Speech to the Netherworld by Fictional Lucifer

SAN FRANCISCO, California, September 12, 2014—Lucifer’s unprecedented speech to the netherworld is for real. It’s found in chapter twenty-one of Messages from Estillyen: A Novel of Redemption and Human Worth.  Messages from Estillyen contains ten portrayals, in which Lucifer imaginatively appears as a real-time observer of well-known Scripture narratives such as the Transfiguration and the […]

SAN FRANCISCO, California, September 12, 2014—Lucifer’s unprecedented speech to the netherworld is for real. It’s found in chapter twenty-one of Messages from Estillyen: A Novel of Redemption and Human Worth. 

Messages from Estillyen contains ten portrayals, in which Lucifer imaginatively appears as a real-time observer of well-known Scripture narratives such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to author William Jefferson, “The characterization of Lucifer plays a vital role in surfacing important theological truths, particularly the matter of redemption and human worth.”

Messages from Estillyen addresses the broad, historical-sweep of God’s messaging of redemption as recorded in the Bible. “We’ve simply placed Lucifer at the heart of the drama as the stories unfold,” explained Jefferson. “He’s there on the Mt. Sinai, observing the Law passed down to Moses in tablets of stone. He’s present when the prophet Jeremiah’s scroll is burned by King Jehoiakim in a fiery pot. He’s there when Jesus Christ walks the Via Dolorosa.  Every step of the way, Lucifer is there, observing the revelation unfold and scheming about the prospect of redemption’s demise.”  


Jefferson depicts Lucifer as an omnipresent, evil predator that harbors unrelenting angst against God and his creation. Lucifer is especially distraught and anguished over the existence of the human race, which he refers to as “fleshies,” nothing but “mud cakes,” and “the unfortunate by-product of I AM.” 

At the same time, Jefferson believes Lucifer to be quite real. “Whoever he is, whatever he is,” affirmed Jefferson, “in Scripture’s overarching narrative Lucifer plays no bit part. He is the prominent figure of darkness who actively opposes the God of light.”

The ingenuous use of historical fiction is melded into a powerful and heartwarming novel, set on the fictional Isle of Estillyen (www.estillyen.com). The isle is the home to an ancient order of monks, known as Message Makers, who are renowned for their dramatic readings given in quaint structures dotted around the Isle of Estillyen. The result is a work set apart from other forms of modern-day Christian literature.

“The author’s writing is skilled, poetic, and reminiscent of the classical period,” writes BlueInk Reviews, which awarded Messages from Estillyen its coveted starred review. “The style is allegorical in part, reminiscent of John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis. The readings hearken to Donne and Milton as well.

“This is a book to savor, not to gulp,” BlueInk contends. “The novel will appeal to readers who appreciate British wit, the skill of a true wordsmith, and the challenge of metaphysical introspection. Christian readers will be especially delighted by the creative way the author brings the Bible to life.”

Barbara Bamberger Scott,writing for ForeWord Reviews, said, “Jefferson uses carefully modulated language that often waxes poetic: ‘In the shadows between Scripture’s lines is God’s face. Like a full-faced moon on a meadow’s pond, it shimmers there.’ Jefferson also seems to recognize that some readers need their religious edification spiced with dashes of intrigue, love, and inspiration.”


Estillyen Essay Contest Now On—Port Estillyen Productions, publisher of Messages from Estillyen, is currently sponsoring an Essay Contest on the characterization of Lucifer as depicted in the novel and climaxed in Lucifer’s netherworld speech. Titled simply “The Speech,” Lucifer’s angst-ridden diatribe against God for creating the human race and the subsequent plan of redemption underscores deep theological truths.

According to contest coordinator Kris Johnson, “More than a dozen well-known colleges and universities across the country are participating, including Gordon College, Trinity International University, Wheaton CollegeNorthwestern College, Taylor University. We’ve simply focused our efforts on the literature departments and creative writing classes,” Johnson explained, “asking instructors to help make the contest know by posting flyers and drawing attention the contest. We’re thrilled by the response, but you do not need to be in college to enter.”

The contest is open to everyone 18 years of age or older. Contestants are asked to write a 300-word essay based on Lucifer’s speech. Entries will be accepted until October 31, 2014, and prizes range from a full-color map of the Isle of Estillyen to a Kindle Fire for first place. For more information, contest rules, and to download “The Speech,” go to: http://www.estillyen.com/lucifers-speech-essay-contest/.

Messages from Estillyen is available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. A free download of chapter one is available at: http://www.estillyen.com/messages-from-estillyen-chapter-one-lunch-at-grims-park/.

For more information about the Estillyen Essay Contest, to schedule an interview with William Jefferson, or receive a copy of Messages from Estillyen:

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