Spoiled for the Ordinary

CFBA Tour - Try Darkness

2008-07-23T08:41:00.000-06:00

There's a saying that those who can't do a certain something end up being teachers of that topic. That certainly isn't true of this week's CFBA Tour author, James Scott Bell. He writes for Writer's Digest magazine and has published "How To" writing books through their imprint. He got to that point by developing into a fine author in his own right.

His latest book is Try Darkness, the sequel to last year's Try Dying (one of my favorite books in '07). Bell is a former trial lawyer, and this series features Ty Buchanan, a former big-shot lawyer who is currently helping down and outers while living as a guest at a monastery and uses a coffee shop as his office. He is approached by a woman being forced out of a hotel that won't allow long-term tenants (illegally). The woman has a young daughter in tow named Kylie. Ty promises to look into this case, along with other jobs such as defending a murder suspect. The woman ends up dead and Kylie, who has no known last name, is left with no one to care for her but Buchanan. The search for answers takes him from the haunts of forgotten veterans and crazy people to the yachts of the rich and famous. The answers are not always what they seem, and Ty finds that he has a darkness on the inside he must battle as well.

I hadn't read any of Bell's fiction until last year - a fact I continue to regret. I had never read much in the way of legal thrillers before. If other authors aren't up to par with Mr. Bell, I may not want to still. Try Darkness comes across even better than the first book. He hooks you with the opening line and has the reader wriggling on the line by the closing.

Ty Buchanan is a smart-mouthed, fast thinking young lawyer, and his verbal sparring and conflicted character is very enjoyable. Bell has a penchant for sharp, witty dialogue. This is a book to study for how to write good dialogue. I laughed out loud in several passages. The characters are well-developed, from the pious, basketball playing nun Sister Mary Veritas, to Sam DeCosse the real estate magnate, to crazy Disco Freddy down at the run-down hotel. The book also brings Los Angeles to life, from the desert on the outskirts to the rich exclusive neighborhoods in the hills.

The plot is fast paced with short, punchy chapters and enough twists to keep a contortionist occupied. I tried but couldn't guess the "whodunit" for the main storyline. I enjoyed the book through and through. The only picky little complaint I have is that many people in the book liked to "blink" when Buchanan zinged them with a witty line. That observation is probably due to a wannabe writer who can't turn off the internal editor, so enjoy the well-crafted story.

My final verdict (groan) is that Bell has written another winning story and has developed Ty Buchanan into a very likable roguish leading man. This book is in serious running for my favorite of the year so far. I look forward to the next book in the series, especially since he truly does leave us dangling...

If you would like to read chapters 1 & 2, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JAMES SCOTT BELL is a former trial lawyer who now writes full time. He has also been the fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine and adjunct professor of writing at Pepperdine University.

The national bestselling author of several novels of suspense, he grew up and still lives in Los Angeles. His first Buchanan thriller, TRY DYING, was released to high critical praise, while his book on writing, Plot and Structure is one of the most popular writing books available today.

“Bell has created in Buchanan an appealing and series-worthy protagonist, and the tale equally balances action and drama, motion and emotion. Readers who pride themselves on figuring out the answers before an author reveals them are in for a surprise, too: Bell is very good at keeping secrets. Fans of thrillers with lawyers as their central characters—Lescroart and Margolin, especially—will welcome this new addition to their must-read lists.”
—Booklist
“Engaging whodunit series kickoff . . . Readers will enjoy Bell's talent for description and character development.”

—Publishers Weekly

“James Scott Bell has written himself into a niche that traditionally has been reserved for the likes of Raymond Chandler.”

—Los Angeles Times

“A master of suspense.”

—Library Journal

“One of the best writers out there, bar none.”

—In the Library Review

CSFF Tour - What about Dragons?

2008-07-22T20:29:00.004-06:00

Here's day 2 of the tour focusing on Donita Paul's latest book, DragonLight.

I had a couple of responses to the "are dragons appropriate for Christian fiction" question. Thanks guys. My opinion fits in with both of the comments on this matter. Dragons don't have to be intrinsically "bad", as in never write about them. I don't imagine people running out to find dragons to hang with (except maybe this guy). It depends wholly on how the author uses them. A dragon could be an example of evil (such as Frank Peretti's The Oath - chilling!) or a force for good like in the world of the DragonKeeper Chronicles. Like Mark shared, God has given us imagination to use for his glory. And Robert made a point that God didn't make anything that was evil in origin - the evil came from choice. Dragons and fantasy in general can be used for evil purposes, but there's no reason a creative, imaginative Christian couldn't use them for good.

My other thoughts on this tour came from looking at the reviews and summaries of Donita Paul's books on Amazon. I wasn't sure of the plot and how dragons were used, so I browsed each of the five books on Amazon. I wanted to share this quote from the School Library Journal regarding her first book, DragonSpell:

As in C. S. Lewis's "Narnia" books (HarperCollins), Christian allegories and messages are clearly presented and easily found, but it is equally possible to read this as Kale's story as it happened in Amara, a world completely separate from our own. It would be a shame to limit readership by relegating this clever and inventive story to the genre of Christian fiction. There is plenty of room for sequels, and readers will want to know much more about Kale and the remainder of her quest.–Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

Note the quote in bold - don't miss this series! Make sure to see the other tourmates for more...specific information on this book, like reviews and such.

CSSF Tour - DragonLight by Donita Paul

2008-07-20T22:11:00.002-06:00

The CSFF tour is highlighting Donita Paul and her new book DragonLight this month.

It is the fifth and final book in the DragonKeeper Chronicles. Since it was the last in a series, I didn't feel I could review it and do it justice.

Wait! Don't go. I do have original content this month. Well, mostly original.

I want to ask a question. Is it a problem for any Christian readers to consider dragons as appropriate for "Christian" fiction? I am no means a dragon expert (for that, talk to Snuffles), but I wanted to discuss this idea for a minute.

Dragons have a mixed history. In Western lore and mythology, dragons were usually agents of evil. Since Revelation 12 uses a dragon as imagery for Satan, this was likely a source of dragon prejudice. An early legend of St. George defeating the dragon resonates with many cultures across Europe and some Middle Eastern areas. However, in Chinese folklore, dragons are often agents of good, a symbol of wisdom.

Dragons have had a resurgence in many arenas. The popular book Eragon has given them a good name as well as a high profile. Donita Paul's series has not been the only Christian fiction with a dragon-centric plot. Bryan Davis has released the Dragons in Our Midst series in the CBA realm also.

Does this mean that it is okay to use dragons as a motif for a Christian tale? I'd like anyone's opinion out there before I talk about mine. However, let me close with this quote from Bryan Davis in an interview from CBN back when his dragon books were first being released.

Siepel: What do you say to parents who may be wary of introducing their child to the world of fantasy?

Davis: We have an opportunity to create strong soldiers for Christ by using the power of story, even through the pages of the impossible. If parents will allow fantasy its proper place, as an inspiration toward holiness, allowing powerful images to create God-honoring models in children's minds, authors will be moved to create more of those fantastic images. As the market grows, as book-buyers seek heroes displaying faith-empowered integrity and strength, more publishers will have the freedom to take a chance on these works. Working together, we can use this genre to capture hearts and minds with champions of virtue, images that will reach in and ignite the flame, setting free the hero or heroine that God has implanted in the hearts of children.

Check out the featured author links:
Web site – http://www.donitakpaul.com/
Blog – http://www.donitakpaul.com/author/blog.html

Also see what others are saying on the CSFF tour below!

*Participants’ Links:
(Just for fun I marked the five who also participated in CSFF’s first book tour, featuring Donita Paul’s DragonKnight back in June 2006.)

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
* Beth Goddard
Mark Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Magma
Terri Main
Magma
Margaret
* Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
* Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Deena Peterson
Steve Rice
* Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
* Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams

First Lines

2008-07-18T17:50:00.004-06:00

Writers are well aware of the importance of first lines. If a reader can open your book and be hooked by the first line or the first paragraph, you've baited the hook very well. I'm reading Sol Stein's Stein on Writing, and his first major chapter after the introduction deals with the critical nature of first lines.

I am also finishing up Try Darkness by James Scott Bell (stick around for my review next week). I think it has the best opening line I've read in a looooong time:

"The nun hit me in the mouth and said, 'Get out of my house.'"

CFBA Tour - Wind River

2008-07-09T19:45:00.001-06:00

The CFBA tour is highlighting the latest book from adventure writer Tom Morrisey, entitled Wind River.

The Wind River mountain range in western Wyoming is known for its wild beauty and abundant fishing. It is figuratively and literally a world away from Iraq. Ex-marine Ty Perkins returns to this wilderness paradise to escape demons from the Iraq war. He also returns to fulfill a promise to 86-year-old Soren Andeman, the older man who took him fishing when his own dad was dying.

Ty doesn't realize that deadly secrets can be hidden in the idyllic scenery of the Wind River range, and as he helps a weakening Soren, he finds that "you can't outrun the sins of the past."

---

Tom Morrisey has excellent credentials for writing about adventure, the outdoors, and sportsmen. He is a mountaineer, aviator, shipwreck diver, and explorer, who holds a Full Cave certification from the National Speleological Society - Cave Diving Section. He writes for several travel/adventure magazines as well.

His first novels tapped into this wealth of knowledge. They were straight forward adventure and suspense novels involving diving and other adrenaline-laced activities. Then he took a turn with his last novel, In High Places (with my review here), using his experience of climbing as the setting for a tale of the heart; a relationship between a father and son.

Wind River continues this new direction, spinning a tale of forgiveness, confession, and justice to the tune of peaceful mountain lakes and the camaraderie of fly fishing between an old man and his protege. Morrisey skillfully combines his vast knowledge of the outdoors with a touching tale of relationship and even deeper themes to ponder.

Young ex-marine Ty Perkins struggles with consequences from his time in Iraq, even to the point of shunning his wife Angela. Some of the emotion conveyed here is very well written, portraying real life in a way that maintains a dignity about it. The struggles of Soren Andeman, a mountaineer who pioneered trails all over the Wind River range and who is now fighting is aging body for one last trip, is also deeply felt. The characters are deep pools for reflection and highly enjoyable.

Any fan of fly-fishing should delight in Morrisey's care with details. The reader sees his extensive knowledge shine through, without losing anyone with too much detail. I live a few hundred miles from the setting of the book, and I can attest to his great touch in using the setting effectively in the story.

There were two aspects that caught my attention as drawbacks. The back cover paints a more suspenseful picture than the book actually gives. The blurb makes the book seem like it was more of a cross between his earlier pure suspense work and In High Places. It actually falls firmly in the shadow of High Places, which is not a bad thing at all, but I expected a little more jeopardy through the book. Morrisey does very well with the emotional suspense, but it isn't as adrenaline fueled as I thought. There's also a little letdown with some characters that are introduced for potential conflict that seem to fade away later in the book. I expected a little more out of them.

