Download to your Nook (eBook) Download from Apple iTunes (eBook) Barnes & Noble.com Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Next Chapter Publishing Type: Fiction Pages: 414 Copyright: Jan 10, 2024 Price: $3.99 (eBook) A modern-day "Pilgrim's Progress meets The Giver." ~ Kelli - AdventureHS com When Jejune begins to question how conflicting theories can all be true, the ruling Illuminati brand him a troublemaker. Miserable and longing for something more from life, he leaves his home in Lofty Thought, seeking out Wisdom. Things get complicated when he meets Worldly Wisdom and her sister, Heavenly. In the Valley of Shadow, dangers and temptations await. Ethereal shadows hurl fiery darts that send an injured Jejune off course, but danger isn’t always so obvious. To make matters worse, Jejune learns that he has the Condition; no one with it can be granted citizenship to the Eternal City. His friends Understanding, Prudence and Humility help him see there's only one answer. But can he follow the Narrow Way and find Truth? Excerpt Two hours later Jejune and Wigglewot pushed through the gathering crowd. Jejune struggled to think positive thoughts while threading around villagers lining the main street. Fine citizens of the mountain community navigated the walkways to find the best place to glimpse the revered procession and follow them to the Coming of Age ceremony. Jejune raced to stay ahead of the parade. I don't want to be late. Pundits could use it against me. Just behind him, the parade of pundits dressed in traditional robes snaked toward the Town Square where the crowd's flow stalled. Jejune jerked to a stop at the bottleneck filtering into the narrow street. A blustery spring breeze tugged his curls. By the looks of the crowd, he'd be here awhile. He picked a stray thread from his bare sleeve and twisted it between his thumb and forefinger until the wind caught the fiber and pulled it into the sky toward the summit and out of sight. His concentration wandered along the snow-capped pinnacles overhead. His eyes followed the mountain trails and returned to the procession of multicolored robes. Hues differed from robe to robe, but rings of gold and silver edged every sleeve. Movement rippled through the throng and pushed Jejune past the standstill. His lanky frame slowed behind a young girl holding her mother's hand. "I like that pretty one, Mommy." The child pointed toward the parade. Purple shades highlighted the shoulders of a shimmering garment, worn by one gray-haired woman who carried herself with a regal posture. The mother patted her daughter's back. "With the right education, one day you'll wear a pundit's robe." "Look at her sleeves!" The girl clasped her hands beneath her chin, her eyes trained with delight on the woman as she filed by. Jejune studied the metallic threads edging the pundit's cuffs; at least six rings decorated each sleeve. He eyed his undecorated sleeve, sighed, pushed into the crowd's renewed flow, and headed toward the Seeker's Circle. Lofty Thinkers filtered into the Town Square. Vendors shouted for spectators' attention while onlookers discussed the prestigious rings and the theories they represented. Over time, theories melded with tradition and affected changes in the lives of the good citizens. The single file cavalcade advanced in choreographed fashion while the first Illuminati settled into their pre-appointed center seats on the platform, nestled within the Seeker's Circle. Tenacious marched by. Jejune hid in the crowd, attempting to count the High Pundit's gold and silver merits. "Someday I'll have more rings than him," he said to Wigglewot. Wigglewot let out a soft snort. "What does it matter, Jejune? You don't really want to be like him." Tenacious shuffled along the limestone pavement and took his designated place of honor in the row closest to the stage. His chin held high and eyes forward, the pundit's robe overflowed his throne-like chair. The corners of his lips lifted in a hollow smile. His gaze focused on scudding clouds above the assembly's heads. Wigglewot's transparent wings fluttered as he hovered and settled on Jejune's shoulder. "Let's sit over there." Wigglewot pointed toward the back row of stone benches that filled the Seeker's Circle. The large blocks offered reserved seating for the Lofty Thinkers on the verge of becoming Seekers. "Just think, Wig. What I choose to believe today determines the color of my robe in the future." Jejune's shoulders slumped. "Cheer up, Jejune." Wigglewot nudged Jejune's neck. "You're not alone." Jejune glanced around at those approaching the Coming of Age who filed into the Seeker's Circle. They gathered in scattered patches. "This is the last time I'll have to take part in one of these ceremonies," he said to Wig as he ticked his head once toward the Illuminati. "Today fulfills my obligation to study under them." He shuffled toward the last row. Wigglewot balanced on his shoulder. Paused between two slabs at the circle's edge, Jejune said, "How about here?" He studied the tall hedge fencing the grounds behind the last row of seating: to his right, the Fountain of Tradition splashed; left, an archway covered with honey blossoms. The quickest way out. "Our escape route when it's over." Wigglewot snickered as Jejune claimed the out-of-the-way bench. He fidgeted on the cold stone while the last Illuminati settled into their designated seats. Fragrant honey blossoms wafted on the spring breeze. Jejune inhaled the bouquet, which tickled long ago memories. He closed his eyes and tried to picture his mother's face. "What are you doing?" Wigglewot interrupted his thoughts and fluttered to the bench. "This sweet smell reminds me of Mother's hair." Jejune pulled in another deep breath, but the memory dissipated when two chatty girls claimed the seat in front of him. Jejune stared at the ground and shook his head. "People look forward to this. Listen to them. I want to hear about quests to the Eternal City." He shifted in his seat. "My mother believed in the Eternal City." Wigglewot shrugged. "Everyone knows the Eternal City exists." He feigned a yawn. "How long is this going to last?" "Too long, Wig." The benches filled. Wigglewot scurried up Jejune's arm to perch on his shoulder before a large-rumped fellow plunked beside them. "Hello, Inveigle." Jejune glanced at the boy and slid an inch to the right to make space between them. "Good day." Inveigle smiled. Excitement danced in his brown eyes. "Isn't this exciting, Jejune? Before we know it that will be us up there." He pointed his chubby finger toward the Illuminati. Jejune scratched behind his ear and nodded. "Sure, Inveigle. Exciting." In his heart, Jejune agreed with Wigglewot. He pondered the unpleasant episode with the pundits earlier that morning. Inveigle didn't experience such difficulties. He stole a sideward glimpse at the boy. He'd never understand. Jejune slid his medallion back and forth along the leather strip around his neck. Why is this so difficult for me? Each generation declares a New Age of Enlightenment, and my generation will be no different. Someday I will be like them. He closed his eyes and shuddered.

