Sevenfold

by Ilyan Kei Lavanway

In the near future, the United Nations have become the enforcement arm of the New World Order. What was once the United States of America has been absorbed into the North American Superstate that includes Canada and Central America. Against unspeakable odds, freedom loving people have gathered and built up Zion Cities. Dozens of Zion Cities located strategically throughout the Western Hemisphere have taken decades to erect. Most are still under construction, facing continual opposition from external forces. Small, self governing bands of Christians have migrated, mostly on foot, seeking refuge in these cities. Young wife, Gracie yearns for renewed innocence. Abiathar wants to secure it for her. Their trek has been anything but blissful. Stomach their journey, and let your faith be strengthened through their experience. Glimpse tribulations and miracles future pioneers may expect as you live vicariously through this young family.

18 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2013

About the author

Ilyan Kei Lavanway is a Christian author with a vivid and unconventional imagination. He is married and has one son who has Down's syndrome. Mr. Lavanway is the oldest of nine siblings, seven of whom are living. He grew up in Washington State, served as a full-time missionary for two years in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served nearly fourteen years on active duty in the United States Air Force. While attending Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics at the University of Washington, Seattle. While on active duty as a Minuteman Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch officer, he earned a Master of Science degree in Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He also served in various academic capacities while on active duty. After leaving the military, Mr. Lavanway opened a new chapter in life as an author and publisher. His works are boldly expressed and packed with evocative imagery.

Reviews

[Alfaniel Aldavan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This short story is only for readers looking for a plain religious preachment, and not anyone else.

It's a snapshot of near future when a biblical prophecy comes true. That has potential, but the story has no plot development, it only enumerates the steps of the event. There is no character development, either, and I feel it would have been a better story if it tried to do at least one of these.

The writing style is plain; the story tells actions, it doesn't show us things. However, it is well edited, I didn't notice any spelling errors, which is always a good point for me.

I don't believe that any story, religious or not, is "excused" from following a few simple guidelines to make it into a creative work of fiction. This story doesn't follow any. I'd send it directly to a creative workshop to improve, because it needs any help it can get.

Note: I received publicly a free Smashwords coupon from the author.

[Ilyan Lavanway · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sevenfold is a look at where the United States and the world is headed and will wind up within 60 years. It is a good story for anyone concerned about our direction, and for anyone who has faith in God along the way. It was a very interesting short story that I would like to see Mr. Lavanway turn into a full length novel. I could see him fleshing out the details of the scary state this world will be in in his futuristic setting. And it would be nice to see how the underground characters try to fight for the freedom they once heard of." - Edward Garbowski, Jr., Amazon verified purchaser of the Kindle edition of Sevenfold

[Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This futuristic Christian book gives a harsh look at the possible near future of a world where national sovereignty has given way to the New World Order and UN enforced dictates. Sevenfold by Ilyan Lavanway is an intense and short story, heavily religious, well written and deeply thought provoking. I could imagine the author developing this into a powerful novel. 5-stars.

[Ilyan Lavanway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader Brigitte Lesley had this to say:
"What a read! This is so different to what I normally read but I enjoyed it thoroughly! From the beginning to the end. And I didn't want it to end! Well done!"

Sevenfold has been re-released as of September 25, 2013. Following an honestly constructive one-star review, Sevenfold has been freshly edited with improved plot and character development and descriptive imagery that is more evocative than the previous release.

Sevenfold is a futuristic short story set in a troubled times. The story was inspired by two visionary authors, John M. Pontius and W. Cleon Skousen. Sevenfold is a work of fiction, but its underlying implications are based on prophecy. Currently available as an eBook. Find the kindle version under Amazon ASIN B00EMMD36U. Other eBook formats at Smashwords under ISBN 9781301860357.