This is an excellent summer read, perfect for reading while cooling feet in a mountain stream or imagining you were there while on a noisy commute. Tom Morrisey is proving to be a writer of the heart as well as building quality suspense in the context of outdoor adventure. He is a writer that fans of fiction, both men and women, should pick up.

New Resource for Christian Fiction

2008-07-07T06:07:00.000-06:00

Welcome to a new week!

There's a great way to start the new week off right as well, if you're a fan of Christian fiction. I've been a member of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for 2 years now, and it has grown tremendously. There are books reviewed twice a week (not always here, of course), and there is a large community that talks about the latest in Christian fiction.

Now there's been a new expansion that is quite remarkable. The leaders of CFBA have started the Christian Fiction Online Magazine. I knew this was coming for a little while, but I didn't appreciate how much they had managed to put into this work. It is very impressive. From a cover story interview with Robert Liparulo to columns of fiction craft by Brandilyn Collins and funny stuff from Randy Ingermanson and Kristin Billerbeck, it is packed with content. You can browse in an alliterative delight, with categories of "Best," "Buzz," "Bizarre," and "Biz" awaiting you.

So if you enjoy reading good fiction or are interested in writing yourself and want an online resource, make sure to check out CFOM. The editors have put in a lot of work and it is well worth your time.

A Simple Writing Tip

2008-07-04T13:44:00.003-06:00

As I was reviewing (yet again) some of my work, I saw with fresh eyes that there were certain phrases or words that I liked to use. I know everyone does this, and it is always something to work on as a writer. I came up with a little trick to help me with words I overuse.

For example, I found I was using flooded a lot. So I looked up Merrian Webster's free thesaurus online (easily found at www.m-w.com). They list the meaning and synonyms and related words. I just cut and past the last two sections, like so:

Synonyms: deluge, drown, engulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp
Related Words: overcome, overrun; flow, flush, gush, pour, sluice, spout, spurt, stream; douse, drench, soak, wet

I put it next to an spot where I had used flooded. Then all I have to do is use the "find" function with Alt-F to look for flooded or synonym or whatever I want. I've found it handy to pull up if I want to use flooded to quickly find another word to use.

Just something I thought might be helpful to someone else. Have fun writing, and have a great Independence Day!

Baby Baby

2008-06-29T18:42:00.003-06:00

I hinted a while back that we are having a special addition in the fall. Here's the first pictures of the newest member of our family! Aren't the feet adorable?

We're very excited. We've slowly gotten out of baby mode, so it will be a little challenge to go back into it. We have good helpers though. The boys have also come up with some interesting name suggestions, from "Sonic" to "Snake Eyes" (blame that one on G.I. Joe).

After the ultrasound, people around here were very curious about what we were having, seeing as we have three boys. I was proud to announce that we're having a human. Of course, ultrasound pictures can sometimes look creepy, but take my word for it.

She is much cuter than the pictures suggest.

CSFF Tour - The Vanished

2008-06-25T19:15:00.002-06:00

Hey, it is that time of month again. No, not time to change your air conditioner filter or shave the dog. It is time for the Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy blog tour!

Too bad I goofed this month.

The focus is on Kathryn Mackel's new book, The Vanished. It is in the Christian Chillers category. Yes, I suppose that is a new category. No, I am not making it up. And I happen to think the name is way cool...

(Anyway)

I thought I had requested a copy or ordered a copy or somesuch. Turns out I didn't. Bummer. I did enjoy the one book of hers I read for a prior tour, Trackers, (you can read about it here). However, I don't have any information about the book itself that is original.

Also, usually when I don't read the book, I highlight other CSFF tour members who have informative posts on it. Well, it seems Becky Miller did that this time. Check out her posts to keep up to date with the best of the tour.

I can offer this teaser from Kathryn's website, and I invite you to check out my tourmates below. Hopefully I'll be back on board next month.

After a bomb explodes in a working-class neighborhood of Barcester, Massachusetts, Police sergeant Jason Logan fights to keep order and assist the injured while desperately waiting for aid to arrive. Is the mist from the bomb preventing ambulances and fire trucks from coming in? Or has something far more dire occurred?

As the hours tick by, Logan tracks the terrorist mastermind—whom he learns is not done wreaking havoc. Cut off from modern medical resources, nurse-practitioner Kaya de los Santos treats the injured and soothes the fearful, unaware that her teenaged son Ben is on the run from both the cops and the terrorist.

The vanished begin a battle for survival against enemies they’ve always known—and forces they’ve never even imagined.

Kathryn Mackel is one of the best things to happen to suspense fiction in a long time—and Vanished is her most intense book yet. This book kicks off a series that’s guaranteed to give you hours of white-knuckle reading. —Jim Denney, author of the Timebenders series and Answers to Satisfy the Soul

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Beth Goddard
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Linda Wichman
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

CFBA Tour - The Hunted

2008-06-20T19:32:00.003-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Hunted (Realms - June 3, 2008) byMike Dellosso.

Jason's Review:

The Hunted is a entertaining and suspenseful first effort from Mike Dellosso. The danger is palpable, and he keeps his cards hidden and plays them skillfully. Just when you think you've figured things out, he holds a twist or two back to keep the reader guessing.

The characters are well distinguished and interesting. Even though the book is driven by the plot, he takes time to develop characters enough that the reader is invested in them. There was one aspect here that jarred me a little: the main character has a habit of some...interesting comparisons in his mind. Meaning, he is a little sarcastic and comes up with some witty observations. Sometimes this has the effect of being too reliant on pop culture references, having the potential to date the book quickly. Also, the main character didn't do this initially, so when he starts with his observations, it seemed out of place. On the other hand, the humor changes the mood at times to allow the tension to build again, so it has a mixed effect.

