Business Role Models From SciFi / Fantasy

I’m going to depart a bit from the normal topic of posts to briefly review a book I read recently. While at first glance this book is not directly related to internet entrepreneurism, I think it is related.

The book I’m referring to is Beyond The Summerland, the first book in the Binding Of The Blade series, by L.B. Graham. The books take place on the continent of Kirthanin, in a parallel universe. Most of the characters are in the book are 18-25 years old, and they are all on a mission, so the characters are easy for us young entrepreneurs to associate with.

I strongly believe that good fantasy stories should be designed to teach lessons about all areas of real life. Beyond The Summerland does exactly that. The characters are very realistic, and the book is packed with tidbits to be learned, on topics like:

• Following your calling
• Using your gifts
• Obeying the rules
• Playing fair
• Courage
• Honesty
• Love / Romance (duh, it’s about a bunch of single young people! )
• Friendship
• Betrayal
• Team building
• Leadership
• etc.

The entire series of books is written from a strongly Christian worldview, but it is written in a parallel universe, so the religion is not actually Christianity.

Beyond The Summerland seems to me to be written to appeal specially to young people, and as such young people especially can learn much from the characters. The characters in the book are vibrant, especially the hero and heroine. As I said on my personal blog, “Joraiem [the hero] I could happily emulate or have as a close friend. Wylla [the heroine] I could happily marry.”

It takes a few chapters to really get into the book,but then it gets rolling and keeps going, right up to the shocking surprise ending.

I borrowed the book from a friend, but you might be able to get the book from your local library. Enjoy your visit to the amazing land of Kirthanin, and we’ll soon be back to the world of internet business!

~Adam