Digging Deeper into This Christian Allegory
The most compelling feature for me as I lived the adventure with Jejune was the skill with which Sundblad literally brought her characters to life on the printed page.

Jejune, just like the rest of us, made many poor choices. Sometimes he learned from them and made better choices but all too often, he yielded to the temptation of the world or the flesh and made the same bad choices repeatedly.
I could empathize with him (I’ve made my own poor choices)!

I found myself trying to encourage him or exhort him mentally as I devoured the pages to find out what would happen next.

Jejune does meet a fair lady—in fact, he meets two of them, lucky boy!—and gets himself into a bit of difficulty.
I won't spoil the plot for you by telling you any of the revealing details, but I think you will find this subplot to be one of the better portions of the book.

Stay alert or you will miss the clues to the surprise ending of this side story.
The other thing I really liked was how Sundblad used allegory and symbolism to represent Christian concepts and principles without being “preachy” or trying to influence my thinking processes.

This excellent book would be perfect for a women’s study group or youth group looking for something besides the traditional Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore offerings (which are great study books, by the way!)

The two classic Christian allegories I mentioned earlier are both fine books in their own right, and they have places of honor on my bookshelf. I am thrilled to add The Inheritance to my collection as well. If you are looking for other reading and audio visuals materials with a Christian worldview, you might want to check out the Bibleman series from Thomas Nelson as well. Bibleman, who is played by Willie Aames in some of the DVDs and Robert Schlipp in others, fights evil with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Kids get a good dose of high-energy action packed adventure mixed with a healthy dose of scripture. What's not to like?



Fiction Writing - Bella Online
The Inheritance, a Christian fantasy novel by Donna Sundblad, is a modern-day version of Pilgrim's Progress. This is not a rewritten version of Paul Bunyan's classic, but an original fantasy story, one that proved to be exciting and hard to put down.

