Darko: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko

by Kenny G. Down

The girl’s birth was a gift from God…

…and her life might change the world.

Will King Dylan be able to help her survive New Orleans?

In a poor neighborhood rife with drugs, gangs, and crime, two children set out to make a difference. King loves the little girl from the moment he sees her. He knows she’s special and knows what he must do - become a father, brother, provider, protector, student, companion, and friend.

As Johanee grows into a teenager and people are drawn to her.

She starts the Sacred Heart movement.

Not everyone wants change and they’re willing to do anything to stop her.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2020

Reviews

[Christine (myfictionaldays)]

Darko by Kenny G Down is a touching coming of age story which provokes the reader and illustrates the ugly truths of the world. Narrated by a troubled man- King Martin, he tells the tale of a unique child born into poverty and despair as well as her incredible gifts. From the moment she was born, young Johanee Darko has to fight for survival in an abusive and cruel world. Her difficult life starts in Desire, New Orleans where she lives an underprivileged life surrounded by poverty and crime. However, despite the situation, Johanee dedicates her life to bring peace, love and preach understanding and compassion to others. Inspired by her willingness to seek positivity in every aspect, King dedicates his life to love and protect her through all difficulties that arise.

Even though she is very young, people quickly come to the realization that she carries a special gift and declare her a modern-day Saint. She succeeds against all odds to become the light in a world full of darkness and bring back hope to humanity through love, kindness and faith.

Overall great character depth, thought-provoking and vivid storytelling which brings to life a fictional character in a matter of a couple of hundred pages. Johanee’s touching story leaves a powerful message to all readers and I feel like the timing of this book is perfect especially when we all need a little reminder to be kind to one another and fight for what we truthfully believe in.

[Antía S · Rating 4 out of 5]

La obra de Kenny G. Down es una historia de superación y ambición. Con ella aprenderemos las diferencias entre lo espiritual y lo emocional, pero al mismo tiempo sus similitudes y cómo estas se relacionan constantemente en un mundo de conflictos constantes.
Para leer más: https://www.antiasreadings.com/2021/1...

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Open-mindedness is perhaps the greatest ally on the path to spiritual enlightenment’

Washington author Kenny G. Down comes to his stature as a spiritual leader through his own experience in recovering from addiction. His enlightened purpose – ‘to help us find solutions to the problems in our lives through the application of spiritual principles and how spiritual principles have practical application in today’s social justice movements.’ He communicates his support through his newthoughtlife.org website and translates his impressions into poetry, short stories, blogs, and books. To date his books include AWAKENED GIANT SLEEPING SPIRIT, THE CARE AND KEEPING OF A SHAN, and now he adds DARKO: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko – a poignant and compelling fable for our times.

The story is narrated by a lad, King Martin, later referred to as I King, who was born into an African American family in the Desire neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana – an arena of prostitution, absentee mothers (serving as prostitutes to support their children), drugs, alcohol and crime. He encounters a new infant Johanee Darko, a female who from birth gives evidence of being a savior. ‘‘Infants are fresh from God without any societal separation from racism, homophobia, xenophobia, or wealth inequities. Such was Johanee Darko, a Love-filed child beaming with Joy. Unlike most people, as she grew older she never gave into the belief of societal separation, she never fell victim to the belief that she was any separate or superior to others.’

The story surveys the progression of this unique girl to the age of nineteen and beyond as she gradually is visited by voices, Mary, Saint Margaret and Archangel Michael, becoming the figure to change the world from the present state of societal separation and political/economic disparity to a redeeming one of Love, addressing the need for wholeness, including all races and religions, and the end of inequities. She formed the Sacred Hearted, extending her mission to the populace of followers, and to an ending that seems all too possible. As the author has defined the novel, ‘The world needs a Joan of Arc for current times. Johanee Darko of New Orleans is that person. She is a modern day Saint, possessing the solution to the ugly issues surrounding sexism, racism, bigotry, homophobia, and xenophobia. Through her public speeches and teachings Johanee Darko leads the Sacred heart movement, heals the world, and brings about the Coming Together Time.’

Kenny G. Down’s writing is articulate, the concepts are radiant, the use of religious commentary is delivered in a way that all readers can embrace, and the characters are fascinating, make a tremendous impact, and make us think – and hopefully change. ‘Everything is connected when we feel Love for others.’ Very strongly recommended, this is an important, meaningful book.

[Nicole reading_with_nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is narrated by King Martin, he is a childhood friend of Johanee Darko; King is six years older than Johanee. King's mother and Johanee's mother were friends, living in Desire, an area in New Orleans that is known for drugs, prostitution and crime.
Johanee Darko is the youngest of three children and she was born with a peaceful and spiritual soul, at the age of seven when she is in church praying she hears the voice of Mother Mary who tells her she is the chosen one and is loved, she is also spoken to by the Archangel Michael.
King himself has a very difficult life; when he is twelve his mother is killed and his bond with Johanee and her family grow during this period of his life because he is able to spend time with her and see the depths of her soul..
King has always felt a need to protect Johanee, he knew that she was born with the greatness to help the people of their community overcome some of the hardships they lived daily.. There were times that King could not protect Johanee, and she did not live an easy life; she face a lot of difficult things, abuse even from her mother's friends, people she knew but that did not break her or her spirit and the gift she was born with deep in her soul..
When Johanee Darko becomes a teenager she begins to give spiritual talks, empowering the people around her as part the Sacred Hearted Movement that Michael the Archangel had told her she would play a role in..
Her story told through King is one that is inspiring, one that portrays hope for these people who are born into a life that they did not ask to be born into and giving them the hope they need from this young divine soul that there is a better future ahead..
The author Kenny G Downs has written this book about religion without making it feel like you are reading a Christian book.. Some Christian books can be overwhelming for people who are not comfortable reading about that; this book has a great illustrations and it has a very powerful message that does not come across preachy but more inspiring..
There are times when I need something uplifting and hopeful to read, I read so many horrible tings that occur daily around the world in the news and to be able to pick up a book that gives you hope is very refreshing..

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At once spiritual and emotional, Darko is an allegory unlike anything I have ever read. It chronicles the tale of a girl who rises against all odds to be a spiritual leader despite her dark background in the depths of poverty in Desire, New Orleans. Told from the perspective of her life-long friend, protector, and follower, King Martin, who rose from poverty by her side, Darko gives hope and light in a world otherwise riddled with darkness.

Johanee is touched by angels and given wisdom from wise teachers around her, though she always seems to have a special wisdom of her own—a wisdom, power, and authority that draw people to her. King notes her goodness, her intelligence, and her deep desire to do good and see change in the world. She wants nothing more than for people to draw closer to spiritual enlightenment and peace.

Darko reaches into the darkest places within ourselves and seeks to provide light. Down, who has been through his own dark places and has overcome a crippling addiction to alcohol, seeks to offer freedom to those still living in darkness. Darko is his latest foray into fiction offering spiritual hope and encouragement that we can be the best versions of ourselves.

[John J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In author Kenny G. Down’s latest book, “Darko: The Sacred Heart of Johanee Darko” we embark on a parable for our troubled, divisive times through the story of what could be the coming of a savior for the world. In this third book, Down uses the device of a narrator named King Martin (or simply I King as he is later referred to) to introduce us to the infant Johanee Darko, a child who seemingly has been born full of purity and light and with the intention of curing society of its ills. I King is from African American heritage and is growing up in a section of New Orleans called Desire, an area that is truly troubled by prostitution, drugs and alcohol and crime. Desire is also plagued by broken families and absentee mothers.
Yet this messianic infant, Johanee Darko, appears devoid of the corruptions which are visited upon others. She is the essence of love and innocence and as we follow her life, we see the influence she has on others. Unaware of the presence of such vast societal evils that appear to be tearing humanity apart, Johanee is something of a miracle in her preciousness of heart and soul. In addition to this purity of mind and purpose, I King describes Johanee’s experiences as she grows up and is visited by the voices of Mary, Saint Margaret and the Archangel Michael. It is not long before it is clear that Johanee may be the true savior who can heal our world from its inequities and the pain that comes from the feelings of division and otherness.
Johanee creates the Sacred Hearted Movement and sets out to spread her message of love and trust in others. This is an epic tale of spirit and faith that will both inform and illuminate. As we see Johanee’s mission and her encounters with others, we see the coming of a female messiah who may very well be the last and best hope to save the world. The protagonist is a modern-day Joan of Arc, a saintly figure who has the ability to address the complex issues that are threatening to destroy humanity.

The author writes in a compelling and honest way that is always clear and concise. He is not afraid to tackle complex ideas and create fascinating characters who populate this tale. This is a book fueled by love and compassion and a strong desire to bring an end to the problems that plague us today.

If there ever was a time when our world needed healing, that time would be now. “Darko” is a perfect parable for the times. Written by Down with a great deal of experience, wisdom and love, you’ll be swept away by the incredible progression of events and the characters who inhabit this world. “Darko” is a bright beam of light that is certain to make the reader think long and hard about our own attitudes and beliefs. It will give you a renewed feeling of hope and a desire for real change.

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The empowering story of an incredible spiritual leader.


This incredible story is narrated by King Martin, Johanee Darko’s lifelong friend. The moment she was born, he became her protector and carer, on the poverty-ridden streets of Desire, New Orleans.

Johanee’s childhood was hard; the youngest of three children, born to a mother who did what she had to, to survive. Her only real bed was found occasionally in a mother and children shelter, abused, she was a street kid, and probably anyone seeing her would have predicted her future as bleak. However, she was different, preordained to shine the light of hope on mankind, a voice from the Gods of all peoples, and the saints.

She was just seven when the Mother of God spoke to her, assuring her she was loved and was the chosen one, the one who it is written will rise above others and save the lost souls of the world. Reassured by Mary that she will be with her; she is told that she needs to be strong, and that she should keep her love and kindness as her strength.

Despite her childhood and teenage years, Johanee is enveloped in the love of God, taught by sages, wise men, and saints, and protected by those who love her. Wherever she is people are drawn to her, touched by her words’ they love her and become her followers. She gives empowering talks, awakens spiritual awareness, and no subject is taboo. Many clamor for the chance to be with her, and her words inspire and affect the lives of her followers.

Then Michael the Archangel comes to her and explains her role as the Sacred Heart, the leader of the Sacred Hearted Movement and its followers, the Sacred Hearters. Her dedication to her beliefs, and pureness of heart, spread throughout the world, and her followers grow in numbers. Even when persecuted, she sees good in her accusers, and following her example, her devotees refuse to react to negative forces with violence and ill will, instead; the true message grows. Her heart is pure, and her thoughts only for those who need her, she is the head of a family and is there for all who need her; in her words, “This is not about me, this is about the message. Of myself, I am nothing.”

The narrator remembers that they were guided by her, and she, in turn, was guided by the Voices. She is truly the chosen one, and without question, she, living in the grace of God, follows her destiny.

Beautifully written, with powerful illustrations, this book is inspiring! The author has skilfully empowered his readers with hope, encouraging them to embrace and use spiritual principals to make us and our planet better.

[Jessica Tofino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A message of unity in dark times!

Kenny G. Down, Author, Speaker, and Spiritual Seeker, brings us a story of light that comes forth out of darkness. Johanee Darko is an unusual child, born into a family and neighborhood filled with poverty, pain, and violence. From a young age she has an amazing ability to love others and a deep attraction to the spiritual. Though illiterate, she is both highly sensitive and highly intelligent, and her presence of spirit draws others to her. She suffers in the circumstances of her impoverished situation, and after an unspeakable experience of abuse, seven year old Johanee finds refuge in a church. There, she sees the Virgin Mary with a serpent underfoot and prays for help, receiving an answer and finding her purpose. Later, more encounters with Michael, Saint Margaret, Saint Catherine, and others provide further confirmation of her as the “Chosen One” who will save the world.

Johanee’s life is told through the eyes of I King, who loves her from the very moment he sees her as an infant and fills roles of father, brother, provider, protector, student, companion, and friend. King watches and supports Johanee’s growth and spiritual mission by every means possible, seeing her words and actions begin to gain a following in their neighborhood and city. As she founds the Sacred Heart movement, her message and mission spread throughout the United States and to the farthest reaches of the world. Her rise to influence and power is swift, though she refuses every award and seeks humility in all things. “A successful movement needs three main elements to begin moving with strength. One, a spiritually connected, humble but charismatic leader. Two, Truth spoken to Power. And three, a willingness of the people to give all that is within them to bring about monumental change.“ Johanee and the Sacred Heart movement list three primary demands – an end to war (including that of police against civilians), an end to poverty, and basic care for all through socialized medicine. I King narrates the growth of the movement, the opposition it faces, Johanee’s means of meeting opposition with non-violent resistance, and the determination to continue until the world can be united in the Coming Together Time.

Johanee is a messianic figure, a Joan of Arc in a world of darkness and pain leading a fractured and fragmented humanity to rise together in unity. Down delivers mesmerizing characters, surprising spiritual insight and a strong reminder of our commonalities and the need for the deep healing of the human family. In the darkness of our current times, this story of hope shines bright!

[Adam E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story narrated by King Martin who was a childhood friend of Johanee Darko. King and Johanee's mothers were also friends and they all lived in a poor neighborhood in New Orleans called Desire.
     King was six years old when Johanee was born and he reflects that she gave him a reason to live.  There was something very special about her and he decided that he would dedicate his life to her.
     When King was twelve years old, his mother was murdered, but he remained close with the Darko family even staying with them at times. As Johanee and King became close friends, King came to believe that the young girl was a modern day Saint. She wanted to transform the World with Love.
     Both Johanee and King had difficult lives growing up in poverty.  Drugs and gang violence were prevalent in Desire and it made for a dangerous environment.  Even though King wanted to protect Johanee, there were times when he was not able. Johanee was a victim of physical abuse from some of her mother's aquaintances.  Johanee did not let the violence against her break her will to be a better person. She began going to churches and synagogues to pray and find inner peace.  The young girl hears the voice of Mother Mary while praying in a church one night and the voice tells her that she is not alone and that she is the Chosen One.
     This is an inspiring story about Johanee Darko's spiritual journey.  There are discussions about politics and social issues  Johanee asks some simple questions about inequality in our Country.  There are a lot of positive messages that Johanee delivers as she teaches others and gains popularity.


 

    

[Rebeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darko by Kenny G. Down is one of those books that leave you with so many thoughts after finishing it. Thought provoking, touching and real to its core. Reading it took me days, because at each part I stopped and thought about what I just read. This whole book is about Johanee and her exceptional life which came with struggles, hardships and challenges. Through it all, she kept on believing, staying humble and kind ans sharing love. Told from the erspextive of her life-long friend (King Martin) we get to know Johanee through stories as they were growing up and more on. A beautiful read about faith, beliefs and friendship and Finding light in the darkness!
—recommending to those who love empowering stories!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring spiritual story about a chosen one who leads and calls others to come together in non-violence and love to bring about much-needed healing to the world. This novel is a wake up call for humanity to realize we are all one. We are love. It sheds light on how we are divided and we can only truly live peacefully if we are united.