Joan K Smith’s The Rebel’s Hike Is a Spirit-Led Journey That’s Changing Young Lives

Exploring Life’s Big Questions Through Adventure: “The Rebel’s Hike”

In her engaging new digital-exclusive release, The Rebel’s Hike, Joan K Smith invites young readers on a thrilling yet deeply reflective journey. Combining elements of fantasy and real-life drama, this novel uniquely addresses the universal questions of love, significance, and purpose. Joan masterfully guides readers through vivid landscapes of imagination and relatable struggles, offering not just entertainment, but also profound spiritual insights.

Four Unlikely Heroes

The story introduces us to four middle school students—Tyrone, Elijah, Riley, and Alyssa—each facing personal challenges that echo common adolescent struggles. Tyrone, a misunderstood foster kid, arrives in the fantastical realm of Wackus Bonkus after a serious altercation leaves him in a coma. Elijah, coming from a grounded Christian home, journeys there during cozy family movie nights. Riley, quiet and introspective, steps into this magical world while absorbed in his beloved books. Alyssa, academically gifted but socially uncertain, finds herself in Wackus Bonkus amidst anxiety-filled classroom tests.

These four characters, each authentic and distinctive, soon discover their paths intertwine with OSOLAT—the Original Source of Light and Truth. OSOLAT gently guides them to see beyond their immediate circumstances, helping them discover deeper meanings about themselves and their roles in the world. Each child is also confronted by their “Expert”—an evil counterpart who embodies their worst impulses, tempting them toward harmful choices. Equipped with powerful Rings of Truth, the children gain the ability to discern the emotional and spiritual truths in others, represented by visible soul particles.

Drama Beyond the Realm

The boundary between fantasy and reality blurs when ambitious journalist Becca Brown investigates Tyrone’s miraculous recovery. Driven by ambition, Becca exploits her daughter Nicole’s friendship with Alyssa, extracting secrets about the Rings of Truth. A desperate and morally fraught quest unfolds when Alyssa’s ring vanishes under mysterious circumstances. Becca, frantic to uncover the truth behind these supernatural rings, hires a private investigator and even manipulates Tyrone’s imprisoned father to assist her search.

Tragically, these real-world complications culminate in Tyrone’s untimely death—a poignant event that deeply affects his newfound friends. Despite his passing, Tyrone leaves behind a powerful legacy through his podcast, The Rebel’s Hike. Using accessible hiking metaphors, he shared insights into spiritual truths and life’s difficult decisions, inspiring countless listeners. After Tyrone’s passing, Elijah’s older brother Axel courageously continues the podcast, aided by Alyssa’s cousin Nora. Together, they preserve Tyrone’s vision, fostering hope and spiritual awakening among their peers.

A Journey Born from Resilience

Joan K Smith’s passion for storytelling extends back to her first publication in 2005, Diary of a Host Mom, capturing heartfelt family moments hosting foreign exchange students. Her second book, Broken Pottery (2012), explored spiritual struggles in a style reminiscent of C.S. Lewis. Yet, The Rebel’s Hike holds special significance, born out of deep personal loss.

Joan faced unimaginable heartbreak with the unexpected passing of her daughter Morgan in 2022, during the final stages of completing this book. Her resilience shines through as she channeled her grief into finishing the project in early 2024. This deeply personal journey imbues the novel with authentic emotional depth, resonating profoundly with readers of all ages.

Inspiring Readers, Sparking Conversations

Since its release, The Rebel’s Hike has sparked meaningful discussions among young readers through lively book clubs and online forums like “The Rebel Hike Continues” on Substack. Participants eagerly exchange thoughts on future story directions, characters, and related music or podcasts. Readers consistently remark on how the novel prompts introspection, leaving lasting impressions long after the final chapter.

Joan K Smith’s The Rebel’s Hike ultimately serves as a thoughtful invitation, encouraging readers to confront the daily choices that shape their lives. By walking alongside these young adventurers, readers are inspired to consider their own journeys, asking profound questions about truth, purpose, and whom they truly follow. It’s not merely a story—it’s an unforgettable hike toward personal discovery.

We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.

I’m just a regular person trying to do the best I can out there in the big world.  I’ve always wanted to make my life meaningful, healthy, and fun.  I have a day job working for an international IT company, which I’ve had for the past 20 years, but in my down times, I’ve often felt the need to get stories that seem to be downloaded into my brain out into the world.  

Please tell us about your journey of writing your books.

Both Broken Pottery and The Rebel’s Hike almost seemed to write themselves sometimes.  The editing was the hard part!  As a lifelong Christian, I went up and down, across and over, the narrow and wide paths many times.  When my 24-year-old daughter, Morgan, passed away in December of 2022, the walk/hike became more real than ever, and although I thought I’d had a good relationship to the Creator prior, I know now how deep and loving it can really be.  I want as many people as possible to be able to live life in this type of love and freedom.  

Please tell us about your book.

The Rebel’s Hike is one way to reach the younger generations before they get too deeply ingrained into cultural things that don’t matter in the long run.  Sophie, at 15 years of age, has not had the world’s easiest life herself, but she also has a spiritual side that knows how much God loves her.  She is a fun young woman to hang around with, and we hope the book will reach many people.

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

I guess success needs to be defined.  So far, The Rebel’s Hike hasn’t gotten much traction yet.  Times have changed a lot since 2012, and I’m not hugely into social media, so I don’t spend a lot of time trying to market there.  I do think the book affects everybody who has read it in a positive way, based on the reviews and conversations I’ve had. To me, that is success.  I believe God will get it into the hands of whomever he chooses, however he chooses.  I’m hoping this promotion will be a new catapult for the book.

Any message for our readers

I do have a message for your readers.  The Rebel’s Hike is aimed at kids, so if they take the message to heart, they can live their lives in a better way than the current culture says they should. It will make them more purposeful, and what a great way to live.  Adults have also really enjoyed the book, even though it is aimed at the younger generation.  It will take an adult reader who has more influence than I to help move it along. Who will the Holy Spirit tap to do that? 

Thank you so much, Joan, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!