 |
| Image Used by Permission from Donna Sundblad |
The Inheritance was provided by Donna Sundblad in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
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.
The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad is highly recommended literature and
it will be available in print on Amazon by the end of November 2011.
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.
Kumtux: Knowledge
About Donna Sundblad
 |
| Photo Used by Permission from Donna Sundblad |
Donna Sundblad left corporate America to follow her dream to become a
writer. She enjoys her life as a Freelance Writer and Editor. Donna
works on various freelance projects and she has written several books.
Her latest book, The Inheritance, is a 2012 Epic Book Award Finalist.
Donna enjoys outdoor activities, wildlife and healthy living. She makes her home in the great state of Georgia.
You might also like:
