Zenith - Book Review

Strasser, Dirk.  Zenith: The First Book of Ascension.  1993.  Monumental Press.

Kindle Edition, $.99


You are about to embark upon a journey.  Not just any journey, but an Ascension to the summit of The Mountain.  Every set of male twins must undertake this journey beginning at the Zenith (Summer Solstice) of their 18th year.  Each twin has one year to finish their journey, and must reach the summit of the mountain before the next summer Zenith.

We begin our journey with Atreu the Ascender.  He and his twin are both taking the journey to the top of the mountain, but each must take their own journey.  The trail and trials that each twin must face are unique to that twin.  Atreu and his brother, Teyth begin their journey during the Zenith.  They spend the first few days together, and then they each go their separate ways.  They hope to meet once or twice over the year in cities where their path overlaps, but the chances are, they will not see each other again until the next year.

The mountain that the Ascenders must climb is tall, and it dominates life in and around the villages that lie in and on the mountain.  Atreu will visit many of these villages, and learn many new customs, on his way up the mountain.

Throughout the course of his journey, Atreu will find many teachers.  Some have been placed deliberately in his path by the holy orders.  Some are unintentional teachers, who will teach him new ways of thinking and relating to the world around him.

However, there are unexpected challenges and dangers along the way.  Unfortunately, war is brewing across the countryside.  The Faemir are restless, and they will do whatever it takes to win.  While the Maelir, who live around the base of the mountain revere the Ascenders and help them in every way possible, the Faemir are not above stopping the Ascenders and preventing them from reaching the summit.

The very land itself is distressed, as unexpected cracks and pillars of land suddenly appear out of nowhere to block the path of the traveler.

I enjoyed this book!  I am intrigued by the thought of a great journey that must be faced - alone - at the age of 18.  After all, isn't life a journey that we basically face, alone, with constant danger, snares, and entanglements along the way?  We are fortunate to find good friends along the way who share our journey and help us to reach our goals along the way.

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