BOOK ONE OF THE AWAED-WINNING ARI ARA SERIE
In an exciting blend of action, adventure, and fantasy author Rivera Sun boldly takes the reader in a new direction . . . that of waging peace, active nonviolence, and nonviolent struggle. Challenging war cultures and military societies, The Way Between brings the skills of resolving conflict, anti-bullying, and ending violence into a coming of age story for a new generation of readers.
Between flight and fight lies a mysterious third path called The Way Between, and young shepherdess and orphan Ari Ara must master it . . . before war destroys everything she loves! She begins training as the apprentice of the great warrior Shulen, and enters a world of warriors and secrets, swords and magic, friendship and mystery. She uncovers forbidden prophecies, searches for the lost heir to two thrones, and chases the elusive forest-dwelling Fanten to unravel their hidden knowledge. Full of twists and turns and surprises, The Way Between is bound to carve out a niche on bookshelves everywhere!
"This novel should be read aloud to everyone, by everyone, from childhood onward. Rivera Sun writes in a style as magical as Tolkien and as authentic as Twain." - Tom Hastings, Director of PeaceVoice, Professor of Conflict Studies at Portland State University
"The Way Between is a compelling and wise articulation of the human sojourn . . . a dispatch from a mythic dimension of archaic longing and potential that calls us to our truest selves." - Ken Butigan, Pace e Bene/Campaign Nonviolence
"A beautiful story that expands the imagination into the possibilities of peace and active nonviolence . . . this book will prepare our children and ourselves for the real-life world we so desperately need." - David Hartsough, Founder Nonviolent Peaceforce, author of Waging Peace
"Nonviolence is a treasure hidden right under our noses that can help solve--not just some-- all of the challenges the world is facing. Imagine the sheer wonder of making this great discovery. Rivera Sun skillfully shows us The Way." -Stephanie N. Van Hook, Director of the Metta Center for Nonviolence; author of Gandhi Searches for Truth: A Practical Biography for Children.
"Rivera Sun has, once again, used her passion for nonviolence, and her talent for putting thoughts into powerful words on a page, to recreate life, to show us the possibilities that can be, if we dedicate ourselves to The Way Between". -Robin Wildman, Fifth Grade Teacher, Nonviolent Schools Movement, and Nonviolence Trainer
"Generations of young adults will be helped to find this way in the adventures of Ari Ara; and we will all be so greatly in Rivera's debt." - Michael Nagler, author of Search for a Nonviolent Future; founder of Metta Center for Nonviolence
"A wonderful book! It is so rare to find exciting fiction for young people and adults that shows creative solutions to conflict and challenges violence with active nonviolence and peace. Ari Ara is a delightful character and this story is a gem." - Heart Phoenix, River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding
Author Biography:
Rivera Sun lives in an earthship in the high desert of New Mexico. She gets up before dawn (and the lizards) and starts her day by drinking pu'erh tea and baking bread in her outdoor adobe clay oven. She has red hair, a twin sister, and a fondness for esoteric mystics. Everything else about her - except her writing - is perfectly ordinary. Rivera writes the stories of our times and rallies us to meet adversity with gusto. She is the author of six social protest novels, as well as nine theatrical plays, three books of poetry, and a study guide to nonviolent action. Rivera co-hosts Love and Revolution Radio, and has co-founded two nationwide nonviolent study and action groups. She is the past program director for Pace e Bene/Campaign Nonviolence and holds webinars, workshops and speaks nationally on the history and power of active nonviolence. Her essays on social justice are syndicated by Peace Voice and have appeared in hundreds of newspapers and magazines. She studied strategic nonviolent civil action at the James Lawson Institute and went to Bennington College to study writing as a Harcourt Scholar but graduated with a degree in dance. After six years working as a professional playwright, choreographer, and director in the San Francisco Bay Area, she founded the nationally touring Rising Sun Dance & Theater company that received coast-to-coast standing ovations. Being an embodiment of love-in-action in all that she does, Rivera is a passionate participant in creating a just, sustainable, and peaceful world. She takes the responsibility of life seriously . . . and with a good dose of humor. Her novels focus on the social issues of our times, positing creative solutions as well as muckraking through the causes of suffering. "Life is the ultimate adventure!" Rivera says. Rivera is easy to connect with on Facebook and Twitter, or through the RiveraSun.com website. She encourages her readers to reach out, write reviews, and share their favorite quotes with others...And she enjoys tele-conferences with book clubs and college classes.
