Former staff creator Marian A. Jacobs has written Lorehaven articles since the first print issue, exploring magic, sexuality, and story ethics. Her work has also featured at Desiring God, Stage & Story, and WORLD. She and her family live in Southern California. Her first nonfiction book, On Magic and Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic, is set for July 2025 release from B&H Publishing.
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‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Pits Singing Heroines vs. Monster Idols

Netflix’s smash hit action musical mixes catchy tunes with Korean folklore and some beautiful moments of common grace.
Marian A. Jacobs

â€Journey to Bethlehem’ Gets Lost on Its Way

Given the film’s wildly altered and modernized storyline, I can’t bring myself to give Journey to Bethlehem the support I usually give biblical fiction and musicals.
Marian A. Jacobs

The Little Mermaid’s Live-Action Remake Fares Better Than Critics Forecast

Some new songs may flounder, but Ariel’s voice and Triton’s character redeem the 2023 Disney film.
Marian A. Jacobs

How I Masked My Mental Health with Costume Design

This summer I won the Realm Makers costume contest, but my journey into costuming took me through fears and other battles.
Marian A. Jacobs

â€West Side Story’ Shows a Fantastical World That Groans for Hope

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film respects yet reimagines the 1961 musical, including one key moment of eternal longing.
Marian A. Jacobs

Try These Three Practical Questions to Discern Fictional Magic

Challenge the story’s supernatural system by exploring its sources, moral results, and heroes’ motives.
Marian A. Jacobs

Yes, Stories Should Help Heal You, the Reader

Good books should imitate Jesus, harming only with intent to heal.
Marian A. Jacobs

Beware the Real Danger of Entertainment

Let’s switch off our “couch-potato mode” and engage critical thinking.
Marian A. Jacobs

No, Stories Should Not â€Wreck You, the Reader’

In anxious times, it’s not healthy for stories to destroy us emotionally.
Marian A. Jacobs

How to Find Stories that Restore Your Soul

God can restore your injured soul through the grace-filled habits of story journaling and curated fiction reading.
Marian A. Jacobs

Magic and the Rise of Wicca

Marian Jacobs: To love Pagans, we must biblically discern their motives and needs.
Marian A. Jacobs

Discerning the â€Girls with Swords’ Trope

We can see some strong female characters in biblical perspective.
Marian A. Jacobs

In Defense of the Weird

With fantasy’s “strangeness,” we can train to believe in unseen truth.
Marian A. Jacobs

‘Cats’ Gives Musical Fans a Dreamy Experience, But the Message is a Hot Mess

“Cats” (2019) idolizes idyllic memories of the past, but still shows real beauty within the darkness.
Marian A. Jacobs, Dec 2019

How Do We Discern Good and Bad â€Magic’?

Scripture shows us the true source of magic’s corruption, and the cure.
Marian A. Jacobs

Sex in the Story: How Far is Too Far?

Fiction’s sexual content has unique power to tempt young readers.
Marian A. Jacobs

‘Warm Bodies’ Portrays a Vivid Yet Grotesque Gospel Image

Actor Nicholas Hoult and the “Warm Bodies” cast help show the many emotions we experience while searching for life’s purpose.
Marian A. Jacobs, Jul 2019

Let’s Guard Against Temptations in YA Fiction

Parents can guide teenage readers, starting with these suggestions.
Marian A. Jacobs

Belief in the Supernatural Builds Faith in ‘Breakthrough’

Ask yourself this, “Does my lack of belief in the supernatural weaken my faith in God to work miracles?”
Marian A. Jacobs, May 2019

The Fellowship of ‘Tolkien’

Like most biopics, “Tolkien” deviates from true events, but accurately shows J. R. R. Tolkien as a man of true love and fellowship.
Marian A. Jacobs, May 2019

Does the ‘Captain Marvel’ Film Promote Feminism?

Marvel’s cosmic warrior should inspire Christians to approach fantasy and real-life gender roles with biblical balance.
Marian A. Jacobs, May 2019

Captain Marvel Left Me Baffled and Disappointed

When the credits rolled for Captain Marvel, I didn’t leave feeling empowered or inspired. Instead I pitied her.
Marian A. Jacobs, Apr 2019

‘Shazam!’ Soars with Humor and a Virtue-Seeking Hero

“Shazam!” is rich with humor, religious symbolism, and a hero’s journey to virtue—Christian fans won’t be disappointed.
Marian A. Jacobs, Apr 2019

â€When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be the Villain’

Should parents make their kids only play as heroes and good guys?
Marian A. Jacobs

The Biblical Source of Super-Strength

How can we teach children to enjoy superheroes as biblical Christians?
Marian A. Jacobs

Molding Your Child’s Plastic Imagination

We can nurture young ones’ creativity for the glory of God.
Marian A. Jacobs

Thanos Offered Fake Love in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Thanos could not have truly loved Gamora, because love is not just affection—it’s self-sacrifice.
Marian A. Jacobs, Aug 2018

How Does Your Family Read Fantasy?

Parents, try these tips to help children mature as fantasy readers.
Marian A. Jacobs

What If Your Kids Don’t Read Fantasy?

“Entertainment” is too shallow a word for the blessings fantasy can bring to our hearts.
Marian A. Jacobs

What If Your Kids Don’t Read Fantasy?

Parents often ask: Is a specific book okay? Will a fantasy novel encourage real magic? Those are the wrong questions.
Marian A. Jacobs, Jan 2018

Lorehaven epilogue sponsors

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

Dawn of Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams
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Dawn of Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams