Suspense Technique Contest, Winner #2 is...

This was harder even then the first. After much thought, I narrowed it down to two entries. I decided on one, went to post, but then reread the other again and became torn. There were nuances in both that I couldn't shake. Both entries had characters displaying intense emotion and neither entry told me exactly why--thus, SUSPENSE!! Big time.

But, it's been long enough. I know as an author with a platform to speak, I need to be decisive, and so, I have at last made a decision on the winner.

The winner of the Intense Emotion Suspense Technique is...

It's a tie!

Amy & Scribe

Read their entries below:

Amy's:
The view from the upstairs balcony was of tangled and gnarled branches, parched grass, and the remnants of what was once the most envied rose garden in the entire county. Brach leaned over the rickety wrought iron railing, trying to catch a glimpse of the ancient oak that had once supported his boyhood tree house. It had all started there. As he stood in the warm evening air of July, at the back of the house his great-grandfather had built nearly a century ago, a slight breeze caressed his face. He could almost smell her on that breeze, a sweet flowery scent that drove a chill down his neck and back. He closed his eyes; he could see her face glowing in the sunshine as they wrestled on that very lawn so long ago. His heart began to ache; his legs lost the will to stand. As he collapsed to his knees, Brach felt that he would bleed from the pain of her absence. It was his fault she was gone; his fault her time on earth had been so short; his fault that he would spend the rest of his days alone. His breath came in great gasps as he fought against mounting sobs. Deep in his soul, he knew he had no right to mourn her loss. It was for himself that he wept. Brach swallowed his grief, and inside him, it transformed into anger and rage. Despising himself for his selfishness, he let out a roar of desperation that shook the loose panes of a nearby window. Shattering as they hit the ground, the panes of glass were yet one more casualty at the hands of a man who had caused more pain than joy for those he knew.

WTB's critique: Amy, this is intense emotion. I love how everything in the backyard makes Brach remember--but it's all so bittersweet. Great memories but all tainted with whatever he's done to ruin it all. "No right to mourn" is such a powerful thought. Feeling that way would be deadly hard. The self-loathing is palpable. Bravisimo!

Scribe's:
“It’s not fair!” I sobbed, pitching the inkwell. It exploded against the white rock wall and bled darkness over the smooth stones, “It’s not fair! I worked just as hard as he did! Harder even!” Wetness scorched my cheeks and I shuddered with the sobs “Do you hear me?” I tipped my head back and ran my shaking hands over my bald head “I am better than he is! Better! One day you will be sorry, so ruddy sorry that you left me here!” I shrieked as voices retreated. “One day he will fail you when need him the most and then you will wish that you had taken me but it will be too late, too late.” My knees buckled and I sat down, holding my head. “You’ll be sorry, you will be, you will be.”

WTB's critique: You begin and end with powerful resentment and, I think, lonliness. Your character has been left out...someone else chosen instead. Haven't we all been there? So readers will relate immediately--a very good thing. But this runs deeper in your character. He's been pushed by this neglect and is on the verge of something horrible. "You'll be sorry" is such a desperate, fear inspiring threat. I'm afraid for this fellow and his victims. But best of all, you leave us hanging on the root cause of the sorrow and anger. What has he not been picked for? Who has left him behind? Why is it SO important for him to be included? Coolness.

Amy and Scribe, you have my email. So send me your snail-mail and your preference of a DW lost chapters book--I only have The Door Within so far, but Wyrm Lord is on the way in July. Final Storm in August.

Honorable mentions:

Cecilia gets the Young Gun Award! I wish I wrote like that when I was 16. Wow.

Aravis gets the Promising Concept Award: Killer with the bells is bigtime creepy.

Eve gets the Post Me in Another Suspense Technique Award. Her entry literally was a cliffhanger.

Josh gets the Gutwrencher Award--talking about pulling the rug out from under a poor, unsuspecting character. Mannn...that's harsh!

I'm going to be away for a week in Ocean City, so I won't get to #3 for a bit.

Great Writing.


Never Alone!

-WtB

Meet the Fantasy 4 Fiction Tour Authors, Part 3

Hey, all! I can't believe the Fantasy Four Fiction Tour is only a month away. This time next month, we'll be in Atlanta, GA at the International Christian Retailers Show(ICRS). Please pray about that event--especially for the Fantasy authors out there. ICRS is where a lot of new authors get their first contracts (or at least have a publisher get interested in them). It was just four years this summer that I went to ICRS (in Atlanta then as well) and pitched The Door Within books. A nice editor from Tommy Nelson took a real interest in the books and God did the rest.

