Orofino pastor publishes young adult fantasy "AEnon"

Stewart Mackey, pastor of the Orofino Church of the Nazarene, has published his first novel, the young adult fantasy “AEnon, the Heart of Hope” (Tate Publishing, 354 pgs., $24.99). The book evolved over 25 years as stories Mackey told his five children. Instead of witches, orcs and wizards the novel is based on an underlying theme that strength of character makes strong communities, says Mackey, who has lived in Orofino for 16 years. The book centers around an 18-year-old young man who discovers he is a high king long thought lost in an eroding kingdom. Mackey fell in love with fantasy when he read “The Lord of the Rings” as a teenager and recently began writing down his own stories. He’ll be signing copies of his books:

--1-4 p.m. Dec. 20 at Just Brew It Espresso, 14224 U.S. Highway 12, Orofino -- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at His Story Christian Gift Center, Mall 21, Suite 113, 1705 21st St., Lewiston --1-3 p.m. Dec. 28 at And Books Too, 918 Sixth St., Clarkston -- 2-6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Clearwater Memorial Public Library, 402 Michigan Ave., Orofino