Beware this July, for we tread on perilous paths into the very realm of Fae. Watch where you step. Take care what you eat. And fetch a copy of George MacDonald’s classic fantasy Phantastes in time to join our next Book Quest, starting Tuesday, July 5 in the Lorehaven Guild.

If you love faerie-tastic fantasy, and don’t mind some archaic language, join our Book Quest party. (Teens, be not afraid to try “above your reading level”!)

It’s free to subscribe and sign up for the Lorehaven Guild (hosted on Discord).

Lorehaven reviews Phantastes

For anyone who thinks a trip to fairyland would be a fun romp, George MacDonald’s Phantastes (1858) serves a sobering reminder: fairyland is a dangerous place. It’s filled with all manner of threats lurking just beyond view, or even hiding behind that object right in front of you, which you think is so beautiful.

The story recounts the travails of a young man, Anodos, as he journeys across a fairy landscape. He meets a murderous tree, a fallen knight, and a sleeping beauty, while he is being haunted by his own shadow.

Now more than 150 years old, this book harkens back to the arcane in style as well as substance. It’s not necessarily a breezy read, and it isn’t an example of typical modern storytelling. But readers who dare venture with Anodos into this fantastical land will certainly not return unchanged.

Best for: Adult readers.

Discern: Few overt Christian elements appear in the story, and MacDonald himself had some arguably unorthodox theological ideas that readers may want to discuss.

Book Quest guidance

• Quest title: George MacDonald’s Phantastes
  
• Quest Guide: Ticia Messing
• Genre: Fantasy
• Skill level: Age 13 and older

Quest destinations

• July 5–10: chapters 1–5
• July 11–17: chapters 6–11
• July 18–24: chapters 12–18
• July 25–31: chapters 19–25

About the Lorehaven Guild

The Lorehaven Guild serves a community of heroes who gather to celebrate Christian-made fantastical fiction with delight and discernment. These stories include (but are not limited to) fantasy, science fiction, and beyond.

Heroes of the Guild will explore their favorite creative works in these genres. We will focus on Christian-made stories, yet occasionally include general market books.

Guild heroes can join monthly Main Quest parties that travel into the fantastical worlds of new books. We will explore these stories’ beauty, goodness, and truth (and opposites!), applying their meanings to the real world of our ultimate Author.

Heroes can also join occasional Side Quest parties that travel into other books, such as older Christian-made stories or general market novels.

How to join the Lorehaven Guild

Subscribe free to Lorehaven! We’ll send you the exclusive invitation link.

If you’re already subscribed, search your existing email for that link.

Then, use the Discord app or your browser to enter the Lorehaven Guild. Once inside the Guild, you can browse the Lorehaven Sacred Scrolls faith statement (this one only applies to Lorehaven staff creators). Then you’ll sign off on the Code of Honor (this one applies to all Guild members). Once you finish, enter the Great Hall and pass into the Guild itself.