Teen Author's THE ASCENSION is Tale of Dark Family Secrets

Felix Anchor and his sisters-Jinx and Desdemona-have just turned 15, and their lives will never be the same. Separated at birth, the triplets are reunited under bizarre circumstances and discover a dark secret about their family's past, even as they get to know each other for the first time. Now they are determined to save the world from an evil force in "The Ascension" (Headline Books), the debut novel by 16-year-old author Lauren Hudson.

"I wanted to write about siblings because I have grown up with an amazing brother, Robbie, who is like a built-in best friend," Hudson said. "I loved basing the characters' interactions in 'The Ascension' off the great times we have had together. The main message I hope everyone will take away from this book is that family is a true blessing and should never be taken for granted."

Though it is her first novel, "The Ascension" is Hudson's second book. Her previous, nonfiction book, "Our Best Tomorrow: Students Teaching Capitalism to America," won numerous awards and garnered national media attention, including appearances on Fox News and The Blaze. Just 13 at the time, Hudson collaborated with her father, attorney Robert Hudson, on "Our Best Tomorrow." However, "The Ascension" was a solo project that often kept the burgeoning author working late into the night and on weekends, after she had finished her homework.

Hudson's "The Ascension" is the first novel in a trilogy she plans to release, under the blanket title "The Ascension Series." In reviewing the novel, award-winning young adult fiction author Barry Kienzle ("The Crossings") wrote that "Lauren knocks it out of the park."

Indeed, Hudson has earned a reputation for excellence in a wide range of activities. She is an Honors student at Dixie Heights High School in Northern Kentucky, where she also plays center-mid for the girls' soccer team, serves as an attorney for the state champion Mock Trial team, and acts in the drama program. She also regularly attends Lakeside Christian Church, where she has served as a youth group worship leader.

In addition to "The Ascension," Hudson has launched a literacy initiative called "Crackin' the Cover" to encourage the next generation of avid readers and writers. To that end, she aims to donate copies of young adult books, including "The Ascension," to select schools. Hudson will also make presentations to schools in her area, at no charge.

"Crackin' the Cover is important to me because when teens say that don't like to read, I know they just haven't found the right novel yet," she said. "Books have taken me to astonishing and otherworldly places. I hope my novel will inspire kids like so many novels have inspired me."