What is good fantasy?

Written by Jason Koop.

Last week, we took a crack at the question: Where can I find fantasy? And now that that’s done, I’d like to answer the questions: What is good fantasy? And where do I find it?

Perhaps it would help if we first defined what is “good” fantasy, exactly?  Does it have to endorse good character and morals?  Does the narrative’s plot have to be tight and engrossing?  What about the characters?  What is the most important thing? 

Well, in my opinion, the answer is simply: “you.”

Yes, you.  The reader.  Yes, the parameters and preferences will change as you do, but that’s part of the beauty of it.  There’s nothing wrong with something being utterly fantastic for a season, while another thing remains in your mind across multiple years.

So perhaps the question should be:  What do I like in stories?  What gets me to invest the time and energy into reading them (or having them read to me if you’re into the audiobook scene)?  Well, let’s break this down into some more specific questions.

Is there a particular setting that you like?  Medieval?  Age of Sail?  Space?

What type of characters do you like?  Heroic heroes?  Brooding anti-heroes?  Ordinary, everyday people?

Do you prefer sprawling epics, or something shorter and maybe more laid-back?

Are there certain creatures you prefer?  Animals?  Aliens?  Or do you prefer the more mundane humans?

This may help you define what you are more likely to enjoy, and hence narrow your search. But what if this is still not enough (or perhaps too much)? 

Here are some ideas that may prove useful in finding your next favourite fantasy.

Check out book review sites like Goodreads.  While their opinions likely won’t match up perfectly with yours, you might get some good ideas from fellow readers’ recommendations.

Check to see if other media (movies, TV shows, etc.) came from books.  For example, you like the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies?  Well, they were originally a book series.

Ditto for adaptations from other mediums INTO books.  Like the Legend of Zelda video games?  There’s official manga!  These are almost never a 1-1 adaptation because there are things that work in one form that don’t translate to others.  They can help you see stories from a different perspective.

Check out a familiar author’s bibliography.  Odds are they wrote more than just what you are currently reading or have already read.

Check out publishers’ websites.  If they sold one fantasy book, odds are there are a lot more.

Ask your friends for recommendations.  And, if possible, ask them why they are recommending what they do.  It may prove useful so you can track what kind of books they are likely to recommend you in the future, should you ask again.

There are a plethora of ways to find a fantasy story that you’ll like.  The thing to remember is that there is no shame in saying “I don’t like this” and moving on until you find something that you do enjoy.  Don’t underestimate the joy to be found in discovering a new favourite story.

Where can I find fantasy?

Written by Jason Koop.

Here at Book-Bat, you’ve probably noticed that we focus a lot on fantasy in books.  In fact, you can find evidence of this in our name and our podcast, which is mostly about Christian fantasy books.

I’ve noticed that in our podcast, we’ve done a lot to espouse the positive traits of fantasy, and dispensed facts about some of its more historical writers.  But one thing that we haven’t devoted much (if any) time to is answering the question:

#1  Where can I find fantasy?

#2  What is “good” fantasy?  And how do I find it?!?

Ah yes, all very good questions.  And the answer is…  There is no one size-fits-all answer.  But rest assured, my dear reader, that I – Jason Koop the first – shall take upon the endeavor to provide you with some points to getting started.

On this blog post, I’ll take a crack at that first question: Where can I find fantasy?

The first places to start are – while quite obvious – surprisingly effective if you give them a chance. 

The library.  Whether your local public, church or school’s, these provide the excellent opportunity to “test out” many different types of stories and authors with no monetary cost (unless you get hit with those late fees, which feel worse when accompanied by the librarian’s look of disapproval).  Let’s go through those three briefly.

Your school’s library has the obvious perks of the books being aimed at your age group (assuming you’re still in school, of course).  Having it unavailable during the summer can be a downer, depending on how you plan to spend those hotter months.

The church library comes with the obvious perk that it is more likely to have something that has overtly (or maybe more subtle) Christian themes and tones.  Selection may be limited, though, and last I checked, most church’s aren’t into the whole inter-library loan shtick.  So you really are at the mercy of your church’s librarian (shout-out to Karlissa for going above and beyond to greatly improve this in my church).  Availability might be limited to days and times of service, so spontaneity in just browsing is greatly reduced.

And finally, your public library is a great – and often underappreciated – resource.  Not only will it likely have the greatest selection immediately available, but many do participate in inter-library loans, so you can still get your hands on a book that they don’t have.  The biggest downside is often the size of selection.  Quite the opposite of not having enough, often there’s too much, to the point where it can be overwhelming just to pick something.

But say you’re not really into the whole “borrowing” thing.  Especially the aspect of being expected to return it within a limited window.  What about those of us who like to have books to own and do with as we please?  To take our time with – and possibly place the book in positions of risk – and to take on all those creases, nicks and such that they accumulate with age.

