Jonah

by Jan Sikes

Fantasy meets reality when a young man is forced to choose his punishment for crimes committed. Jonah must decide between imprisonment in a concrete box beneath the earth or be exiled to a deserted, barren island. He chooses the island, but nothing can prepare him for the deadly creatures, and poisonous plants at every turn. Then there’s the maddening isolation that drives him to the brink of insanity. There is only one way off this island and it’s more difficult than anything he’s ever imagined. It’s much easier to face mortal danger than the demons within. Will he find redemption, or another unexpected offer?

ebook

First published March 18, 2020

About the author

Follow Jan on BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-s...

Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. The entertaining true story comes to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books.

And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories. She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers releases January 31, 2022, as Book 2 of that series, and Saddled Hearts will release later in 2022.

She is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.

Reviews

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this story as a series a while back on Ms. Sikes’s blog. I found this short story was even a better read the second time around. Jonah chooses to live on a dangerous island, over going to prison. I love his inner journey as he struggles to survive. This is an exciting read that’s layered with a spiritual meaning that I could relate to in my life. I highly recommend this.

[Miriam Hurdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short story Jonah by Jan Sikes reads like a spiritual journey. Jonah was in prison for his crimes committed but had a choice to be locked up in an underground box or banished in a deserted island. He chose the island. The harsh environment of the island with creatures, stinging nettles, and prickly thorns didn’t make it any easier for him. In his hut, he discovered a package with edible items and toiletry. There were two books and a pencil with a message that the only way he could get off the island was to examine himself, face the truths, and make peace with his demons.

He used to rule the city with his might, but there was no specific mention of the crimes in Jonah’s past. It’s up to the reader’s imagination. Then an unusual young boy with eyes glowed with luminescent green light and webbed fingers showed up. He wrestled with this boy, Titus, the same way he would with an enemy. Realized this boy wouldn’t do him any harm, he let him go back to the other side of the island. Overtime, he developed the friendship with Titus. Titus brought him food and kept him company. He also brought him books on the requirements of him to be set free. His response was to comply with the rules with his behaviors. Titus indicated that it was not the fake behaviors but the heart that count. His empathy and care toward Titus grew and wanted to help him get out of the environment where the people didn’t treat him right. Every time his innate passion and selflessness grew, his hut became bigger.

The story came to a surprised ending when it was least expected of Jonah. I like this story when the author skillfully depicted the inner struggle of Jonah and his capability of changing his heart. His sincerity and genuine compassion toward Titus set him free. This short story is an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah by Jan Sikes is a fantasy short story that explores the deeper psychological journey of a young man, Jonah, seeking redemption. Given the choice of imprisonment in a locked box or abandonment on an isolated island as punishment for his crimes, Jonah chooses to be banished on an island full of vile creatures and poisonous plants. At the start of the story, he struggles to survive and to find a way off the island. After about a month, he finds a leather package of items to wash and to clean himself. Also at the bottom of the satchel are two books, a pencil, and a note that says, "...You must examine your truths and make peace with your demons." At first, ignoring the advice in the books, Jonah encounters a boy who mysteriously appears and aids him on his journey to self-discovery.

Author Jan Sikes has masterfully crafted a tale about a metaphorical purgatory in which the main character, Jonah, must learn about himself to rise above his darkness. The island's vicious creatures and spiny plants symbolize Jonah's bitterness and selfishness. Step-by-step, as Jonah discovers the truth about himself, he finds the magic within himself to find a way to leave the island and find his human world. This is a story that inspires each one of us to find the magic in our soul to rise above our darkness.

I highly recommended Jonah to readers who enjoy reading fantasy with rich world-building, engaging characters, and inspirational themes.

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

JONAH by Jan Sikes tells the story of a convict who is sentenced to life on a deserted island filled with poisonous plants and dangerous creatures. After his first weeks of eating bugs and plants to survive, Jonah discovers an orphaned boy who is living on the other side of the island. There is something different about him, something that Jonah can't quite put his finger on. The boy brings fresh vegetables from his garden and other treats to share. Strange events also occur as the boy disappears into the crack of a large rock; books and other gifts are also landing at Jonah's doorstep.

Readers are clueless as to what Jonah did to deserve such a sentence or why the young boy was there with him. During their time together, Jonah does some self-discovery and learns that he has become a much better person since meeting the lad. They work hard together at clearing the land and planting a large garden for their future survival.

Soon a ship arrives at their shore - a way for Jonah to gain his freedom. However, he can't take the boy and must leave him behind. The decision he makes changes his life forever and opens his eyes to a whole new world. Although the story could have been more detailed and longer, I still recommended this tale for all age groups. Nice job, Ms. Sikes!

