Author of the award winning Ebook Visual Illustrations, Steve Groll, has written and published his first novel "Beyond the Dead Forest: The Bizarre Adventures of Carter and Kat." Groll has worked with children and families for over 40 years. Steve's goal is to write suspenseful adventures that take place in strange worlds and that are both intriguing and profound. Though his novel is geared to older children and younger youth, many adults enjoy the excitement, and wonder at the wisdom found in his uniquely dark, tense, and personally challenging novel.

Steve Groll is currently the children’s pastor at First Southern Baptist, Palm Springs, CA. Over the years, he has had a special calling and love of working with children. He has served as camp pastor, guest speaker at children’s retreats, led children’s revivals, and taught, trained, and administered all ages in the area of Christian education.

This YA book is so unique that some authors have said that they have never read anything quite like it. The book is a mysterious, action fantasy that teaches positive values as it entertains. The novel is about two twelve-year-old friends who discover a frightening dead forest, which just appeared one day out of nowhere. It is a doorway into the world of Dearth, which is a dark, dangerous place short on human kindness and compassion. It is filled with strange beings and even stranger people. The children are set on a quest that takes them deep into the darkest regions of Dearth. If they are able to survive their adventures, gain and learn how to use hidden knowledge, and succeed in fulfilling an ancient prophecy, the children from Earth will set off a chain reaction that will ultimately destroy the dastardly work of the evil being who has brought so much suffering to the residents of Dearth.

Author and Reader Responses to Beyond the Dead Forest:

Caps provided by reviewers.

My favorite review was on a 5th grade girl's MySpace page: BEYOND THE DEAD FOREST IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!

Author-Loretta Medina says: BEYOND THE DEAD FOREST IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ. IT IS A PAGE TURNER!

Author-Alyssa Pierce says: Original, inspiring, and a must-read. 

Author-Kristi Burchfiel says: What a fantastic adventure! ... I will reread this again and again.

Author-Edmond P. DeRoussse says: ...a page turner. I felt as if I was experiencing an Indiana Jones movie. The characters step into one impossible adventure after another, solve each one, only to step into another one more dangerous for them and more exciting for the reader....

Author-David Glenn says: ... an awesome adventure full of unforgettable characters and a plot worthy of the literary masterpieces of old.

Poly Hart says: I have never been a fan of fantasy literature, but I  have to admit that I found Beyond the Dead Forest captivating, exciting and just a lot of fun. I enjoyed how the excitement grew with each new chapter.... I have read it twice and plan to read it again. fantasy, action adventure, religion and spirituality, children, kids, young adult, horror, christian values, church, spooky, thrilling, christianity, Sunday school, teaching stories, home schooling, children's church, friendship, courage, excitement