Dellosso also handles the faith aspect in a good way that mostly complements the story instead of being forced on the story (which happens at times in the Christian fiction realm).

My overall impression is that The Hunted was well worth reading for any suspense fans, as well as people who enjoy a mysterious plot. There's a little squeamish potential for the sensitive reader, but I didn't feel there was anything too gratuitous that didn't serve the story. It is a very solid debut, and I look forward to more by Mike Dellosso.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A town's deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith...

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence.

As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God's hands. Will his young faith be strong ehough to battle the demonic forces of The Hunted?

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted. He was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years and has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets. Mike also has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters.

Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer's Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.

You can read a great interview with Mike, over here on TitleTrakk.

CFBA Tour - Deep in the Heart of Trouble

2008-06-16T21:22:00.003-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Deep In The Heart Of Trouble (Bethany House June 1, 2008) by Deeanne Gist.

My Wife Says:

She has been following Deeanne Gist since I found out about her first book being picked up as "edgy inspirational" fiction from Bethany House editor Dave Long, who established the (mostly quiet anymore, but once quite profound) faith*in*fiction blog. Beccy once again enjoyed Deep in the Heart of Trouble, the first sequel by Gist (this book follows Courting Trouble).

According to Bec, she really liked the main character Essie for her spunkiness and self-sufficiency. It was a fun book and a fun plot. Everything came together in a very satisfying way. She always passes a Deeanne Gist book around to all her friends. When it comes to romance, Gist is a can't miss.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist has been a busy lady. She had a career in elementary education. She raised four children. In fifteen years she has: run a home accessory/antique business, member of the press, penned freelance journalism for a few well-known publications, People, Parents, Family Fun and more. She was the CFO for her husband's engineering company, she did all this in her home.

She also founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products which would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she submitted A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers and they picked it up for their new "edgy inspirational" line of historical fiction. After its release in July 2005, Bride hit eight best seller lists and has sold over 100,000 copies and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2006. The Measure of a Lady was her 2006 summer release. It hit five best seller lists and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2007. Gist is contracted to have a new book come out every summer. Courting Trouble was her 2007 summer release and it hit three best seller lists.

Deeanne lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-four years. They have two kids in high school, two in college.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected Love

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she’s known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man’s eye.

And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer’s oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn’t know if she’s driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.

That’s how life is ...Deep In The Heart Of Trouble

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

Reading to My Boys

2008-06-14T05:54:00.000-06:00

I have been in the habit of reading to my boys when they go to bed since they were little. We don't do it every night, but most evenings we gather on the couch for our latest adventure. For the last year and a half or so we've been into chapter books. We're reading through the Chronicles of Narnia and other books as well.

In March, the Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy tour highlighted Andrew Peterson's book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. I thought my boys (8 and 6) would enjoy this book, and I was definitely right.

The first few chapters deftly use humor to build interest even as the conflict is slowly unfolding. The boys laughed at Janner Igiby's trouble with the dog Nugget's nuggest, and couldn't understand why Gnag the Nameless (a nameless evil) had a name.

The humor continues in the book, but the adventure grows as the Igiby children run into trouble with the Fangs of Dang, and the mysteries of the Jewels of Anniera are eventually revealed. My boys started hanging on every chapter, threatening to pound me in the nose if I didn't keep reading. Dark Sea does a great job of leaving each chapter hanging a little, making the boys very interested to see what happened the next night.

We finished the book this week, and the boys are already very excited that there promises to be two more books in this series. My oldest (who has only just finished 2nd grade) has, since Wednesday, read halfway through a book that is meant for a young adult audience.

I just wanted to follow up on this book to explain how much my boys liked it, and to encourage parents out there to let their kids experience this take of adventure, peril, lost jewels, and the toothy cows of Skree.

Book Review - Skid by Rene Gutteridge

2008-06-04T19:17:00.003-06:00

When I pick books, I tend toward the action, suspense, sci-fi, or fantasy genres. Typical guy stuff, I suppose. However, I can be swayed by a clever, inviting back-copy, and that's what happened when I first heard about Rene Gutteridge. While looking at book options for the CFBA tour, I read the synopsis for Scoop, the first book in her Occupational Hazards series. It was funny and quite intriguing, so I asked for the book. Scoop turned into my favorite book of 2006.

Rene is back with the latest book in the series: Skid. As with the first and second book, (Snitch), she nails the landing with this new tale.

The Occupational Hazards series focuses on the Hazards, a family of homeschooled kids who are strong in their faith. Their parents also owned a clown company that the whole family helped staff - until the parents' untimely hot tub accident. After the funeral the kids sell the business and it funds their attempts to go into the world and find an occupation.

Hank Hazard, who we saw introduced in Snitch, fell in love with flying and applies for a special job at struggling airline Atlantica: being a spy on their planes evaluating customer service by haranguing the flight attendants with incessant requests. Hank is such a nice guy though, he can't help but be the most polite yet irritating customer.

Gutteridge here applies her trademark twists and laugh-out-loud turns as Hank's flight includes a mysterious pilot who has survived the Bermuda triangle, a pig, a Dutch convict, a diamond smuggler, and a jilted young woman in polka dots. The plot moves along with continuous hijinks that kept me chuckling throughout the book. Just as one situation seems to be boiling over, another pot bubbles up as well. Gutteridge is able to make all of her humorous characters believable, and keeps the reader hooked for the whole crazy flight.

