What do you think?
Rate this book
Sojourn
A prequel to the Dark District Series...
Sometimes being a fish out of water can be a good thing.
Only two things can happen. Either one adapts to the environment or simply peters out from intractability.
Enter David Lansing, a half-Filipino call center trainer whose normal life took an unexpected turn when he suddenly woke up and is presented with visions and a spirit guide to boot! Why was he seeing things? Who is the Guide and what did he want from him?
Peppered with appearances like the Tikbalang, Aswang, and even the White Lady of Balete Drive, all part of Philippine folklore and urban legend, the story traces David's existential journey of becoming; from his skepticism to a new sense of self and of the world that he lives in.
All operating with the promise that the prize he seeks is waiting just around the corner; a visit to a place where people like him are common and living the most normal of lives; a place that is known only to a few and yet is the most sought after; the magical community of the Dark District.
Sometimes being a fish out of water can be a good thing.
Only two things can happen. Either one adapts to the environment or simply peters out from intractability.
Enter David Lansing, a half-Filipino call center trainer whose normal life took an unexpected turn when he suddenly woke up and is presented with visions and a spirit guide to boot! Why was he seeing things? Who is the Guide and what did he want from him?
Peppered with appearances like the Tikbalang, Aswang, and even the White Lady of Balete Drive, all part of Philippine folklore and urban legend, the story traces David's existential journey of becoming; from his skepticism to a new sense of self and of the world that he lives in.
All operating with the promise that the prize he seeks is waiting just around the corner; a visit to a place where people like him are common and living the most normal of lives; a place that is known only to a few and yet is the most sought after; the magical community of the Dark District.
- GenresFiction
159 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2023
7 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Edmunds
9 books33 followersA singer-songwriter, voice-actor, and now writer.
Geek at heart. A Green Lantern, Sith, PotterHead, and Dwarf living in Middle earth while being a Watcher and Witch in Sunnydale. Believes himself to be one of the long lost Halliwell siblings who aspires to open his 3rd Eye more in order to serve the Vishanti better and be a worthy apprentice to Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Stephen Strange.
He is the author of Take Me Now, the first of 3 novellas from the Tales from the Dark District series, now available on Kindle and Kobo.
Released his first Dark District-centered novella, SOJOURN, as part of the Darkest Dreams bundle in 2015, during the Strange Lit writing course, and available through the BUQO app and the updated version on KINDLE.
He has since released Take Me Now and Take My Hand, the two stories in his ongoing Tales from the Dark District series as well as the print version of Sojourn.
In addition, he is currently writing the 3rd book in the series, entitled, "Take My Heart", and also working on a new Young Adult series set in the world of the Dark District and a new Fantasy series, on top of other side projects.
Geek at heart. A Green Lantern, Sith, PotterHead, and Dwarf living in Middle earth while being a Watcher and Witch in Sunnydale. Believes himself to be one of the long lost Halliwell siblings who aspires to open his 3rd Eye more in order to serve the Vishanti better and be a worthy apprentice to Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Stephen Strange.
He is the author of Take Me Now, the first of 3 novellas from the Tales from the Dark District series, now available on Kindle and Kobo.
Released his first Dark District-centered novella, SOJOURN, as part of the Darkest Dreams bundle in 2015, during the Strange Lit writing course, and available through the BUQO app and the updated version on KINDLE.
He has since released Take Me Now and Take My Hand, the two stories in his ongoing Tales from the Dark District series as well as the print version of Sojourn.
In addition, he is currently writing the 3rd book in the series, entitled, "Take My Heart", and also working on a new Young Adult series set in the world of the Dark District and a new Fantasy series, on top of other side projects.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 13, 2025
As a Filipino person who loves a good fantasy book and mythologies, this is a great book to read.
September 23, 2025
First off, the author’s Grishaverse influence is clear in this novel—a format I’m biased toward since I love it.
But aside from the action in the Dark District, the main climax of the story, for me, lies in the heart at its center. The love that binds the son to his father is a power no force in the world can break.
The lesson about the chances we have—along with acceptance and longing—stands out as the highlight that drives the journey not only forward but deeper into the reader’s core.
Sojourn offers a story that embraces culture and the current social climate—a tale we think we know, yet one that still manages to surprise us.
But aside from the action in the Dark District, the main climax of the story, for me, lies in the heart at its center. The love that binds the son to his father is a power no force in the world can break.
The lesson about the chances we have—along with acceptance and longing—stands out as the highlight that drives the journey not only forward but deeper into the reader’s core.
Sojourn offers a story that embraces culture and the current social climate—a tale we think we know, yet one that still manages to surprise us.
March 4, 2025
One of the novella’s standout aspects is Edmunds’ deep exploration of Filipino mythology. The author enriches well-known mythological creatures with detailed lore and origin stories, presenting them in an innovative and engaging manner. This depth of storytelling feels like a first in Philippine urban fantasy, making it all the more compelling. The Council and the organisation governing the Dark District add another layer of intrigue, though their presence is limited, leaving the reader wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews