Piloncilus
A Rhentarri Story
ISBN 9798325923890
ASIN B0CZJBRDD1
The author of this shared photos of a proof copy of a novel on social media. It looked intriguing so I went searching. This was the only piece I could find published to date, and it is related that mentioned novel; though at this point I am uncertain how. There are a few published stories on his site that seem related as well. But back to the work at hand.
The description of the story states:
“A short story within the world of Rhentarri and set in pre-war Tufaltha, a town on the edge of the Varjaw. This tale, at once heartwarming and heartbreaking, guides the reader through profound considerations about life, suffering, death, and eternal bliss -- all from the point of view of sweet Maj, a simple Tufalthan girl who happens upon a mysterious creature named Piloncilus.”
About the author we are informed:
“Brother John Sester is a Legionary of Christ religious, seminarian, creative writer, and art enthusiast.
He grew up in a quiet town in central Minnesota until "joining up" as a religious brother with the Legionaries of Christ. He enjoys fiction and storytelling, movies, and anything that involves creativity and imagination. He also dabbles in singing, playing instruments, songwriting, sketching, digital painting, poetry, and short stories; and has been working on a novel trilogy for almost eight years.
After two years of Novitiate (spiritual formation), he studied Classical Humanities at the Legionaries of Christ College in Connecticut, and then Philosophy and Theology at the Pontifical Atheneum Regina Apostolorum in Rome. He also spent two years in Mexico City as a student mentor and youth ministry auxiliary.”
I do not often highlight when reading fiction but highlight three passages when reading this to share with my teenage children. They were:
“I knew Maj. She at least was real. Given, she was young. She may have been confused or let her imagination get the better of her. The tale, however, is too touching not to be true, that is if beauty can be a basis for truth. But for now, leave that square, intellectual babble to the wisemen and suspend disbelief. I assure you it’s worth it.”
““You know what to do. Be for the humans here what you were for me. Protect, love, and serve them. Give them the bits of goodness that you shared with me. That’s what gives time in Lowerwind its unique beauty.”
“The limits of Lowerwind are there for a reason. Use the weights in this world to catapult you upwards toward the next. Use the pain to stretch and grow. You have a beautiful opportunity here in Lowerwind. Tufaltha is a beautiful reality, and you’ll only have it for a time. Embrace it like you’re embracing me. Embrace it until you can embrace me again.””
The creature if called an Opinicuses, it can speak, and describes itself as a mic of a mix eagle and lion, or what we would recognize as a griffin. But since it is very young in this story Maj calls it a rat-bird. At least early on.
This is a moving little story, a young girl, living in poverty, with a drunken and likely abusive father. While playing a game discovers a small wounded creature and takes pity on it. Over a few days she nurses it and care for it. But not all goes well. It is a story that speaks to a world to come, and or actions echoing in eternity. It is a story of friendship, even if a very strange one. And it appears to be the beginning of a much larger story.
This volume is available as an eBook and in Print, both are available in English and Spanish. It is a heart-warming story; one that may not leave your eyes dry. But it is also moving and inspiring. Even in this short volume our faith can be challenged. It is one I hope my children will read, and one I can easily recommend. But It leaves you wanting more, just as a warning!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by John Sester, LC:
Rhentarri Stories:
…
Eagle and Cedar Trilogy:
Into the Wind
Varjaw
Noth???
,,,
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