The Inheritance

by Donna Sundblad

When Jejune questions how conflicting theories can all be true, the ruling Illuminati brand him a troublemaker. Miserable and longing for something more, he decides to leave his home in Lofty Thought. He sets out to seek Wisdom. Things get complicated when he meets Worldly Wisdom and her sister Heavenly. More conflict!

Follow Jejune into the Valley of Shadow where dangers and temptations await. Ethereal shadows hurl fiery darts and an injured Jejune gets off course. Dangers aren't always so clear. Lady Chary uses her charms to lure him further into the valley. Jejune decides to head to the Eternal City, but every village founded on the River of Tradition offers a different way to gain citizenship there. Then to his horror, Jejune learns he won't be granted citizenship because of his Condition. There's only one answer. Follow the Narrow Way and find Truth. He holds the cure!

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. You'll laugh, experience dangers and snares, and witness a budding romance. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

564 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 2011

About the author

Donna Sundblad is a gifted author of young adult fantasy, celebrated for weaving captivating tales filled with prophecies, quests, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. With a rich background as a freelance writer, editor, and ghostwriter, Donna now devotes her energy to crafting imaginative novels that highlight themes of friendship, adventure, and meaningful life lessons.

Her recent works, published through Next Chapter Publishing, include The Inheritance (a Christian fantasy allegory), Beyond the Fifth Gate, and Windwalker.
Donna is also immersed in her Dragon's Oath series—an epic saga currently comprising Drake Ascendant, Shadowalkers, and Sages of Tachnir, with more book 4 in the works.

Faith remains a cornerstone of Donna’s life and storytelling. She resides with her husband, their adored shelter rescue cat, and a hand-raised cockatiel. When she isn’t writing, Donna enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and blogging about her literary passions.

Reviews

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad follows Jejune, a resident of Lofty Thought, who begins questioning the validity of conflicting theories, earning him the label of a troublemaker by the ruling Illuminati. Longing for more from life, he sets off in search of Wisdom. Along the way, he encounters Worldly Wisdom and her sister, Heavenly, and faces numerous dangers and temptations in the Valley of Shadow. Ethereal shadows and fiery darts injure Jejune, complicating his journey. With the help of friends Understanding, Prudence, and Humility, he learns about the Condition, which hinders citizenship to the Eternal City, and must find the Narrow Way to discover Truth.

[Rhonda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly surprised me. I thought I was picking up a simple fantasy quest, but what I got was a deeply moving allegory about faith, truth, and the search for identity. Jejune is a compelling character — vulnerable yet courageous in his hunger for something more. His journey resonated so strongly with my own experiences of questioning and seeking. I loved the imagery of Lofty Thought and the Eternal City — the names and symbols are so intentional. Wigglewot, his tiny winged friend, added a lovely bit of charm and warmth to balance the deeper philosophical moments. If you love stories with spiritual depth, this one is a must-read. It left me both challenged and comforted.

[Peggy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure at first — the opening felt a little slow — but I'm glad I stuck with it. By chapter three, I was totally invested in Jejune’s internal struggle. His doubts about the culture he grew up in, the way the Illuminati pushed their version of 'truth,' and his brave decision to step into the unknown? All incredibly relatable. There are clear Christian undertones throughout, but it never felt preachy to me — more like a thoughtful parable. Wigglewot added much-needed levity (seriously, I want a plush version of him 😂). Four stars because some of the world-building could’ve been expanded, but otherwise a strong, meaningful read.

[Willard K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me open in the best way. As someone who’s wrestled with big questions about truth and tradition, I found Jejune’s journey deeply personal. There’s this quiet courage in him that really builds as the story progresses. The metaphorical world — with places like Lofty Thought, Goodeeds, and the Way Less Traveled — was beautiful and provocative. It’s not an action-packed fantasy, but one that unfolds with introspection and grace. I felt seen in these pages. Highly recommend it for those in a season of spiritual growth or transition.

[Daniel J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked parts of this a lot. The themes of seeking truth and identity, and the metaphor of the Eternal City, are really well done. You can tell the author poured heart into this. That said, the pacing was inconsistent, and some scenes dragged. I wish Jejune had a bit more agency earlier on — it takes a while for the story to really take off. Also, the dialogue could feel a bit stiff at times. If you enjoy philosophical or allegorical fantasy like Pilgrim’s Progress, this could be a hit for you. It just wasn’t a perfect fit for me.

[Hazel B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I know I'm the minority here, but this book just didn’t work for me. The allegory was a bit too on-the-nose, and I prefer more subtle storytelling. It felt more like a theological discussion with fantasy trappings than an actual adventure. That said, the world-building had potential and some of the themes — like longing, identity, and spiritual questioning — were admirable. I think this is the kind of book that would be best appreciated by readers looking for explicit Christian themes. Just not my cup of tea.