Sentinel, City of Destiny ~ Book Review and Giveaway

As a mother of four sons, I am constantly seeking methods and tools for use in teaching morals to my three younger sons.  Like any Christian parent, I want them to grow into moral men.

Recently I was given the opportunity to read and review Sentinel, City of Destiny.  I was intrigued when author, Landel Bilbrey, emailed me and described his book...

It is a Christian fantasy novel ... a modern day allegory (Think The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with Pilgrim's Progress). Its story is aimed primarily at boys ages 8 to 12, but speaks to people of all ages. (There is suspense, battles with creatures, temptations, etc.)  You might say it is an adventure story with a moral.  It is currently available online at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com, Walmart.com, etc.

I wrote it to capture the attention of preteen boys and crafted the allegory to be a teaching tool for parents (there is a study guide in the back of the book).

Each of my sons was captivated by The Chronicles of Narnia books which I read to them before they themselves were able to read that level of writing.  Even at young ages they grasped the allegory, probably better than many adults.  Two of my sons have read Pilgrim's Progress, enjoyed it and "got it".  So I was excited about Sentinel, City of Destiny.  I mean battles with creatures...how could they not like it...they are boys ages ten to thirteen.

After reading the book I was not disappointed.  The book is appropriate for the target audience of boys in the formative ages of 8 to 12 years, but quite frankly the story ministers to adults as well.  Amazon summarizes the book...

Today, as never before, a young boy's life is bombarded by subtle and not so subtle messages of how the world defines the "successful" man. The purpose of Sentinel, City of Destiny is to share with boys, during their formative pre-teen years, some fundamental character traits that define the "Godly" man. The allegorical story is about twin brothers, Jerol and Jarad, their quest through the land of Callow (Childhood) and their search for the city of Sentinel (representing true Manhood). In Sentinel they seek to earn the Mark of the Blade and become part of the King's court of Mettle. The Court of Mettle is an elite fighting force that stands watch over Terrenea (the land in which the story takes place). They are sworn to fight to the death in defense of King Deus (God) and his Kingdom of Light. To make it onto the King's court Jerol and Jarad must first find the four magical keys (Courage, Integrity, Service, & Vision) with which to unlock Sentinel's gate. Unfortunately, their archenemy Azrael (Satan) and his minions challenge the boys at every turn, seeking to prevent their entry into Sentinel (True Manhood). The story contrasts the boys' very different ways of dealing with Azrael's temptations and traps. In the style of Pilgrim's Progress, the brothers face many allegorical characters and situations that represent present day themes in young boy's lives: bullies, drugs, girls, music, peer pressure, video, etc. Hopefully, in the end, it will be clear to the reader; it is better to be like Jerol, who makes wise choices than Jarad, who makes foolish choices.

You can read the first six chapters online.

The pluses of Sentinel, City of Destiny do not stop with the story.  Landel has provided additional material in the book including a glossary and study guide.  Excellent features which make this book a true teaching tool for parents to use with their sons.

I have decided to use Sentinel as a read-aloud to my boys because of my youngest son's difficulties with reading.  Due to processing problems he cannot read on the level which the book is written; however, he is intelligent and understands life issues age appropriately.  I do not want him to miss the opportunity of enjoying and learning from this book during his formative years.

In the book Landel presents scripture references as Logos which in essence are scriptures cited in code form. Fabulous, math and logic skills to be used in deciphering.   Additionally, throughout the book words which are found in the glossary have asterisks by them, easily providing a vocabulary lesson.  As a homeschooling mom I love both of these features and will have the boys look up words in the glossary, decode the Logos, read the scriptures and use the questions provided to discuss the story.  Of course, you do not have to be a homeschool family to use Sentinel as a teaching tool.  As parents we are our children's first teachers and most assuredly, the teachers best equipped to teach them morals.

Sentinel, City of Destiny is a story interesting to boys and a good tool for parents to use in guiding them to make wise decisions.  I feel certain that as I read the book aloud to my sons, the ten and thirteen year old boys will be sneaking it from my desk to read ahead.

The book is available directly from the site: Bridgemaker Books or you can buy it from Amazon.com.  There is also a discount rate for co-op and group purchases.

*This giveaway has ended.

Landel has given me a signed copy of Sentinel, City of Destiny to be given away to one lucky blog reader.  To be eligible for a random draw to win the book, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Saturday, March 1.  One comment per person, please.  Duplicate comments will be deleted.  Please make sure I have a valid email address by which to contact you.  The winner will be announced here Sunday, March 2.

Comments

[Sheila / Kiki36]

Great giveaway!
This sounds like a book my 12 year old would love to read!

[Lesha]

Sounds great :)

[Maddy]

Pilgrim's Progress - oh those happy days of school torture! I was pretty keen on Narnia myself. There again without wishing to be sexist [perish the thought!] sound like a pretty good match to my daughter [10] always keen to have a bit of adventure.
Cheers
When you have a free nano second, pop on over and collect your excellent award - yes I know you already have one [I got a little behind] but I'm catching up now.

[Rose]

Wow, sounds like a GREAT book, even though Harrison is still young, I'm always looking for books and materials to help me teach him to grow into a Godly man. It starts now.

You have my correct email, I would love to be included in the contest. Have a wonderful Sunday! Thank you for the recommendation.

[Karin A.]

Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.

[Trish]

As someone who grew up on secular sci-fi/fantasy, it is so great to see what Christians have been able to contribute to this field. Looks like a neat book!

[Tammy and Parker]

This book sounds wonderful for 12 years and their Moms alike!

[Becky]

I'm so glad books like this are being written. I'm always looking for appropriate literature for my sons. Especially with such purposeful intent. Thanks for the book review.

[Maya]

Sounds wonderful! We're constantly adding to our collection for Zane as her grows...I'll have to look this one up!

[Greg Johnson]

This book ROCKS!

[Marie]

It sounds like a great book and a wonderful teaching opportunity for mother and sons. :-)

[arizaphale]

Teaching morals? Heck...I just want to teach him to put his dishes in the dishwasher and I can't even manage THAT!!! As a teacher at a Christian school I am fascinated by the sound of this book.

[Stephen Saunders]

Please enter me also, thanks.

[Kari Follett]

Please add me too

[Jame Burdette]

I read the blog on Sentinel, City of Destiny. Sounds like a good book for teenager boys who love great action stories, and also to develop a love of reading in young mines

[Marilyn Wons]

This would be so nice to win - thank you

[margaret herrin]

Great review.

[Carey]

Count me in!

[Adrienne Gordon]

my nephew would love this book.

[linda]

great prize,great contest

[Kathy Scott]

My boys would love this book. Thanks for giving us the chance to win.

[Laura]

That sounds like a great book...would like to be able to use it with my 2 boys.

[Michael Capp]

I want to win!

[Rebecca Snodgrass]

i wanna win

[Tonya Keener]

This would be an awesome read

[beth shepherd]

thank you

[susan varney]

i love this type of read

[Killlashandra]

Wow sounds like a wonderful read. I may have to try it with my already teenage step son. I got him the Chronicles of Narnia but it may have come to late in some ways.

I'll have to mark this one down in the annals of my brain somewhere to keep in mind for W.W. though.
:) Thanks for the review.

[Annette]

Enter me, please.

[Rodney]

cool hope I win.

[Deborah Wellenstein]

I would love to win this. Thank you for this giveaway!

[Jason]

What a nice giveaway !! Thanks !!!

[Vicky Boackle]

we all need to read this and take it to heart.

[Ilicia R.]

I'm always looking for new authors to enjoy.

[Megan Savage]

Wow.

[Stacy]

Although it will be a few years before my son is ready for this book, I would love to add it to our library until that day. Sounds like a great book. :)

[Desmond]

Count me in!

[Karen Gonyea]

Enter Me !!

