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The Jethro Parables
Jethro is an aging man. He lives alone in the dry countryside, with little but his horse for company, far from what remains of civilization—or what passes for it these days. In the sweltering heat and isolation of his rickety outpost, grey hair and the constricting grip of meaninglessness have taken hold, and Jethro ponders over what it might mean to be a good person. His internal struggle, the plight of others, and his need for water draw him out of seclusion and into a lawless dystopia, where precious natural resources are ruthlessly controlled by political thugs and morality lacks precise definition. Jethro must navigate a world where family just means another mouth to feed, and survival depends upon the whims of those who'd trade a life for a trickle of water. His pilgrimage is crossed by holy men, heathens, and those who fall somewhere in-between. Whether by fate, or by chance, he will have his questions answered.
- GenresDystopia
147 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2019
About the author
Justin Fillmore
8 books9 followersJustin lives with his wife and son in Fish Hoek, South Africa. He enjoys relaxing at the ocean's edge with them.
He studied Theology and Counselling Psychology, and has worked in both fields. He now works
from home and raises his son.
He has been exploring the many worlds conjured by writers, actors, and musicians since childhood, and has now felt the call to contribute his own.
He studied Theology and Counselling Psychology, and has worked in both fields. He now works
from home and raises his son.
He has been exploring the many worlds conjured by writers, actors, and musicians since childhood, and has now felt the call to contribute his own.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review(Book Sprout).
I rarely find myself reading dystopian fiction these days, but after reading the blurb I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.
The Jethro Parables was not what I expected. The central protagonist is not exactly the hero type - he's old, a bit of a loner and possibly quite mad. But that didn't stop me from enjoying his warped perspective of the world he lives in. Set in the old west (this is by no means a cowboy western), the story follows Jethro in a world best described as post-apocalyptic. It hasn't rained in years, and what water remains is closely guarded by power hungry despots.
Jethro seems quite happy in his own company, digging deeper into the mines each day to pay for water and drinking himself into a coma whenever he gets the chance. That is, until he's forced to take in a young woman. This sets into motion a number of events that will see him flung into a barbaric society of cut-throats, savages and murderers.
The story is written through a narrow lens, and while the plot is exciting enough to drive the story forward, this is definitely a character centred novel.
All in all, a refreshing take on a genre that so often relies on hard sci-fi or YA themes.
I rarely find myself reading dystopian fiction these days, but after reading the blurb I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.
The Jethro Parables was not what I expected. The central protagonist is not exactly the hero type - he's old, a bit of a loner and possibly quite mad. But that didn't stop me from enjoying his warped perspective of the world he lives in. Set in the old west (this is by no means a cowboy western), the story follows Jethro in a world best described as post-apocalyptic. It hasn't rained in years, and what water remains is closely guarded by power hungry despots.
Jethro seems quite happy in his own company, digging deeper into the mines each day to pay for water and drinking himself into a coma whenever he gets the chance. That is, until he's forced to take in a young woman. This sets into motion a number of events that will see him flung into a barbaric society of cut-throats, savages and murderers.
The story is written through a narrow lens, and while the plot is exciting enough to drive the story forward, this is definitely a character centred novel.
All in all, a refreshing take on a genre that so often relies on hard sci-fi or YA themes.
May 3, 2019
Book - The Jethro Parables
Author - Justin Fillmore
Publication date - May 17, 2019
Type - standalone
Complimentary copy privided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What's it about?
The Jethro Parables is set in North America during the frontier days - mid 1800s. In a way this novel is a blend of alternative history and dystopian fiction. Water is scarce, civilization is on the brink of collapse, what passes for authority wields its power mercilessly. The story follows the character of Jethro as he navigates a world without water and tries to come to terms with his own shortcomings.
Relentlessly savage at times, daringly truthful at others, The Jethro Parables is a story about redemption, about loss and about human nature - how would a world in such a nightmarish landscape really look?
Fillmore brings a new voice to dystopian fiction, and his debut novel is well worth picking up.
Author - Justin Fillmore
Publication date - May 17, 2019
Type - standalone
Complimentary copy privided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What's it about?
The Jethro Parables is set in North America during the frontier days - mid 1800s. In a way this novel is a blend of alternative history and dystopian fiction. Water is scarce, civilization is on the brink of collapse, what passes for authority wields its power mercilessly. The story follows the character of Jethro as he navigates a world without water and tries to come to terms with his own shortcomings.
Relentlessly savage at times, daringly truthful at others, The Jethro Parables is a story about redemption, about loss and about human nature - how would a world in such a nightmarish landscape really look?
Fillmore brings a new voice to dystopian fiction, and his debut novel is well worth picking up.
May 3, 2019
Gritty dystopian fiction for fans of strong character driven stories. I picked up a copy at the launch and loved it!
May 4, 2019
Complimentary copy received via Book Sprout in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who’s fascinated by, if not somewhat obsessed with, Westerns and anything even remotely related to Westerns—I’m talking Westworld, Paul Anderson films, Deadwood, etc.—I was delighted to find myself reading The Jethro Parables, which by all appearances seems to be set within that period. Now, I wouldn’t classify The Jethro Parables as a dyed-in-the-wool Western, for reasons that will be explained. Rather, while it is clearly inspired by the setting, grit, folklore, and vernacular of the American frontier, Justin Fillmore’s debut is shot through with a heady dose of dystopianism.
In The Jethro Parables, for whatever reason, humanity’s far from well off. Rather, it’s seemingly ground to a halt, with no clear sign of recovery, let alone steady expansion. For reasons as yet unexplained, some catastrophe has rocked civilisation, and scarcity has set in, along with desperation. As a result, dust covers everything the eye beholds, and lawlessness is the norm. Humanity is bankrupt and morally wanton. As for the hero at the center of every Western, well, we’re given Jethro, who’s not exactly the heroic type—far from it. Jethro’s just trying to get by like anyone else, and keeps to himself as much as humanly possible. Before long, however, Jethro begins to question the nature of existence itself, pondering the bigger questions that many before him have long mulled over.
I won’t divulge too much here, but it must be said that Jethro’s character is one of the most memorable and intriguing I’ve encountered in a long time. In his efforts to get by, he’s drawn steadily closer to the source of societal rot, encountering various characters and conflicts along the way, all of which leave an indelible impression on his psyche, forcing him to grow, learn, and remember what he’s forgotten in the aftermath of humanity’s fall from grace. A simple man, yet undeniably complex, Jethro’s dramatic transformation has rendered this book one that’ll stick with me for years. Well done, Justin Fillmore. I eagerly await whatever you’ve planned next!
As someone who’s fascinated by, if not somewhat obsessed with, Westerns and anything even remotely related to Westerns—I’m talking Westworld, Paul Anderson films, Deadwood, etc.—I was delighted to find myself reading The Jethro Parables, which by all appearances seems to be set within that period. Now, I wouldn’t classify The Jethro Parables as a dyed-in-the-wool Western, for reasons that will be explained. Rather, while it is clearly inspired by the setting, grit, folklore, and vernacular of the American frontier, Justin Fillmore’s debut is shot through with a heady dose of dystopianism.
In The Jethro Parables, for whatever reason, humanity’s far from well off. Rather, it’s seemingly ground to a halt, with no clear sign of recovery, let alone steady expansion. For reasons as yet unexplained, some catastrophe has rocked civilisation, and scarcity has set in, along with desperation. As a result, dust covers everything the eye beholds, and lawlessness is the norm. Humanity is bankrupt and morally wanton. As for the hero at the center of every Western, well, we’re given Jethro, who’s not exactly the heroic type—far from it. Jethro’s just trying to get by like anyone else, and keeps to himself as much as humanly possible. Before long, however, Jethro begins to question the nature of existence itself, pondering the bigger questions that many before him have long mulled over.