But ICRS is also when Bookstore Chains and Indie Stores put orders in to their distributors for more or different titles. So, if you'd like to see your local Christian Bookstore stock more of what you like to read, please pray that Chains and Locals would buy lots of new fantasy/spec fic titles!

Tonight I've posted the third in a series of Meet the Author threads. The author's words are taken from a Q&A we participated in to promote the Tour. I'll post all four authors responses to one question in each thread. Hope you enjoy getting to know these wonderful fantasy writers.

Wayne Thomas Batson--The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords
Bryan Davis--The Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire
Sharon Hinck--The Becky Miller Books and The Sword of Lyric Series
Christopher Hopper--The Rise of the Dibor and The White Lion Chronicles

I'll also be including a new piece of desktop art with each new post--Tonight's pic is from Sharon Hinck's The Restorer which released in stores last month. Feel free to save the file and use it as your computer's background. Share with friends or post wherever else you blog!


Q: Who is the intended audience for your novels and why do you write for this audience?

WB: I write for anyone who loves a pure adventure, but I guess you could say that my target audience is that 10-16 Tween/Teen age. I’m a middle school reading teacher. Over 16 years of rubbing elbows with them, I really developed a love and understanding of those interesting kids. By God’s grace I have NOT forgotten what it was like when I clawed my way through the 11-17 corridor. And as a teacher, I am reminded of it everyday. Once kids enter middle school, it’s like they leave the kind world behind and enter a place that is full of danger and cruelty—much of it self-inflicted. We adults sometimes forget the enormity of what they experience, the level of emotion, and the intellect.

BD: My intended audience is youth, ages ten to sixteen, or anyone young at heart. I even heard from one ninety-four-year-old reader who has enjoyed my books. Our youth culture has been attacked by forces far greater than what my generation encountered. They need spiritual weapons to defend against, and even to go to war against, those forces. Unfortunately, too many times our culture, and even the church, has told young people that it’s normal to be rebellious, that they don’t have the power to completely obey God. I believe young people still feel how God wired them, to be heroes and heroines for His kingdom. I want to fuel that fire before they’re too old to remember their wiring.

SH: (answered above)

CH: At first, I started writing out of my own life and all my experiences, so it would have to be for those in their twenties. But then I’m a youth pastor, so I’m always trying to make things relevant for Teens and Tweenies (those between being a child and a teen). Of course, I work with adults all day long in business and when I travel and preach, so I wanted that demographic to be impacted, too. I laugh at myself now, but I realize I feel like the Apostle Paul when he spoke about being “all things to all men.” So you can imagine how overjoyed I am to get an e-mail from an ecstatic 9-year-old when he says he loves the book, and the next day get a letter from a 55-year-old mom who is hounding me for book II. That’s just amazing to me.

If you are interested in the books written by any of the Tour authors, see my sidebar for links to Amazon. Or visit Christianbook.com where all books can be found.

Kindle the Fires of Hatred

Kindle the Fires of Hatred

That's not a phrase you hear Christians say very often.

Not often enough as far as I'm concerned.

I just got back from the local fire hall where our local Relay for Life is being held. The Relay is an American Cancer Society event that takes place in virtually every city in the country. People get sponsors and walk a track all night long to raise money to search for a cure for cancer.

Just a few years ago, my family watched a very good friend of ours slowly succumb to brain cancer. He left behind a wide and three young children. Since then, his surviving family, my family, and many others have participated in the Relay.

One of the events that takes place is that people light luminaries for all those loved ones who have died or struggled against cancer. The little white paper bags containing little white candles line the perimeter of the track we walk. Well tonight, we lit luminaries for our friend who is now with the Lord. And we thought of all those we love who have fought cancer: an aunt, my parents, the list was long. And as I let my eye wander around the track, following the endless line of little white paper bags illuminated by little white candles, I became angry. When my small children and our friend's children wept by the candlebag our our friend, I became incensed. Hatred kindled inside of me.

Hatred of Sin.

Now, don't misunderstand me. I know all those who have died because of cancer did not get cancer because they sinned. I understand the Biblical account of Jesus where his disciples saw a sick man and wondered who sinned that he should be so sick--the sick man or his parents? Jesus knew better and responded that it was so that God's glory could be shown when Jesus healed the man.

