Ishtar's Odyssey: A Storybook for Advent

Advent Adventures #4

by Arnold Ytreeide

A new Advent family devotional from the author of Jotham’s Journey! Fourth in a set of Advent adventure books for families, Ishtar’s Odyssey follows the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. Ishtar would just as soon stay in the comfort of the palace, but slowly he learns that there’s much to see, do, and learn in this world that can’t be experienced in school. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Biblical Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2015

About the author

Arnold Ytreeide loves to make people feel. "My second film I ever made was for a high school history project. It made the teacher cry, right there in front of all the students. That wouldn't be a big deal except that my history teacher was also the varsity football coach. That was the moment I decided I love telling stories." He's been telling stories ever since, in film, television, books, radio, stage plays. And he tells them in all sorts of genres -- historical fiction, adventure, and books that make you think. Sometimes Christian - like his popular Jotham’s Journey Christmas series - sometimes for those not so inclined - such as Under My Teacher’s Desk and The Twelfth Privilege. He pours a “life of a thousand episodes” into every story. Next up? “More Mike Danford books, more Amon books, and I’m starting a new series about a girl who lives on the moon.” Former cop, former film & TV creator, and Professor Emeritus, Arnold and his wife Elsie Jo live to hang out with their two children and five grandchildren. “And their dogs. And cats.” He's always looking for the next story he can tell that will help people "feel the wonder of this wonderful life."

Reviews

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent conclusion to Ytreeide's Advent series. We really appreciated how it presented Christ coming not just for the Jews but for all people.

This book struck me as being a bit more calmly paced than the other three. Maybe my memory grows dim, but it seems like the other books jumped from one crises to another all throughout. Ishtar's Odyssey seemed much less intense, but still interesting. (As of right now, it's my favorite, but that night changed next year when we go back to Jotham's Journey. 😂🤣😂🤣)

I've really enjoyed sharing these books with my children each December. It's a precious part of our Christmas/Advent traditions. Each chapter is a nice length for a single night's reading, but not so long that it becomes overwhelming if you get behind by a day or two and have to catch up. I started reading these when my children were 3, 7, 10, and 12. Now they're 6, 10, 13, and 15 and still enjoying them every bit as much as they did when we first began. 💜

[Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was such a great book for advent! Review to come once I write all the other reviews I haven't done yet lol. ;)

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Yes, it took until the end of January to finish and advent book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Arnold Ytreeide's Advent series, and Ishtar is the 4th book we've read. Each book includes a daily reading, starting on Advent. The reading includes small sections of an adventurous story set during the time & place of Jesus' birth as well as a small thought with a scripture to apply to our lives. The stories are far from boring, and we find ourselves always wanting to know what happens next. I would suggest these stories for elementary age kids and up. The author doesn't shy away from real life in that time, including some oppression and violence, so a little heads up if you have a child who is extra sensitive. We started the series when my youngest was around 8 yrs old. My kids are teens, and we all still love this series! It's a wonderful way to connect as a family and prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the true HOPE it brings to us today.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our whole family enjoyed reading this each day during Advent. The questions at the end of each chapter sparked some good discussion and pointed us to Jesus.

[Julie Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of these Advent books and read a different one each year. This one may be my favorite. Great read or read aloud for littles. Amazing way to prepare for the season and get in the Spirit of the gift that we’ve been given.
I recommend these books to all but especially those wanting to start a tradition with their kids.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s fun to read an advent story counting down until Christmas! This one was not as good as some of the other ones by the same author. I liked it fine, just not my favorite. It was a little to wordy for me and Ishtar was pretty whiny at some points.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the books in this ‘series’. This was the least intense one of the group.

[Abigail Whitcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to keep hearing the story from different perspectives each year. My kids are big fans too!

