"The Author" by Angela Hunt

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1st Thus. edition (July 4, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595541586
ISBN-13: 978-1595541581

This isn't my usual genre, and I picked it up on a whim. In my defense, it is not a romance novel and this story does not revolve around Amish people.

Jordon Casey is a well known author who has written her Rex Tower Series for decades (Think James Bond). A student in her writing class challenges her to write something personal when he discovers the author of his favorite macho series is a woman.
What we gets is a place called Paradise, a man named William, and a place called "Casey's Machine company", where Casey's creation of nature can be seen through machines like old fashioned nickelodeons.
As the story grows, Casey decides to write it for her son, Zach, whom has become a growing problem since his return home from college.
William's pride leads him to the back room of the Machine co, where a Magician of a new game, promises him anything he wants. And the trouble starts there, eventually spiraling out of control.
The result, the neon sign burns out, leaving over: "Ca-si-no".

William is simple to understand, from his feelings of love for Raqual, to his feelings of pride against Casey, his creator.

Raqual, the object of his affection, reminds me of what Eve might have been. She's eager to be loved, and will do anything for William.

Jordon herself is easy to relate to, as a Christian mother who has run out of patience and answers when it comes to her youngest child.

The Magician, AKA Satan, is the creepiest, most convincing villain I've ever read.

John, AKA, Jesus, is kind without being cheesy, smart without being a know-it-all, and righteous without being judgmental.

Paradise is something out of a Tim Burton Movie. Think Edward Scissorhands. Things are just odd enough so that you know you're not in Kansas anymore. I loved how Angela Hunt wasn't afraid to try something different, as so many Christian authors stick to the strict recipe of what will sell.
Jordon's story is an allegory, but it does not completely follow it's biblical cousin. So you'll find no predictability there. In fact, besides the basics, there's not much in common. I found this extremely refreshing in a sea of step-by-step allegories. The fantasy fan in me wishes the entire story revolved around Paradise. But perhaps it could serve as an introduction to the fantasy aspect of christian fiction to Angela Hunt's many readers.

I completely original work, I give "The Author" four stars out of five.

You can buy her book at Amazon.com in paperback.

To learn about the other books she's written, you can see her website.

Next up, I'll review, "The Chase" by Susan Wales and Robin Shope.

Book #1 of the Vadelah Chronicles, "Arana's Visitor" by Julie Rollins

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Essence Publishing (September 21, 2005)
ISBN-10: 1553069609
ISBN-13: 978-1553069607

Book one of the Vadelah Chronicles takes place in 1989, where David Decker and his friend, Todd Fox, come across an alien named Panagyra, whom has been marooned on earth. David has no idea what he's gotten himself into, as he witnesses the giant bird learn at an unbelievably fast pace, smell better than a dog, and hear better than a rabbit. And this bird can fly too. Ignoring all of this, David soon learns that someone is out to catch Panagyra, and they end up on the run. Along the way, Panagyra shows more of his amazing abilities.
After Panagyra's spacecraft is fixed, David accidentally ends up coming along to his home planet, Arana. He faces an entire race that doesn't trust him. And to make matters worse, his only friend is unconscious, and unable to vouch for him.

David is a relatable young Christian, unsure of how to witness to Todd, or how to express his beliefs. He matures in the story, becoming courageous and adamant in his faith.
Todd is clever and is the perfect character to compliment David's quiet personality. Although he is an agnostic, he slowly develops through the story.
Panagyra is adorable, and his ignorance on human culture allows him to give insight into many so-called normal, aspects, when he witnesses how people live their lives. From drinking alcohol, to killing the unborn, and even his view on religions and cults.
Debbie is bold and likable, bouncing back from atrocious circumstances.

There are few downsides in this story. I found myself laughing out loud in many parts, sometimes at Todd, and sometimes at Panagyra. The story flows well, with each event either helping develop a character or the plot.
As a female reader, I would have liked a female character that played a larger part. There are two female characters, Debbie and Sharon, but they only play a small part. I would only expect Debbie to reappear, as she starts a relationship with David's mother.
The Phantera language may become confusing to some, as there are many chapters in a row where David learns it. For the most part, the author makes it clear what is being said.
If your sensitive to swear words, there is one scene where Debbie cries out that the whole "Damned" clinic lied to her. Personally, that didn't bother me. I have read about behavior in secular novels that bugged me far worse. It is actually refreshing to see a Christian publisher that doesn't demand ignorance of the secular culture's views on alcohol, cursing, and attitudes about sex. Instead, it shows you whats wrong with this view.
                                                                     
For great characters, and interesting story, and an original take on aliens, I give "Arana's Visitor" four stars out of five.

Unfortunately, it's from a small publisher in Canada, but you can still buy it used at, Amazon.com

You can learn more about the author by checking out her website.

Next up, I'll review, "The Novelist" by Angela Hunt.