Calek’s Tale - Book One - “Refuge”
About
A boy named Calek lives in the town of Refuge on a quaint island in the northern Great Lakes. Growing up, he constantly heard stories about what happened on the Mainland before he was born, a huge conflagration that engulfed the entire world. All that remained were the Forsaken - drooling, mindless monsters who found their way to the island in boats, killing and maiming like rabid dogs. The people of Refuge fought them off with much loss of life, surviving as the last remnants of humanity and dreaming of the day they will repopulate the Mainland and start the world anew.
Sometimes Calek wonders if all of that really happened. It’s what he’s always been told, but maybe Hezekiah, the Spiritual Leader who runs things on the island, made the whole thing up. It would be a good way to keep people afraid so they continued to follow his Revelations. But if none of that happened, what about the rows of graves in the Refuge cemetery, all from the same year?
When he’s not pondering these mysteries, Calek’s mind is filled with visions about the Old World, and how ancient things can be put together in entirely new ways. Because he has a bright, shining gift. His father knows how dangerous that gift could turn out to be. But Calek is just eleven years old and his dreams will not leave him alone…
“Calek’s Tale” is the first book in a new trilogy written by Wayne Faust. He’s been a full time performer and songwriter for over 45 years (www.waynefaust.com). From writing songs all those years, where you have to say everything you need to say in three verses or less, his prose is tightly-written and gripping. He was in a writing group in Colorado with the late, great Edward Bryant, who worked with him extensively on “Calek’s Tale, along with most of the over 50 stories Wayne has had published in various places around the world.
With vivid descriptions of the northern Great Lakes (Faust spent several summers performing on Mackinac Island), richly-drawn characters, and a plot full of flashbacks, mystery, and suspense, this book will keep you turning pages until the end.
Praise for this book
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy Book Two & Three So You Don’t Have To Wait To See What Happens Next!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2025
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I couldn’t put this down! As I was nearing the end of the book, I was already wishing I had bought Book Two! Can’t wait to see what happens next! Fast read, which makes it even more fun and satisfying for us goal oriented types. I normally only read for learning and information, and I find overly descriptive detail in fiction a waste, and it bores me, yet this was written perfectly! I literally poured through it and enjoyed every word! I’m “in” on this adventure! Thanks again Wayne for entertaining with your multiple talents!
5.0 out of 5 stars A book I'll remember
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
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This book is one of those books you cannot put down. It's a book I will always remember. The characters are well developed and I feel like I know them. Their stories hit home. In my mind I can see the island setting. I can hear the conversations and the emotions behind them, and feel the fee!ings of the people involved. The hard part is waiting for the next book in the series to continue the adventure.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, make sure you get book 2 also!
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
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Really enjoyed the book. A different perspective than I had expected. You will want to keep this going at the end of book 1 so I recommend ordering book 2, and 3 if available at the time. Really well organized and developed, easy to keep turning pages!
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
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Extremely descriptive- paints a beautiful picture. You can just see exactly what is happening. Many beautiful lessons included, if you allow yourself to see them. From someone who, obviously, spends time thinking things through & seeing all sides of a situation.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very unique and vivid story
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
I really enjoyed the imagery and scenery in this book as it makes you feel like you are right there. The plot is very interesting especially if you enjoy apocalyptic/end of the world type stories. I really liked the character development here as well; characters have depth and keep you guessing. Not too many characters to keep track of so you get more attached as the story goes on. This one is a cliff hanger at the end so I would definitely recommend picking up book 2 if you can! Fun read.