The Boy Who Walked A Way
Do your tweens and young teens like reading about the future, especially with a sc-fic/fantasy flare? This week we read a book written by Nancy Janes titled The Boy Who Walked A Way. Based in the year 2162, this story is about the journey of a little boy named Jal. He is ten years old and faced with a lot of challenges.
Description of Book
In the year 2162, a young boy named Jal Valhyn is caught in a maelstrom of violence and conflict. His country is at war and the world government based on humanistic principles that had fulfilled its promise of a halcyon peace for over a century has fallen. Alone and helpless, he has an encounter with an invisible being that leads to a seven-day journey. With his two appointed companions he sets out for a safe haven far from the world of danger and turmoil. Each day’s trek brings the gift of new friendships and a growing awareness that life has dimensions grounded in more than the material. He intuitively understands the faith that sustains the inhabitants of an enduring peaceable kingdom.
The Boy Who Walked a Way is a touching literary fantasy novel by Nancy Janes about the true power of belief. Representing the child inside all of us that neither age nor time can eradicate, young Jal is a perfect personification to the untainted and wholehearted faith and belief in miracles that the innocence of childhood provides. With Bea and Sammie as correlating characters who impact Jal’s present and future, the two companions teach him the importance of using his troubles as an asset in developing a sense of mastery over his circumstances and in turn give readers a glimpse into the importance of trust in yourself and the personal conquering of adversity.
With a deep and gentle meaning that is born of violent circumstances, The Boy Who Walked a Way is a rare young adult novel that appeals to both genders equally. Though born of Christian roots, this profound story is a perfect fit for readers of all backgrounds and faiths that truly inspires with its touching journey of self-discovery, belief, and personal mastery. With a rich and detailed world that has descended into out-of-control chaos, this grand novel is an epic, touching fantasy that will inspire and entertain for years to come.
Author Bio
Nancy Janes lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her husband Richard. After retiring from a career in psychiatric social work she returned to writing full time. She writes sc-fic/fantasy, and short stories in the Americana vein. Aside from writing she gets engrossed in various subjects, which includes early american history, early church history, and mysteries for a change of pace. You will find her on social media, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn after mundane chores are completed, and those often include a charred dinner for her husband.
She has written two books loosely based on each other. The Boy Who Walked A Way published in 2013 and Night Rumbles published 2015.
The Boy Who Walked A Way won an Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree award November 2015.
My Thoughts:
They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover and this is a case in point. When I first read the title and looked at the image, I thought the book was about a boy who walked “away” from some accident or war. Of course once I received the book and had it in hand, I got to looking at the cover and wondered about the “away” or “a way”. It is written as “a way” and that changed my initial thoughts on the book.
Opening the book, there is an inscription: “The story of Jal is dedicated to all who labor with the Great High King to bring His Kingdom into being”.
And the story begins with a family that is torn apart when the parents are called to do their duty in the military. Left with his Uncle, they press on with daily life until the war moves closer and the Uncle is also pressed into service, leaving Jal alone and afraid.
One night after his Uncle did not return at the appointed time, Jal goes in search of him. He eventually ends up outside the city and falls asleep under a willow tree. This is where, upon awakening, he is spoken to by a voice. He can’t see it, but he can hear it. The “voice” goes on the explain that they are the Guardian and instructs the young Jal to head to a certain place where he will be safe. Looking around, Jal notices that a Swan and a Butterfly are watching him and seem to be also hearing the voice.
The remainder of the story is the daily path, events and challenges the three (Jal, swan and butterfly) encounter. Lessons are taught on dealing with fear and not letting the unknown have power over us. Young Jal also learns lessons in handling his anger and acceptance of things we have no control over, including the actions of others.
There was a quote that struck a chord with me:
“The house of trouble is crowded with many inhabitants, but the house grows brighter and a little more spacious when we help each other bear the troubles.”
How true is that! Learning to be there and help each other is the only way to get through life.
As far as my opinion on the book, I liked it. I did find it a springboard to open discussions with my grandson who is the same age as the main character. As with most books for tweens and young teens, I recommend reading it first, or at least along with them so you can address any concerns or issues as they come up in the text.
If this story sounds like something you or your children would enjoy reading, it is available on Amazon in Paperback, Audiobook, and Kindle formats.
Don’t have a Kindle? Grab one for yourself. They are so nice to use for reading. I love my Kindle Fire and my little one uses the e-Reader version (just for reading without the added games and internet options).
Connect with Nancy Janes on Facebook and Twitter for the latest release announcements and promotions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
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