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The Journey
Life is about choices, and the paths we choose bear consequences. Ciran is about to learn this the hard way. Two roads are ahead of her, but only one leads home. Which will she choose? The Journey is a story of unconditional love and the path we must take to acquire it.
181 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Jewel Adams
35 books93 followersI am a mother of eight, and grandmother, a published author and motivational speaker.
ATTENTION: Occasionally a title or two will show up in my list of published books that are not mine but are written by another author by the same name. I write clean romance and many of her titles are erotica. This is NOT cool and I have no idea why this keeps happening. If you are unsure about which titles are mine, please visit my Amazon page.
https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Adams/e/...
ATTENTION: Occasionally a title or two will show up in my list of published books that are not mine but are written by another author by the same name. I write clean romance and many of her titles are erotica. This is NOT cool and I have no idea why this keeps happening. If you are unsure about which titles are mine, please visit my Amazon page.
https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Adams/e/...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 25, 2009
I was hoping that this book would be excellent. I really did.
I bought this at the teen writers conference last June from Jewel Adams herself. she was standing at the cash register and she signed it for me, and said "Julie, Good Luck and Enjoy the Journey" and the like. she also signed my little book thingy that they gave all of the little Authors-to-be for me, along with Annette Lyon and Julie Wright.
So, as I opened the first page, to begin reading this kind author's tale, I was hoping that I'd enjoy it. but I didn't really. these are the reasons why:
1. Ciran isn't really very likable. I tried to like her, but about 25 pages of her 170ish paged book were all about how she made a mistake, and the woe-is-me attitude after that. is isn't until Isiral, (Who, by the way, is the best character in this book,) her soulmate, says an amazing quote that I have highlighted inside of my book. I believe it is actually on page 150 if you have a copy. but still, about 100 pages of the book have Ciran constantly regretting everything she did with Ubal. which is, after all a good thing to regret doing, but really, we don't need to know about it all of the time.
2. I know this is supposed to be a YA novel, but it felt a bit to... Adult for me. the CiranxIsiral scenes were excellent, which shows that she is good at writing things like romance, but half of the book just confused me. and I'm 14. I'm supposed to be her audience!
3. The friend betrayal and the mother issue was very saddening. oh my goodness, it was very saddening. but because I was not attached to the Mom very well, I didn't cry, like I should when this kind of thing happens. I guess the character wasn't as developed enough.
4. There was absolutely nothing for the big battle scene, it just explains the before and after scene. I wanted some action!! not Ciran watching it during the whole thing. (She must have eagle eyes, because no one I know would have been able to see that far!)
4 1/2. ones more, the Prologue had nothing to do with the story. just a few people getting their heads hacked off. what was that?
and finally,
5. some of the things that were supposed to explain this confused me, like the thing with the pictures, which she spent a page and a half explaining. why were they important?
I think that I might have liked it better if I was actually considered a YA, like 18ish, but this book just made me confussled. I'm sorry Jewel, if you are reading this. but, I just didn't fall in love with your book. I'm sorry.
bonus thing: from what I saw from her first chapter of the next book, I want to read it. that last ending preview for a place in this world sounds a lot cooler then the entire book before it. the snow scene was amazing.
I bought this at the teen writers conference last June from Jewel Adams herself. she was standing at the cash register and she signed it for me, and said "Julie, Good Luck and Enjoy the Journey" and the like. she also signed my little book thingy that they gave all of the little Authors-to-be for me, along with Annette Lyon and Julie Wright.
So, as I opened the first page, to begin reading this kind author's tale, I was hoping that I'd enjoy it. but I didn't really. these are the reasons why:
1. Ciran isn't really very likable. I tried to like her, but about 25 pages of her 170ish paged book were all about how she made a mistake, and the woe-is-me attitude after that. is isn't until Isiral, (Who, by the way, is the best character in this book,) her soulmate, says an amazing quote that I have highlighted inside of my book. I believe it is actually on page 150 if you have a copy. but still, about 100 pages of the book have Ciran constantly regretting everything she did with Ubal. which is, after all a good thing to regret doing, but really, we don't need to know about it all of the time.
