Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Last Quest comes across as more educative than dramatic, though the novel is catchy from the beginning. Readers will commiserate with Harvey—and perhaps even identify with his struggles—as Senyard goes into great detail when depicting the backstory to his situation.
Prose: Senyard is a strong writer, convincingly portraying a man crushed by life and its challenging circumstances. The prose is clear and concise during Harvey's sections, and more elaborate when he's reading the Tale of the Unlikely Prince, a suitable shift that flows well in the story. Throughout, Senyard keeps to a crisp, straightforward message.
Originality: Senyard offers a unique approach to handling business and life burnout through parable form, an entertaining method that makes the story more personal. Harvey is someone any business leader will be able to relate to, which helps drive Senyard's message home, and the story within a story format provides another distinctive layer.
Character/Execution: Because Senyard utilizes a parable format, the emphasis here is on situation and lesson rather than characterization. Readers will suspect that Harvey is a caricature throughout, but his experiences ably advance the plot.
Date Submitted: June 19, 2024
"The Last Quest is a fantastic read about a life truth that applies to everyone and especially the business executives who are chasing their dream. Dr Senyard does a masterful job of weaving a story to everyday business. It is like Pilgrim’s Progress meets McKinsey consulting. This story will greatly encourage and refocus your personal quest."
"The Last Quest brings a fresh breeze to stagnant business books. Dr. Bill's uniquely inventive book will guide and focus your spirits and get you on course for your joyful professional life of meaning and contribution." Eric Protzman, Business Made Simple, Senior Business Growth Coach.
"The Last Quest" is a great example that if you want to tell the truth, you write fiction. Dr. Senyard wrote exactly what I needed to help me refocus on what's important in my business. I was measuring my value and success through a world economy instead of through the economy of the Father's kingdom. The story within the story reminded me that I just need to be a good steward of what was never mine to begin with.
