Dante's Destiny
James Jimason
Infinity Publishing
ISBN: 0741434938
Reviewed By Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
What if everything you thought you knew was wrong…?
What
if the biblical story of Creation was simply a fairy tale, and the real
story was much more sinister, much more disturbing...?
What if all these things were revealed to you out of the blue…?
Such
is reality as Dante Simms eventually comes to know it. Born into a
world of questionable morals and even more questionable motives, Dante
has no idea just how impactful his life is designed to be. In fact, he
doesn't even have a clue as to just how powerful the forces at war
regarding his true nature really are: for thousands of years, the
Trinians and Damentors have waged merciless spiritual warfare against
one another, the Trinians seeking to maintain peace and harmony on
Earth, and the Damentors hell-bent (literally) on conquering it.
Stemming from a rebellion in Heaven led by their leader, Dagon, the
Damentors know that if Dante is successful in his life's purpose, all
hopes for their reign are over. As such, they remain resolved to do
whatever it takes to ensure that he is destroyed, retroactively ending
any chance of humanity's prosperous fate.
Backed by the
incomparable power of the almighty King, the Trinians have their hands
full protecting Dante and his family - and many times they come deathly
close to failing in their appointed task. Like the Damentors, though,
they are also firm in their resolve, and what ensues is a prolonged
battle of wits between the warring factions - often tragic and
disheartening, but essential nonetheless.
Dante's Destiny
is a fast-paced, entertaining read from a truly creative soul. With his
imaginative tale of struggle and redemption, Jimason engages both your
mind and heart in due consideration of the unseen influences that daily
sway us. Additionally, his very-real depiction of events and
circumstances in the not-too-distant future give you more than pause
when you consider just how close we really are to them now (gas at
$6.75/gallon, nationalized same-sex marriages, etc.). Though a work of
fiction, Jimason's tale could just as easily serve as a treatise on the
long-term consequences of social irresponsibility and governmental
neglect.
With non-stop action, vivid characters, and enough plot twists to make you go back and read each chapter twice, Dante's Destiny is a truly satisfying experience for readers of all ages. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: James Jimason (Dante's Destiny)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, James. Thanks also for allowing us to review Dante's Destiny. We appreciate having this opportunity to learn more about the book.
The story is very intricate and well plotted. Did it take you long to research it or develop the storyline?
James Jimason: No, it didn't take me long to develop the storyline. I knew in the beginning how I wanted the book to flow. However, once I started writing, many of the creative elements of the book began to surface, much to my surprise. So, there were many elements to the book that I didn't plan to write that just came out at the moment of writing certain scenes.
AR: Likewise, all of the characters are very interesting and unique. Where do you get your ideas for their traits, mannerisms, etc., when crafting them?
JJ: Well, I basically used what I know from the Bible, in regards to the nature of the devil or Satan. He is a relentless foe, who is determined to make life on earth - a living hell. As far as the human characters, I simply used the world around me as patterns for the different personalities, as well as pulling real-life situations from my own childhood.
AR: The Simms family is plagued by death, depression, and tragedy over the course of their lives - yet they're specially chosen to help redeem the Earth. What's the connection between those two facets?
JJ: The Simms family serve as a physical form of protection for Dante's life, which reflects the spiritual protection he has from the Trinians. However, there is a secret to why Dagon and his Damentors have free access into many of the family members' lives. This family shows that no matter how bad things are, or what you have done, there is still hope for redemption. Even Dante wasn't free from bad choices and yet the hand of the King remained upon him, much like people we see in the earth today. No one is perfect, and yet God still uses people to do great things in the earth: Oprah, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, etc. So is the case with Dante - so it would seem.
AR: Is there a historical/biblical basis for the character Mainio (the soul-collector)?
JJ: The character Mainio is fictional, but there is a Biblical reference of a person dying and being carried away to Abraham's Bosom, which is a place people went that believed in God, but had not received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Based upon this Scripture (Luke 16:19-31), it is believed that we all will be escorted to Heaven or wherever we are placed before the Day of Judgment.
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book gotten from the faith community?
JJ: The reactions have been very positive and supportive. Those who have read the book found it to be very intriguing and suspense filled. They cannot wait until Part 2 comes out.
AR: Do you personally believe in supernatural forces (angels, demons, etc.) that guide & influence us?
JJ: Yes I do. There are numerous examples of angel and devil interactions with humans, throughout the Bible. They cannot make use do anything we don't want to, so, they work to influence our thinking which we can clearly be seen by the lack of true morality in the earth. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar a year industry with no regulations. Vegas has prostitution and gambling legalized - why? Because of the subtle demonic influences on the minds of those who don't believe (2 Corinthians 4:1-7). Once the mind is swayed, the body will soon follow.
AR: Do you believe that all of life on Earth has a specific collective purpose, regardless of our own individual beliefs?
JJ: Yes. I strongly believe that we all have a Destiny, a purpose for being alive. It is in that purpose that we will find the fulfillment, sense of belonging and significance we all crave. Your Destiny will answer the age-old question; what is the meaning of life? Our personal religious beliefs will either aid or hinder us, in our pursuit of purpose/happiness. When we let out the gifts and talents that are in us, it benefits those around us, making the world a better places in which to live. Therefore, the opposite must also be true. If we hold back our gifting and fail to fulfill our Destiny, then those who were to partake of our lives will continue to lack what they need, making the world a miserable place to live.
AR: What's next for you?
JJ: Well, if I can break away from all of the marketing and scheduled book signings for a minute, I plan to finish my fifth book, entitled: God's House, and then continue working on part 2 of Dante's Destiny.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JJ: Don't allow the fear of venturing into new territories, or the heavy weight of responsibilities keep you from pursuing your Destiny. You have a purpose, which is not defined by the circumstances that conceived you, nor the environment that help shape you. No. You are to be defined by the desires of your heart, which are the keys to what you were meant to do. Therefore, I encourage you to go for it, with all of your heart! "Destiny is calling you. Can you hear it?" - James A. Jimason
AR: Thanks again, James, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
JJ: Thanks again, and God bless you, Apex Reviews.