Gold Metal, Best Children's Book 8-12 (2023)
Gold Metal winner for Children's Fiction (2024)
Gold Metal for Young Adult-Religious Theme (2024); 5-Star Review
Silver Metal, Audiobook Children's/Young Adult Fiction (2023)
Based on a true story. In the award-winning novel, Thrown to the Wind, nine-year-old Etienne flees 1660 France with his family to avoid arrest for religious heresy. They face robbers, pirates, two perilous sea voyages, and an uncertain future to chart a new destiny.
In October 1660, Etienne Gayneau rushes through the cobblestone streets of La Rochelle, France, to meet his cousin at the harbor. A ship carrying King Louis XIV's elite musketeers is docking. He dreams of becoming one himself, but has no idea that their arrival will force his Huguenot family to flee in the dead of night. His cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose - stay and pursue his dream or leave and face an uncertain destiny. Both choices are fraught with dangers. Either way his life will never be the same.
This middle grade historical action adventure discusses a less known period, taking place during the religious wars in the mid-17th century, and the early North American Dutch colonization. It has a Christian worldview, and though it is told from the Protestant perspective, it also gives the Catholic perspective through two minor characters, whose opinions are important to the protagonist.
“The vivid story of a boy discovering his value on the perilous voyage of early American settlers.” – BookLife Review
“… a twisting, suspense-filled, highly accessible tale as the young boy attempts to protect his family from the many dangers they face. A skillfully plotted, coming-of-age story with a memorable cast of characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
“A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith.” – Readers’ Choice Awards
“One of the themes that stand out in Thrown to the Wind by Amanda. M. Cetas is the role of religion in society. The dynamics of power and control also become apparent, and one can't help but question to what extent governments should get involved in religion and the role of religious leaders in interpreting the scriptures. This thought-provoking work also aroused my curiosity about history and Calvinism. I cannot wait to read more about the Huguenots. The characters were well-developed, and the author subtly ensured that the narrative was effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. All the events and places were vividly described, which helped to capture my imagination. I also loved the steady narration, which kept me intrigued.” – Readers’ Favorites Review