I have sinned far more than thousands who have died from cancer. This I know, and yet, I go on living. But one thing is certain: if it were not for all sin, there would be no cancer. The world would not be fallen, stained, and cursed. I don't blame Adam or Eve. Had it been me, I'd have probably eaten a bushel of apples and passed them out to all my friends. But sin happened. They sinned. I have sinned. All have sinned. And look at all the suffering in the world.

I was convicted that I contribute all too often to the misery of the world. Every time I sin, it's like feeding a monstrous force of sorrow, pain, and death. And I know, some sins are pervasive and terribly difficult to shake. But there are others sins that we all know we can beat--with God's strength in us, we know we can. Little white lies, rationalizing, manipulations disguised, selfishness dressed up to look like something better...the list goes on. We Christ followers are called to be like Jesus--putting off the old self, HATING SIN in all of its forms.

So I issue a call to all who might read this: Kindle the fires of hatred--hatred of sin. And as much as you can, with all your might, with all God's power in you--be holy. Say to the enemy, "In the name of Jesus Christ, GET OFF ME!! I am free to choose not to sin!"

Remember the pain that sin causes. Remember the sorrow. Remember the little white candles. And let those small flames, kindle a new fire in you.

Meet the Authors of the Fantasy Fiction Tour Part 2

In just under a month, four fantasy authors (including me) will be setting forth on a tour of the US East Coast. We'll be visiting cities from Atlanta to New York. Our schedule is listed below:

{This, incidentally is the back of our official Tour Bookmark}

Tonight I've posted the second in a series of Meet the Author threads. The author's words are taken from a Q&A we participated in to promote the Tour. I'll post all four authors responses to one question in each thread. Hope you enjoy getting to know these wonderful fantasy writers.

Wayne Thomas Batson--The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords
Bryan Davis--The Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire
Sharon Hinck--The Becky Miller Books and The Sword of Lyric Series
Christopher Hopper--The Rise of the Dibor and The White Lion Chronicles

I'll also be including a new piece of desktop art with each new post--Tonight's pic is from Christopher Hopper's The Lion Vrie which releases in stores later this month. Feel free to save the file and use it as your computer's background. Share with friends or post wherever else you blog!




Q: What makes your fantasy tale different from most other fantasy books?

WB: The Door Within is different in two ways: 1. As a teacher of tweens for 16 years now, I have insights into the lives of kids—their hopes, dreams…fears—depths of insights that other authors may not have. One of the comments I hear most often from readers is that they can identify with the main characters. “That’s just how I’ve felt.” Or, “How’d you know?” I know that kids of all ages are aching to ask the BIG questions of life, and to be taken seriously. In The Door Within Trilogy, I give them that chance.
2. The Glimpse Realm is different from any other fantasy world that I’ve found in other books. Yes, it is medieval. Yes, there are strange settings. Yes, there are strange and wonderful creatures—lots of these! {Wait til you enter Falon’s Labyrinth in book 1!!} But Glimpses are entirely different. They are the other half of our being, tied precariously to each of us by an invisible thread. When Aidan or anyone else for that matter enters The Realm—completely unexpected events occur!

BD: Most of the action takes place in our contemporary world rather than in another realm like Middle Earth or Narnia. I bring the fantasy elements into the everyday lives of “real” kids. My readers can identify with their circumstances and go along for the fantastic ride with them. I have heard from hundreds of readers how these fantasy characters were so real, they wanted to be just like them, including taking their faith as their own.

SH: When I began to write fantasy for adult Christian readers, I looked for the reasons that many of my friends (the core demographic of CBA readers) didn’t chose to read fantasy. Women with overfull and exhausting lives didn’t want to wade through difficult invented names, histories, and geography descriptions. They also needed a “keyhole” character they could identify with—some one to take them into the story. So I took a very “ordinary” soccer mom who was longing to find more meaning and purpose in her life, and told the story first-person point-of-view through her eyes. I kept the writing voice contemporary and lighter than some of the classical fantasy styles. The completely unique blend of genres contains the drama and adventure of other worlds, holy calls, and epic battles—yet sets it in a context that speaks to contemporary women. Women today ARE pulled into worlds they didn’t expect, and face roles they don’t feel prepared for. It happens when a child is diagnosed with a learning disability, a doctor says they have cancer, or a parent slides into Alzheimer’s.

