Thursday 21 September 2017

Quest for Celestia by Steven James

Quest for Celestia is a fascinating and highly motivating book. The book is a re-imagining of The Pilgrims’ Progress by John Bunyan, and thus an allegory of the Christian life.

The story is a compelling one taking place in a unique setting with plenty of surprises along the way. It’s a journey filled with high stakes action, humor, healthy romance, and lessons for all ages.

Though the story stands on its own, it’s a million times deeper with the allegory.

The first time I read the book, I will admit that I made the mistake of focusing too much on the allegory. I was so focused on trying to find the meaning of every scene, that I actually missed who the the allegorical representation of Christ was. I see how other readers could make the same mistake I made, and that’s why I included my experience in the review.

My advice on how to read this book is the advice of Leland Ryken. To quote him; “We will fare just fine with Bunyan’s allegorical story if we read it as a travel story and adventure story first, and then allow the theological and moral level to emerge as an extra source of enjoyment and edification.”

Despite my mix-up, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book my first time through, and much more on my second time. It was deeper and more clear the second time for me.

This is a book I will continue to read in the years to come. There are truths and principles in this book to review and come back to.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of young adult fiction, fantasy, and to Christians of any age.

About the author:
Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

If you want to learn more about Steven, feel free to check out his website: http://www.stevenjames.net/