Publisher's Weekly said that, "No Christian fiction novelist can tickle a funny bone like Gutteridge", and I agree. Skid continues her impressive and greatly enjoyable run through various Occupational Hazards. I highly recommend this whole series for anyone who likes very readable books with a planeload of humor. You won't be disappointed.

Book Review - Mass Effect: Revelation

2008-05-28T21:44:00.003-06:00

After finishing two books last week required for blog tours, I chilled this weekend with a book of my own choosing (well, I also choose the ones I review, but yanno, I mean no deadline here).

One of my hobbies is playing video games. I got an Xbox 360 last year for my birthday, mainly so I could play Mass Effect, the latest role-playing game from powerhouse developer Bioware when it released last November. I got the game the day it came out (I know, sad), and played through it over the holidays. I wasn't disappointed. The gameplay was unique, the story and characters were engrossing, and it was one of the best video game experiences I've had. The game earns its "M" for Mature rating, and a little of the content is disappointing, but overall I really got into the original sci-fi universe that Bioware created.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Mass Effect: Revelation. The book is written by Drew Karpyshyn, lead writer for the game and also for my favorite all-time game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (lets hear it for KotOR!). He has also written other sci-fi novels, including Star Wars spin-offs, so he has novel writing experience. I mentioned above that the writing for the game Mass Effect was excellent.

I found out that getting a novel based off a video game is...what it is. The book starts 20 years prior to the game. Humanity is a new race to the galactic population. An ancient race called the Protheans have left technology scattered across the galaxy, allowing interstellar transport. Humans find buried ruins on Mars, then realize that the Plutonian moon Charon is actually a dormant mass effect relay, allowing us to join the star-faring races.

This isn't Star Trek however, where Earthlings are the main force. Humanity is a new player, catching up with other established races like the turians and asaris, and sometimes acting like the little kid at the table scrambling to be heard. It makes for an interesting take on a sci-fi setting.

The book covers a mission from Lt. David Anderson, a secondary character in the game. He is charged with finding a missing scientist who suspiciously went missing prior to her whole research unit being wiped out. Anderson must contend with Saren, a turian Spectre (elite agent of the galactic Council) who is hostile toward humanity and concerned with his own agenda, and the krogran mercenary Skaar. When Anderson gets a chance to show humanity's potential by being considered for the Spectres, will he succeed in proving humanity's ability, or will he fall against his alien contenders?

The book will appeal to fans of the game only. The author does a fine job explaining the universe, but I don't know that it could stand on its own. I enjoyed as far as it re-immersed me into the Mass Effect universe, but overall it is only a mediocre read. The characterization is flat throughout, and the writing comes across as fairly stock, cliche sci-fi. The pacing is good, and it is a quick, easy read. If someone really wants to dive more into the ME universe, it is not an expensive purchase. However, I think the big climax was more succinctly explained with more tension in 5 minutes of game conversation rather than in the book. It also seems to set up the story of the game too perfectly - I would've preferred to see less of a blatant set-up for the game.

That's my out of left field review for the week. If you have a 360, don't miss out on Mass Effect. The novel, on the other hand, is optional.

CFBA Tour - Broken Angel

2008-05-23T10:31:00.004-06:00

This was a busy week for me with blog tours. Two Christian Fiction Blog Alliance reviews and the Christian Sci/Fi Fantasy tour highlighting Mindflights webzine. Phew.

Today the CFBA tour features Broken Angel, the latest book from author Sigmund Brouwer. He is the author of eighteen best-selling novels for children and adults. His last book was Fuse of Armageddon and his novel The Last Disciple was featured in Time magazine and on ABC’s Good Morning America. A champion of literacy, he teaches writing workshops for students in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan, and they and their two daughters divide their time between homes in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee.

Broken Angel has a very intriguing premise. In the near future there are two nations carved from the United States: Appalachia, where religious people resettled en masse to live in a "godly" land, led by the enigmatic Bar Elohim, and the "Outside", a land that the Appalachians fled to live according to their beliefs. Appalachia is strictly controlled. Even though most people appear happy and satisfied, the occasional but inevitable malcontents pay their debt to society by working in the factories. The truly wicked are stoned to death. Some try to escape to the Outside, but they have to face the mysterious Clan, rumored to kill any who enter their territory and the enemy of Bar Elohim.

Caitlyn is a 15 year old girl carrying a terrible burden in her disfigured body. Hiding in the cover of Appalachia, she lives with her father quietly until the day that they are forced to run for their lives. When her father is taken from her before he can fully reveal painful secrets, she must use all she's been taught to survive bounty hunters, the wilderness, and the Clan.

Broken Angel is a book of strengths and weaknesses. The various characters are memorable and stand out from each other. Brouwer creates an insanely fast paced thriller. It is not a long book, and there is hardly a moment to relax, as each character faces trials and trouble in trying to accomplish their goals - from the expert bounty hunter tracking Caitlyn, to the Sheriff and the agent from Outside trailing both of them.

Unfortunately, the book suffers at times from the fast pace. Characters are introduced fast and furious initially, making it hard to keep them straight. The futuristic scenario is interesting but thinly developed. The premise has a lot of potential, but it is skimmed with the pace and shortness of the book.

Overall, it is an easy, entertaining read. I haven't read any of Brouwer's books before, and he is definitely talented. I wonder if the scope of the story was hampered due to size restraints. I liked the book, but I'm left wanting more. However, if you are looking for a fast-paced escapist summer read, this book would fit the bill.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

CSFF Tour - Mindflights Webzine

2008-05-20T09:24:00.003-06:00

This month's Christian Science Fiction/Fantasy blog tour is focusing on the webzine Mindflights.