2. I know this is supposed to be a YA novel, but it felt a bit to... Adult for me. the CiranxIsiral scenes were excellent, which shows that she is good at writing things like romance, but half of the book just confused me. and I'm 14. I'm supposed to be her audience!
3. The friend betrayal and the mother issue was very saddening. oh my goodness, it was very saddening. but because I was not attached to the Mom very well, I didn't cry, like I should when this kind of thing happens. I guess the character wasn't as developed enough.
4. There was absolutely nothing for the big battle scene, it just explains the before and after scene. I wanted some action!! not Ciran watching it during the whole thing. (She must have eagle eyes, because no one I know would have been able to see that far!)
4 1/2. ones more, the Prologue had nothing to do with the story. just a few people getting their heads hacked off. what was that?
and finally,
5. some of the things that were supposed to explain this confused me, like the thing with the pictures, which she spent a page and a half explaining. why were they important?
I think that I might have liked it better if I was actually considered a YA, like 18ish, but this book just made me confussled. I'm sorry Jewel, if you are reading this. but, I just didn't fall in love with your book. I'm sorry.
bonus thing: from what I saw from her first chapter of the next book, I want to read it. that last ending preview for a place in this world sounds a lot cooler then the entire book before it. the snow scene was amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
I wanted to share this report it did for school as my review. this was really a great book.
Function of Myth: Psychological
This book exhibits traits of both Metaphysical and sociological functions but the underlining function is Psychological. It is no secret that, if you want to travel, the best way to do it is through a book. There you will find a different world with conflict, challenges, love, war, growth, and in most cases a happy ending. This book does not disappoint in all of those departments. What is different however is, that the reader has the option to read the back of the book and know what is instore for them. They know if they are reading about wizards, Greek gods, sexy vampires, dystopian worlds, dragon, kings and queens, or the distant future. The back of this book reads:
“The war between good and evil is as old as time itself-so is the absolute truth that each choice is accompanied by a consequence.
Ciran is about to be faced with both.
Two roads lie ahead. Only one leads home. Which will she choose?
Choose Your Path!” (Adams, 2008, p. 11)
This quote could apply to any of the aforementioned categories, This way the reader is in the dark about what is to come as much as the main protagonist. This gives the myth a second layer for affect. This book more than anything is about choices and being decisive. It should be noted that I almost did not read this book due to its lack of description.
The book follows Princess Ciran of Krisandor, who at the age of 103 is considered young.
“The Krisandorians are a beautiful, peaceful people. We are governed, not ruled, by a peaceful king who loves us more than life itself. My people are industrious, producing all things in abundance, and prosperity abounds. Man loves his neighbor, there is no crime, no pride among us, and all citizens work for the common good. Krisandor is a kingdom in which one longs to stay… In a word, Krisandor is safety, a kingdom that grants us a real sense of security, constancy, and love. A place where decency and fairness is a way of life. A place where integrity rules the whole heart. From the palace grounds the laughter of children can be heard in the distance as they run and skip through the immaculate streets, giving chase between the elegant cottages. Their happy voices can be heard on the most distant shores, echoing like musical notes through the chambers of nature.” (Adams, 2008, pp. 26-27)
In order to maintain this society all must leave Krisandor and go on a journey, to then earn their way back into the kingdom.
The story begins with Ciran moments before she leaves the kingdom and the start of her Journey. Upon leaving the kingdom she finds herself in a waiting area where she has lost all of her memories.
“I was told that this place is called the Place of Learning. It is here that I prepare for my journey, and the only knowledge I possess is what I have learned here. I was also told that while some people are gifted with memories of who they really are, as well as what their special purpose or task will be, most, like me, regain memories along their journey…She taught me about Krisandor and its splendor. She has also been teaching me about who I really am. I find some of it hard to believe, but I still do my best to retain this knowledge, to hold on to the warm feelings it invokes inside me. Feelings of comfort and love, though I can't recall ever experiencing either before now. A week ago Alana informed me of people, places and situations I may encounter in the world and has taught me the best way to handle them. She counseled me on choices and the ability to make the right ones. More importantly, she taught me what my purpose is for being here and the reward that will come should I successfully finish my journey… “All right, simply put, your journey will be about choice. Just remember that every choice affects something or someone. Your very existence affects your surroundings. Your goal will be to change each thing you touch for the better. So always strive to choose wisely.”