CH: Honestly, I had to ask my wife this question, because I really was having a hard time with responding. And when she answered me back, I thought she should be the author here. It was beautiful. Jennifer said, “It reaches into the soul of a person to change him or her, rather than to reach into the soul of a person to entertain him or her.” And I would agree. When I sit down and write, yes, I hope the reader is entertained. But my primary thought, with every sentence I write, is that his or her life would be literally transformed by my stories; that something in my writing would challenge the way they are living and point them towards the Lord. There is an eternal destiny in mind why I compose, and an eternal reward for its success.

Also, please note that RealArmorOfGod.com is our Official Tour Sponsor--some of the coolest medieval weaponry and clothing you will ever find!

Meet the Authors of the Fantasy Fiction Tour!

First, some news: The Suspense Challenge continues. Next week, I'll announce the winner of the 2nd Suspense Technique. That means there's still time to enter!

And now for our Feature Presentation!

In just under a month, four fantasy authors (including me) will be setting forth on a tour of the US East Coast. We'll be visiting cities from Atlanta to New York. I'll be posting a schedule very soon.

But starting this evening, I'll be posting a series of Meet the Author threads. These are taken from a series of interviews we all participated in. I'll post all four authors responses to one question in each thread. Hope you enjoy getting to know these wonderful fantasy writers.

Wayne Thomas Batson--The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords
Bryan Davis--The Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire
Sharon Hinck--The Becky Miller Books and The Sword of Lyric Series
Christopher Hopper--The Rise of the Dibor and The White Lion Chronicles

I'll also be including a new piece of desktop art with each new post. Feel free to save the file and use it as your computer's background. Share with friends or post wherever else you blog!





Q: Why do you write fantasy?

WB: I write fantasy because fantasy was my gatekeeper genre, i.e. the type of fiction that made me a lover of reading. When I was in the 6th grade, my cousin gave me a copy of The Hobbit. That was all it took. I suddenly became aware of the power of language to transport a reader emotionally and experientially into wonderful new worlds. My imagination churns constantly, and fantasy allows me to turn it loose and truly create. Additionally, I am compelled to write fantasy because it is absolutely my passion. I’ve always loved tales of knights and dragons, exotic settings, and great feats of valor! And in traditional fantasy, I find the sort of world I’d like to live in. Honor and kindness are revered. Simple lives of tending gardens, working with your hands, and gathering around a table with friends at a pub—I long for such things. I mean, sure, running into a pesky dragon while taking out the trash would be a little inconvenient, but still…

BD: Because I want to imitate Jesus. Remember how he told us about a camel passing through the eye of a needle? That was a fantasy story. Such tales stretch our vision, allowing us to see beyond the physical, and since our battles are in the spiritual realm, this is the realm we need to understand. Fantasy is the most effective tool for explaining the gospel to our culture, so I want to use that tool to change the world for Christ.

SH: Fantasy novels often deal with the classic hero’s journey – the unlikely and lowly who is called to a task requiring courage and faith. I see the Christian life as an epic battle, full of adventure, danger, opposition, and breathtaking victories. In a sense, each fantasy novel is an extended metaphor of the day-to-day battles that each of us confront as we seek to serve Christ.

CH: I write fantasy because I believe in the power of parables. Whenever Jesus was trying to break down an issue for his listeners, so that they could really understand what he was trying to communicate, he rarely used logic, he used stories. C.S. Lewis put it best when he said, and I’m paraphrasing, that fiction circumvents the dragons that we set up to guard the front gates of our minds. When you tell someone a story, they are more likely to consider the value of your inference than if you were just to tell them straight out. So I guess I write fantasy because the human mind, and I have to believe the human heart, receives better through it.

Suspense Technique #1: And the Winner is...

Wow, this was hard. So many cool story snippets to choose from. Many were artistic, displaying style and serious vocab chops. Most did indeed create suspense using Mystery as a tool. Having poured over the entries for Suspense Technique #1: Mystery, I did at last decide on a victor. And the winner is: Aravis! For this suspenseful entry:

Aravis said...

The wall was fairly unremarkable. It was stone; simple, gray stone. But there was something that the old man was interested in, for he ran his finger down the crack in front of him with a perusing gaze, trying to find something. There was not much to be heard; A mouse here and there, but whoever this man was, he was alone in a rather unsettling, dusty, narrow hallway.

He breathed in through his nose and tilted his back a little, causing his tweed cap to fall over his eyebrows. The man reached into a pocket inside his jacket and pulled out a small blue crystal, and then fitted it into a crack where four stone blocks met.

