Lars Walker: Beyond ‘Wannabe’ Fantasy

This week Lars Walker’s “The Christian Fantasy†column gained many readers and reactions. Naturally we asked for a sequel.
— Lars Walker in March 2013 —

In The News: Mid-March 2013

“The Hobbit†on DVD, reviewing the “Left Behind†dramatic audio pilot, “Doctor Who†promos, St. Patrick, a low view of what Jesus can handle, and one theologian’s “Jack the Giant Slayer†criticisms.
— E. Stephen Burnett in March 2013 —

Resurrection, Part 1: Prelude

Every good hero in fantasy and science fiction must experience some kind of death and rebirth. Only one Hero has truly done it. And only He can share the joy of His Resurrection.
— E. Stephen Burnett in March 2013 —

What Makes Fantasy Work? Part 2

I hope our readers here at Spec Faith are thinking about the Christian speculative novel–fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, or whatever–they would like to nominate for the Clive Staples Award. Let’s find the books that work and pick the best of the lot to honor.
— Rebecca LuElla Miller in March 2013 —

What Makes Fantasy Work? Part 1

Readers love Narnia and Lord of the Rings, and they love a handful of later fantasies. But a lot of stories don’t go viral, don’t get hundreds of reviews, and in fact get tepid responses. So what makes fantasy work?
— Rebecca LuElla Miller in March 2013 —

Fiction Christians From Another Planet! VIII: The Invisible Body

Why do some Christian novels treat local churches like they treat characters going to the bathroom? Why in effect say “ew†to the body of Christ?
— E. Stephen Burnett in February 2013 —

Where Are All The Superheroes?

From the halls of Odin to the exploits of Beowulf, the graphic-art mythos of Superman, the school day victories of colorful Power Rangers—why are superheros so super?
— Yvonne Anderson in February 2013 —

Magic In The Story: What’s The Big Deal?

Magic — just the mention of it can cause many a “good Christian” to draw dividing lines, take sides and ready for attack. Are we being discerning or just overreacting? Join our new series: Magic in the Story.
— Christopher Miller in February 2013 —

On The ‘Throne Of Bones’: A Q and A With Vox Day

“A Throne of Bones†epic-fantasy author Vox Day discusses how he’s moved from columns to fiction, controversial novel content, and his criticism (not imitation) of “A Game of Thrones.â€
— Vox Day in January 2013 —

May I Have A Word?

It’s easy to use the word word, but hard to define it with words. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? A sound with meaning? Not really.
— Yvonne Anderson in January 2013 —

Seeking A Better Country Than Middle Earth

Watching Peter Jackson interpret J.R.R. Tolkien is like watching a master jazz impresario play Beethoven. The original is classic; the interpretation as a new work is equally brilliant.
— Rebecca LuElla Miller in December 2012 —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 6: Out Of The Frying-Pan Into The Fire

(How) do you plan to see “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journeyâ€? Be prepared for the film to climax with an expanded version of the book’s chapter 6, “Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire.â€
— E. Stephen Burnett in December 2012 —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 5: Riddles In The Dark

“The Hobbit†chapter 5, “Riddles in the Dark,†marks a turning point in the careers of not only Bilbo Baggins, but J.R.R. Tolkien.
— E. Stephen Burnett in December 2012 —

What Constitutes “Derivative�

Some scholars claim J. R. R. Tolkien owed a debt of influence where he claimed none. I find this criticism to be thoroughly ironic because the great accusation against writers of high fantasy today is that their work is derivative, a mere shadow of, you guessed it, J.R.R. Tolkien.
— Rebecca LuElla Miller in December 2012 —

What Makes A Villain?

John Otte has villains on the brain today. He’s trying to figure out what makes a villain truly effective in a story. Stop by and help him figure it out.
— John Otte in December 2012 —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 4: Over Hill and Under Hill

Reviewers, publishers, and readers keep making up Middle-earth myths, including the notion that it can’t have “stone-giants,†as mentioned in “The Hobbit†chapter 4.
— E. Stephen Burnett in December 2012 —

The Power Of Christian Fiction

Kingdom Series and The Knights of Arrethtrae series author Chuck Black: The spectrum of Christian fiction literature is broad. Does it have the power to change lives? How responsible is the author for his work’s influence? How far is too far?
— Chuck Black in November 2012 —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 3: A Short Rest

Do your fantasy-world Elves sing “tra-la-la-lally†from treetops? J.R.R. Tolkien’s do. And he entreats us to meet these unique Middle-earth residents in “The Hobbit,†chapter 3.
— E. Stephen Burnett in November 2012 —

Reading Is Worship 12: Desiring God As Fantasy Fans

As we come to the end(?) of this series, I’m curious: How is your God-glorifying, worshipful, speculative-story “singing†voice? What fantastic fiction have you read, seen, or heard that moved you to worship the Author?
— E. Stephen Burnett in November 2012 —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 2: Roast Mutton

In chapter 2, Bilbo Baggins, the reluctant member of Thorin Oakenshield’s Dwarf-company, first tries to put his “burglar†skills to the test.
— E. Stephen Burnett in November 2012 —
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Cathy McCrumb handles heavy subjects with a light touch, keeping the novel from grimness. Recorder is a creative and engaging novel that will appeal to a broad audience.

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