Once again, the writer resets the story so the both the main protagonist and the reader have the same information about the world they are entering.
Before leaving the Place Of Learning, Ciran is given a scroll that will help her remember everything she has learned. She is instructed to read it every morning and every night. Once outside, the gate she came through disappears and she is greeted by Orion and taken to a boarding house of sorts. Ciran then spends the next 2 years working at the boarding house, reading and living by the scrolls, and making few friends but for the most part staying to herself. When a friend invites her to a party, she reasons that she has not really started her journey as she has not stepped outside her comfort zone and agrees to attend. Orion cautions her about indulging in a drink called Splendorfire “the drink is not good. It changes people and causes them to do things they would not otherwise do. It produces a weakness in them. And on the indulgence of Splendorfire rest all other weakness that are sure to follow.” (Adams, 2008, p. 56)It is presumed that Spendorfire is the equivalent of Alcohol as it too has the ability to lower one inhibitions. This is her first challenge which she passes having only water while at the party.
The friend who invited Ciran introduces her to Ubal. He is charming, hansom, and popular with the crowd. Against Orion better judgment, Ciran begins spending time with Ubal. He is respectful and well educated often the mental spare on there views of the world. After a time she reasons that in spite of Orions warning, nothing bad has happened to her friends for drinking the Spenderfire. After taking a sip, she is branded with the mark of Ubal. Ubal reveals himself to be a dark lord whose purpose it is to lead her astray from her path. Ciran fight against Ubal and summons Orion to rescue her.
“The reason I was able to come to your aid is because you resisted Ubal's evil. Most do not. I have found that when a person chooses to taste the forbidden drink, unless he or she fights against Ubal's power, the brand has usually spread by morning. Yours has not. Once others have had a taste of Splendorfire, inhibitions are no more and they have no desire to turn back. Take Enya and Kundar for example. It is not just the indulgence of Splendorfire that brands them. That was only the beginning, the catalyst of what was to come. No, Ciran, for them it is indulging in acts that should only be approached after a man and woman have been bound by marriage. “Then there are Rena, Cara, and Lalan, the three women who work the morning shift in the kitchen. Their brand spreads because of dishonesty and deceit. And poor Fallon will forever regret giving into the weakness of the forbidden drink, because from that weakness sprung many others. She is one of the very few who actually feels grief over her choices.These are only a few of the many evils brought on by the forbidden drink created by the dark lords centuries ago… Ubal is a master of lies. Yes, you have made a grave choice, but you are also very strong…Choice is an individual thing and each of us is responsible for our own…There are two paths before you, and there are people eager to lead you on both paths. Which one will you choose?” “Choose, Ciran. Just choose.” (Adams, 2008, p. 101)
Ciran rejects the path of Ubal and begins reading her scroll again. Reading the scroll fills her with peace and a sense of harmony. She is tested by Ubal in several ways, from loss friendships due to her chosen path to sending new friends to her that would ultimately betray her. After several weeks of being on her path she is rewarded with a visit from her brother who grants her two gifts, the first is part of her memories back (up until now she has had none) the second was the removal of the brand. Her brother then reveals that the traditional (the king telepathically telling you your journey is complete and revealing the door to you) way to return is no more. The final battle between good and evil is beginning, and once the gate closes, this time it will not reopen. Now they must do there best to convince as many people as possible to choose.
Ciran experiences sociological function as she goes against the social norms from partaking in the Spenderfire and then late the subjection of Ubals rule. As well at when she stays turn to the moral laws set forth by her people through the scroll. There is even an overall metaphysical function that raises awareness of the battle against good and evil that rages both within yourselves and the world around us. More than anything, the psychological function journey itself is one of understanding yourself and being at peace with the person you have become. Ciran and the reader now explore what is dark and what is light. How and why it might be corrupted and what it takes to come back from corruption. Perhaps most importantly that you can come back you only need to choose.
References
Adams, J. (2008). The journey. West Point, UT: Jewel of the West Pub.
