| Freedom rings out. Who will hear it? Tina the wolf and her adopted animal siblings narrowly escaped childhood enslavement and lead a quiet, secluded life together. But when they find out the usurping Authorities ravage their world of Neftar to capture more slaves, Tina feels that she and her squad are being called to free their fellow Neftarians. As they plunge into their abolition quest, however, untold dangers arise—from betrayals, to life-threatening peril, to the discovery of Tina’s forbidden heritage. Can Tina and her siblings fight for freedom, or will they be put to death for their rebellion… and for Tina’s outlawed bloodline? Genre: Christian Middle-grade Animal Fantasy Release Date: June 16, 2025 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Rachel
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
There was a lot of different inspiration that went into Freedom Rings. For the readers, I wanted to create a story world where the characters could feel like ”book friends” to keep them company when they’re lonely. For the story itself, it was inspired by a blend of The Chronicles of Narnia and Sonic the Hedgehog!
There was a lot of different inspiration that went into Freedom Rings. For the readers, I wanted to create a story world where the characters could feel like ”book friends” to keep them company when they’re lonely. For the story itself, it was inspired by a blend of The Chronicles of Narnia and Sonic the Hedgehog!
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
The very first draft of Freedom Rings was pretty short, and I wrote it when I was twelve. That probably took a few weeks. But two rewrites and a ton of edits later, Freedom Rings is the book it is today—so the overall process took a few years. But normally books do not take me a few years to write! Freedom Rings, and the entire The Squad: Rising series, was a special case, since I originally wrote it all when I was a kid.
The very first draft of Freedom Rings was pretty short, and I wrote it when I was twelve. That probably took a few weeks. But two rewrites and a ton of edits later, Freedom Rings is the book it is today—so the overall process took a few years. But normally books do not take me a few years to write! Freedom Rings, and the entire The Squad: Rising series, was a special case, since I originally wrote it all when I was a kid.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope readers will see from Freedom Rings how valuable the gift of freedom is. But more importantly, I hope they take away the power that God has and how He uses everything—from the largest tragedies to the smallest curveballs—for His glory, His purpose, and our good.
I hope readers will see from Freedom Rings how valuable the gift of freedom is. But more importantly, I hope they take away the power that God has and how He uses everything—from the largest tragedies to the smallest curveballs—for His glory, His purpose, and our good.
#4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
One thing that happened when writing Freedom Rings came during the editing process. My editor, a very close friend, pointed out areas of the story that needed more raw emotion. So I went through, added more emotion, consequently gave characters way heavier arcs, put in new chapters dedicated to the characters slogging through their tough times, and then went through the rest of The Squad: Rising series to do the same. After what ended up teetering on an overhaul, I told my editor she had saved the story. She replied, “All I said was make it sadder!” (But trust me, she saved it!)
One thing that happened when writing Freedom Rings came during the editing process. My editor, a very close friend, pointed out areas of the story that needed more raw emotion. So I went through, added more emotion, consequently gave characters way heavier arcs, put in new chapters dedicated to the characters slogging through their tough times, and then went through the rest of The Squad: Rising series to do the same. After what ended up teetering on an overhaul, I told my editor she had saved the story. She replied, “All I said was make it sadder!” (But trust me, she saved it!)
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
1 Timothy 4:12—Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (NIV) That’s one of my favorite Bible verses, because not only does it apply to me and my life, but it applies to the characters of Freedom Rings and the entire The Squad: Rising series, and I hope young readers can apply it to their lives, too.
1 Timothy 4:12—Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (NIV) That’s one of my favorite Bible verses, because not only does it apply to me and my life, but it applies to the characters of Freedom Rings and the entire The Squad: Rising series, and I hope young readers can apply it to their lives, too.
More from Rachel
I’m Rachel Keith, an 18-year-old homeschool graduate from Franklin, Tennessee. I understand how difficult it is for homeschool families to find safe, clean, Christ-centered fiction that also resonates with young readers, and that’s why I wrote The Squad: Rising series. The series focuses on Tina, an anthropomorphic wolf in a vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals. She and her squad of adopted siblings see the oppression their world is facing, and together, they fight to free their world and establish peace. Though they face plenty of perils, they trust that The Most High will guide them. Each book includes fun resources, including an animal species guide and discussion questions! Inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog and The Chronicles of Narnia, this series—beginning with book 1, Freedom Rings—is a fun new trailblazing series for middle grade fantasy, especially for Christians and anthro lovers!
 Rachel Keith | Rachel Keith created and finished the world of The Squad at an early age. Inspired to share her faith and glorify God through her passion of writing, she used her extensive knowledge of animals, artistry, graphic design, and fanaticism for a certain video game hedgehog to bring the world of Neftar to life. When not writing, praying, or geeking out over her video games, Rachel draws custom betta fish portraits, pampers her unusual pets, jams to Christian radio, and reads. And reads. And READS. Because there’s no such thing as too much of a great story. Rachel lives in her native land of Nashville, Tennessee, with her menagerie, Bible, and animal encyclopedia. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of
a signed paperback copy of the book!!
a signed paperback copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Simple Harvest Reads, January 14 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15
Fiction Book Lover, January 16 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17
Vicky Sluiter, January 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
For the Love of Literature, January 20 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, January 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 22 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, January 23 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, January 24
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)
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