The crystal started to shine, reacting to the miasma in the air in the hallway, and then burst, breaking down the wall. The man brushed some dust out of his white mustache, and proceeded through.

Beyond the opening was not much, only some old copper pipes in a space the size of a small room. The man wasn’t too happy that he used one of his crystals to only make it to a maintenance room.

“Where are you…” he mumbled to himself, putting his hand to the stubble on his chin. He stood there, contemplating his situation, and then turned his back to explore further down the hall. Once his back was parallel with the wall he had just broken, a rush of air flew past him, with a sound like a giant breathing in. Light, too, drifted past him, and a shadow drifted forth from the room he had just left.

This man knew what was happening, and quickly turned around to see a figure of shadow.

“Johannes Wächter, not this time,” exhaled the figure of shadow, growing ever more solid, but it was still translucent, it was still the thing that Johannes had come here to find: a ghost.

The first three paragraphs here are electric. The old guy searching the wall for something the reader doesn't see or understand hooked me right away. The concrete description was perfectly visual. All the old man's motions spoke of his character. I felt I sort of knew him, though I hadn't a clue what he was looking for. And then the explosive blue crystal--very cool. Let's the reader know there's a supernatural bent in this story. All in all a very good hook. One constructive bit: the last line where you tell us it's a ghost...I don't think you need it. Your description tells us that. We're savvy readers, you know. lol We writers often are so determined to make sure that our readers "get us" that we tell them, when we should merely imply.

Aravis just email me your snail mail address, and I'll send you a signed copy of The Door Within Lost Chapters Edition. Oh, and let me know for whom I should sign it.

So many good entries…I want to recognize a few more just for unique features (no slight if I don't mention someone.)

Everlasting Scribe for the Best One-Liner "…noxious humans."

Eve for the Most Subtle suspense: the flight goggles and the disapproving father.

Gwenn for the best inner tension: What did Annek do? And what will happen when Maddie finds out?

Margaret for the "You piqued my interest award." Love the folksy feel to the characters, and I think you underplayed your hand a little. I think the library is going to be very interesting.

Josh for the "Oh, mannnn....someone is in a bad place award." Who is this sadistic "Mr. 9?" And what's going to happen to poor Cary?

If you're new to Enter The Door Within, definitely take some time and check out these entries! One of these folks could be on the bestseller list someday.

New Article on Speculative Faith

Hey, all! Not sure if you've read the article in Publisher's Weekly about the state of Fantasy and SciFi in the Christian Bookseller's Market. Let's just say the article paints a bleak picture. Pretty bleak, and in my humble opinion, pretty inaccurate. I've written an open letter response to PW over at Specualtive Faith Website.

You can read the PW article by clicking: HERE

You can read my SpecFaith article by clicking: HERE

That's right...do you want the red pill or the blue pill? ;-)

Fantasy Tour Banner Ad

Hey, all! No obligation, of course, but if you'd like to help spread the word about this Summer's Fantasy Four Fiction Tour with authors: Bryan Davis, Sharon Hinck, Christopher Hopper, and myself, I've pasted the lil' banner here on the sidebar. You can click on the ad itself and get the code.

Thanks!

WtB

Suspense Techniques Challenge: It's Winner Time!

For those of you who have been regulars around Enter the Door Within, you know that back in January, I wrote a little clinic series on how to add Suspense to your writing. I explained 7 Suspense Techniques that many authors use to keep their readers flipping the pages. The series culminated in a contest.

All writers had to do wastry the suspense technique and post their best {short} scene. Winners were due toreceive either a signed copy of The Door Within, Lost Chapters Edition or a signed copy of Isle of Swords.

I've let the contest sit for a good long time, but now, I've {finally} received my author shipment of Door Within, Lost Chapter Editions. So, beginning June 1st, I will start announcing the winners of each Suspense Technique Contest. I will reveal one winner per week. Which means...

There's still time to Enter!

If you are new here and didn't know about the contest OR if you've entered some but not all OR even if you've entered all the contest but have not submitted TWO separate entries, you can still enter. Just visit the links below for details and then POST your suspenseful scenes.

Suspense Technique #7: The What if Twist

Suspense Technique #6: Mood and Atmosphere

Suspense Technique #5: The Trail of Breadcrumbs

Suspense Technique #4: Frustration

Suspense Technique #3: Peril

Suspense Technique #2: Intense Emotion

Suspense Technique #1: Mystery

I won't say "Good Luck" because I don't believe in it, but
I wish you well in the contest. Now, don't just sit there...
Get Writing!