The protagonist, Jejune, is unhappy in Lofty Thought. He feels there is more to life, that something is not right in his village. Surrogate, the lady who is his guardian, is good to him, but he misses his parents. Sometimes he wonders if they are still alive. His father and mother had set out on a quest to find Truth, but never returned. Jejune wonders if they found what they were looking for.

Jejune does not get along with the pundits (wise men) who rule his village. The day before his Coming of Age ceremony, he finds out his father had been the ruler of Lofty Thought, but his position left him unsatisfied and he, too, knew there must be something more. This is why he had undertaken a quest to find Truth. His mother, who had ruled in his father's absence, eventually followed along.

Jejune inherits the ruling position in Lofty Thought, but instead chooses to set out on his own quest to seek what is true. Before he leaves, he puts Surrogate in charge and declares that anyone who seeks to be part of the Illuminati must set out on a quest and complete it.

Jejune sets out to find the All Knowing One and the Eternal City with his alter-ego companion, Wigglewot. While searching for Wisdom, confusion and doubt set in when he meets up with Worldly Wisdom and her sister, Heavenly Wisdom. The reader gets to accompany Jejune on journeys that take him though places such as Syncretism, where anything goes and everyone just agrees to disagree, and Rumor Lodge, where the food and rooms don't cost money, only juicy gossip. The reader journeys with Jejune through the Valley of Shadow, a valley full of dangers and temptations. Then, Jejune discovers he has the Condition and must find a cure before he will be allowed to enter the Eternal City.

The author has skillfully woven symbolism throughout the book. Each character's name has a special meaning. For example, Jejune means understanding or describing ideas in a way that is too simple. Chary means unwilling to do something because you are afraid that something bad is going to happen. The names of the villages also have meaning. Syncretism, the village where anything goes, means the attempted fusion of different systems of thought or belief.

Jejune meets many people along the way, along with a lot of opposition, both friendly and unfriendly. He almost gets married for the wrong reasons, then falls in love for real. At the end of his journey, will he be reunited with his parents? Are they still alive? Will Jejune find Truth at last?

I believe that anyone would find The Inheritance a joy to read, no matter what your age or beliefs. This book mirrors the walk we have as Christians in a world filled with things that distract us from our Lord and Savior. Younger readers may not yet be able to grasp all of the symbolism that is intricately woven throughout Jejune's journey, but that will not take away from their enjoyment of the story.

My copy of this Christian fantasy novel was sent to me free of charge by the author, Donna Sundblad. If you would like to purchase a copy for your own reading pleasure, I have provided an Amazon link for you below. Right now, it is only available as a Kindle ebook and can be read with Kindle, either a hand-held one or one installed on your PC. It will also be available in print at Amazon in the near future.


Book Review: The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
A Rich, Mysterious Beginning
Since I work with young children every day, and then take care of my husband, three kids, three cats, a dog and sometimes my youngest daughter's goldfish in the afternoons, I rarely get the chance to sit down and enjoy a good book geared toward adults. Recently, I decided to take a little bit of time for myself and read The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad.

As I began to read the book, the first thing that caught my attention was Sundblad's choice of names for the characters and places in the book. The reader will quickly grow accustomed to names like Illuminati, Pundit Tenacious, Punctilious, Wigglewot, and of course the main character, Jejune. Places are given creative names such as the Village of Lofty Thought, the Valley of Shadow, and a most important city, The Eternal City.

Within the first chapter, the reader's attention is captured with mysteries which make it difficult to put the book away. The story opens with a vivid description of the town and it's surroundings. The reader gets a feel for the atmosphere surrounding the story. The main character, a Seeker named Jejune, is inside a counsel chamber before the High Pundit Tenacious. The reader is not immediately aware of the reason for the counsel session, but is given just enough information to stir curiosity. The reader can't help but wonder who Jejune really is and why has he found himself inside the chamber and before the High Pundit. Soon, the reader learns that Seeker Jejune questions the philosophies of Lofty Thought.

The first chapter of The Inheritance is rich in mystery. Before the end of the first chapter, the reader is anxious to read on to find the answers to questions such as:

What is a Seeker?

Why does Jejune question the philosophy of Lofty Thought when others follow the philosophies and traditions without question?

What are the philosophies of Lofty Thought?

What is the Fountain of Tradition and why is it important?

Where is the Eternal City?

Why have so many searched for it?

Once one reaches the Eternal City, are they trapped forever or do they choose to stay?

What is Truth?

Which Way?
Jejune has not seen his parents since he was a young boy. His mother and father left Lofty Thought in search of a place called the Eternal City, but they never returned. Just before Jejune's Coming of Age ceremony, he sneaks into a forbidden room where he believes he will find answers to many questions concerning his parents, his mysterious heritage, and the Eternal City.

Within the room, Jejune finds a journal. The journal doesn't describe the way to the Eternal City, but it does list a few routes that do not lead the way. Jejune must decide which way to go.

Jejune has decisions to make. Should he remain in Lofty Thought and fulfill his duties or should he leave Lofty Thought in search of the Eternal City?

The only thing he knows at this point is that he must search for Wisdom. Jejune believes Wisdom will lead the way.

Jejune's Quest
Jejune finds a way to fulfill his obligations in Lofty Thought which results in a little twist on the chain of authority there while he satisfies his longing to search for Truth and set out on his own quest for the Eternal City.

During his journey, Jejune finds himself in a few predicaments. He is distracted from his quest and questions his decision to leave Loft Thought on various occasions. His path leads him to interesting characters who help Jejune find his way. He must rely on the advice of Understanding, Prudence, and Humility, just to name a few. At times, Jejune finds himself struggling to decide whether to follow the way of Heavenly Wisdom or Worldly Wisdom.

To make matters worse, he discovers he has a "Condition" and must find the cure. Otherwise, he will not be permitted to enter the Eternal City, even if he finds it. As if Jejune didn't have enough to worry about, his travels are made more interesting when he meets a young lady. The young lady accompanies Jejune on his quest for she has similar ambitions, or does she?

The two face obstacle after obstacle together and Jejune becomes more and more aware of the confusing ways of women. This particular woman is particularly confusing and when Jejune is at his whits end with her . . . well, let's just say he "gets more than he bargained for."

Finding more advice from his new friends; Understanding, Prudence, and Humility helpful, Jejune finds his way back on the "narrow way" in search for a cure for his "Condition" and the Eternal City.

Questions and Answers
The first chapter of The Inheritance leaves the reader anxious to find answers to questions. The body of the story builds on those questions and leaves the reader pondering over the answers while presenting the reader with a few more questions:

What exactly is the Condition?

Why can't a person with the Condition enter the Eternal City?

Is there a cure?

The answers to all those questions are revealed by the time the reader gets to the end of one of the craftiest, most delightful stories I have ever read.

Spiritual Warfare in Human Form
The story of The Inheritance includes adventure, mystery, humor, romance, and the best qualities of a "good verses evil" story, including the snares of a Dragon and the tragedy of great loss. In the Inheritance, the "good guys" are not just "good guys" and the "bad guys" are not just "bad guys." Imaginative characters take on the names of their personalities.

Each character in the story represents an element of spiritual warfare in human form.

While reading The Inheritance, the reader gains a bit of insight as to why people believe the way the do. The Inheritance doesn't force a belief on the reader, but it shines a light on what makes sense and what doesn't in the real realms of Heaven and Earth.

Vocabulary
Knowing the meanings to the following words will enhance the reader's understanding of the story.

Jejune: Lacking knowledge and experience, childish.

Lofty: Exalted in rank, dignity, or character, arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner.

Tenacious: Persistent, stubborn, keeping a firm hold.

Punctilious: strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

Pundit: A learned person, expert.

Illuminati: Person claiming to possess superior enlightenment.

Quidnunc: A person who is eager to know the latest news or gossip.

Chary: Cautious, careful.

Calumny: False statements made with the intent of harming someone else.

Penury: Extreme poverty, insufficiency.

Halcyon: Calm, peaceful, happy, prosperous.

Pragmatism: the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability

Avarice: insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.