Product Description

Today, as never before a young boy's life is bombarded by subtle and not so subtle messages of how the world defines the successful man. The purpose of Sentinel: City of Destiny is to share with boys, during their formative pre-teen years, some fundamental character traits that define the `Godly' man.

The allegorical story is about twin brothers, Jerol and Jadan and their quest through the land of Callow (Childhood) to the city of Sentinel (True Manhood). In Sentinel they seek to earn the Mark of the Blade and become part of the King's court of Mettle. The Court of Mettle is an elite fighting force that stands watch over Terrenea (Mankind). They are sworn to fight to the death in defense of King Deus (God) and his Kingdom of Light. To make it onto the King's court the brothers must first find the four mysterious keys (Courage, Integrity, Service, & Vision) with which to unlock Sentinel's gate. Unfortunately, Terrenea's archenemy Azrael (Satan) and his minions challenge the boys at every turn.

The tale contrasts the boys' very different ways of dealing with Azrael's temptations and traps. In the style of Pilgrim's Progress, the brothers face many allegorical characters and situations, which represent present-day themes in young boy's lives: bullies, drugs, girls, music, peer pressure, video, etc. Hopefully, it will be clear to the reader; it is better to be like Jerol, who makes wise choices than Jadan, who makes foolish ones.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1608777 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 324 pages

About the Author
Landel Bilbrey was born in Livingston Tennessee where his adolescent years, during the late 1960's and early 1970's, were very much a "Mayberry" experience. Livingston is a small town located mid state near Dale Hollow Lake atop the beautiful rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau.

Landel showed a special aptitude for the graphic arts as well as an ear for music at a very young age. Creativity seemed sure to be part of his future. But nearing high school graduation Bilbrey struggled with thoughts concerning his career: Should he pursue a life of art, which appeared to offer less stability, or find a vocation with a more predictable course? His father advised him to consider the path of an engineer, which could potentially supply the financial means to explore his artistic aspirations while at the same time allowing him to support a family.

In 1981, Landel graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. For the next ten years he worked as a bridge designer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and then went out on his own as a part-time road manager for Grammy award winner and Native American singer/songwriter Bill Miller. With the rest of his time, Bilbrey started his own independent engineering business. For the next eleven years he grew his consulting business while exploring songwriting. In the meantime, he established his own BMI music publishing company Bridgemaker Music. Bilbrey then served as the Chief Bridge Engineer for Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon, a top 200 Architectural and Engineering firm, for two years before becoming Engineering Manager for Collier Engineering of Brentwood, Tennessee.

Throughout life Landel has used his musical ability to glorify God singing in various church choirs. During the 90's, Bilbrey was part of his church's six-member praise team where he would occasionally solo. Then in the early 2000's, he served for three years as worship leader in a church plant called Lifepoint of Dickson, Tennessee.

"It wasn't until around 2001 that I began to experiment with using the written word as a communication tool which eventually led to the idea for Sentinel." Bilbrey says. "I wanted to create a clear target for which my sons could aim their lives that would provide the greatest chance of success for their future. To me, a life of serving God and one's fellow man defines a successful life. But getting a busy preteen to truly grasp the concept was a very tall order.

Although there were many opportunities and temptations to make bad choices when I was growing up," Bilbrey continues, "What our boys today are exposed to is much more `in your face'. Clothing is more revealing, sexuality is used to sell everything; violence in schools has escalated from fistfights to shootings. And due to a culture saturated in media, information that once was so socially spurned that it had to be viewed in secret is now accessible through the power of the Internet in the blink of an eye."

So, the words as well as the pen and ink illustrations in Sentinel were the product of Bilbrey's love for his sons and a passion to provide a tool that other parents, teachers and caregivers of pre-teen boys could springboard from into conversations about upcoming issues and temptations.

Bilbrey currently lives with his wife, two sons, one dog and two cats in a rustic, log cabin nestled beside a creek near Nashville Tennessee.

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Customer Reviews

Sentinel Ministers to Adults
Sentinel - I am a 43 year old mother of four boys. I read Sentinel first to proof the content before giving it to my guys. What I didn't expect was for it to minister to me, teaching me through allegory a fresh look at the dangers of debt, gambling, coveting, among other things. And in the end, teaching me how easily it is to get waylaid in the journey by even good things like intellect and talent. Sentinel has given me lots to think about and to discuss with my boys. I have a fresh vision of the Christian race and the destination. My 15 yr. old son has already stolen the book from me and read it 3 times now. I will buy Sentinel in bulk and keep it on hand to give as a gift to our many friends with boys.

Sentinel: City of Destiny

The Book "Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Karon Bilbrey is a very compelling book,especially for young boys. It teaches the encounters that young men meet during their maturing years and how they can overcome them by remembering what the logus (Holy Scriptures)teaches. It is a wonderful guide for both the parent and their children. A must to read for sound moral teachings.

Great book!
This is simply a fantastic book! Though it is geared toward boys, the lessons in this book are applicable to readers of all ages. If you like allegory (think Pilgrim's Progress) and/or fantasy-adventure (think "Lord of the Rings" or "Chronicles of Narnia"), you will most certainly enjoy this book. I firmly believe the lessons in this book desperately need to be heard by today's young men and women. Reading this book aloud with your child will provide ample opportunity for thoughtful discussion and will provide a starting point for teaching many 'life lessons'. I can't say enough good things about this book, and I highly recommend reading it, especially if you have a young son or daughter.