Read Clean YA with CJ Episode Thirty-Eight
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we dive into clean, thought-provoking books for teens and young adults. In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with debut author Angie Dickinson about her upcoming YA fantasy novel, Truth Cursed.
Episode Show Notes below
The Power of Truth: Inside Angie Dickinson's Truth Cursed
Episode Show Notes:
More than just a thrilling tale of spies and secrets, Truth Cursed explores the transformative power of truth, the weight of responsibility, and the journey to discovering self-worth. Let’s take a closer look at the themes and story behind this captivating debut novel.
A Curse That Changes Everything
At the center of Truth Cursed is Cressida, a young woman with a unique and dangerous affliction: she’s cursed to answer every direct question with complete honesty.
“Her career at school gets off to a rocky start because of this curse, but she soon learns that the school is a front for a rebel spy ring.“
Thrown into a world of espionage and courtly intrigue, Cressida’s curse becomes both a liability and an unexpected weapon. As she navigates the high-stakes world of spies, deception, and danger, she must learn to balance the power of truth with the cost it brings.
Themes That Shape the Story
Angie Dickinson’s Truth Cursed is more than just a fantasy adventure. It’s a story rich with themes that resonate deeply with readers.
The Value of Truth and Self-Worth
Cressida’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about survival.
“She needs to learn that she has worth because she’s a created soul… She didn’t grow up with the unconditional love and affirmation that many children experience, so she struggles to understand her value.“
By exploring Cressida’s struggles with self-worth and her need to prove herself through her abilities, Truth Cursed delivers a powerful message: our worth isn’t tied to what we do but to who we are.
Responsibility and Honor
The power of truth doesn’t come without consequences, and Cressida must confront her own accountability.
“She needs to understand that even though her struggle is unique, she’s still accountable for the choices she makes.“
This theme of responsibility underscores the story, reminding readers that doing the right thing often requires courage and sacrifice. It’s a lesson that resonates both within Cressida’s world and in our own.
Trust, Friendship, and Healing
One of the most compelling elements of Truth Cursed is its exploration of trust and friendship. Cressida’s guarded nature, shaped by years of manipulation and emotional wounds, makes it difficult for her to let others in.
“Rosalie, a fellow spy, pushes through Cressida’s walls, showing the power of perseverance and unconditional friendship.“
Through Rosalie’s persistence and loyalty, the story highlights how true friendship can heal even the deepest wounds. It’s a reminder of the importance of community and the strength we find in others.
A Message for Readers
Angie Dickinson hopes readers will walk away from Truth Cursed with a renewed understanding of their own value and the importance of forgiveness, honor, and responsibility.
“Everyone is equal before Christ, and forgiveness is always available. It’s important to act with honor, be able to offer and accept forgiveness, and hold ourselves accountable.“
These themes, woven seamlessly into an exciting and emotional narrative, make Truth Cursed a story that stays with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Meet the Author
Angie Dickinson has always loved magical stories that point to truth, hope, and redemption. When she’s not writing, she’s homeschooling her four children, gardening, or enjoying Michigan’s lakes. Her debut novel, Truth Cursed, is a reflection of her passion for weaving meaningful themes into fantastical worlds.
Connect with Angie Dickinson
Want to learn more about Angie and her work? You can find her here:
- Instagram: @Angie_Dickinson_Books
- Website: angiedickinsonbooks.com
- Facebook: Angie Dickinson Books
Coming February 2025
Truth Cursed releases on February 18th, 2025 from Enclave Publishing. With its blend of adventure, meaningful themes, and a touch of magic, this is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy.
For more clean YA book recommendations, tune in to Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci. Don’t forget to share this blog post with friends who love thrilling and meaningful young adult stories!
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Angie Dickinson
Author
Angie Dickinson writes stories with adventure, mystery, and a dash of magic! Her debut novel, Truth Cursed, will release with Enclave Publishing in February of 2025. Her genuine hope when she writes is to provide readers with the sort of stories that she always loved to discover. Gripping books with dynamic characters, unexpected adventure, intriguing mystery, and a sprinkling of magic and romance! Her purpose when she writes is to honor her Creator, whose gift of hope and redemption underpins everything that she does.
About Your Host
Award-winning author CJ Milacci writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As the podcast host for Read Clean YA with CJ, she loves talking about books and the deeper themes woven into the pages of each novel. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She chats about writing, her faith, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis Series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Recruit of Talionis, Book 1
A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis?
Fugitive of Talionis, Book 2
They kidnapped her. Trained her. And now they’re hunting her.
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