It is a new magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction brought to you by Double-Edged Publishing. We've recently combined two award-winning magazines - Dragons, Knights, and Angels and The Sword Review - into one frequently-updated, high-quality magazine.

I have to be careful with my internet usage at work anymore, so I have a lot less discretional time online. I haven't poked around a lot on Mindflights. They seem to have an impressive collection of stories and articles for the aspiring writer as well. On the main page currently there is a beautiful photo manipulation, but I couldn't find an easy link to art work, which I would like to see.

The Dragons, Knights, and Angels magazine was featured in the CSFF tour a couple of years ago. You can find my write up on that here. I liked something I said there I want to repeat here:

I'll bet that a lot of people out there think they don't like the sci-fi or fantasy, but if I mention movies like Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Star Wars, those same people would say they enjoyed them. So don't overlook sci-fi and fantasy as reading choices, because you may be surprised. And a good, FREE place to start reading some quality short stories to get into CSFF is at [Mindflights].

Be sure to check out my fellow tourmates below.

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Kameron M. Franklin
Beth Goddard
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Rachelle Sperling
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Linda Wichman
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

CFBA Tour - Embrace Me

2008-05-20T09:06:00.003-06:00

The CFBA Tour today features award-winning author Lisa Samson and her latest book, Embrace Me.

The back cover copy reads, "When a 'lizard woman', a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster…and improbably close to grace."

That sums up the book very succinctly. Embrace Me is a character-driven novel, a story designed to explore the depths that forgiveness and redemption can reach. The plot revolves around mega-church pastor Drew Parrish confessing his sin to a Catholic priest in 2003, while freak show attraction Valentine winters in between carnival seasons in the quiet town of Mount Oak in 2008. The story bounces back between their timelines, as they battle their internal demons. Val may hide her burned face under a scarf, but both wounded souls have a true face they are hiding.

The plotline is a little convoluted and incredible at times, but the characterization and themes of Embrace Me keep this book an engaging read. The darkness that both Drew and Valentine struggle with are all too real and the interesting supporting cast draw the two wounded people toward grace. It is hard not to enjoy Lella the armless-legless woman, Augustine the tattooed and dreadlocked monk, and Rick the contortionist.

The book isn't afraid to ask hard questions about true faith, and the glossy side of Christianity is strongly challenged. The Way is not easy, and it is hard to love the unlovable. Even when their cry is to "embrace me," just the way they are.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

Aid for Myanmar (Burma)

2008-05-14T06:54:00.002-06:00

For those who want to donate to help the people suffering from the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), but are concerned about the way the governing junta seems to be hoarding relief supplies, I have a suggestion. The relief agency World Vision has been in the country for 40 years, and has staff and logistics on the ground to help people.

Of course, we need to pray for the people in need and for freedom from the corrupt dictatorship of the generals as well.

Christian Pop Culture

2008-05-06T20:21:00.003-06:00

I came across an article on Slate entitled "Pop Goes Christianity" discussing a book from Daniel Radosh entitled Rapture Ready! : Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture. It is an interesting indictment on the subject of the sub-culture created by American Evangelicals. I think it raises some interesting issues on one hand, and dismisses or misunderstands other ideas mentioned.

How about an inflammatory quote taken out of context?

For faith, the results can be dangerous. A young Christian can get the idea that her religion is a tinny, desperate thing that can't compete with the secular culture. A Christian friend who'd grown up totally sheltered once wrote to me that the first time he heard a Top 40 station he was horrified, and not because of the racy lyrics: "Suddenly, my lifelong suspicions became crystal clear," he wrote. "Christian subculture was nothing but a commercialized rip-off of the mainstream, done with wretched quality and an apocryphal insistence on the sanitization of reality."

I think this article touches on things that this blog and many other of my friends have addressed. There is a problem in how Christian culture is promoting itself, and if we look like a "parallel universe," it is not to our credit. However, the article doesn't understand some of the topics it is talking about either.

Read the article, and I'll talk about it more this weekend.

Some Comments on Christian Fiction

2008-05-01T08:47:00.002-06:00

I had a very interesting comment on my post "The Begotten - Final Questions." I can't verify it, because the Blogger profile attached to it is listed as "not shown", but it is labeled as being from one Anne Rice.

Thanks for your kind mention of my novels on Christ the Lord. ---- And I enjoyed your comments on fiction in general. My vocation is to write realistic novels that are about Our Blessed Lord as both Human and Divine, and to keep the probable reality within the truth of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I believe this is not only valid but imperative for me now as a Christian. In my childhood, we had those big novels, The Robe, Ben Hur, Quo Vadis. We need a new Christian realism I think for this generation, and I'm trying to provide my take on it. Again, Thanks, Anne.

I thought this would be good food for thought over the next few days as I'm away from the computer. If this was really Anne, (and I believe it is), then thank you very much for taking time to stop by and comment!

Beijing Olympics, the Torch, and Tibet

2008-04-29T19:09:00.002-06:00

The Olympics are going to be in China this year?

...

I want to reassure people that I haven't been living under a rock lately. Yes, I knew that the Olympics will be in Beijing in August. It has been hard not to notice with the amount of attention it has drawn in the media recently.

It seems that China's plan of a tour de force of public relations, showcasing modern China to the world, has hit some serious snags. The torch relay around the world is the longest in Olympic history, yet it has been marred by protesters in numerous countries, notably in the U.K. and France.

The timing didn't help, as there was a crackdown in Tibet just prior to the start of the tour. This led to a lot of groups who have grievances against China protesting along the torch relay route, even to the point of trying to douse the flame.

