Daybreak

Daybreak, following in the series of Jeez and the Gentiles, transports the reader from the challenging life of a Northern Virginia policeman, Tom, who grapples day-by-day with crises of drug-addiction chaos and murderous attacks on his local church, and then is transported by dream to the land and the times of Jesus.

Daybreak describes in rich imagery the daily life of Palestine two thousand years ago—all within the compelling story of how Tom, along with Jeez (who is a fictional Jesus Christ), carries out a mission of creating a treaty between Rome and its arch rival, Parthia. Tom and his team confront combat, betrayal, confusion and deceit in travel back and forth through the Holy Land, and in the end are successful in securing a history-turning compact between Rome and Parthia. In the final sentences of this vision, Tom returns to his home in Northern Virginia.

I encourage you to read this book! Stephen Hiemstra is an accomplished author who will speak impacting truths through entertainment in his weighted writings. Don’t miss this book!

Daybreak by Stephen Hiemstra is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that blends a modern-day crisis with the historical imagination to explore themes of faith, suffering, and moral responsibility. Through the character of Tom Timmerman—a young police officer confronting the harsh realities of opioid abuse, violence, and personal loss—the story quickly establishes a sobering portrait of human brokenness.

The narrative’s unexpected shift into a first-century setting, where Tom interacts with a Roman-era figure reminiscent of Jesus, creates a compelling fusion of spiritual allegory and imaginary fiction. Hiemstra uses this dual timeline to wrestle with the enduring questions about God’s presence, human agency, and the persistence of evil, offering readers both an emotionally intense storyline and a reflective theological journey. While at times dense with philosophical dialogue, Daybreak ultimately challenges readers to consider how light can emerge in even the darkest moments of life.

Daybreak presents a road trip of body and mind. With Tom, a second-generation police officer, we are suddenly and miraculously transported back to the first century with a journey of reflection about how we live, with whom we associate, and the basis of our decisions. In this journey, Stephen creates images and offers up history in an ancient struggle between right and wrong, courage and love, in the midst of Roman and Parthian intrigue. Imagine meeting “Jeez” who is both man and God, hiding in plain sight. And Leo, a woman and master of disguise, who devotes herself to friends and adopted family with a passionate presence, even in their absence. Like me, you will want to read more.

A powerful, uplifting, and inspirational guide to finding hope in everyday life and a reminder to those that have lost hope that renewal is always on the horizon. Daybreak by Stephen Hiemstra is a breath of fresh air for the weary soul — highly recommended!

Injured in an attack on a church in Virginia, Tom travels back in time to the Holy Land where he again encounters his friends and fellow adventurers, Jeeze and Leo. Working as trusted Roman's guards, the Fiercesome Threesome bring history to life as they journey throughout the Roman Empire in service to King Antipas. If you enjoy split-time fiction, Roman and Jewish history, and a good adventure, this book is for you.

The Fiercesome Threesome are back in action! Stephen’s (award-winning!) facility with the screenplay format commissions his readers into each scene—navigating oceans, deserts, ancient strongholds, wily enemies, personal tragedy and time—with Tom, Leo and Jeez (and the cats that cleverly serve as portents along the way). The dialogue is guileless, an accessible peek behind the curtains to understand character intentions and the gospel, which Stephen has skillfully pulled through the story with a firm commitment to historical accuracy. To quote Jesus’ character, Jeez: “Do not be impatient with life. Not everyone takes the most direct path.” This final installment of the Jeez and the Gentile series is for anyone who, like Tom, is faithfully following Jesus along indirect paths that will—ultimately—reveal purpose.

Daybreak: Waking to New Light is the third book in the trilogy of Jeez and the Gentile. Tom is twenty-four years old, and finds himself back with Jeez as they travel to Babylon and Susa. In the rich tapestry of Biblical times adventure, Stephen Hiemstra has woven into Tom's question of why is he here in this time and this place, Jeez's answer. There are so many rich spiritual truths in this fast-paced story for those who seek.

The screenplay adaptation of Daybreak won Honorable Mention at the Toronto Comedy Film & Screenplay Festival.

The screenplay adaptation of Daybreak was awards Best Feature Script at the 2026 Indo Dubai International Film Festival.

Daybreak was featured in the young adult category during 2027 International Book Awards.

The screenplay adaptation of Daybreak won Honorable Mention at the 2026 Action/Crime/Mystery Film & Screenplay Festival (Canada).

Well-known biblical figures collide with present-day society in the latest action-packed young adult novel in Hiemstra’s Jeez and the Gentile series (after The Reboot). Twenty-four-year-old police officer Tom Timmerman is summoned back to 21 CE Galilee to secure a treaty between royals as part of the “Fiercesome Threesome,” a powerhouse trio that also includes Jeez—a fictionalized version of Jesus—and Leo, the nom de guerre for Mary Magdalene. This improbable adventure begins after a terrorist attack on a church knocks Tom unconscious. When he wakes up, Jeez is there: “Having a rough day?” Jeez asks him, requesting his help on their mission as Tom comes to terms with the trauma of the attack.

Blending scripture-based advice with action and budding romance, Daybreak will intrigue young readers, infusing an energetic plot with Christian teachings. As Hiemstra’s central protagonist, Tom remains an admirable character whom young readers will want to follow—he jumps into action when necessary and regularly puts others’ needs above his own. The dialogue can sometimes feel clunky—“I am better off doing things to keep occupied. Tell me about this mission that you mentioned,” says a flustered Tom—and tense changes distract, but the story’s heart shows through Tom’s struggle to come to terms with a devastating loss while helping his friends maintain peace in Galilee. At the end of his journey, readers will be invested in whether Tom chooses to stay with Jeez and Leo or return home to pick up the pieces of his present-day life.

Readers who enjoy faith-driven plots and examinations of biblical characters in a contemporary context will enjoy this touching tale of resilience, faith, and moving forward through pain. Hiemstra capably merges historical knowledge with inventive world-building and a creative reimagining of biblical scripture, resulting in a thought-provoking YA novel whose main character must grapple with his faith in the modern world.

Takeaway: Time-traveling story grapples with faith, purpose amid human evils.

Great for fans of: Terri Blackstock’s The Heart Reader of Franklin High,Claudia Cangilla McAdam’s Awakening.

Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A-
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A