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Sam, newly turned twenty, sets off on a journey that will forever alter the trajectory of his life. As Sam's new companion, Kale, describes it, "The journey is like a test. It separates the… deserving from the undeserving." At the starting point, each traveler is offered a choice: to begin their journey on a steep mountain trek or on flat, reliably safe ground. Influenced by others in the group, Sam travels on to the flat land and finds himself in a world where everything is designed for ease and entertainment. Initially swayed by the good life, a sense of unease pushes him to leave. He confronts evil incarnate before making his escape to the steep land. Moving on a parallel journey, Jill also finds herself fleeing the flat land, and the two join forces as they conquer mountains, face temptations, and join the disciples of Ari, the leader of the steep place.
An epic biblical parable with a storyline reminiscent of Pilgrim's Progress, this first novel in The Journey series introduces time-honored concepts in a thought-provoking way. The author's storytelling is light as he introduces heavy ideas and character struggles, providing appropriate depth without adding undue heaviness. The characters' journeys are unique and yet incredibly relatable to readers at any stage of life. At times, the lessons are a bit too on-the-nose, such as when the malevolent leader of the flat land tempts a character to "want attention so badly that she'll begin to erase her values" by enticing her to dress immodestly and degrade other girls. However, this does not detract from the simple wisdom and solid teachings provided throughout the work. This is a quick but enticing read, difficult to put down, which will encourage reflection long after readers finish its last page.