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Sonji
Despite the threat of theft, Astra enters the Great Desert Race of Dryzza … only to be left horseless in the middle of nowhere. Thieves believe her white mare, Sonji, is the key to the treasury of the Palace of the Creator.
Two desert dwellers and a voice on the wind lead Astra and her friend Hamal to the legendary palace. There, they meet the Creator. He listens to their story and helps them—but for repayment he asks Astra to convince her mother to answer his summons. Rumors of those heeding a summons and never returning home haunt Astra as she agrees.
The Creator returns Astra, Hamal, and Sonji to the race. And when Astra keeps her promise to him—the Creator surprises her.
Two desert dwellers and a voice on the wind lead Astra and her friend Hamal to the legendary palace. There, they meet the Creator. He listens to their story and helps them—but for repayment he asks Astra to convince her mother to answer his summons. Rumors of those heeding a summons and never returning home haunt Astra as she agrees.
The Creator returns Astra, Hamal, and Sonji to the race. And when Astra keeps her promise to him—the Creator surprises her.
408 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2023
7 people want to read
About the author
Jessica A. Tanner
3 books26 followersWhen she isn’t writing stories full of vivid characters and creatures, Jessica A. Tanner enjoys a view of the Rocky Mountains, takes long walks, and hangs with her many critters. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Realm Makers, and Wolf Creek Christian Writers Network (WCCWN).
Jessica has a short story ("The Missing Book" under her short-lived penname Silver Mist) and a short piece (“His Words, Our Words”) published in LOOKING AT LIFE, a collection by WCCWN; a testimony in TWENTY-THREE JOURNEYS TO CHRIST compiled by Gregg Heid; three stories ("Zombie Turkey;" "Icy Snow, Towropes, and Divine Intervention;" and "Ditches, Hillsides, and Prayer") in A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: A COLLECTION OF EVERYDAY MIRACLES compiled by Lynn Moffett; two stories ("Kat" and "Nancy's Hat") in THE ADVENTURES OF A HORSE NAMED GEORGE also compiled by Lynn Moffett; a short story ("The Invisible Boy") in THE INVISIBLE FILES: CLASSIC MONSTERS ANTHOLOGY #4 from Ye Olde Dragon Books; a short story ("The Pale New Kid") in ONCE BITTEN...: CLASSIC MONSTER ANTHOLOGY #5 also from Ye Olde Dragon Books; and several pieces published under the Matter of Faith column of the Pagosa Sun’s Preview.
Her debut novel, SONJI, is now available wherever books are sold thanks to Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. It has received honorable mentions - aka winner awards - in the Royal Dragonfly (2024), Purple Dragonfly (2025), and Story Monsters Approved! (2024) Book Awards.
Her debut novella, PEAFLOWER: a Princess and the Pea retelling, was published independently in April 2025 and received some wonderful reviews.
Both SONJI and PEAFLOWER have been reviewed in Clean Fiction Magazine. SONJI in the Winter 2024 Edition. PEAFLOWER in the Summer 2025 Edition.
Jessica has a short story ("The Missing Book" under her short-lived penname Silver Mist) and a short piece (“His Words, Our Words”) published in LOOKING AT LIFE, a collection by WCCWN; a testimony in TWENTY-THREE JOURNEYS TO CHRIST compiled by Gregg Heid; three stories ("Zombie Turkey;" "Icy Snow, Towropes, and Divine Intervention;" and "Ditches, Hillsides, and Prayer") in A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: A COLLECTION OF EVERYDAY MIRACLES compiled by Lynn Moffett; two stories ("Kat" and "Nancy's Hat") in THE ADVENTURES OF A HORSE NAMED GEORGE also compiled by Lynn Moffett; a short story ("The Invisible Boy") in THE INVISIBLE FILES: CLASSIC MONSTERS ANTHOLOGY #4 from Ye Olde Dragon Books; a short story ("The Pale New Kid") in ONCE BITTEN...: CLASSIC MONSTER ANTHOLOGY #5 also from Ye Olde Dragon Books; and several pieces published under the Matter of Faith column of the Pagosa Sun’s Preview.
Her debut novel, SONJI, is now available wherever books are sold thanks to Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. It has received honorable mentions - aka winner awards - in the Royal Dragonfly (2024), Purple Dragonfly (2025), and Story Monsters Approved! (2024) Book Awards.
Her debut novella, PEAFLOWER: a Princess and the Pea retelling, was published independently in April 2025 and received some wonderful reviews.
Both SONJI and PEAFLOWER have been reviewed in Clean Fiction Magazine. SONJI in the Winter 2024 Edition. PEAFLOWER in the Summer 2025 Edition.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 4, 2025
2025 Review:
Somehow, re-reading this fantastical adventure was just what I needed! And I love it all the more!
I encourage you to give this book and its incredibly talented author a try! I for one am glad I did!