Adams, J. (2010, January 07). The Journey. Retrieved May 14, 2019, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
Function of Myth: Psychological
This book exhibits traits of both Metaphysical and sociological functions but the underlining function is Psychological. It is no secret that, if you want to travel, the best way to do it is through a book. There you will find a different world with conflict, challenges, love, war, growth, and in most cases a happy ending. This book does not disappoint in all of those departments. What is different however is, that the reader has the option to read the back of the book and know what is instore for them. They know if they are reading about wizards, Greek gods, sexy vampires, dystopian worlds, dragon, kings and queens, or the distant future. The back of this book reads:
“The war between good and evil is as old as time itself-so is the absolute truth that each choice is accompanied by a consequence.
Ciran is about to be faced with both.
Two roads lie ahead. Only one leads home. Which will she choose?
Choose Your Path!” (Adams, 2008, p. 11)
This quote could apply to any of the aforementioned categories, This way the reader is in the dark about what is to come as much as the main protagonist. This gives the myth a second layer for affect. This book more than anything is about choices and being decisive. It should be noted that I almost did not read this book due to its lack of description.
The book follows Princess Ciran of Krisandor, who at the age of 103 is considered young.
“The Krisandorians are a beautiful, peaceful people. We are governed, not ruled, by a peaceful king who loves us more than life itself. My people are industrious, producing all things in abundance, and prosperity abounds. Man loves his neighbor, there is no crime, no pride among us, and all citizens work for the common good. Krisandor is a kingdom in which one longs to stay… In a word, Krisandor is safety, a kingdom that grants us a real sense of security, constancy, and love. A place where decency and fairness is a way of life. A place where integrity rules the whole heart. From the palace grounds the laughter of children can be heard in the distance as they run and skip through the immaculate streets, giving chase between the elegant cottages. Their happy voices can be heard on the most distant shores, echoing like musical notes through the chambers of nature.” (Adams, 2008, pp. 26-27)
In order to maintain this society all must leave Krisandor and go on a journey, to then earn their way back into the kingdom.
The story begins with Ciran moments before she leaves the kingdom and the start of her Journey. Upon leaving the kingdom she finds herself in a waiting area where she has lost all of her memories.
“I was told that this place is called the Place of Learning. It is here that I prepare for my journey, and the only knowledge I possess is what I have learned here. I was also told that while some people are gifted with memories of who they really are, as well as what their special purpose or task will be, most, like me, regain memories along their journey…She taught me about Krisandor and its splendor. She has also been teaching me about who I really am. I find some of it hard to believe, but I still do my best to retain this knowledge, to hold on to the warm feelings it invokes inside me. Feelings of comfort and love, though I can't recall ever experiencing either before now. A week ago Alana informed me of people, places and situations I may encounter in the world and has taught me the best way to handle them. She counseled me on choices and the ability to make the right ones. More importantly, she taught me what my purpose is for being here and the reward that will come should I successfully finish my journey… “All right, simply put, your journey will be about choice. Just remember that every choice affects something or someone. Your very existence affects your surroundings. Your goal will be to change each thing you touch for the better. So always strive to choose wisely.”
Once again, the writer resets the story so the both the main protagonist and the reader have the same information about the world they are entering.
Before leaving the Place Of Learning, Ciran is given a scroll that will help her remember everything she has learned. She is instructed to read it every morning and every night. Once outside, the gate she came through disappears and she is greeted by Orion and taken to a boarding house of sorts. Ciran then spends the next 2 years working at the boarding house, reading and living by the scrolls, and making few friends but for the most part staying to herself. When a friend invites her to a party, she reasons that she has not really started her journey as she has not stepped outside her comfort zone and agrees to attend. Orion cautions her about indulging in a drink called Splendorfire “the drink is not good. It changes people and causes them to do things they would not otherwise do. It produces a weakness in them. And on the indulgence of Splendorfire rest all other weakness that are sure to follow.” (Adams, 2008, p. 56)It is presumed that Spendorfire is the equivalent of Alcohol as it too has the ability to lower one inhibitions. This is her first challenge which she passes having only water while at the party.
