A Second Chance, the clean young adult suspense novel by ASHER FREND, has been honored with the Literary Titan Book Award, recognizing the book’s compelling storytelling, emotional realism, and impactful themes of faith, friendship, and resilience.
Set in 2003, A Second Chance follows Mikaila, a teen whose faith feels straightforward until her best friend, Chara, survives a horrific car accident. Desperate to save the person she loves most, Mikaila makes a promise to God and throws herself into guiding Chara back toward the light. But as Mikaila’s resolve deepens, so does the danger. An older boy enters their world with charm and attention that quickly turns into pressure and control. In a landscape of doctored emails and masterful lies, Mikaila and Chara discover that the most dangerous predator is often the one everyone trusts.
The Literary Titan review praised the novel’s grounded detail and cinematic intensity, noting how its early-2000s setting and dated, diary-like chapters keep the story intimate even as the stakes escalate. The review also highlighted the book’s unflinching portrayal of online grooming and its aftermath, alongside a spiritual thread that remains sincere and tender in the face of trauma.
In an interview, Frend shared that the story’s premise began with a single question sparked by “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush: what would it take for a teen to make a deal with God? Frend expanded that question into a suspenseful narrative that reflects the real vulnerabilities many young people face, especially those navigating imperfect home lives. “Vulnerable youth are key targets for predators, in person and online,” Frend explained.
A Second Chance tackles themes of friendship, manipulation, loyalty, and faith under pressure. Mikaila’s prophetic dreams play a spiritual role, but the story keeps her agency intact by focusing on the internal and external tests that require courage, discernment, and action. Frend also aimed for authenticity in the novel’s faith conversations by imagining how today’s faith-driven teens speak about belief, struggle, and choosing what is right when it would be easier to look away.
With its blend of suspense, coming-of-age stakes, and hard-earned hope, A Second Chance offers readers a gripping story and a meaningful message: light is not naive, it is courageous, especially when darkness is close.
A Second Chance is available now in print and ebook formats. Purchase your copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and request it through your local bookstore and library.
About the Author
ASHER FREND writes clean young adult fiction with a thread of faith, a sharp edge of suspense, and characters determined to do the right thing when it would be easier to walk away. Their stories blend coming-of-age pressure with real emotional stakes and build toward hope without pretending life is simple. When Asher is not writing, they are usually spending time with their spouse and son and getting out for long walks to clear their head and untangle the next plot problem.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Asher Frend
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://asherfrend.com/