[sarah]

enter me!

[veronica sandberg]

want to win

[Sharon Jones]

wonderful! thanks for great contest

[Jean Morrison]

I hope I win

[sherry pincus]

love to win this!

[valerie mabrey]

thanks for the contest

[childlife]

Sounds like a great find, Melody! I'm filing the title away for future reference : )

[Amanda K]

I would love to win this!

[Tara R.]

I have read the Narnia Chronicles several times and love fantasy novels. This books sounds just the thing for pre-teen boys. Thanks for the review.

[Linda Lansford]

lol to all

[Linda Moeller]

This is a terrific book!!!!

[anna t.]

Hope I win.

[Frank B.]

Now, if parents would only go back to teaching their children respect for their elders by addressing them as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Miss".

[Angie @ Sonflower]

It sounds wonderful!

[Robert]

want to read

[Theresa Wagner]

sounds good

[donna pavcik]

great

[Steve Scott]

Please and thank you.

[kim]

It sounds like a great book! I loved reading the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a kid. Sounds like this is just as exciting. I can't wait to read it.

[Belinda]

Sounds like a interesting read.

[jan koontz]

so cool

[Paige]

This book sounds interesting; my nephew would love it.

[Linda Ellis]

add my entry

[Cindi Hoppes]

Greetings! I have heard many good things about this book. I am a mother of two sons and know they both would benefit from reading this particular book. Please enter me in your drawing. I appreciate it.....Thanks,Cindi

[Brittany]

I'd love to be entered! I don't think I posted yet... did I? lol

[mimipz5wjj]

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Thank you!

[Vicki Wurgler]

I would love to win this for my 8 & 10 year-old grandsons

[Daniel M]

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[Louis Huf]

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[Debbie Criss]

Love books. thank you

[Louis Huf]

enter me please, thank you for the contest

[Michelle Rosborough]

Would like to read these

[Angela]

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I blogged you too
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[Leigh Nichols]

wOOt!

[Richard T]

Bless you.

[anna t]

Hope I win.

[Paige]

That sounds great. I'd love to win.

[Amber S.]

Sounds like a good book! I have 3 boys who would enjoy this book. :) Thanks for the chance to win it!

[Gillien Wright]

Sounds like a great read.

[Eva]

please add me. I'd love to read this to my boys

[Clifton Wade]

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[christopher h]

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[Teresa Warner]

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[Leslie]

Terrific

[AMANDA PERRON]

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[Cassandra]

I will definitely be reading this book!

[Anthony Hedden]

enter me

[mindy]

sounds wonderful thanks

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[Ed Nemmers]

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[Carol Drury]

would love to win this!!

[Elizabeth]

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[Cheryl Free]

I'd love to read it :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

[Stacey M]

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[Janet M]

nice!!! :)

[Sherri Siler]

I would love to win.

[Karrie]

sounds good!

[Joy Venters]

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[monte]

great site !!!!

[Jim Cincinello]

Thank you for the chance to win.

[Veronica Garrett]

I would love to win this book. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.

[kiyana]

I would love for my son to read this!

[Samantha Pruitt]

cool beans!

[Rebecca Lunsford]

I would love to win this book!

[Nichole Wilson]

I would love to win. TY for the awesome contest.

[Dina]

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[dorothy]

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[shawna]

Please enter me!!

[Kam A]

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[Angela]

Great giveaway!! Thanks for the opportunity!

[Susanne Troop]

Nice prize!

[Denise]

Count me in please.

[Sylvia Porter]

sounds like a good read

[Matthew]

My boy will love it!

[reeva]

cool, count me in :)

[Kathleen Yohanna]

This sounds like an interesting book. I bet I can get some good pointers from it that will help me with my work with teens.

[andrea henry]

good review and thanks for the cool slurp

[Catrina Pomerleau]

Please enter me in the drawing.

[Charlene Kuser]

Nice Review,this books sounds really good,
just what young people need to learn.Please
enter me to win