Review: The Children of Hurin

Okay, last night I finished JRR Tolkien's novel, The Children of Hurin. And while, the chapter by chapter discussion is still very much alive and active, I wanted to post my review while
it was all still fresh in my mind.

Children of Hurin by. J.R.R. Tolkien

Review by Wayne Thomas Batson

If it weren’t for the works of Tolkien, I doubt very much that I would be a published author today. Twenty-six years ago, I first read The Hobbit, and I was absolutely mesmerized by Tolkien’s ability to draw me into the story, both through sympathetic characters and picturesque settings. And more than that, there was a sense of history to Tolkien’s writings that made me feel as a reader that I had stumbled onto a world that had long existed. Tolkien’s canon of writing was not a set of stories written to entertain me, but rather an incredibly entertaining chronicle of the events of an ancient civilization long forgotten by too many of our generation. Since that Summer of 1981, I’ve become something of a disciple of Tolkien’s. I’ve read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings about fourteen times. The Professor’s work has profoundly influenced my life and led, I think, to my books being published. So it was with electric anticipation that I awaited the release of The Children of Hurin. I present my review for your consideration. Keep in mind, as with any review, there will be some minor spoilers.

The story concerns the “greatest warrior” of mankind, Hurin and his offspring. During the Battle of Unnumbered Tears where many great warriors are killed, Hurin survives and even becomes a festering sore in Morgoth’s plans for world subjugation. Morgoth, by the way, is the black sheep of the Valar--less than gods, but more like to a powerful angelic beings. To put Morgoth’s evil in perspective, Sauron was one of Morgoth’s servants, described once by Gandalf as a “footstool” of Morgoth. That alone should tell you that Morgoth is seriously bad news.

At the end of the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, Morgoth captures Hurin and demands to know the secret location of Gondolin, the hidden Elvish city ruled by Morgoth’s last real threat, King Turgon. Hurin, with an inner power unfathomable to most of us, resists—even to the point of mocking Morgoth. But in his malice, Morgoth chooses not to kill Hurin. Instead, he levels a potent curse upon Hurin’s offspring and all those who love them and gives Hurin an everlasting front row seat to watch the misery unfold.

Here the story turns to Turin and eventually to Nienor, the children of Hurin and Morwen. Lalaith (Urwen) the third child gets barely a page to live. The events that unfold will take readers into Elvish Strongholds, Dwarven caves, and the nomadic bands of human outlaws. Readers will witness the machinations of Morgoth and see his clever war strategies in motion. And, (a highlight for me) readers will come face to face with Glaurung, a dragon so powerful and black-hearted that he makes Smaug look like a kitten. From this point, I’ll evaluate the book.

If having a story weigh on your heart long after you close its covers is any indication of quality, then The Children of Hurin (CoH) is a marvelous story. I found myself dwelling on Turin’s decisions and examining my own pride. I thought about how easy it is for loved ones to hurt one another even with simple words. And I was overcome by hatred for sin and the horrors that mankind inflicts upon itself. CoH is well-written, though you could tell in parts where transitions between scenes were abrupt or incomplete. But most marvelous of all, you could tell that this was indeed J.R.R. Tolkien’s language. Once again, I was transported into a vast and ancient land. I was a visitor to something old and magnificent, and felt privileged for the opportunity. I fell in love with the characters—even little Urwen whose stay was sadly so brief. In this tale I found creeping pestilence and dread. I found noble heroes—oh, how I wish Beleg Strongbow had whole books written about his adventures! And, of course, there were very cool swords and weapons—some cursed and some not. All to say, CoH is definitely worth of reading. It is definitely worth having on your “keep forever” shelf. And it is definitely worthy of Tolkien’s legacy. I am glad I lived to read Children of Hurin.

And one or two things about the packaging of CoH: Alan Lee has done the cover for the book, as well as, several breathtaking illustrations throughout. For long time Tolkien fans, that alone will prove worth the price of the book. But for any reader who loves fantasy art, you will drool (and perhaps, cry) over these images. Lee somehow manages to capture the emotion of Tolkien’s story over and over again. And, unlike so many other books with illustrations, CoH manages to put every picture in just the right place. You’ll never find yourself thinking, “Now what’s this picture of?” Just as you read a marvelous scene, boom, the art hits you in the heart and the overall weight of the scene triples.

