[United States] 29 Nov, Author, artist, and activist Kristena Prater is proud to announce the release of her debut novel, Tessa: Eyes on the World, co-authored with Salodius Byrd.
Inspired by the life of Tessa Marie Horan, Tessa: Eyes on the World follows the story of a young woman raised in an unconventional family in the western United States. After high school, Tessa plans to go on a spiritual quest through India and Nepal, driven by a desire for moral clarity and personal discipline. Her journey begins at a vulnerable moment in her life, as months before her departure, her brother suffers a severe injury, becoming a paraplegic. This incident becomes a catalyst for Tessa's personal growth and transformation.
Caught between the familial obligations of being a good sister and her spiritual calling and commitment to the Buddhist principles, Tessa yearns to explore.
Throughout her travels, Tessa confronts some of the most pressing issues of our time: the marginalization of people, human trafficking, and environmental devastation. Her experiences in the remote villages of the Himalayas spark a fierce passion inside her for change.
The story unfolds as Tessa joins the Peace Corps after college, working in a small village in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga. Here, she learns the "science of people" by adapting to a vastly different culture. She reflects on the choices that led her to leave her family and grapple with the internal conflict between rebellion and loyalty, spiritual devotion, and familial duty.
"This novel is about the crossroads we all face—how life doesn't get better by chance, but by change," says Kristena Prater. "Tessa's story shows us that even in world-weariness, there's an opportunity to shift our priorities, to foster confidence in the face of chaos, and to ignite personal and collective activism."
Tessa's path mirrors the reader's, highlighting the universal need for stability when everything falls apart. The novel invites readers to question their moral compass and the delicate balance between personal growth and responsibility to others.
Prater's narrative is infused with advocacy and activism, encouraging readers to explore how we learn from our own fury, how music, art, and literature move us into deeper understanding, and how the psychology of the soul plays a role in shaping the world we wish to live in.
"The science of people is what fascinates me most," Prater explains. "Tessa's story is not just about travel or culture—it's about the human experience and how we all face choices that can change the course of our lives and the world around us. I wanted to turn tragedy into triumph, to show readers that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to make a difference."
Read the book now on Amazon.
About the Author
Kristena Prater is a freelance writer, artist, poet, mother, and advocate. Her diverse background impacts her creative works, and her passion for activism shines through in her debut novel. Tessa: Eyes on the World is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change when we step outside of our comfort zones and engage with the world.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tessa-Kristena-Prater/dp/1958711780