[Amy Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the 4 Advent books by Ytreeide, this was my least favorite. Still good to read with the family but not as good as the other 3!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Arnold's advent books have helped families to create time during advent to enjoy a special time of reading during this blessed season of the nativity as a family. As the other three books in this series, the book's story is broken down into daily readings with the standard cliff-hanger endings that thrill its readers as well as a brief devotional type summary and questions at the end of each reading. I love this set up as it truly gives an easy structure to follow to allow for a reading all through the advent season. Of course, the Orthodox Nativity starts before Advent, but could easily be adapted to start at the beginning of the nativity- or start the readings later or finish early. It's certainly adaptable. As a lovely addition for enhancing the experience, in the beginning of this book, the author also makes suggestions on how to connect Ishtar's experiences with foods for your own children, explaining what the foods are and easy substitutions you can make if you are not able to find the exact food experienced by Ishtar. This is a nice way to incorporate other aspects of cultures to the story.
Ishtar's Odyssey is a wonderful story that will behold a child's attention and encourage thoughtful reflection through the season leading up to the day we celebrate the birth of our savior. Reflection topics include how the future often looks scary to us and our need to trust in God, our need to not let what others might think of us to prevent us from doing the right thing, and that Jesus died for each and every one of us. The story itself was that of the magi- an obvious fiction laden story as there is not really any historical documents telling us any more details of the magi or their journey other than what is in the scriptures themselves - but left us with an intriguing perspective of what that journey may have entailed and how all of our journeys to meet our Messiah (even today) are filled with challenges. As a parent, I like the way the author ties the readings with Scripture or challenges us to think about our own walk with God. These books have been a wonderful way to help us as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth!

I will be honest, this particular book did not quite strike me as well as the others have (my favorite is still Jotham's Journey). I really can't put my finger on just why that is. Perhaps I just feel it was more of a stretch than the others- the story line itself of the magi and the ten year old son of one of these Persian wise man. Yet I still enjoyed the story and have no doubts it would be enjoyed by children of all ages (though the publisher suggests age 8, I feel certain there are many children ages 6 and up that would still be able to follow the storyline and enjoy the adventures of Ishtar).

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this Free book through Goodreads First-reads. Ishtar, a young prince from Persia traveled with his father and a large group of people following a star that was leading them to Jerusalem. Ishtar had many new experiences and many life lessons were learned as well as spiritual ones for Ishtar and the reader as well. A good family story for Advent, explaining it's meaning and calendar for the future.

[Dorothy Vandezande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story, well written and fun for everyone. We love following Ishtar's journey toward the Christ child, and his growth as he learns to be selfless and think of others, to face his fears and be bold. Always with this type of story it's important to remind kiddos that it's fiction and Scripture is our only truly accurate history, but it's easy to clarify and the truth of the one true God is presented so clearly and beautifully.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family has read this series for Advent the last 4 years and I’m so happy we did. Every book including this one was engaging both for our kids and my wife and I as adults. I am mostly just sad that this is the last book for us in the series. Looks like we will be rereading staring from the beginning for Advent next year.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for advent and loving it!

[NerdReader60 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun and enjoyed eating special food associated with the story.

[Ursula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the Jotham's Journey collection of Advent books, but I think the previous ones were stronger stories. Kids loved it, though!

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but not as gripping as Jotham's Journey or Tabitha's Travels.

[Heather Gmiterek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Advent series by Arnold Ytreeide, we have read one each year for four years now and I must admit I’m a bit sad that there won’t be a new one for next year. However, I’m really excited to dive back into Jotham’s Journey with my family next year!

The older two absolutely loved making connections with the characters from the previous books, and they cheered with joy when Jotham, Bartholomew, Tabitha, and Nathan made their appearances. They even drew some fascinating connections to geography and history, while most importantly focusing their hearts and minds on the greatest story and the most precious gift: Jesus Christ coming into the world, instilling hope, faith, peace, and joy within them.

These stories might be a bit intense for some younger or more sensitive children, as they shed light on the darkness of the world during the time of Christ’s birth and remind us of our ongoing need for a Saviour. The danger, suffering, fear, loss, and grief that the characters encounter really resonate, but the overarching themes of gospel hope, courage, integrity, honor, and Christ’s redemptive love bring such peace and comfort.

