Gone Away Into the Land

By Jeffrey B. Allen

Book Overview

KILL THE BEAST, JOHN! KILL IT! "Gone Away, Into the Land is unlike anything I have ever read before. It is a completely unique story." Meet twelve-year-old John Greber, who describes the dark clouds of daily life he, his mother, Ellie, and six- year-old sister, Marny, live under. The fear and loathing that exist within a home ruled by the iron fist of an abusive father is established on the very first page. It is impossible not to feel, in the pit of your stomach, the inevitable onslaught of catastrophe. John's beast of a father is unpredictable and dangerous. He takes the storybook villain to a whole new level of greed and ignorance. "The beast" finally goes too far when he disappears, taking Marny with him. The search for her leads John and Ellie into the Land, a place they couldn't have imagined in their wildest dreams. (Think of Candyland crossed with Gregory Maguire's vision of Oz and you'll have something of an idea.) Allen skillfully combines the everyday world with the fantastic, a seemingly seamless combination which reminds the reader of the very best of fantasy novels. Yet, after all of the tragedies and triumphs are said and done, Goneaway, Into the Land, will leave you with a feeling of hope and a yearning for more. www.jeffreyballen.com.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1609761324
• ISBN13: 9781609761325
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

From J. Kaye's Book Blog

"Goneaway into The Land", by Jeffrey B Allen, is a delicious fantasy adventure book. John, a twelve year old, travels into a fantasy place with his mother to battle the Beast and save his sister, Marny. The Beast was his father, a violent, abusive, and psychotic man. In doing so he meets his twin sister, Sara, who was thought to be stillborn but taken into ZingZongLand to be raised. After defeating the Beast in a climatic finish, John fulfills his surprising destiny as the Purveyor, the being/person who is the intermediary between the world and ZingZongLand (ZZL). The two villains who brought the Beast and attempted to take control over ZZL, Mengus and Maraska were captured and exiled to an island to await their death. ZingZongLand is world where the inspirations for sweets come from. Think Willy Wonka's candy factory turned into a vast land, only better. Jell-O ponds, jellybean rains, chocolate cake mountain, peppermint trees, a cacao river, with steam train connecting the different parts of the land which compete in producing the inspirations for all the deserts and candies that the world has. The history of ZZL is briefly outlined as well as why it exists and its place in the big scheme of everything. I read some of Allen's descriptions of ZZL to Jim and Nona, my children, and we all agreed we want to visit! The book opens with scenes of domestic abuse which provides the counterpoint to beauty of ZingZongLand and illustrates how both intertwine. Because of the description of the reasons of the forced marriage of Daniel and Ellie, John's parent, and the Daniel's beating of his wife and John, parts of this book are not suitable for children. This was a great read! For me, the first few chapters invokes memories that almost kept me from reading the rest of the book. Fortunately, I kept on and was treated to an exciting and amazing adventure, full of twists, turns, and colorful characters, and a couple of nasty villains. Jeffrey Allen is writing Book II, 'Into the World', that continues with Mengus and Maraska and their exile.

A Delightful Journey, With Unforgettable Consequences!

"GONEAWAY INTO THE LAND" is a unique story that takes the reader on a journey through life as we follow the footsteps of John Greber, a young hero. At age twelve, John was brave enough to travel into the land of the unknown to confront his father face-to-face, better known as "The Beast" through John's eyes. John made a secret vow to seek revenge on his abusive father, rescue his sister, and help his mother during a Civil War that threatens not only the land, but the world. As John guides the reader through the battle of horror, with survival as the ultimate goal, he becomes stronger each step of the way as he shares his strength with Ellie, and Marney. The reader can feel his strength as we continue a journey through the wonders of youth, learning life's intense lessons, while absorbing the pleasures of childhood. Can the reader relate to any of the dramatic events that take place in the land of evil? Does the reader feel hope as the journey continues? Can a parent read through the mind of Ellie? Does Marney learn to treat John with respect, and admiration? I recommend this novel to teens, adults, and all fantasy lovers. Jeffrey B. Allen created a Masterpiece, a captivating story the reader can never forget. The author's wild imagination draws the reader in, like a magnet. The plot is superb, and his charismatic characters come to life. "GONEAWAY INTO THE LAND" is a riveting tale of not just John's epic journey, but also our journey through life. The vivid description of "The Beast" is incredible. The remarkable journey is chilling, haunting, and mysterious as it takes the reader to a place with unforgettable consequences. John Greber tugs at the reader's heart as much as Trevor does in "PAY IT FORWARD." Jeffrey B. Allen's "GONEAWAY INTO THE LAND" transforms into an action-packed adventure that explodes with spectacular special effects, and the reader will indulge into an awe-inspiring experience as if viewing one of Steven Spielberg's finest! Geraldine Ahearn AIOM HonDG Author of 6 books Founding Member ABI Women's Review Board CCRN/ Author Geri Ahearn, INC

GoneAway into the Land - A Must Read

Jeffrey B. Allen hooked me into this fantastical tale with his vivid description of the "beast" as seen through the eyes of young John Greber. There is, of course, more to the "beast" than meets the eye! As Allen's tale of good vs. evil unfolded before me, I found myself willingly traveling along with his charismatic characters into the lands of sweets bringing back so many wonderful sensory memories of my childhood. There is a real depth to this story; it can be appreciated on a variety of levels. GoneAway into the Land is a book you will want to read more than once!

Great story!

I thoroughly enjoyed - in fact, lost myself in - this riveting tale of a young hero's epic journey through the most amazing place an imagination could conjure, while facing the most sinister of foes. The imagery was so deliciously described, I felt as though I was there!! A truly unique story!

The journey of a lifetime!

Gone Away Into The Land....by Jeffery B. Allen. Truly a vacation spot that takes you to depths of the unexpected. The more that you read, the deeper this story gets while remaining light hearted and fun to read. This book leaves you with a feeling of yearning for more. As you travel throughout the land with John and his mother, Ellie, you are on a journey to places that you only dare to imagine. Mr. Allen has found a way to depict self exploration, our journey through life, the wonders of the afterlife, intense life lessons and the wonders of youth masterfully hidden within a light hearted story. Find yourself in a world where not only is it impossible to forget the pleasures of your childhood; but a place where you can embrace them and make them part of your soul.