In a city abandoned by its dragons, leadership and power can cost the community everything.
By DENISE LAJUAN PETERS
Benjamin’s Choice – a novella
Tanninim Tale Book 2
In Medieval Africa, humans mourn the dragons who abandoned them. But seasoned teacher Benjamin, wanting to discover who is fit to fill the void, drills leadership values into his students.
An ambitious youth. A determined orphan. Will they prolong the prosperity the city enjoys? As a bitter rivalry ensues, Benjamin must navigate the brewing conflicts in his classromm, in his city, and in himself.
If only the dragons would return…unless they already have.
Denise LaJuan Peters’s books transport readers to spaces where history and fantasy collide. Her character driven tales will pull you into communities in which the overlooked soul has the opportunity to save souls or destroy them. To redeem self, or throw a life away.
Psalm 148:7
General Book Information
- ISBN 978-1-968842-00-0
- ASIN none yet
- Published in 2025
- Tanninim Publishing, Mineral, Virginia
- Printed in the United States of America
- Fiction/Fantasy/Dragons & Mythical Creatures
- Fiction/Fantasy/Historical
- Fiction/Fantasy/General
- New Adult and College Readers
Tropes
- Shapeshifters
- Hidden World/Secret History
- The Big Reveal
- Trial by Ordeal
- Dragon/Mythical Creature
- Disabled Superpower
- Power and Authority
- Community and Belonging
FOR MY READERS
FIRST THREE SCENES
BENJAMIN'S CHOICE GLOSSARY
BENJAMIN'S CHOICE: PICTURE IT!
The unconscious messenger crossed these highlands that separate Zimbabwe from Mozambique.
The cattle typical to Great Zimbabwe are this breed. Ironically, they are called nguni cattle. Nguni, as with many of the African names I chose like Mbire, Rozwi, and Zezuru, are the names of tribes found in southern Africa.
Shona speaks of the nyenze locust that strong winds blow from the acacias. No pictures of the locust, but I have the tree.
Although Great Zimbabwe stands in ruins, many walls remain intact. Benjamin’s class meets in the unpaved court yard that separates the dagas in his family’s portion of the lower veld.
Jackals are common in the region surrounding Great Zimbabwe; however, they avoid the world of men unless hunger presses them. The “hellcat” that Chuma refers to most likely was this African wildcat.
Heads Up: The videos below immediately play if you click on them.
Jonadab accidentally sits on this large nyenze, a Hottentotta trilineatus. My apologies for the video being in Russian. But it boasts the clearest image I could find. The emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius, to the right Benjamin says was asking, “Is it… time yet?” What do you think?
Benjamin found the remains of a baobab fruit like the one to the left in the messenger’s bag. To the right is pearl millet used in making the sour sviyo porridge that Benjamin eats for breakfast.
BOOK CLUBS
Because Benjamin’s Choice is a short read, approximately 2 hours, it makes a great choice for your next book club meeting. A power struggle sets two youths against each other and their community. But only the strongest can rule.
Benjamin's Discussion
TEACHERS
Use Benjamin’s Choice with your high schoolers. The novella provides an excellent opportunity to examine the types of authority and their effects on a community.
Benjamin's Choice
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN RECIPES
Muboora Recipe
Shona excuses herself from a race to prepare this dish.
Pilau Masala
Benjamin’s Favorite Tanzanian Dish
Sviyo Porridge
Benjamin’s sour breakfast reflects Jonadab’s behavior.