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Jonah is a convict who was given a choice about how to serve his sentence and chose to be deserted on an island where the elements and environment were difficult to endure. The story focuses on his journey to inner redemption, and I love stories that focus on that internal struggle. I loved that Jonah's isolation stripped away his need to appear tough and feared, the way he was in his home turf. I also loved that he innately protected Titus without even realizing he was doing so at first.

I just wished the story was longer. I know that it was meant to be a short story, but I would have loved more depth and more details. I would have loved more memory scenes that showed Jonah's past life. I would have enjoyed more interaction with Titus as he grappled with his inner growth. And I would have enjoyed more of a lead into meeting the adults. I wanted to learn about his lessons and the trials and tribulations he would need to go through before being ready to fulfill his purpose. I honestly think this could be developed into a great novel if the author ever chooses to do so. All in all, it's a great short story that will leave you wanting more. :-)

[D. Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonah had a choice: prison or abandonment on an island. He opts for the island and finds himself in an inhospitable environment that he’s not sure he’ll survive. Then Titus shows up, an unusual boy with webbed fingers and glowing eyes who offers hope and a way out if Jonah is willing to change his life.

This short story, in some ways, works as an allegory for the process of finding self-acceptance, integrity, fellowship, and redemption. It relies heavily on the books The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz, and The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford, both which Jonah studies while trapped on the island.

Magic also comes into play, perhaps allegorical for the real “magical” transformation that comes with self-discovery and owning one’s choices. Overall, the story worked and kept my attention with its unique setting and relatable characters. Recommended to readers who enjoy allegories and a fictional overview of the steps leading to personal growth.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this story, there was information that was given toward the end that I think should have been hinted on at the beginning. For this reason, I believe that those pieces of information were afterthoughts. I would have loved the story to be more relatable, which it was not. When characters cry in stories, I would like to see them crying for something that is worthy of crying.

So, Jonah chose to be banished, alone, on a not very friendly and habitable island instead of going to prison. He meets Titus, a boy with glowing eyes and webbed hands. Although Titus looked like a boy, he could have been centuries old. He taught Jonah some living skills and kept Jonah company. At the end, when the boat came to return Jonah to the mainland, he decided to stay. That decision finally revealed to him who he really was.

[D.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this story, a convict exiled to a deserted island, well deserted apart from the vicious creatures which constantly threaten his life. A strange delivery of books lead Jonah on a journey of self discovery which will ultimately lead him to more discoveries than he could ever have imagined.

While I enjoyed this story, and it was very well written, it also felt a little lacking to me. I think it is such a good concept of a story line that it would have worked much better as a full novel. I would loved to have heard more about the life that lead Jonah to be on that island, and I would have enjoyed seeing his friendship grow more slowly to really convince me of his choices at the end. I would also love to know “what happens next”.

To me this felt more like an early working which would benefit from a lot of fleshing out to fully round it into an amazing tale.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story concept, but one that could do with some fleshing out. I felt that some of the complete changes of personality and perspective needed leading into more instead of the huge leaps we see often here.

It would have helped me to connect more with this character had I seen him caught and convicted and seen his fear and remorse more. I felt as though this story told me so much rather showed me.

All in all, an easy and quick read that I enjoyed.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an insightful book about a man banished to a deserted island and forced to look into himself. I enjoyed the bits of magic; it made the book that much more special. I think this would have been much better if it were a bit longer. Some parts felt a little rushed in order to keep it a short story. His struggle and redemption would have had more impact if they had been drawn out a little more, so readers could see his change of heart. But, even as it is, it's a wonderful little story to read, with surprises.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interesting short read offers an analogy for life. We are all prisoners until we sort through the binds that hold us. In this story, the protagonist is the prisoner. He faces external threats that ultimately force him to look within. He meets a young boy, different from every boy he’s ever known. An emissary of gifts, the child helps the man find his way. This is a reflective story with a wonderful message.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a short read, it’s packed with a strong message about overcoming obstacles, seeing oneself as you truly are, and accepting change. Jonah, a prisoner, is banished to inhospitable island. He’s angry, bitter, and miserable. Over time, he meets a young boy named Titus and begins to receive mysterious “gifts” that make his hardscrabble life easier. But along with gifts of food, he receives a book about self-change and a blank journal. It’s up to Jonah to write his own story, a new one—but can he change? Can he put the past behind him?

I liked the way his relationship with Titus grew, while at the same time Jonah embraced change, sometimes without even realizing it. When he makes a thoroughly unselfish decision, the payoff is unexpected. I loved the author’s use of magic and family. Also of note were excellent descriptions that brought the harsh dangers of the island to life.