthless captain who commands a small fleet of pirate vessels. Cruel and cunning, he will stop at nothing to achieve his aims. Although he styles himself as a gentleman, Rackham delights in an unfair fight.
Joseph
Joseph Toiras is a loyal friend of Benoît and Joan. While young, life’s circumstances have nevertheless matured him beyond his years. He becomes a seasoned sailor and is thoughtful, good-natured, and courageous.
About the Author
Bennett Bauer turned sixteen as he was putting the finishing touches on his first novel, Morning Star. He homesteads on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, surrounded by tidal marshes, oyster reefs, and the sea. He enjoys boat trips with his family to the Virginia Barrier Islands, taking care of their animals and extensive orchard, and writing. He is also a regular contributor to a blog for young Catholics.
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Morning Star is set in seventeenth century France, and the storyline unfolds amidst actual places and events. It is the age of pirates, treasure, and danger, a time when it often seemed that the scales of justice could only be righted if one took matters into his own hands.
The novel is inseparably bound to powerful themes such as knowing and living the truths of the Christian faith, distinguishing right from wrong when it is difficult to tell the difference, and realizing that true love always involves sacrifice. Another key element of the story is the need to discern one’s vocation to find what God’s will is for each person’s life. The title of the book itself reflects the intense devotion to Our Lady held by many of the characters, and the storyline vividly illustrates the efficacy of her intercession.
As readers uncover the plot of this novel, they will find it filled with insights into the spiritual life and rich in practical life lessons. Clarity comes from silence. Unchecked passions obscure reason. True power is found in prayer. The main characters, Benoît and Joan, strive for virtue while discovering authentic masculinity and femininity.
While Morning Star is written with young people aged 11 through 15 in mind, we hope it will be enjoyed by all ages, especially as a family read-aloud. This book is sure to provoke healthy family conversation.
As a homeschooling family of voracious readers, we have experienced first-hand the need for contemporary literature written for young Catholics. We hope this book will bring to life the reality of the interior struggle within each and every soul. One must either fight back or surrender – there is no alternative.
Morning Star Films
Celestine Publications partnered with Morning Star Films to bring you this outstanding book trailer. Enjoy!
Celestine Publications
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