The friend who invited Ciran introduces her to Ubal. He is charming, hansom, and popular with the crowd. Against Orion better judgment, Ciran begins spending time with Ubal. He is respectful and well educated often the mental spare on there views of the world. After a time she reasons that in spite of Orions warning, nothing bad has happened to her friends for drinking the Spenderfire. After taking a sip, she is branded with the mark of Ubal. Ubal reveals himself to be a dark lord whose purpose it is to lead her astray from her path. Ciran fight against Ubal and summons Orion to rescue her.
“The reason I was able to come to your aid is because you resisted Ubal's evil. Most do not. I have found that when a person chooses to taste the forbidden drink, unless he or she fights against Ubal's power, the brand has usually spread by morning. Yours has not. Once others have had a taste of Splendorfire, inhibitions are no more and they have no desire to turn back. Take Enya and Kundar for example. It is not just the indulgence of Splendorfire that brands them. That was only the beginning, the catalyst of what was to come. No, Ciran, for them it is indulging in acts that should only be approached after a man and woman have been bound by marriage. “Then there are Rena, Cara, and Lalan, the three women who work the morning shift in the kitchen. Their brand spreads because of dishonesty and deceit. And poor Fallon will forever regret giving into the weakness of the forbidden drink, because from that weakness sprung many others. She is one of the very few who actually feels grief over her choices.These are only a few of the many evils brought on by the forbidden drink created by the dark lords centuries ago… Ubal is a master of lies. Yes, you have made a grave choice, but you are also very strong…Choice is an individual thing and each of us is responsible for our own…There are two paths before you, and there are people eager to lead you on both paths. Which one will you choose?” “Choose, Ciran. Just choose.” (Adams, 2008, p. 101)
Ciran rejects the path of Ubal and begins reading her scroll again. Reading the scroll fills her with peace and a sense of harmony. She is tested by Ubal in several ways, from loss friendships due to her chosen path to sending new friends to her that would ultimately betray her. After several weeks of being on her path she is rewarded with a visit from her brother who grants her two gifts, the first is part of her memories back (up until now she has had none) the second was the removal of the brand. Her brother then reveals that the traditional (the king telepathically telling you your journey is complete and revealing the door to you) way to return is no more. The final battle between good and evil is beginning, and once the gate closes, this time it will not reopen. Now they must do there best to convince as many people as possible to choose.
Ciran experiences sociological function as she goes against the social norms from partaking in the Spenderfire and then late the subjection of Ubals rule. As well at when she stays turn to the moral laws set forth by her people through the scroll. There is even an overall metaphysical function that raises awareness of the battle against good and evil that rages both within yourselves and the world around us. More than anything, the psychological function journey itself is one of understanding yourself and being at peace with the person you have become. Ciran and the reader now explore what is dark and what is light. How and why it might be corrupted and what it takes to come back from corruption. Perhaps most importantly that you can come back you only need to choose.
References
Adams, J. (2008). The journey. West Point, UT: Jewel of the West Pub.
Adams, J. (2010, January 07). The Journey. Retrieved May 14, 2019, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2009
Ciran is 104 years old now, and yep! I am positive that, because of her age upon leaving Krisandor, (102), and because she took notice of the different races of people, their sizes, shapes, skin tones once she left her home...etc, everything for some reason we see...
...and because once she passsed through the large gates she didn’t remember anything or body in the Kingdom of Krisandor...is that Ciran’s journey...to remember the one hundred and two years she lived within Krisandor, to live the way they did there, down on Earth, to one day return? I believe so, and need to acquire myself a copy of Her entire journey!
You will enjoy this read for sure, you young and you older than them!
Sincerely,
Ali :)
(Review of, ‘The Journey, by Jewel Adams/J. Adams)
99 of 181 pages (what a tease!), thank you for the free download!
...and because once she passsed through the large gates she didn’t remember anything or body in the Kingdom of Krisandor...is that Ciran’s journey...to remember the one hundred and two years she lived within Krisandor, to live the way they did there, down on Earth, to one day return? I believe so, and need to acquire myself a copy of Her entire journey!
You will enjoy this read for sure, you young and you older than them!
