The Yonder

by Donald Samson, Heidi Nisbett (Illustrations)

Constance has lost her husband to the Yonder. Desperate to find him, she engages a monstrous mishap of a man, Magpie, as her Seeker. Together they cross over to a place where memories grow confused and identities are altered. To her horror, Constance discovers that in the Yonder, she is the property of a man who is determined to get her back. Relying on Magpie's guidance, she repeatedly escapes capture as they search for her lost husband, meeting along the way individuals with remarkable abilities, some friendly, others less so. Magpie, however, is carrying secrets of his own, and in the end reluctantly delivers Constance back up to her owner. This sets Magpie on a spiraling journey of his own. He engages in a game of chance where his own freedom is forfeit should he lose. All the while, he navigates a debt to Death, as well as walking a tightrope of restrictions, the result of a wager he has incautiously made with the Devil. In spite of facing the utter likelihood of failure, Magpie has one powerful advantage, and is not to be deterred from his goal to free Constance and reunite her with her elusive husband, while foiling Death and beating the Devil at his own game.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

384 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2022

About the author

For nineteen years I was a Waldorf classroom teacher in grades 1 - 8. I had the pleasure of telling my students a story every day. I was able to share all of my favorite fairy tales, saint stories, fables, myths, and historical biographies depending on the grade. One autumn, I wanted to tell my children a new story, one that had never been told before. The story went on for weeks. The children loved the story so much, they badgered me until I wrote it down for them. Once it was written, I realized it was a well-told tale and a gift for any young reader to enjoy. It was the first book in the Star Trilogy, The Dragon Boy. To learn more about my books, visit my website, www.donaldsamsonbooks.com

Reviews

[Blythe Rusling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Samson, a highly respected figure in the Waldorf educational movement with the rare distinction of having shepherded two complete classes from first through eighth grade, brings his extraordinary depth of experience to his latest offering, The Yonder. While readers may be familiar with his beloved Star series, or his powerful reiterations of classic stories like At the Hot Gates and Let There be Light, The Yonder stands apart as a beautiful, compelling, and utterly unique standalone novel that effortlessly spans the gap between sophisticated fairy tale and mythic quest.

What sets this book apart is Samson’s mastery of the archetypal. This is a novel that will resonate deeply with adults seeking classic, resonant storytelling, but it holds a truly special place for mid-school readers who are steeped in the rich curriculum of a Waldorf education. For those students, The Yonder offers a wonderful look back at familiar themes and characters, elevating archetypes they know so well into a narrative that is both new and freshly realized.

Samson breathes new life into the often-misunderstood figure of Bearskin, transforming him into a champion whose journey is interwoven with that of a fascinating and inexplicable aging young woman. This woman has forgotten who she is and seeks a guide to travel between two distinct worlds, driven by the search for a husband she cannot recall. This central mystery provides a powerful engine for the narrative, exploring themes of memory, identity, and commitment.

The beauty of The Yonder lies in its accessibility. While deeply nuanced, its cadence and language make it an ideal read-aloud candidate, suitable for younger audiences, perhaps starting around second grade and certainly poised to capture the imagination of a third-grade class. It is a testament to Samson's skill that he has crafted a book that functions equally well as a solo adventure for an independent reader or a shared experience for an entire family or classroom.

Adding the finishing touch is the stunning visual component: the accompanying chapter headings, book cover and plates created by the author’s daughter-in-law. These illustrations are not mere additions; they are the icing on the cake, lending the book an air of timeless artistry and transforming it into a truly beautiful object that is a delight to hold and behold.

Donald Samson is undoubtedly a treasure within the Waldorf world, and with The Yonder, he has created a work of lasting beauty that is easily poised to appeal to a far wider variety of readers.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Samson’s latest book, The Yonder, is an imaginative and carefully constructed fairy tale adventure. It follows the exciting, humorous, and often poignant travels of a young woman on a quest to find her missing husband. In a mysterious realm where everything is like something half-remembered from a dream or an old tale, every companion she meets and every challenge she faces has unexpected consequences! With mystery, quests, romance, and magic, this story hits all the highlights and is an easy page-turner while still holding space for some of the greater mysteries of childhood and the power of storytelling. Samson breathes new life into the canon of the Brothers Grimm as he weaves together familiar narratives and invents some of his own — resulting in a world with the intriguing mystery of fantasy and the comfort of tales in which characters overcome their circumstances and good always prevails. Written with wisdom and humor, readers of all ages will find something to connect with here.

[Steven Leibo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Donald Samson, generally writes for the young adult market, but as I learned long ago when reading his Star Trilogy, he has that ability, along with J.K Rawlings of Harry Potter fame to produce works that while easily capturing the enthusiasm of their intended audiences can be fascinating for adults as well. Indeed, that special gift is especially valuable for those of us who enjoy reading together as a family and The Yonder, Samson’s latest work has captured that special magic wonderfully well.
Steven Leibo

[Horlar Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Yonder, is an imaginative and carefully constructed fairy tale adventure. It follows the exciting, humorous, and often poignant travels of a young woman on a quest to find her missing husband. With mystery, quests, romance, and magic, this story hits all the highlights and is an easy page-turner while still holding space for some of the greater mysteries of childhood and the power of storytelling.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations on this incredible achievement! The B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers’ Appreciation Group) is a prestigious recognition, and it speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of THE YONDER by Donald Samson. This honor places it among a distinguished group of award-winning, reader-recommended works.

[Alexander Marvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting and imaginative journey through love, loss, and the afterlife, this book delivers a spellbinding blend of gothic fantasy and emotional depth. Constance and Magpie’s perilous crossing into the Yonder is as heart-wrenching as it is thrilling a masterfully written tale that explores devotion, identity, and the price of freedom.

[Laura J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Yonder is a wild, witty adventure that had me laughing, gasping, and wondering if I should start packing for another realm. Donald Samson’s imagination is off the charts! Our Bingebook Book Club couldn’t stop talking (or giggling) about it. Definitely a five-star trip to the unexpected! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Paul Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your incredible work, The Yonder. Your storytelling, insight, and emotional depth truly left an impression. It’s clear how much thought and care went into every page.

Thank you for sharing your gift with reader, your book not only entertains but also inspires meaningful reflection and conversation.

[Tom Interest's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bingebooks Book Club Reader Review

This book was a thoughtful and engaging read, perfect for the relaxed, quiet atmosphere of the Silent Book Club. The writing drew me in and encouraged reflection, and I enjoyed getting lost in its pages surrounded by fellow readers. It left me inspired and eager for our next silent reading session.

[August Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished 'The Yonder' with Bingebook book club! Donald Samson's writing is masterful, blending fantasy, adventure, and mystery. A great read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales. Looking forward to discussing it further with the club!

[Kathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered through Bingebook Book Club, The Yonder is a haunting and imaginative tale of love, loss, and courage. With rich world building and unforgettable characters, it’s a gripping journey through a realm where nothing is as it seems.

[Robert Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across The Yonder during a BingeBook Book Club feature, and it completely drew me in.
Adding this to my TBR 🥰

[Oluwatobi Lawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a lovely suggestion from Bingebook Book Club

[Kristen Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing …the book was brought to binge bookclub and I would love to read it over and over

[Sawyer Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Yonder featured in Bingebook Book Club is a powerful and moving story that reminds us of the strength found in hope, love, and freedom.”

[Silent Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storytelling 💙💙💙