I won’t divulge too much here, but it must be said that Jethro’s character is one of the most memorable and intriguing I’ve encountered in a long time. In his efforts to get by, he’s drawn steadily closer to the source of societal rot, encountering various characters and conflicts along the way, all of which leave an indelible impression on his psyche, forcing him to grow, learn, and remember what he’s forgotten in the aftermath of humanity’s fall from grace. A simple man, yet undeniably complex, Jethro’s dramatic transformation has rendered this book one that’ll stick with me for years. Well done, Justin Fillmore. I eagerly await whatever you’ve planned next!
May 3, 2019
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Jethro Parables, Justin Fillmore’s debut (if you can believe it), achieves a seamless and anachronistic blend of genre and setting. Set somewhere in the North American midwest during the 19th century, this piece of dystopian fiction has been furnished with all the telltale signs of that period; frontier towns, burgeoning industry, and the distinct Southern drawl every character seems to sport, coalesces into a vivid picture of the period—with some important differences. In Fillmore’s expertly imagined setting, resources are incredibly scarce, and none more precious than one of life’s chief necessities: water. A race to control its supply and make a quick buck ensues, not unlike the gold rush fever of the period, resulting in ruthless cartels. It is through the eyes of Jethro, our begrudging protagonist, that we come face to face with such an inhospitable place.
There’s a lot I’d like to say about this novel, as there’s a great deal to recommend it. I’ll try keep it as concise and spoiler-free as possible. By the author’s own admission, the style is indeed reminiscent of Ray Bradbury: the passages are succinct and punchy, and the pacing is quite brisk as a result, but very readable all the same. The novel is as exhilarating and action-packed as it is deeply thought-provoking; the action sequences are thrilling, suspenseful, and exude a kind of gritty realism specific to the period that makes this piece of dystopian fiction quite unique. The quieter moments of Jethro’s sojourn offer sober reflections—often tinged with wry humour—on human nature and the search for meaning, whether individual, collective, and or cosmic. It, too, can be read as a cautionary tale about how we might conduct ourselves in the aftermath of some catastrophe—most likely some climate-related hellscape of our own devising—and the importance of fending off a kind of insular cold-heartedness and egoism that all of us are susceptible to when the chips are down.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and highly impressive debut from Justin Fillmore. I still find it difficult to believe that this is his first release. I’d happily devour a follow-up, or at least some kind of spiritual successor to the novel, as I simply cannot get enough of the world he’s created. I’m sure, however, that whatever he’s got planned will be comparably superb.
The Jethro Parables, Justin Fillmore’s debut (if you can believe it), achieves a seamless and anachronistic blend of genre and setting. Set somewhere in the North American midwest during the 19th century, this piece of dystopian fiction has been furnished with all the telltale signs of that period; frontier towns, burgeoning industry, and the distinct Southern drawl every character seems to sport, coalesces into a vivid picture of the period—with some important differences. In Fillmore’s expertly imagined setting, resources are incredibly scarce, and none more precious than one of life’s chief necessities: water. A race to control its supply and make a quick buck ensues, not unlike the gold rush fever of the period, resulting in ruthless cartels. It is through the eyes of Jethro, our begrudging protagonist, that we come face to face with such an inhospitable place.
There’s a lot I’d like to say about this novel, as there’s a great deal to recommend it. I’ll try keep it as concise and spoiler-free as possible. By the author’s own admission, the style is indeed reminiscent of Ray Bradbury: the passages are succinct and punchy, and the pacing is quite brisk as a result, but very readable all the same. The novel is as exhilarating and action-packed as it is deeply thought-provoking; the action sequences are thrilling, suspenseful, and exude a kind of gritty realism specific to the period that makes this piece of dystopian fiction quite unique. The quieter moments of Jethro’s sojourn offer sober reflections—often tinged with wry humour—on human nature and the search for meaning, whether individual, collective, and or cosmic. It, too, can be read as a cautionary tale about how we might conduct ourselves in the aftermath of some catastrophe—most likely some climate-related hellscape of our own devising—and the importance of fending off a kind of insular cold-heartedness and egoism that all of us are susceptible to when the chips are down.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and highly impressive debut from Justin Fillmore. I still find it difficult to believe that this is his first release. I’d happily devour a follow-up, or at least some kind of spiritual successor to the novel, as I simply cannot get enough of the world he’s created. I’m sure, however, that whatever he’s got planned will be comparably superb.