Sincerely,
Ali :)
(Review of, ‘The Journey, by Jewel Adams/J. Adams)
99 of 181 pages (what a tease!), thank you for the free download!
December 29, 2008
The Journey is an uplifting and very thought provoking book. Every teenager and their parents should read this book. The strong point in this book, is the reminder that life is about choice: the good and bad choices that we make and how they can change our lives so quickly. I strongly recommend this book to all. It is a quick but enjoyable read, that leaves you feeling good when you are finished...not something I can say about every book that I read. A job well done Jewel Adams!
March 11, 2011
THE JOURNEY
by
Jewel Adams
"...simply put, your journey will be about choice. Just remember that every choice affects something or someone. Your very existence affects your surroundings. Your goal will be to change each thing you touch for the better. So always strive to choose wisely.”
Ciran, a beauty with emerald eyes, long, black wavy hair and golden skin was about to begin "The Journey". A journey of choices that would test her in making choices that would not only effect her but those around her. Would she make the right choices?
Jewel has written a beautiful book on decision making and the effects that our decisions have not only on ourselves, but the effect our decisions have on those around us. We don't always realize that the choices we make in this life effect anyone else but ourselves. But they do and the effects can be long term. She helps us learn how there is safety, security, constancy and integrity in making the right choices, but most importantly that there is unconditional love and forgiveness when we do make a poor choice and choose the wrong path. "Exercise kindness, for it is the gateway to unconditional love. And as you give it, you shall receive it. He who possesses humility is teachable. Be teachable."
I love the cover of this book. I noticed a pair of eyes in the background and wondered are these the eyes of those around us watching us in all that we do? Are they the eyes of the Father watching over us while we are on this journey? Or are they both? In any case we are being watched and the choices we make are important.
This is definetly a must read book. It will make you cry and smile with joy and warm your heart. It will give you hope. It is a wonderful lesson on the Atonement wrapped in a fantasy forum. I recommend it to everyone.
If [the Father] felt anything, it was sorrow for the lives that would be lost. Sorrow for those who chose to stay loyal to [Satan]. Sorrow for those who did not choose at all. Sorrow for what could have been. Sorrow for the ones whose eyes had now been opened only to discover that it is too late to turn back now.
by
Jewel Adams
"...simply put, your journey will be about choice. Just remember that every choice affects something or someone. Your very existence affects your surroundings. Your goal will be to change each thing you touch for the better. So always strive to choose wisely.”
Ciran, a beauty with emerald eyes, long, black wavy hair and golden skin was about to begin "The Journey". A journey of choices that would test her in making choices that would not only effect her but those around her. Would she make the right choices?
Jewel has written a beautiful book on decision making and the effects that our decisions have not only on ourselves, but the effect our decisions have on those around us. We don't always realize that the choices we make in this life effect anyone else but ourselves. But they do and the effects can be long term. She helps us learn how there is safety, security, constancy and integrity in making the right choices, but most importantly that there is unconditional love and forgiveness when we do make a poor choice and choose the wrong path. "Exercise kindness, for it is the gateway to unconditional love. And as you give it, you shall receive it. He who possesses humility is teachable. Be teachable."
I love the cover of this book. I noticed a pair of eyes in the background and wondered are these the eyes of those around us watching us in all that we do? Are they the eyes of the Father watching over us while we are on this journey? Or are they both? In any case we are being watched and the choices we make are important.
This is definetly a must read book. It will make you cry and smile with joy and warm your heart. It will give you hope. It is a wonderful lesson on the Atonement wrapped in a fantasy forum. I recommend it to everyone.
If [the Father] felt anything, it was sorrow for the lives that would be lost. Sorrow for those who chose to stay loyal to [Satan]. Sorrow for those who did not choose at all. Sorrow for what could have been. Sorrow for the ones whose eyes had now been opened only to discover that it is too late to turn back now.
May 17, 2012
I won this book in a "Clean Romances" giveaway. This was a short novel - fantasy with some romance. Different and interesting - had a very good message. Reminded me of Anne Perry's Tathea series in some ways.
April 26, 2011
A good vs evil paralleling the role the Savior plays in our lives. Well written, a great story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews