title: Toward the Gleam: A Novel
author:  T.M. Doran 
description: The works of Tolkien and Lewis continue to inspire new generations of writers, most of whom are not worthy to bask in the reflected glory of their mentors. T. M. Doran is a noble and notable exception. <i>Towards the Gleam</i> rises above the level of parody or pastiche to reach the heights that few writers have achieved. Although it basks in the reflected glory of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> and conveys inklings of <i>That Hideous Strength</i>, it does not merely reflect the light that Tolkien and Lewis have shone; it refracts it in exciting new directions, toward the gleam of the glorious light that is the source of all great literature. --<b>Joseph Pearce</b>, Author, <i>Tolkien: Man and Myth </i><br /><br />As this intriguing story unfolds, readers will be asked to reconsider what we thought we knew and loved so well. Flashes of recognition will occur as famous figures appear, identified only by their first names. As the plot develops, a vast landscape of drama emerges, reaching across time, probing the reasons behind the rise and fall of civilizations, our own and also another that we have considered to be myth-or fiction. The author's whimsical sense is a fine one, though he does not show his hand too early on. His wisdom is fully evident throughout. This is a dark mystery tale, a gripping adventure, and in its own unique way a comedeia, plunging us into the war in the heavens and the wars for souls. Ingeniously inventive, it is startling, moving, horrifying at times, and ultimately consoling. --<b>Michael D. O'Brien</b>, Author, <i>Father Elijah: An Apocalypse</i><br /><br />Thomas Doran's wonderful mystery novel, <i>Toward the Gleam</i>, takes readers on a fantastic adventure with a man who in uncovering a manuscript from a long-lost civilization, sets out on a life-long quest to uncover its meaning and origins. In the process, he is confronted by remarkable creatures, unforeseen dangers and hidden realities. This is a book richly imaginative, intriguing and metaphysical, exploring many vexing questions of the modern era and enduring truths to be discovered in the process. --<b>David J. Theroux</b>, Founder and President, C.S. Lewis Society of California
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  # [Dedication](9780062882356_Contents.xhtml#r_idParaDest-1)
  
  
  _For those who don’t want to keep fighting. Fight on._
  
  
  _Shout-outs to Becky Albertalli and Elliot Knight,  
  who were always with me even when they couldn’t be._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # [The World of Gleamcraft](9780062882356_Contents.xhtml#r_idParaDest-2)
  
  
  **Gleamcrafters** —practitioners with powers. Applicable to both celestials
  and specters.
  
  
  **Celestials** —their true origins unknown, these people carry powers that
  have a connection to the stars and sky. Some powers are presented at birth,
  others surface later in life. The range of their abilities is wide. Celestials
  can be distinguished by the way their eyes glow like different corners of the
  universe as they use their gleam. Notable group: the Spell Walkers.
  
  
  **Specters** —sixty years ago, alchemy was developed as a way to use the blood
  of creatures to give h