September 23, 2026
The Jehtro Parables by Justin Fillmore plants you in a harsh world of scarce resources and humanity's worst, and has you follow a man who is just trying to make his way. What follows is a strange slice of life story littered with philosophical and theological questions that are going to sit with me for some time.
I really enjoyed Jethro and found myself wishing things were better for him. Characters like the Reverant, Leaping Meadow and Amber and their impact on Jethro leave their mark on you too.
I loved the rich imagery of this world and the way the world felt so real as well as so strange. Which I think aids the theme of Parables.
I gotta say, Jehtro's relationship and feelings about his family really tugged at my heart and how he kept their memory alive was so tender, though I understand why some may not agree.
I think this is a story you need to sit with and come back to in order to fully wrap your head around it. Which I don't think is altogether a bad thing.
Sometimes you need to sit and take in the moment. I think Jethro would agree.
If you like a short book featuring a stoic protagonist with a tender heart, harsh environments exposing humanity's best and worst traits and a really loyal horse, then this may be the book for you!
Also Simon the horse is great!
Also also, it's a South African author! Whoohoo!
I really enjoyed Jethro and found myself wishing things were better for him. Characters like the Reverant, Leaping Meadow and Amber and their impact on Jethro leave their mark on you too.
I loved the rich imagery of this world and the way the world felt so real as well as so strange. Which I think aids the theme of Parables.
I gotta say, Jehtro's relationship and feelings about his family really tugged at my heart and how he kept their memory alive was so tender, though I understand why some may not agree.
I think this is a story you need to sit with and come back to in order to fully wrap your head around it. Which I don't think is altogether a bad thing.
Sometimes you need to sit and take in the moment. I think Jethro would agree.
If you like a short book featuring a stoic protagonist with a tender heart, harsh environments exposing humanity's best and worst traits and a really loyal horse, then this may be the book for you!
Also Simon the horse is great!
Also also, it's a South African author! Whoohoo!
June 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this story, I wasn't sure I would at the beginning, I took a while to warm to it but now that I've finished it, I feel like I have unjustly lost a friend, many friends which is a great reflection of real life. Things don't always have a happy ending. The rich imagery sewn into the writing is what held me to the story innitially and I'm glad it did as there is something quite brilliant in this tale. I hated the ending and that is what has made me love it all the more. I hope to see more from this author!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2026
An arresting take on a post- apocalyptic America in a world where it has ceased to rain. It seems to me that it is not set in the future but probably the late 19th or early 20th centuries. And even in such a parched and desolate world, men still thirst for gold ...
May 17, 2019
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book before it was published by Sentinel Creatives.
I read through it in a single sitting... and then I read it again.
The Jethro Parables is fantastically original - that, in itself, says a lot about a modern day dystopian novel. If you're looking for a YA story filled with heroic figures, clearly delineated borders of good versus evil, and the triumph of overcoming... well, this is something else entirely.
Fillmore's debut grapples with the philosphical, with human nature and with the notion of redemption. The story follows the titular character of Jethro, an old man left behind by a world that's fallen far from the promised light of modernity.
Set on the Frontier, (this is by no means a western) mankind eeks out a living beneath the cruel eyes of those who control what little water remains. Jethro finds himself flung headfirst into this world of power-hungry despots, faithless madmen and 'savages' when he agrees to take in a young woman.
Written in a narrow POV, with Jethro at the centre, Fillmore's ability to craft excellent dialogue, tension and gritty scenery in abundance, makes this debut so enthralling.
Absolutely worth reading!
I read through it in a single sitting... and then I read it again.
The Jethro Parables is fantastically original - that, in itself, says a lot about a modern day dystopian novel. If you're looking for a YA story filled with heroic figures, clearly delineated borders of good versus evil, and the triumph of overcoming... well, this is something else entirely.
