by Jason Joyner | Jan 27, 2009 | Blog, blogging, christian fiction, Ted Dekker
I don’t hit on Ted Dekker’s site very often, but I did today after finishing his latest book Kiss, (a good read – recommended). He had an intriguing link to his blog, which had an even more intriguing title for his latest post: “The Challenge of Being Gay”. Thus my own attempt at a provocative post title.
Anyway, I encourage anyone who is interested in the debate about “Christian fiction” to check out the post (and get past the title) to talk about labels and evangelical Christianity relating to fiction.
by Jason Joyner | Jan 27, 2009 | Blog, blogging, christian fiction, Ted Dekker
I don’t hit on Ted Dekker’s site very often, but I did today after finishing his latest book Kiss, (a good read – recommended). He had an intriguing link to his blog, which had an even more intriguing title for his latest post: “The Challenge of Being Gay”. Thus my own attempt at a provocative post title.
Anyway, I encourage anyone who is interested in the debate about “Christian fiction” to check out the post (and get past the title) to talk about labels and evangelical Christianity relating to fiction.
by Jason Joyner | Jan 21, 2009 | Blog, CSFF, fantasy, speculative fiction
The tour continues, focusing on D. Barkely Briggs’ first book in the Karac Tor series, The Book of Names.
I want to mention first how impressive his website is. Most authors are going to have a site anymore, but I believe his is used exceptionally well to support his work. He obviously has spent a lot of time building an interesting back story creating his alternative realms. There are well done maps, character drawings, and tidbits of legends from Karac Tor. It drew me into his story and intrigued me. This alone made me wish I had been able to read his book for the tour. Thankfully he has a download available for the first three chapters, which I’ll discuss below.
One more item on his site. He has a page with numerous links of myth and lore. It is clear he’s done a lot of research and is a true fantasy fan. There’s plenty here to keep one occupied for a while.
As far as the first three chapters, he sets a credible stage for his story. Yesterday I mentioned how Briggs started this story by telling it to his boys in the tragic loss of his wife/their mother. The book starts with the oldest of four brothers, Hadyn, clearing a bramble field in their new house. He discovers a mysterious rune stone in the brush with his next brother Ewan, while trying to avoid the curious eyes of the 9 year old twins.
Briggs sets up sympathetic characters that are well-rounded, yet distinguished from one another. He introduces the mystery early and keeps a measure of suspense developing. The language is descriptive, for the most part offering quality mental images. Sometimes he adds phrases for clarification that actually seem excessive, but it is a minor point. I’m probably only picking up on this because I am only judging three chapters. It appears to be, from the onset, an interesting YA fantasy fiction that should at least appeal to boys and girls who are fantasy fans. I’m not sure what female characters are ahead that may provide broader female appeal.
I’m glad to highlight this book. It appears that Briggs has taken a tragedy and made something beautiful from it, a work that should entertain and offer hope to others who may have had similar experiences. I will be looking to pick this up at sometime to read more.
Be sure to see Becky Miller’s page, as she highlights those who have posted for the tour, to get more insight into The Book of Names.
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by Jason Joyner | Jan 21, 2009 | Blog, CSFF, fantasy, speculative fiction
The tour continues, focusing on D. Barkely Briggs’ first book in the Karac Tor series, The Book of Names.
I want to mention first how impressive his website is. Most authors are going to have a site anymore, but I believe his is used exceptionally well to support his work. He obviously has spent a lot of time building an interesting back story creating his alternative realms. There are well done maps, character drawings, and tidbits of legends from Karac Tor. It drew me into his story and intrigued me. This alone made me wish I had been able to read his book for the tour. Thankfully he has a download available for the first three chapters, which I’ll discuss below.
One more item on his site. He has a page with numerous links of myth and lore. It is clear he’s done a lot of research and is a true fantasy fan. There’s plenty here to keep one occupied for a while.
As far as the first three chapters, he sets a credible stage for his story. Yesterday I mentioned how Briggs started this story by telling it to his boys in the tragic loss of his wife/their mother. The book starts with the oldest of four brothers, Hadyn, clearing a bramble field in their new house. He discovers a mysterious rune stone in the brush with his next brother Ewan, while trying to avoid the curious eyes of the 9 year old twins.
Briggs sets up sympathetic characters that are well-rounded, yet distinguished from one another. He introduces the mystery early and keeps a measure of suspense developing. The language is descriptive, for the most part offering quality mental images. Sometimes he adds phrases for clarification that actually seem excessive, but it is a minor point. I’m probably only picking up on this because I am only judging three chapters. It appears to be, from the onset, an interesting YA fantasy fiction that should at least appeal to boys and girls who are fantasy fans. I’m not sure what female characters are ahead that may provide broader female appeal.
I’m glad to highlight this book. It appears that Briggs has taken a tragedy and made something beautiful from it, a work that should entertain and offer hope to others who may have had similar experiences. I will be looking to pick this up at sometime to read more.
Be sure to see Becky Miller’s page, as she highlights those who have posted for the tour, to get more insight into The Book of Names.
—
by Jason Joyner | Jan 20, 2009 | Blog, CSFF, fantasy, reading, speculative fiction
What would you do if you were a father of four boys, and you had recently lost your wife of 16 years?
This is the subject of January’s Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy Tour. D. Barkley Briggs has written a trilogy of the Legends of Karac Tor, and we are highlighting the first in the series, The Book of Names.
Briggs began the story after the loss of his wife. He writes:
…Briggs decided to tell a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss. Thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping adventure of four brothers who, while struggling to adjust to life without mom, become enmeshed in the crisis of another world. Along the way they must find their courage, face their pain, and never quit searching for home.
I haven’t read the book, but Briggs has developed an impressive website and mythology to his tale. I invite you to take a look for yourself at The Hidden Lands. I will post tomorrow with a discussion of the first three chapters (which are available for free download) plus some other impressions from his site that leave me with a good feeling for this series.
Also, please check out my tourmates listed below:
Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise
