The Journey (May 13, 2024)

Thirteen-year-old Will Donovan wishes he could enjoy his friends and trick-or-treating without the nuisance and responsibility of his talkative younger brother, Sam, tagging along. When Will’s wish comes true after finding a strange goblet in the attic, Sam suddenly vanishes into thin air through the attic wall, and Will is challenged to muster up the courage to travel to a strange world to save him. Fortunately, Will’s friends and characters they meet along the way won’t let him face this dangerous journey alone, as they end up confronting their greatest fears, deadly creatures, and an epoch battle between good and evil.

Endorsements

A charming story of childhood innocence struggling to hold onto hope in a dangerous world. Written with fairytale flair, The Journey takes readers, young and old, into a magical world, bringing together new friends and finding lost loved ones. This fantastic adventure draws readers into the ultimate struggle between trust and doubt, reminding us of the value of honest faith. ☆☆☆☆☆

A.K Fraily, Author and Educator

As a middle school English teacher, I can’t get my hands on enough modern literature of quality for my students that brings back the pleasure of reading and weaves into the story the strong morals and values once prized by parents and children. The Journey accomplishes both in this epic tale of imagination and adventure. ☆☆☆☆☆

Kelyn Draut, Middle School English Educator

In this action-packed middle-grade adventure, Jim transports a group of friends through an attic portal into an exotic and dangerous new world, where they learn to embrace virtue and identify vice so that they might defeat the sinister forces marshaled against them. ☆☆☆☆☆

Antony Kolenc, Author of the Harwood Mysteries

This is the seventh story I have read by Jim Sano that I have read, and it is his first written for a younger audience, it is a Middle Grade or Young Adult story. It is perfect for younger readers, tweens, and younger teens. At the moment it is a stand-alone story, but I hope it will become the first in a series, I can easily picture other adventures, with the grandfather, father, or even the same group of friends. But I am getting ahead of myself, back to this book.

 In some ways this is a classic buddy story, and in other a school aged story. It is a classic adventure story. But with the translation into a different world and the quest is to figure out why and to find a way home. And the why is not what we first suppose.

 The story begins on Halloween night. Will is frustrated with his younger brother often, and this evening he has reached a boiling point. When Sam steps on Will’s candy spread out on the floor, Will wishes he would disappear. And so he does. Soon Will and his friends Jules, Arrie, and Porty. The four friends are dressed as Musketeers and when will’s grandfather explains what happened and how to resolve it the group is up for the challenge. Or at least they think they are.

 Once they adventure begins they have 2 tools to help, a set number of wishes, and a blank book that magical contains text to guide, help and direct. Almost as soon as they are through the attacks begin. Dark forces attack them repeatedly. And things are often not as they appear. They must grow, face challenges, develop character and grow in virtues. They travel following the guidance of the book, and friends they meet along the way. With each city or kingdom the reach they find out more information and in each they gain new allies. This world has a prophecy that the evil force will attack and wipe it out unless they can come together under a new leader. And through it all Will is just desperate to find his brother and return his brother and friends home safe.

 There is great action, an epic journey, friends on a quest, and a final battle. This book was incredibly hard to put down. Before I even finished it I was telling my youngest two ages 13 and 16 about the story and they both were desperate to read it. This is one of those stories that could easily become a Christian Classic. It is another excellent read from Jim and Full Quiver. I highly recommend this. ☆☆☆☆☆

 Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!   

Steven McEvoy, Book Reviews and More

I read this book with my youngest son who is twelve. From the initial pages, he connected with Will, the young protagonist of the book. He was hooked with each adventurous situation that Will and his friends found themselves in, and his response upon finishing the novel was "That was a GREAT book!" A great story with a strong message for young readers. Highly recommended. ☆☆☆☆☆

Matt Ryan, High School English Teacher

The Journey by Jim Sano is a colorful, adventurous story with many nerve-wracking moments. Children will love the exciting moments of encountering scary creatures in a plot filled with twists and turns. Young readers will enjoy reading about the Kiggles but not their unfortunate situation. The story inspires young readers' imaginations. It also teaches them about courage, determination, and doing what’s best. Will, the protagonist, shows youngsters how to be resolute against a persistent adversary. Initially, I thought ten wishes were a lot of wishes, but as the story unfolded, I realized there is no such thing as too many wishes. It was captivating reading how Will was using his wishes. He needed them in some difficult times. This book is a definite winner for young readers who enjoy adventures! ☆☆☆☆☆

Readers Favorite Review

2024 ICBA Young Adult Book Award - Gold Winner: The Journey is an incredibly written, adventurous book for middle-grade readers. Will is annoyed by his little brother always tagging along, but when he disappears, it leads Will on a fearful mission to find him. Along the way, Will and his friends conquer fears and face enemies. In the long run, they realized they were on a mission to find Will’s brother but they found a lot more in the end. This is a faith-filled read with many lessens deeply interwoven into the fabric of the story.

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