I absolutely love this series and have cherished every cozy night in December spent with my kids, sipping tea and hot chocolate, lighting our candles, and reading by candlelight, taking the time to truly focus on Advent.

[Jeanne Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are new to these advent stories, start with Jotham's Journey.

Arnold Ytreeide's advent books have been a staple of our family Christmas traditions for many years now. I remember buying this one the year it came out at a Christian bookstore after watching a Christmas concert. We had read the three others and we were excited about yet another advent story. Now that we've reread the stories many times, I realize Ishtar is my least favorite. He's whiny and privileged, the Decha story doesn't feature, and if you haven't read the other books, there are a lot of holes in the plot. But since we've read them many times, we know the storyline by heart and look forward to this tradition every year!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’ve only read one other of the books in this Advent series and I liked that one better. At the end, all four stories intersect, and since we’d only read one other one, this didn’t have the impact it was supposed to. I was also somewhat irritated that the author chose to have the wise men present at Jesus’ birth, which is the popular way to do it but not the biblically accurate way. It seems author did this just so the other stories would intersect.

I did like how Ishtar started off selfish and self-absorbed and afraid but learned to help and think of others and be brave. But overall I thought it was fine but maybe a little forgettable.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth be told, I started reading this to my two-year-old son. He did listen, but the story wasn't one that captivated him and had a lot that he just didn't understand, so we decided to put this book on hold for next year (or the year after) when he will take more away from it. That being said, I read the rest of the book today because I enjoyed the story so much. (I am obviously bad at this waiting thing). I cannot wait to share this adventure with my son, but will have to wait a year or two anyway.

[Emily Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of the series. The story was not as good. The writing was mediocre and there were multiple errors that an editor should have easily caught. With that said, we’ve enjoyed this series over the last few years. We are looking forward to starting it over again next year as we have loved a few of the books (Jotham and Bartholomew in particular.) I’ll be honest though that I will dread reading this particular one again.

[Joe Koehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little series of advent books whose plotlines all end up intersecting and leading to Bethlehem to behold the birth of Jesus. This is our family's second book of the series that we've read so far. It was good, but on the whole, it was less engaging than Bartholomew, but still good. It's exciting for the kids to hear of the characters from last year's book when they appeared in this story. Looking forward to reading the rest.

[heather mayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advent devotional

Our family has enjoyed reading this advent series over the years. The nightly readings can get a bit long, and if you miss a night, it’s hard to catch up, but it’s a great fictional story that helps my children understand the historical/cultural background of a very REAL event. It has become a precious part of our advent tradition.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this series of advent books! This is our fourth and final, and I’m kind of sad. I’m tempted to start with Jotham again next year! I love the devotional aspect of these books. We don’t always light a candle ever night and sometimes we have to double up one night and skip another but it is sooo worth it! The stories are exciting and always keep my busy boys engaged.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our family’s third Ytreeide book at advent season. A lot of “sanctified imagination” is used, and the placement of the magi in Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth is almost certainly too early. But still, it’s an exciting adventure woven together with his three other stories. Good historical background and biblical talking points.

[ArynTheLibraryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely enjoyed this one! Trying to keep to the allotted one chapter per day was difficult as we wanted to keep going!

The Devotion each day was applicable and relevant to both the story and our lives. The story was fascinating and watching Ishtar mature as he experienced such an unusual series of adventures outside of his normal routine was awesome!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are both so bad (cheesy and wild) and so good (cliffhangers galore and they bring a great historical perspective to the events leading up to Christ’s birth). This is the last one in the series! Our family has enjoyed them the past four Advent seasons and will probably re-read them from now on.

[Bob & · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnold Ytreeide, books are great e an with adult children we often return to the stories, a bit like The Chosen series it may take some license with characters but the truth in it is still Lear and engaging