This book is perfect for horse-loving fantasy readers who are hungry for more... or even readers searching for more adventure-fantasy books! Looking forward to more of the Dryzzian Legends!
2023 Review:
This was such a surprisingly enjoyable read! At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think... but I wanted to give this book (and the author) a chance, so I kept reading.
And I'm glad I did! This incredible adventure-fantasy story is more about a girl and her horse. It's a story of a young woman dreaming of racing to escape her struggles as an outcast and to help her family. Of A young man struggling with demons of his past and a mysterious object with seemingly magical abilities. Of horse with a mysterious past, hunted by thieves seeking to steal from the legendary Palace of the Creator. And in the backdrop of it all is a battle against forces of demonic Destroyers seeking to corrupt and destroy... and servants of Light-- both angelic and mortal-- seeking to redeem, heal, and protect.
I'm glad I read this enjoyable book... and am intrigued by more adventures in the Drizzian Legends!
Somehow, re-reading this fantastical adventure was just what I needed! And I love it all the more!
I encourage you to give this book and its incredibly talented author a try! I for one am glad I did!
This book is perfect for horse-loving fantasy readers who are hungry for more... or even readers searching for more adventure-fantasy books! Looking forward to more of the Dryzzian Legends!
2023 Review:
This was such a surprisingly enjoyable read! At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think... but I wanted to give this book (and the author) a chance, so I kept reading.
And I'm glad I did! This incredible adventure-fantasy story is more about a girl and her horse. It's a story of a young woman dreaming of racing to escape her struggles as an outcast and to help her family. Of A young man struggling with demons of his past and a mysterious object with seemingly magical abilities. Of horse with a mysterious past, hunted by thieves seeking to steal from the legendary Palace of the Creator. And in the backdrop of it all is a battle against forces of demonic Destroyers seeking to corrupt and destroy... and servants of Light-- both angelic and mortal-- seeking to redeem, heal, and protect.
I'm glad I read this enjoyable book... and am intrigued by more adventures in the Drizzian Legends!
January 9, 2026
Wholesome and enjoyable YA fantasy
Sonji is a sweet, fun story that immerses you in a vivid steampunk world with middle eastern vibes. Religion is woven into the story through characters celebrating Shabbos, similar to a Jewish Sabbath, and a reclusive but grandfatherly Creator figure. Romance is sweet with chaste kisses only that feel very appropriate for the characters' ages. There is plenty of adventure that takes the characters to far off places, strong family and parental figures, and noble bright protagonists. A wholesome YA novel.
Sonji is a sweet, fun story that immerses you in a vivid steampunk world with middle eastern vibes. Religion is woven into the story through characters celebrating Shabbos, similar to a Jewish Sabbath, and a reclusive but grandfatherly Creator figure. Romance is sweet with chaste kisses only that feel very appropriate for the characters' ages. There is plenty of adventure that takes the characters to far off places, strong family and parental figures, and noble bright protagonists. A wholesome YA novel.
July 29, 2025
What could you ask for as an adventurous horse girl? A beautiful, mysterious horse, thieves who'd do everything to steal it, the girl with the spirit and bravery to both find Sonji, and a race -- all with a beautiful faith angle. I know I've missed a lot, but if I add more it would spoil this fantasy adventure. Great debut book for this author.
December 25, 2025
A young adult Christian fantasy book reminiscent of Hidalgo...
When I heard about this book, I was automatically drawn in because a) I love horses and b) I love Christian Fantasy books. In both those elements, I was not disappointed. Sonji, the "magical" horse was a great companion to Astra, the main character. I liked how she was portrayed mostly realistically, including nosing her owner for treats. Plus, it was fun to see how her true identity came to be revealed. The Christian Fantasy part of this story was very evident, and I especially like the symbolism of the Veil and the portrayal of the Creator's palace. Both reminded me of my own stories, yet showed her own unique twist on a kingdom of God. The concrete imagery descriptions of the setting were fantastic. I liked how she created a desert/middle eastern setting that reminded me of biblical times.
However, I found it hard to relate to both Astra and Hamal (the main characters). There seemed to be background missing in the story about them, which would have made their character arcs more compelling. I also didn't empathize or identify with them, and I feel like I should have, especially with Astra, who was supposed to be an outcast but somehow had a supportive family and friend. I also wasn't sure what age the characters were because sometimes they acted like young teenagers, and sometimes like adults. That being said, both were dynamic characters.
As for the plot, I felt like the blurb was a bit deceiving, as it didn't happen until the 50-60% mark. In fact, the race itself seemed to drag on until the very end, even though I did like the ending. There were times when I felt like the plot was dragged down by minor characters doing minor things, and times when I wanted to know more about what was going to happen. So it's hard for me to evaluate the plot itself, when I had mixed feelings.
There were definitely things I loved about his book, such as the unique desert setting, tie-in's to Christianity, and the horses, but there were times where it was only self-will that kept me reading to the end. I think this author is a very promising one, and I hope she continues to write and develop her voice more and more in the coming years. Her world, and its Christian elements, are well worth reading.
