top of page
Writer's pictureLavay Byrd

Book Review: Quest for Celestia by Steven James


About the book


A Reimagining of The Pilgrim's Progress.


If you think you know the story, think again. Twists lurk around every corner. The journey begins now. Destiny awakes in the hills.


After a chance encounter with a man whom 16-year-old Kadin believes is a wizard, his life and health begin to deteriorate.


Out of desperation he embarks on an epic journey to a land no one in his village believes exists, to be healed of a disease no one thinks he has. His quest for truth leads him to a fantastical world of witches, dragons, giants, danger, and deception. Tracked by an evil lord and accompanied by only one friend, Kadin must face his greatest fear to find the healing he longs for most.


Genre: Young Adult Epic Fantasy (Ages 16+)

Rating: 5+ Stars!



 

My Thoughts


This was an incredible read! The fact that I finished it in hours tells you that it's THAT good!


I was very familiar with John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress-- though I read some of the book and watched several of movie adaptations. After coming across a beautiful children's book version, The Little Pilgrim's Progress, I had always wondered if there was ever an adaptation/retelling of The Pilgrim's Progress in book form... for teens and adults.


Then I discovered this book at a library. Like every other book, I opened the page and became... captivated. I followed Kaiden, a young man just entering adulthood who, upon an encounter with a "wizard", finds his life turned upside down in more ways than one. In fact, the life he knew was nothing more than a life under a curse... and the only way to be truly free is to journey to the City of Celestial, home of the One True King. Armed with a mysterious Book of Blood, he embarks on a journey of a lifetime, joined by a young woman name Leira with a painful past who's become a cherished companion.


Their journey is never easy. It's fraught with many dangers and pain, both external and internal that will test their faith. But...as they discover... there is always goodness. TRUE GOODNESS that points THE TRUTH.


This was so beautifully written with his imagination and the clear inspiration from both Pilgrim's Progress and the God who gifted him. What I also loved is the "hidden elements" that doesn't feel forced. They're so woven in the story that allows the reader to discover the clues themselves... and yet all the while touched by an Eternal King... and a Prince who loves them.


About the Author


Steven James is a critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels and numerous nonfiction books that have sold more than 1 million copies. His books have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master’s degree in storytelling.


Social Media

1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page