All this said, there are some negatives I want to point out. But seriously, do not read on unless you want spoilers of a major variety. I’m not kidding. DO NOT read any more of this review if you don’t want to find out what happens in the end.

I said above that I was glad that I read CoH, but I don’t think I’ll ever read it again. That must sound strange. But you have to understand, I’m a sucker for a happy ending. No, I’m not a sap who unrealistically wants everything to turn out rosy. I absolutely love how in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien presents heroic victories, but they all come at tremendous cost. Sacrifice, death and suffering—okay, but I still want the victory. CoH is a tragedy and an intimate, penetrating tragedy at that. Anyone and everyone you will come to love in this story will die and usually in the most gut-wrenching ways. You will be yelling at Morwen, Turin, and Nienor in your mind, saying, “No, don’t do that! Don’t say that! Don’t fall for that!” And of course, they’ll do just what you feared they would. Time after time, characters will ignore the sage advice of friends who love them, and peril will result.

And after reading Children of Hurin, I am convinced there are things far worse than death. Watching every tragedy known to humankind befall your offspring—being chief among them. Morgoth’s curse so utterly devastated Hurin’s kin that it makes me wonder why he didn’t just throw a curse on ALL of his enemies and then, sit back and watch the mayhem unfold. And about Morgoth: there’s nothing better than having a really bad villain get what’s coming to him. But not in CoH. Morgoth escapes virtually unscathed. I guess I knew that going in, as Earendil and the Valar take care of Morgoth much later in the history of Middle Earth. Still, I wanted to smack Morgoth with a big war hammer, but it never happens. CoH struck me much like Mystic River, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, and The Departed. These are all extremely well-told stories. Well designed, well-directed, well-cast, well-acted, and well-shot—but dreadfully depressing. The Children of Hurin ended and left me with a vacant sense of dread, but no hope. I am glad to have visited with my old friend, Professor Tolkien. I am reminded of the power of the story. And I am left wanting more.

Who Will be #10,000???

I'm a little amazed at how much traffic has blown through here since I got a counter and opened this blog for real back in January. I have to tell you all that I've really been challenged and encouraged by so many who visit here. I've made quite a few new friends and have sharpened up friendships with others. I know that there are plenty of hideously evil applications for the Internet, but it's great to be able to connect with other Christians and other Christian Fantasy fans. Not that you have to be a Christian to hang out here. It's not that kind of place. But thanks to all who have made this a homey community.

Now who will be the 10,000th visitor? We're almost there.

Changing Christian Attitudes about Fantasy Part 2

Changing Christian Attitudes about Fantasy Part 2 is now posted at Speculative Faith. Check it out if you have a chance.

Random facts continued...

There was a little speculation about random fact #1 and #7. Here's the proof. Lol

8 Random Facts…

Okay, so Becky Miller from "A Christian Worldview of Fiction" has tagged me. Yup, my first thought too. What does that mean? I was beginning to think I'd need to recommend some sound Christian counseling for Becky. After all, pyramid schemes are not very Biblical. But…turns out, this "tagging business" is not so sinister. Here are the rules:

The first rule of the game, however, is to post the rules of the game. Here they are:

Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

My only problem is that I don't know enough bloggers who haven't already been tagged. lol

Anyway, here are my 8 Random Facts:

#1 I used to play lead guitar in an 80's Heavy Metal Band.

#2 I was introduced to Jesus in a strawberry field.

#3 I collect hot sauces.

#4 My favorite recent movie was LOTR (duh)

#5 My favorite movie prior to that was The Matrix (not the sequels).

#6 My favorite movie in high school was The Breakfast Club.

#7 I used to have blond hair down to my shoulders (see #1).

#8 I dream of having a medieval-themed basement.

And now, who to tag:

• Michelle Black
• Mark Goodyear
• Kevin Lucia
• Chris D
• SolShine7
• Gene Curtis
• Leathel Grody
• Jim Black

Children of Hurin Ch. 8

Children of Hurin Ch. 7

Children of Hurin Ch. 6

Children of Hurin Ch. 5

I'll be out of town from Thurs to Sun. So I'll just post a bunch of chapters, and anyone who wishes to can just post away about Children of Hurin.

Children of Hurin, Chapter Four

Children of Hurin, Ch. 4 Dialogue begins here.

Children of Hurin Chapter 3

Children of Hurin Chapter 3 dialogue begins here.