I am not an expert in the Tibet issue, but it sure seems to me that China is continuing with long-standing behavior of suppressing the full cultural expression and freedom of the Tibetan people. A persecuted people like this reminds us that we do not live in a world where all enjoy the freedoms we have in America. I pray for true freedom for Tibet and that their culture will be allowed to flourish, and I support the protesters using the torch relay to highlight their cause.

Yet, I don't want people to forget that the Tibetans are only one group that suffers persecution and discrimination in China. Another group that the regular media likes to showcase that suffers religious persecution is the Fulan Gong movement. Again, I don't like to see people forbidden to practice what they believe, but there is a much larger group that feels the pressure and is mostly ignored by the media.

By many accounts, there are well over 100 million Christians in China. When the Maoist movement took over the country, there were only up to 1 million Christians. Obviously there has been a remarkable increase in the number of believers in a country that is still officially atheist. The majority of these Christians are subject to persecution for their beliefs, and live with the potential for harassment and harm all the time.

There is an officially government sanctioned Christian church, but it is also controlled by the government. Therefore there is a large underground church, groups that meet informally and have to take care in publicizing themselves so they do not become a target for the authorities. There are so many stories of leaders and believers being imprisoned and punished for walking out their faith, and these are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

As the Olympics approach, I am sure that more attention will be paid not only to China's impressive history and culture, but to controversy on how the regime treats minorities, Tibet, and religious groups. Remember that even if Christians are left off of the official media reports, they probably account for the largest group to suffer under the Maoist leaders in Beijing. Keep them in prayer, and keep this story in mind for the propaganda that will be fed to the public come August. The brothers and sisters in Christ upholding the faith there deserve no less.

For more information, check out the impressive report from Operation World.

CFBA Tour - Winter Haven

2008-04-25T17:19:00.003-06:00

Athol Dickson won a lot of acclaim and awards for his last book, River Rising. I didn't read that one, so when his latest work, Winter Haven, was available for review, I didn't want to miss out.

Winter Haven is the name of an island off the coast of Maine. Vera Gambles, a 24 year old accountant, travels there because the body of her long-lost brother, Sigmund or "Siggy", had washed up on the north shore of the island. In the midst of the opening of old wounds, the question of how an autistic savant made it from Texas to the Atlantic is her main concern.

When she sees his body and finds he hasn't aged from thirteen years ago, new questions arise.

What is the connection between this appearance, the strange fog over the north part of the island, the legend of a lost Puritan colony, a figure clothed in black, and Siggy's body? Vera struggles with the strangeness of the island, her own demons, and the mysterious Captain Evan Frost in her journey to discover the secret of Winter Haven.

The characterization is probably the strength of the book. Vera is mousy and flawed - she's not the gorgeous and confident heroine we see in so many other books, and to me, the change is welcome. She has a lot to overcome, and you're not sure if she can rise to it. Evan Frost is very hard to pin down, and even the cranky widow has her moments of sympathy.

The book is an easy read, and it is fairly engaging. The book is written in first person, from Vera's perspective. This allows the author to introduce a lot of suspense that she has problems figuring out, but some sections where she is wrestling with her past were confusing. I got bogged down a couple of times in these spots. The suspense is gripping at times, and overall I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't my favorite in this genre.

I recommend the book, but honestly I would wait for paperback if I were to buy it for someone.

The Begotten - Final Questions

2008-04-25T16:53:00.003-06:00

Okay, so the CSFF tour has moved on, but I want to post quickly on two questions that may arise from the book The Begotten.

First of all, what made this book "speculative"?

The book is set in a historical time (1300's Italy), so it is clearly not science fiction. It is not really a fanatsy. Why did it end up in a book tour for speculative fiction? Well, it might be a little of a reach for the core audience for a focus of Christian sci-fi and fantasy. However, it focuses on alternative history with a mix of supernatural power and "speculation" on what would happen if certain letters of Paul, containing prophecies, was found at some time that led to the plot of the book. In my opinion, that premise is enough to support highlighting it during the CSFF tour. Plus, it was a very well written and enjoyable book, so what is the harm in promoting such a product when it is pretty close to the intention of the tour?

The other question is, isn't the idea of a "lost" book of Scripture dangerous territory?

Yes, this premise is dangerous territory. If it was done by someone without respect for the Bible and Christian tradition, it would most likely be a book that I could not support and recommend. Again, a comparison to DaVinci Code comes to mind. Lisa Bergren clearly holds to ideas that show her deep love for Jesus and the gospel message. The book has a rich spiritual message (that doesn't come across preachy), and it overall is a vehicle that combines truth and entertainment in a good way.

Now, there was some liberty with how her characters responded to the lost Corinthian level, and they probably acted a little too out of character for the time frame. They sounded like modern day Pentecostals a lot of the time, not like Roman Catholics confronted with strange new teaching that would be heretical. I think the answer to this will come in the conclusion of the series, but this could be a critique of the first book.

Fiction in general is only a "what if" that happens in the author's mind. Intertwining fiction and the Bible can be a tricky issue. Randy Ingermanson has two novels about time travel that deal with the apostles. Anne Rice is writing a series based off of Jesus' childhood, in areas of history that we have no record for, at least Biblically. One commenter suggested that it made the premise of the book a little harder to handle since Bergren used Paul. However, it also gives the premise more legitimacy since Paul did actually make extra correspondence to Corinth that we don't have in the Bible.