Fillmore's debut grapples with the philosphical, with human nature and with the notion of redemption. The story follows the titular character of Jethro, an old man left behind by a world that's fallen far from the promised light of modernity.
Set on the Frontier, (this is by no means a western) mankind eeks out a living beneath the cruel eyes of those who control what little water remains. Jethro finds himself flung headfirst into this world of power-hungry despots, faithless madmen and 'savages' when he agrees to take in a young woman.
Written in a narrow POV, with Jethro at the centre, Fillmore's ability to craft excellent dialogue, tension and gritty scenery in abundance, makes this debut so enthralling.
Absolutely worth reading!
May 14, 2020
This could be a really good novel The writing is fine and the plot could be made into a longer book easily. This is a really quick read and it is not a thriller or mystery. It is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours to pass the time away. The story is all about an old gold miner living in the middle of the Dust bowl and the only supply of water is in town and has to be paid for. Jethro is not a hero nor a villain, but rather an old man trying to live his life the way he thinks he should.,
March 8, 2020
The setup on this one is a classic: we're back in the Dust Bowl. The water is gone. The air is full of grit. It's hard to breathe, and hard to see a reason to keep going. With hints of Steinbeck and a dash of Bradbury in both the setup and the storyline, it's a classic American nightmare.
Beyond that, things get a little messy.
So, I don't like to write harsh reviews. But I have to say it on this one: this needs redoing. There are an unbelievable number of typos. A painful number. And the typos aren't just little things. There are missed spaces all over the place, running two words together. That goes from the first page to the last, and it actually makes reading hard. Sorry, but you have got to get a proof reader. This is bad. I honestly struggled to get into this one on account of the writing issues discussed above, but what I did see wasn't all that impressive. The characters are Steinbeck or Hemingway in style, their internal lives kept close to the vest. There's respect, but precious little connection or empathy. There's power in that kind of storytelling when it's used with care, but in unskilled hands it produces wooden, dull characters.
This work could be really good. But first, it needs a serious proofreading.
Beyond that, things get a little messy.
So, I don't like to write harsh reviews. But I have to say it on this one: this needs redoing. There are an unbelievable number of typos. A painful number. And the typos aren't just little things. There are missed spaces all over the place, running two words together. That goes from the first page to the last, and it actually makes reading hard. Sorry, but you have got to get a proof reader. This is bad. I honestly struggled to get into this one on account of the writing issues discussed above, but what I did see wasn't all that impressive. The characters are Steinbeck or Hemingway in style, their internal lives kept close to the vest. There's respect, but precious little connection or empathy. There's power in that kind of storytelling when it's used with care, but in unskilled hands it produces wooden, dull characters.
This work could be really good. But first, it needs a serious proofreading.
May 27, 2019
This dystopian book certainly made me stop and think! It’s a wonderfully written book with excellent use of language to bring the author’s world to life. The characters are solid and just as well described. I can’t believe this is his first novel, I hope it’s not going to be his last and that he continues writing in this same caliber. This is a new author that is well worth the time to read and to follow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2020
You'll feel different about rain after this...You will enter a world where water is the new currency for wealth, power, and survival. Layers of society devolve in dystopian circumstances. However, there is some light in the darkness from surprising places/people. It’s a race against time…to heal the world and its fragile inhabitants. And yes, this is a novel in a Bradury-esque fashion. Highly recommend! This was an advance review copy and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
November 19, 2023
A phenomenal read and a true page turner, this book had me on tenterhooks!
This book whisks you away to a dystopian world where water is a currency of wealth, power and survival. The story follows the life of an old man, named Jethro, who lives in a dust bowl - where he has to navigate his way through this difficult and unjust world.
It's gritty, raw and oh so beautifully written.
An incredible read for a first time novel, I highly recommend it!
This book whisks you away to a dystopian world where water is a currency of wealth, power and survival. The story follows the life of an old man, named Jethro, who lives in a dust bowl - where he has to navigate his way through this difficult and unjust world.
It's gritty, raw and oh so beautifully written.
An incredible read for a first time novel, I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews