Out of the Darkness is based on the true story of a nineteenth-century child coal miner rising out of the ashes of poverty and tragedy to change the world. It’s the story of greed, love, sacrifice, faith, and the courage to push aside fear and jump into the refiner’s fire where the finest qualities of character are forged. New York City BB Award, Best Historical Fiction 2024 Prestigious Firebird Award, First Prize Historical Fiction 2024 Historical Fiction Company Award, Tolstoy European Silver Medal 2024 2024 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner “Brilliant . . . Spellbinding . . . Perfect in every way *****”, Online Book Club, 4-million readers In 1837, seven-year-old Thomas Wright followed in his family's footsteps into one of England’s most dangerous coal mines. He struggled with childhood fears, working twelve-hour days, six days a week in the darkness 500-feet below ground. That was until disaster struck in one of England’s most horrific accidents that changes the direction of his life and the course of history. This is the fast-moving story of a young boy overcoming the iron-fisted rule of the massively wealthy lord of the land, who not only owned much of South Yorkshire’s coal mines and the villages in which the miners lived, but the mortgage on their lives. With the help of his family, he confronts the tyrannical system of industrial slavery, His Lordship’s brutal psychopathic enforcer, and a society that fostered the oppression of the working class. From his desperate beginnings, we follow Tom on a path to a brilliant career, his love affair with a strong-willed woman, and his courageous fight to help change the course of industrial slavery in England. It's a masterfully told story of the great sweep of human desire for freedom and liberty; not just for himself, but for his children and his children’s children. Like many immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century, Thomas Wright was drawn to what Abraham Lincoln called, “the last best hope on earth,” and has left a vast American legacy, including his seven-year-old great, great, great, great grandson Cole, pictured on the front cover of this book. “ Out of the Darkness is a powerful story of the industrial enslavement of children by aristocratic overlords during England’s nineteenth-century Industrial Revolution. It is a story of overcoming adversity, and the power of family infused with the gospel of Christ to help a young boy rise from his desperate beginnings to reach great heights. Out of the Darkness tells a wonderfully powerful and uplifting story of the nineteenth-century American immigrant.” -- Tim Ballard, best-selling author, rescuer of children, and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, the inspiration behind the movie Sound of Freedom . "David Jacinto's Out of the Darkness is a masterful exploration of perseverance. The author brilliantly weaves themes of resilience throughout the narrative, guiding readers on a transformative journey that mirrors the protagonist's own experience." -- Mike Carey, former BBC radio presenter "Beautifully written, Out of the Darkness is a captivating historical novel that demonstrates the author's masterful storytelling prowess. Through meticulous attention to historical detail, the book effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era that is at once charming and terrifying. The characters, richly developed and deeply relatable, breathe life into the pages—their triumphs, pain, and desire resonating with authenticity. Historical events seamlessly blend with the narrative, creating a riveting love story that leaves readers spellbound until the final page." -- Amy Osmond Cook, President of Osmond Marketing Company "Mr. Jacinto's skill in illustrating these themes is evident, as he adeptly balances moments of actual historical conditions while inviting readers to reflect on their own life experiences. This combination of history and human relationships leaves a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable read." -- NaVee Vernon, Summit County Historian (ret.) "Dave Jacinto has done something very special with Out of the Darkness . It is more than a heartfelt tribute from a grateful descendent of great people; it is also a carefully researched history that recreates a moment in history that we need to understand." -- Marilyn Green Faulkner, bestselling author of The User-Friendly Book of Mormon " Out of the Darkness is a compelling and inspiring read. It is a testament to the human will that tells its story with honesty and with gratitude for those who paved the way for a family to flourish for generations. The first of a two-volume set, it sounds a powerful prelude for an even greater story yet to come." -- Eric Stemle, 2003 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Author of I Was Not the Blossom: Growing With Your Students in a Nurturing Classroom "The limits of resilience are put to the test on this journey back to mid-19th-century Yorkshire, England. It's a time and place