Customer Reviews

Quest for Celestia: A Reimagining of The Pilgrim's Progress

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is only one story that really matters: THE story of God reaching down into history to redeem a people for Himself. We live in that story, as we journey as vagabonds toward heaven. Four hundred years ago, a prisoner in an English jail retold THE story in such a fresh and masterful way that his words have been a bestseller ever since. That prisoner, of course, was John Bunyan, and his retelling of THE story was his masterpiece Pilgrim's Progress.

Now, a master storyteller of our generation has taken his turn at retelling THE story with the novel Quest for Celestia: A Reimagining of the Pilgrim's Progress. Patterned after the manner of Pilgrim's Progress, Quest for Celestia follows a young man, Kadin, as his eyes are opened to a great quest to visit a glorious city. His perilous journey takes him through the same type of allegorical adventures and dangers that echo both Bunyan and every Christian's life. Written in a fast-paced first-person style, this novel is an easy read akin to the Chronicles of Narnia. It has both a male and female protoganonist with a mild dash of romance thrown in to better appeal to readers of both sexes. Entertaining and inspiring, Quest for Celestia is a great read for young and old, both those familiar with Bunyan's original masterpiece and those new to the genre of imaginative retellings of God's redemptive story.

The latest of Steven's books marks a step into the fantasy realm, but keeps true to his heritage as a storyteller. I saw this as an homage to Bunyan's original tale, but by his use of symbolism and fantasy characters, Steven made the story appeal to a wider modern day audience. The style reminds me a great deal of C.S. Lewis and his famous Chronicles, and my only complaint is that the book isn't longer. Fortunately, Steven leaves some room for a sequel, and I hope for his fans' sake that he gives us at least one more tale of Kadin and Leira. I give this 5 out of 5 stars for the readability, style, and overall message of this wonderful book. Please give us another book like this!

Although many might not fully like this book, it is a refresher to countless fantasties of christian ideas that have lost focus. Some Christian Fantasy have forgotten that the journey to Heaven and the trials that we face is the real battle. The characters are interesting in this story though not fully explored. The perils in this novel are interesting enough to make you want keep reading to the end. This is a delightful reimagining of the classic story, The Pilgrim's Progress.

Steven James has become one of my favorite authors over the last few years. His thrillers are true nailbiters, with grit, smarts, and memorable characters. I wondered how that style would apply in a reimagining of the classic, "Pilgrim's Progress," but had every confidence James could make it work.

My confidence remains strong. "Quest for Celestia" is a well-written, fast-paced telling of the spiritual journey. We follow young Kadin, and later, Leira, as they move from Abaddon toward the beautiful city of Celestia, encountering archers, vagabonds, dragons, and giants along the way. There are some great scenes in a dungeon, and in a fight with Apollyon. There are some tender moments between the male and female leads. Although the story can be read by a younger audience, probably twelve years old and up, it has deeper meaning too for older readers. This is a strength and also a slight weakness; I felt there were parts that could've gone deeper and darker, providing more impact if given room to do so. Nevertheless, it is a satisfying tale.

The allegory that was so prevalent in John Bunyan's original title is subdued here, clear, yet left for modern readers to examine and enjoy. The original appealed to an audience steeped in church thinking and monarchist societies, whereas today's readers might see that as somewhat simplistic. Steven James updates the story, shaping it into something that feels fresh and exciting, while never losing the message of the classic.

Steven James has captured the heart of the true Christian journey. This book is wonderfully entertaining as well a mirror to our own lives and the choices we make. I think this book is marketed for young adults/teens, but it is written in such a way to appeal to adults as well. Definitely worth the read, especially if you need a little inspiration in your Christian walk.

A great allegory, reminiscent of Hannah Hurnard's classic Hinds Feet on High Places. Well written, fast paced, with lessons that are, for the most part, cleverly woven into the story and not too preachy, The Quest for Celestia is both fun and thought provoking. A great read and highly recommended!