Arena

Rating:
Summary: I wish it were one chapter longer!
Review: Completely unique and involving, both in a completely science fiction oriented reading experience and for its metaphor for the Christian experience in our own world.

It makes me wonder- if I was to enter the Arena, would be I tempted off the path? Would I be able to follow all the directions? Would the mutants get me?

I only wish Ms. Hancock had given more details on what happened to Cassie and Pierce -afterwards-. ;)

Rating:
Summary: Surprised by Arena
Review: I am thrilled to see the rebirth of interest in Christian speculative fiction, something long neglected in this age of mostly pagan-influenced writings. Though, like Tolkien, I "cordially dislike allegory" as a general rule, I nonetheless found myself impressed with Karen Hancock's first published book (I hear that her Guardian King series was actually written first). It's action-filled, and generally illustrative of her points without being preachy (as a Christian writer myself, I find that this task is more difficult than it seems). Though occasionally lapsing into what I would deem Romance Novel cliches (the main character falls for a rich cowboy named Pierce), the overall story is dramatic, and the characters are believably flawed. I found myself wincing at the truths that found their way into my heart ("We are holding his leash..."), and actually felt that I had read a complete and refreshing story. Fans of Randy Alcorn may find this novel a little too similar to his Edge of Eternity, but it is different enough in its general structure and approach to make it original and worthwhile in its own right (and perhaps even more readable).

I can definitely say that it was worth the money, and that I plan to buy all of Karen Hancock's books from this point on, as soon as they hit the shelves. Brava, Mrs. Hancock. Keep those fingers tapping.

Rating:
Summary: Surprised by Arena
Review: I am thrilled to see the rebirth of interest in Christian speculative fiction, something long neglected in this age of mostly pagan-influenced writings. Though, like Tolkien, I "cordially dislike allegory" as a general rule, I nonetheless found myself impressed with Karen Hancock's first published book (I hear that her Guardian King series was actually written first). It's action-filled, and generally illustrative of her points without being preachy (as a Christian writer myself, I find that this task is more difficult than it seems). Though occasionally lapsing into what I would deem Romance Novel cliches (the main character falls for a rich cowboy named Pierce), the overall story is dramatic, and the characters are believably flawed. I found myself wincing at the truths that found their way into my heart ("We are holding his leash..."), and actually felt that I had read a complete and refreshing story. Fans of Randy Alcorn may find this novel a little too similar to his Edge of Eternity, but it is different enough in its general structure and approach to make it original and worthwhile in its own right (and perhaps even more readable).

I can definitely say that it was worth the money, and that I plan to buy all of Karen Hancock's books from this point on, as soon as they hit the shelves. Brava, Mrs. Hancock. Keep those fingers tapping.

Rating:
Summary: suprisingly wonderful
Review: I bought this book in the bargin bin of Crossings Bookclub. I am not a normal reader of sci-fi, but the jacket liner looked promising. I was suprised and entertained way beyond what I thought! This is an excellent novel and a wonderful allegory to the Christian faith walk! Karen Hancock has definitely gotten my attention and vote! I can't wait to read her future novels!

Rating:
Summary: suprisingly wonderful
Review: I bought this book in the bargin bin of Crossings Bookclub. I am not a normal reader of sci-fi, but the jacket liner looked promising. I was suprised and entertained way beyond what I thought! This is an excellent novel and a wonderful allegory to the Christian faith walk! Karen Hancock has definitely gotten my attention and vote! I can't wait to read her future novels!

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: I just finished reading ARENA. What can I say? It was fascinating. I sure hope someone from the Hugo's reads it. It was by far the best novel I have read by a first time author! I am relatively new to SF so I basically read only Hugo winners as a means of catching up on the good stuff. This novel is as good as any I've read and a lot better than some. I highly recommend it to anyone who questions whether Christian SF can measure up. It's overwhelmingly Christian without being explicit, reminded me of how Stephen Lawhead dealt with a Christian theme in SONG OF ALBION. I also saw a lot of C.S. Lewis' style. Some of the reviewers compared it to Bunyan, but its not nearly so obviously an allegory as PILGRIM'S PROGRESS is. Finally, I thought it had more than a bit of Kathy Tyres', FIREBIRD romance in it. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: I loved this book. I hardly ever read fiction because I sometimes feel furthering my relationsihp with God is not going to happen by reading fictional stories. However, Arena has changed my mind! This book has made me see how much I was holding back from God, and gave me a big reality check. I came away from this book desiring deeper intimacy with God. I think it was the relationship that Callie had with Elhanue, and the way Hancock portrayed him as a friend and constant companion that made me see how I have been ignoring it.

I am a Christian, and quite a strong one, but it has been awhile since I have been unsatisfied with the level of intimacy I have with God.

I also thought the love story between Callie and Pierce was captivating. It was so well-written, and I love the fact that Callie only started to become attracted to Pierce after she got to know him. So many novels start with love at first sight. Their romance actually caught me by surprise (okay not entirely, but it was not obvious at the beginning that they would fall in love). I also thought Hancock did a great job of showing that Callie and Pierce struggled with passion and attraction to each other. People aren't perfect, even born-again spirit-filled Christians. I thought it made them seem human, and I was able to relate to them!

All I have to say is, this book has changed me and the way I see God. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing and enthralling
Review: I really enjoyed reading this novel. It is one of the few books I have read lately that held my attention to the point that I was reluctant to put it down. Callie's journey is the Christian's journey--learning to trust in an unseen Benefactor despite the troubles that abound. It is also a journey to find who she really is and who she really wants to be. I could not recommend this book more. I am looking forward to future novels by Karen Hancock.

Rating:
Summary: ARENA IS AWESOME!!!
Review: I THOURGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! NOT VERY OFTEN DOES THEIR COME A CHRISTIAN SCI-FI BOOK I ENJOY. THIS BOOK IS FULL OF TWIST, AND THE ACTION IN IT ALMOST NEVER STOPS. THE ALLEGORY IN IT IS COOL, AND KAREN HANCOCK'S IMAGINATION OF THE WORLD, AND IT'S PEOPLE STICK WITH YOU THROUGH THE BOOK. SHE MAKES THE WORLD, AND PEOPLE SO REAL, THAT YOU FEEL AS IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY IN THE STORY YOURSELF. YOU GET HOOKED QUICKLY, AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THE BOOK IS OVER. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, WHETHER YOUR A CHRISTIAN OR NOT, YOU WILL FIND THIS BOOK, A WILD TRIP IN A WORLD OF UNBELIEVABLE IMANGINATION, AND A FUN RIDE FOR ALL. I GIVE THIS BOOK A PERFECT SCORE, AND LOOK FORWARD TO MORE OF KAREN HANCOCK'S BOOKS!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Writing--Outstanding Book
Review: I worked for a Christian book distrubutor and read a lot of books, but this one is a definate stand-out. I love absolutely love it! The characters are original, and the plot is different from others. Karen Hancock did a wonderful job on her first book and has definately make me a fan!