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A review by leannarapier
Creator's Call by Costas Ioannou
4.0
Christian fantasy that is clearly Christian
Creator’s Call is a fantasy novel with biblical elements. If you are uncomfortable with Christian themes, this might not be the book for you. However, for those looking for an unambiguously Christian fantasy, Creator’s Call fits the bill. It seamlessly marries fantasy with New Testament elements—a Creator God, a Deliverer that has recently come, preaching, and new found faith. It felt like reading a New Testament biblical fiction, but in a fantasy world with dragons. There isn’t magic in the traditional fantasy sense such as wizards casting magic, but rather powers of a supernatural source. On the side of the dark lord, there are those that are demon possessed and have unnatural abilities. There is also a woman who uses spells to seduce men to do her will. Those belonging to the Creator are given “gifts” but these come from God, and are not enchantments or something they can use at will. Creator’s Call clearly defines the lines of good and evil, and that the battle they are fighting is a spiritual one. I appreciate the author’s clear salvation message throughout the book.
Overall, I found the plot to be entertaining, although somewhat predictable. The main character, Edward, was likable and well-rounded. I felt like June and David were both a little too perfect. My biggest criticism would be that I felt the inner struggles and interpersonal conflicts of the characters were too easily and quickly resolved, which left the book lacking in tension in that regard. A minor criticism would be that their speech was too polite, making their conversations feel unnatural. I’m not in the dragon riding fan club, but nonetheless the dragons, their history, and the ability of a rider to bond with one was interesting, and the parts with Edward and Sarai (a dragon) were my favorite. That they made their armor from the dragon’s shed skin was cool.
As far as the villains were concerned, I felt Zane was a little flat in that a lust for power and control seemed to be his only motivation. Of course, those are very real motivations, I just personally like a little more depth. Rachel was the more interesting villain for me as her motivations went beyond just a desire for wealth and fame, but sprung from a desire to be loved, which led her to seek it from the wrong sources. Also there was a little plot twist with her that I had not suspected, so I won’t spoil that in this review.
I would recommend Creator’s Call to those looking for clean, Christian fantasy. It would be enjoyable and appropriate for ages 13-adult. I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review his book.
This is an ARC review, and my honest opinions. I was not paid for a particular response.
Creator’s Call is a fantasy novel with biblical elements. If you are uncomfortable with Christian themes, this might not be the book for you. However, for those looking for an unambiguously Christian fantasy, Creator’s Call fits the bill. It seamlessly marries fantasy with New Testament elements—a Creator God, a Deliverer that has recently come, preaching, and new found faith. It felt like reading a New Testament biblical fiction, but in a fantasy world with dragons. There isn’t magic in the traditional fantasy sense such as wizards casting magic, but rather powers of a supernatural source. On the side of the dark lord, there are those that are demon possessed and have unnatural abilities. There is also a woman who uses spells to seduce men to do her will. Those belonging to the Creator are given “gifts” but these come from God, and are not enchantments or something they can use at will. Creator’s Call clearly defines the lines of good and evil, and that the battle they are fighting is a spiritual one. I appreciate the author’s clear salvation message throughout the book.
Overall, I found the plot to be entertaining, although somewhat predictable. The main character, Edward, was likable and well-rounded. I felt like June and David were both a little too perfect. My biggest criticism would be that I felt the inner struggles and interpersonal conflicts of the characters were too easily and quickly resolved, which left the book lacking in tension in that regard. A minor criticism would be that their speech was too polite, making their conversations feel unnatural. I’m not in the dragon riding fan club, but nonetheless the dragons, their history, and the ability of a rider to bond with one was interesting, and the parts with Edward and Sarai (a dragon) were my favorite. That they made their armor from the dragon’s shed skin was cool.
As far as the villains were concerned, I felt Zane was a little flat in that a lust for power and control seemed to be his only motivation. Of course, those are very real motivations, I just personally like a little more depth. Rachel was the more interesting villain for me as her motivations went beyond just a desire for wealth and fame, but sprung from a desire to be loved, which led her to seek it from the wrong sources. Also there was a little plot twist with her that I had not suspected, so I won’t spoil that in this review.
I would recommend Creator’s Call to those looking for clean, Christian fantasy. It would be enjoyable and appropriate for ages 13-adult. I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review his book.
This is an ARC review, and my honest opinions. I was not paid for a particular response.