When I heard about this book, I was automatically drawn in because a) I love horses and b) I love Christian Fantasy books. In both those elements, I was not disappointed. Sonji, the "magical" horse was a great companion to Astra, the main character. I liked how she was portrayed mostly realistically, including nosing her owner for treats. Plus, it was fun to see how her true identity came to be revealed. The Christian Fantasy part of this story was very evident, and I especially like the symbolism of the Veil and the portrayal of the Creator's palace. Both reminded me of my own stories, yet showed her own unique twist on a kingdom of God. The concrete imagery descriptions of the setting were fantastic. I liked how she created a desert/middle eastern setting that reminded me of biblical times.
However, I found it hard to relate to both Astra and Hamal (the main characters). There seemed to be background missing in the story about them, which would have made their character arcs more compelling. I also didn't empathize or identify with them, and I feel like I should have, especially with Astra, who was supposed to be an outcast but somehow had a supportive family and friend. I also wasn't sure what age the characters were because sometimes they acted like young teenagers, and sometimes like adults. That being said, both were dynamic characters.
As for the plot, I felt like the blurb was a bit deceiving, as it didn't happen until the 50-60% mark. In fact, the race itself seemed to drag on until the very end, even though I did like the ending. There were times when I felt like the plot was dragged down by minor characters doing minor things, and times when I wanted to know more about what was going to happen. So it's hard for me to evaluate the plot itself, when I had mixed feelings.
There were definitely things I loved about his book, such as the unique desert setting, tie-in's to Christianity, and the horses, but there were times where it was only self-will that kept me reading to the end. I think this author is a very promising one, and I hope she continues to write and develop her voice more and more in the coming years. Her world, and its Christian elements, are well worth reading.
January 5, 2026
it's a great read! the setting is not like mine, personally, and the characters function differently. it's very informational for those who want to learn what people from other places or different times acted and did, hobby-wise. Sonji is a very good horse, and life saver! :) I think a lot of other horse lovers or just readers would love this. definitely a good read, and this is the first big chapter book I've read. can't remember when, what can I say? 😃
July 14, 2024
My kids and I enjoyed this adventure. The beginning took a little to get into and it took a while to understand parts of the world (e.g. why Astra felt like an outcast). But we loved the journeys of the main characters and their personal growth from beginning to end.
February 12, 2024
A solid first novel. Looking forward to what this author puts out in the future.
May 23, 2025
A fun fantasy full of battle between good and evil, relationships between families. A race across a desert, lots of mystery and humorous characters keep the reader entertained.
May 4, 2024
What a fun story! Debut author Jessica Tanner pulls us immediately into the story of a young girl and her fiery desert steed taking on a great race AND avoiding the villains trying to steal the horse. Challenges abound and come in unexpected ways and places. Perfect for readers who love allegory, spiritual underpinnings, fantasy, horses, and a gentle romance.
August 29, 2024
I greatly enjoyed Sonji and had so much fun exploring Tanner's take on a desert race. Astra and Sonji shared such a special bond that I loved exploring. I particularly liked how Tanner wove God and faith into the story. It reminded me of the lovely little stories I loved as a kid.
July 25, 2024
Growing up reading Marguerite Henry books and adoring horses -
I always enjoy a well-written story about a horse. It is even better when it is a clean, fun read that has Biblical truths woven throughout and Sonji (Dryzzian Legends Series - Book 1) by Jessica A. Tanner is just that.
Sonji is a story about a horse and it's girl Astra, but Sonji is not a mere horse. She is special, for not only is she an incredibly fast runner - she is rumored to be the special key to enter the palace of the Creator.
With beautiful world building that sweeps you away on a desert adventure, filled with thieves, high stakes, thrilling surprises, an important race, ancient evil, and the reminder that we all are important and matter to the Creator -
Sonji is a book definitely worth checking out.
I am excited for the next book in this series and the continuation of this adventure!
***Thank you to the author for the complimentary signed copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
I always enjoy a well-written story about a horse. It is even better when it is a clean, fun read that has Biblical truths woven throughout and Sonji (Dryzzian Legends Series - Book 1) by Jessica A. Tanner is just that.
Sonji is a story about a horse and it's girl Astra, but Sonji is not a mere horse. She is special, for not only is she an incredibly fast runner - she is rumored to be the special key to enter the palace of the Creator.
With beautiful world building that sweeps you away on a desert adventure, filled with thieves, high stakes, thrilling surprises, an important race, ancient evil, and the reminder that we all are important and matter to the Creator -
Sonji is a book definitely worth checking out.
I am excited for the next book in this series and the continuation of this adventure!
***Thank you to the author for the complimentary signed copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the themes of redemption in this book. Plus, I love stories of horses, magical or otherwise. Looking forward to where this story goes!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews