I've heard the opinion in the Christian world that reading speculative fiction (eg fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk) is a waste of time. It's been called 'escapist.' I've already gone over the topic of escapism before, but I'd like to reiterate that something is only an escape when someone makes it into that. Fantasy isn't inherently escapist... Continue Reading →
This post is updated periodically to remain current. I've told you that I'm a writer. But what exactly am I writing? Well... a lot of things. I've written several novels over the years, all now in various stages of drafts and editing. Most are nowhere near publishable and will probably remain practice stories. But... I... Continue Reading →
Good and evil war in this coming-of-age middle-grade tale rife with allusion to Welsh legend. Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy,... Continue Reading →
Have you ever wanted to read a magic school story... from the perspective of the teachers? Students don’t know what really happens at a magic school… Chintor Academy is celebrated as the place where the best music mages are forged. But beneath the surface, bullies rule with cruelty, teachers scheme against each other, and the... Continue Reading →
Short of perhaps Beaumont and Beasley, this is probably one of the downright funniest fairytale retellings I have ever read. Prince Liam. Prince Frederic. Prince Duncan. Prince Gustav. You’ve never heard of them, have you? These are the princes who saved Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel, respectively, and yet, thanks to those lousy... Continue Reading →
If you like history, mystery, and steampunk-type adventure novels, then this is the middle grade series for you. It was a childhood favorite of mine. Coming from Christian author James R. Hannibal, it's clean, funny, and uplifting. There are elements of Chinese mysticism and legend in the third book, but they are treated as fantasy... Continue Reading →
This summer, my youth pastor preached a series on worldview. His lecture on animism was particularly interesting, as he pointed out just how deeply it's infiltrated the entertainment of today. In what ways? Let's start by defining animism. It was certainly a term I had never heard before. My pastor defined animism as the over-emphasis... Continue Reading →
Cornelia Funke is a master of prose. Some of the most beautiful passages I have ever read were in the Inkworld trilogy, and a certain scene in Inkspell which I won't spoil for you brought me to tears -- something only Where the Red Fern Grows has also managed to. One cruel night, Meggie's father... Continue Reading →
This book was something special. As always, Sanderson's writing is fantastic, but this was also a vastly creative concept, rife with intellectual and theological themes that really got the gears turning. If you want a story full of twists and turns, political intruige, and a heist crew, this one might be for you. For a... Continue Reading →
Hey, everyone, just popping in with another article to share. Beware, spoilers for The Rings of Power Seasons 1 and 2 ahead. As usual, the Gospel Coalition has put out another insightful article that pinpoints exactly the feelings I've been having about the show but can't put into words. I was surprised -- pleasantly --... Continue Reading →