Ultimately, I think Lisa did well in her book, and it must come down to that this is fiction, and not Bible study or teaching. We have to use discernment in ANY book we read, even if it is from a respected scholar, and whether it is fiction or non-fiction. Fiction is meant to be false, yet it can be an avenue for us to examine issues in the hypothetical. Fiction is above all creative, art, and entertainment, so we have to hold to that as a baseline regarding any book.

CSFF Tour - The Begotten

2008-04-22T19:05:00.004-06:00

I finally have a contender for favorite book of 2008.

Monday I posted about the Corinthian letters from Paul in the New Testament due to the featured book in the CSFF blog tour this month: The Begotten. Written by Lisa T. Bergren, it is the first of the Gifted trilogy, with the second book The Betrayed already available, and The Blessed being released in fall 2008.

The Gifted trilogy is centered around a fictional "lost" letter of Paul, that speaks of a group called the Gifted who will arise to fight evil and proclaim God's love with magnificent gifts. Father Piero is a Dominican priest in 1300's Italy who is the chosen carrier of one section of this lost book, with other sections scattered by time due to factions trying to destroy the work. He meets Daria D'Angelo, a wealthy aristocrat in the city of Siena who is single because she was unable to conceive during a handfasting. The beautiful Daria has the gift of healing, and the two join together to complete their mission of bringing together the rest of the Gifted and following through with their prophesied destiny.

Sir Gianni is an Italian knight for the Vatican who is chasing a child-sacrificing Sorcerer through the Roman catacombs. After a harrowing chase, the Sorcerer escapes, and begins plotting to find the Gifted and twist their holy purpose to serve his vile plans. Also, Cardinal Boeri watches for both the Gifted and Sorcerer to further his agenda as well.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the back cover. It has a bit of a Da Vinci Code feel from the cover. If only Dan Brown had respect for his subject matter and wrote more than cardboard characters, he might raise to the level of The Begotten. The book is not quite like Code, as it is fully set in a historical setting, but it is a very entertaining book.

Bergren manages to combine great historical research and detail with multi-dimensional characters who grow and have flaws and a moving, suspenseful plot. She keeps the reader guessing with who the "Judas" character might be, wondering if a character will be good or bad, and putting the Gifted in deeper peril through the book. I felt that I was living in the time, and the way I was drawn in to the story was very enjoyable. Sometimes the plot slowed as the characters seemed to wander around a little bit to set up a scene or plot twist in the middle, but overall the whole came together in a delightful package.

I ordered the next book, The Betrayed, before I finished the first one. I have a feeling I will be waiting impatiently for the fall when the series concludes. So if you are a fan of suspense, historical fiction, or speculative fiction, this book meets many tastes and ought to entertain and challenge with the powerful theme woven through the pages.

I want to post a little more about two questions:
What makes this book "speculative"?
Isn't the idea of a "lost" book of Scripture dangerous territory?

Make sure to check back on this. In the meantime, see the author's website and on Monday's post visit some of my fellow tourmates' sites. There's good stuff always in the CSFF tour.

The Corinthian Correspondence (CSFF Tour)

2008-04-21T17:05:00.004-06:00

Some of the best loved passages in the whole Bible come from the correspondence of the apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. The letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians teach on a number of issues and give insight that no other books in the New Testament have.

Interestingly, Paul had a greater conversation with the Corinthian church than what many people realize on the surface.

He first came to Corinth on his second missionary journey, after being chased out of other Grecian centers such as Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. He met up with Priscilla and Aquila, fellow Jewish Christians and tentmakers. He stayed and worked with them, proclaiming the gospel in the famously immoral city. The record in Acts states he stayed there for "some time", and then left to hit Ephesus on the way back to Antioch in Syria.

Paul hit the road almost immediately after his return, encouraging churches in Galatia before coming back to Ephesus, where he stayed for three years. It was during this time that scholars believe he wrote his letters to the Corinthian church. We have two letters included in the Bible, 1 and 2 Corinthians.

There are...more.

In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 it refers to a prior letter that Paul wrote to the church, before 1 Corinthians. Apparantly he had written to them about issues regarding sexual immorality and he clarifies his position in the current letter. He gives much teaching in what we know as 1 Corinthians, and it seems to have been received poorly. When we move into 2 Corinthians, Paul references a "painful visit" in chapter 2 verse 1. It is thought that the letter of 1 Corinthians was not well received, and Paul made a visit to bring correction. After he left, he wrote yet another letter to the Corinthians, which seems to finally have the effect that he wanted, causing "sorrow that led...to repentence" (2 Cor 7:8-9, see also 10:9-11). Thus, the relationship between the teacher and the church is restored, and Paul can write a more joyful letter that becomes our 2 Corinthians.

This begs the question: what happened to the "other" Corinthian letters. By this count, there were at least four letters of Paul to the Corinthians. The two other letters I have mentioned have no other reference in Scripture, and no known copy or fragment exists. In early lists of approved New Testament books, there is no mention of other Corinthian letters. We have no idea, other than the two quick references listed above, what the other books contained.

I have heard people who criticize the Bible's accuracy claim that the lack of 4 Corinthian letters shows the Bible wasn't accurately preserved. To this I say hogwash. Just because it is mentioned in the Bible doesn't mean that it was meant to be in the Bible. Paul quotes a pagan philosopher, should the pagan's works be in the Bible? I believe that what we needed was preserved, and these other Corinthian letters were of such a personal nature that they weren't pertinent to be kept in a global/general teaching manual like the Bible.

But...what if one of the "lost" letters to the Corinthians was found? What if it held explosive teaching and prophecy, threatening the status quo and becoming the centerpiece of a battle between good and evil?

What if?

Check back tomorrow for more...

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Michael Heald
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise