Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey

As far as biblical analogy and teaching content are concerned,
Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey is one of the finest children’s books I’ve read. (And, trust me, I’m really picky!).

Sentinel is written for both parents and sons (although I do believe girls would enjoy it just as much). Using creative biblical parallel, Bilbrey has woven a fantasy that any child would enjoy—one that keeps you wondering what will happen next and yet teaches you biblical truths along the way.

The book provides a beautiful story about two brothers, Jerol and Jadan, and the two opposing paths they choose. One listens to the King, and the other is drawn away to follow his own desires. But both are given equal opportunity to follow the path to Sentinel.

Sentinel helps parents shape character in their youngsters, and helps kids develop character as they apply what they read. As well as offering a good, fun story, Sentinel also supplies a study section at the back where readers can work out the practical sense of the story and apply it to their lives.

Sez Bilbrey: “Sentinel 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 are 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).”

So, what more can I say? I’ve read a lot of children’s books. A lot. This is one I’d highly recommend. It has backbone, gutz, zeal, excitement, story, character and a wonderful allegory to help kids draw closer to Jesus. Thanks Landel Bilbrey.

Check out more info on Sentinel: City of Destiny, and other writing by Landel Bilbrey here.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©June 2008