The Adventures of KayPo by Daniel Neubrander is a fantasy-cum-epic account of the Bible in a new form that’s extremely likely to delight the young people of our time. The author, who is inspired by the likes of J. R. R. Tolkien and C S Lewis, takes the same route and delivers us this book that’s like a packed mystery gift. Using your intellect, you need to unpack it carefully and discover the story hidden inside. And if you get it right, you’ll find a story in your hands that is the Bible in essence!
The first hint you get the author is referring to the Bible is when you come to the word ‘sin’ in chapter 1. Then, as you read further, the skeleton of the Bible slowly appears (as familiar verses and phrases), and finally, in the last chapter, Jesus is revealed as ‘Shiloh,’ a creature that can change its form between a grand lion and a sheep at will. If you go deeper, you’ll find the story has more layers that are shrouded in mystery, so you’ll be left with lots of questions to find answers for even at the end.
I’m sure I enjoyed reading this book. It’s able to grab and keep your attention riveted to it from beginning to end. What I liked most is that it reveals the heart of the Bible in a simple form and language easily relatable by modern readers, especially highlighting that God is always our savior and friend, never an accuser. The allegorical cast of kakapos (a flightless bird), owls, quokkas, cats, pangolins, etc. creates an atmosphere of primeval innocence and playfulness that adds to its appeal. There is only one reason to complain about: it contains a moderate number of errors. But happily, they are mostly minor.
This book is a blend of simple and profound thoughts, concepts, and ideas. A child can easily enjoy it. At the same time, even mature adults will find it challenging and thought-provoking. It’s innocent, inoffensive, and delightful, so it’s a story for everyone, everywhere, every age. It takes the teens and young adults of our age faced with those typical inner conflicts of growing up straight to the core of the Bible so if they find the Good Book formidable, aged, hard to understand, or fear being misled, etc., a clear and unbiased view of its timeless and all-encompassing wisdom and how law and love, precept and promise combine and are reconciled.
On account of the foregoing, I recommend this book to an audience that’s universal and also not limited by age: native English readers first, followed by non-natives. Christian book stores, both online and offline, may want to stock it. It may also be a great gift choice to consider for Christmas for your relatives/friends/colleagues, but surely, you must know their tastes well to avoid messing up, if you do. Finally, I recommended it to movie-makers, producers of TV serials, etc., because it’s an original, appealing, and brilliant story — just the one that may work for you!
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