Relevant Fiction Reviews: Fantasy Fiction

06/15/202007/04/2020 / CAstfalk / 2 Comments

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Elfling is a highly imaginative fantasy novel about a young girl’s quest to find and save her father. Serapia, accompanied by her dragonet pet, goes from a smart, toughened street urchin to a beloved daughter.

Revelations about her parents’ split and the nature of her father’s past sin took me by surprise, propelling the story in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. Serapia’s subsequent (relentless) quest to obtain healing for her father at the hands of an unwilling he-elf examines the nature of evil, sin and its consequences, suffering, forgiveness, and immortality from a Christian perspective.

Although Serapia’s persistent efforts to compel the he-elf include many flashbacks as she regains her memory, I found that segment of the story a bit long, making it somewhat repetitive. Even so, fans of fantasy will enjoy the detailed world and rich story Corinna Turner has created. Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Classics (III)

03/16/202004/02/2020 / CAstfalk / Leave a comment

The Romance of Tristan and Iseult (Dover Books on Literature & Drama)

The Romance of Tristan and Iseult by M. Joseph Bédier
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This classic of romance literature, which obviously influenced subsequent classic works, had eluded me for decades. I’d only heard mention of it in recent years and came across this Hillaire Beloc translation at a low cost.

I wish I’d read this in the context of a classroom or group/club rather than independently because there is much absent in the text that would make for great discussion. Responsibility, the nature of love, honor, duty, sacrifice – these are all found within Tristan and Iseult, but not in any depth.

There’s some lip service to God and honor, but the lovers absolve themselves from any responsibility because they just can’t help themselves. They (mistakenly) drank a love potion, you see. Whoopsie.

Despite that disappointment, I found this worth reading as a seminal work, and it did mostly hold my attention.
Classics Dracula, A Christmas Carol & The Romance of Tristan and Iseult: My takes in Relevant Fiction Reviews. Click To Tweet Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Saints

12/16/201901/04/2020 / CAstfalk / 2 Comments

This month’s selections are the inspiring stories of saints! Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times is a rhyming book for children whose inclusion here as fiction is a stretch, but I love this book so much, I couldn’t resist! (And Saint Clare and Her Cat is more of a picture book.) Susan Peek is over-represented below, and yet I’ve not even included all of her books. So, if you’re looking for more saint stories for children and teens, visit Susan’s website.

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Novelizations of the lives of saints for children, teens & adults. #RelevantFictionReviews Click To Tweet Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Angels, Demons & Disembodied Spirits

10/21/201911/02/2019 / CAstfalk / Leave a comment

October, or “spooky season,” as I keep hearing, is the perfect time to feature books that highlight the unseen realities of angels, demons, and disembodied spirits. Interestingly, not a single one of these is a horror novel.

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Novels that highlight the reality of unseen forces – good and evil – with angels, demons, and disembodied spirits. Click To Tweet Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Split-time Novels

05/21/201906/14/2019 / CAstfalk / 2 Comments

I’ve yet to read many split-time novels, but I do enjoy those I’ve read! An author’s ability to skillfully interweave themes in two plot lines set in separate eras can enhance and deepen those themes while adding interest for the reader.

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautifully written tale follows the lives of a handful of young Austrians living under Nazi occupation. One is a gifted Jewish musician, one is the young man who loves her, and another the childhood friend who loves him.

Interwoven is the story of Callie, aka Story Girl, a lonely bookstore owner in possession of two books connected to Austria and hidden treasure.

There is mystery, romance, and tragedy, but, in sum, it’s a novel about the power of stories – children’s stories and our own stories – internalizing them, living them, and marveling at the way the master storyteller has perfectly interwoven each of them. Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Anxiety & Depression

03/18/201903/31/2019 / CAstfalk / Leave a comment

Anxiety, depression, and panic disorder are featured in these recommended books. They are, in my opinion, well-depicted with realism and authenticity. Often, mental illness is isolating, and these books remind those who suffer from these disorders that they are not alone. They also help those who haven’t experienced these disorders to understand what it might be like to live with them.

For reasons unknown (or not recalled), I didn’t review two other books I’ve read and would recommend that include this topic: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade and Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti.

Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Christian Historical Romance

11/19/201811/23/2018 / CAstfalk / Leave a comment

Relevant Fiction Reviews

Some of my recent Christian historical romance favorites! Click To Tweet

The Sweetest Rain by Myra Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Impeccable writing and well-developed characters made this novel one of my new favorites. Although forbidden love between a man and woman of different stations or classes is a common trope, nothing about this story felt tired or cliché.

While the hero and heroine and their obstacles were critical to the story, the wider focus on family, including the contrast between a loving family and one fraught with resentment and secrets, made the story that much more moving. Continue reading →

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Classics (II)

09/17/201809/24/2018 / CAstfalk / 7 Comments

Relevant Fiction Reviews

Classics The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jane Eyre & The Moviegoer: My takes in Relevant Fiction Reviews. Click To Tweet

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I was familiar with the book’s title, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from The Scarlet Pimpernel. I found the first few chapters slow, but once the narrative concentrated on Sir Percy and Lady Marguerite, I was hooked.

The Scarlet Pimpernel’s daring and courageous rescue of French aristocrats during the French Revolution made for exciting adventure. Coupled with the self-discovery made by the Blakeneys, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Their eventual humiliation (in the true sense of being humbled) and sacrifice for one another made for a satisfying ending.

Probably the most fun I’ve had with a classic! Continue reading →

Carolyn Astfalk, Author

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