Just days shy of his 19th birthday, Kadin is finally ready to become a man. But when a strange wizard from another world visits his home village of Abaddon, he finds out that those plans might have to be put on hold. In QUEST FOR CELESTIA, by professional storyteller Steven James, the protagonist is given an outlawed book, the Book of Blood, as well as a mysterious spell that reveals painful sores on him and his fellow villagers. Reading the forbidden book is the only thing that will relieve his pain, and in it he finds wondrous tales of the kingdom of King Kiral in the land of Celestia. Continually growing more agitated by his pain, Kadin is determined to voyage to Celestia, where the benevolent king is said to put an end to suffering.

However, Kadin's voyage is not without hardship. Before leaving Abaddon, he is outcast, ridiculed and even threatened with hanging for his claims. His own family refuses to believe that he is not crazy or bewitched. Leaving everything behind and running for his life, Kadin sets off for Celestia. Although his loyal friend Erikon initially decides to accompany him, the strange and dangerous events of the voyage force Erikon to turn around and leave Kadin alone.

Deciding to cut his trip short and seek temporary comfort from the seemingly generous Baron, Kadin is quickly warned by Leira, a fellow former villager from Abaddon. As Kadin learns of the Baron's trickery, he is taken in by kind and wise innkeepers who help him plan the rest of his journey to Celestia. This time, he is not alone. Kadin has the maps that will lead him to the eternal city, and Leira knows the language to decipher them. The two will have to work together if they ever hope to complete the journey. Along the way, they face mountains, caves, dragons, hit men, and even each other. With all of this standing in the way, will Kadin and Leira ever make it to Celestia?

QUEST FOR CELESTIA is a retelling of the classic novel THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS by John Bunyan. Readers also will quickly note similarities between this current novel and such series books as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. The writing style is similar, as are many situations encountered in the work. This is not to say that the book is not original. James's storytelling talent is quite apparent, and readers of all ages will be transported to another world, described in rich and fluid prose. It is also important to note that while the book is classified as Christian fiction, it is actually an extended metaphor (which is not too hard to pick up on), much in the tradition of authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

QUEST FOR CELESTIA is excellently written and not to be missed by lovers of adventure and fantasy. It is thoroughly engaging and worth every page.