Well, let’s turn the proverbial page to… bookstores!

Another more obvious one, but one we tend to easily overlook in today’s age of ordering via the internet.  I mean, why bother going to an actual bookstore when we can just find whatever we want online and order it in through some outlet like Amazon?  Ah, my friend, while the internet is indeed a wondrous and powerful thing, there are some things that it simply cannot replicate.  Such as actually seeing books in a physical space.  Seeing something that strikes your fancy.  Or maybe being taken in by an amazing book binding (it does happen).  Whether Christian, mainstream or even thrift, I find physical bookstores can breed a sense of discovery sadly lacking in the online-verse.

Okay, now that we’ve knocked out some of the obvious ones, let’s quickly fire through some other options:

Free book stands – I’ve made it a habit to peruse them whenever I come across one.

Garage/yard sales – The lottery pick of all; you never know when you might get lucky.

Your friends’ shelves – Weigh the risks before raiding, a damaged book can do even more to the relationship!

I’m sure there are other options, and I’ll leave it for you to mention them in the comments below! Next week, I’ll tackle the question: What is good fantasy?

A Vast World

Written by Karlissa J.

Why is it that in most fantasy stories, everyone speaks the same language?

Characters can cross the world - galaxy even - and still find that most people talk like them. While here on Earth, there are over 7,000 languages spoken!

Tales of the Diversity takes place in a world quite unlike our own. And yet, some things are familiar.

Shady businesses are built around taking advantage of the vulnerable.

Wars are fought over wealth, religion, land, and culture.

And communication with someone from across the world can be tough: because not everyone speaks the same language!

It’s into this world that Captain Ctzo sets sail with an ethnically diverse crew, urged on by a spiritual guide who promises his journey will change history.

Are you ready to discover what becomes of Ctzo?

Writing Update May 2023

Written by Karlissa J.

I currently have two books in the works: a fantasy story, and a non-fiction book about fantasy!

The fantasy story is Davy Jones’ Aquarium: a sweet coming-of-age story about a six-foot-tall guy who swallows raw fish fillets and thinks dolphins are demonic.

I finished doing some rewrites in Davy Jones’ Aquarium, and am just reviewing this draft before finding a professional editor.

The non-fiction book is called Christian Fantasy 101, and it’s about… well, the core of Christian fantasy, including significant books and authors!

I’m getting further on research, which has led to some changes to my plans for the book. I’ve decided to focus in on four Christian authors that have shaped fantasy: George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle.

You can hear more about fantasy books and my research on our podcast: the Book-Bat podcast!

Joel Quote Series

Written by Karlissa J.

I like to meditate on the Biblical book of Joel.

Climate change has been on my mind lately - it’s been a topic of concern for World Vision (see their articles on poverty and climate migrants) - and the pictures in the book of Joel seem relevant to a climate change affected world.

The book describes a land ravaged by locusts, a wilderness fire, and war. Both locusts and wildfires make me think of climate change. (Locust populations soar as a result of unusual weather conditions, meaning climate change may create more locust swarms).

Joel focuses on God’s sovereignty, and turning to Him when disaster hits. It’s a reminder that He is the one who provides nature with what it needs to thrive. It reminds me to pray, to dwell on Him.

Of course, the book of Joel is about spiritual as well as earthly renewal, with verses foreshadowing Pentacost and Jesus’ sacrifice. The final two designs highlight these prophecies.

The Mother Bumblebee

A story by Karlissa J.

The mother bumblebee checked on her egg for what had to be the hundredth time.

It made her nervous, the realization that she was now a mother. As she looked down at the oval egg, sitting within the waxy, spherical cell she’d created just for it, her young one seemed impossibly small.

I should go gather some nectar, the mother bumblebee thought. That way, I’ll have plenty of food for me and my child.

The bumblebee went about her bumblebee business, visiting flowers and collecting nectar, which she’d bring back and store in a nectar cell. She ate, she made new cells, she slept, and she awoke to do it again. Soon, the little egg was not alone: she had more eggs, and stressed over each one, building them safe little cells to sleep in. And as often as she could, she’d check on every single egg.

Then, one day, her very first egg wasn’t an egg anymore. The mother bumblebee peered down into the cell at her little baby. She cocked her head and frowned.

It’s my baby, she thought – she knew that deep down. But… it looks so… odd.

For a baby bumblebee doesn’t look like a tiny version of its mother. A baby bumblebee is a little wormy grub, legless and chubby and pale.

After staring at her baby a long time, the mother bumblebee decided: It’s probably hungry. So she took a dollop of nectar and lowered it down into the cell, towards the little worm.

The little worm slurped up the nectar hungrily.

Good, the mother bumblebee thought. At least it’s eating. It’ll grow bigger and stronger, and someday… someday, it’ll actually look like a bumblebee.

The little baby bumblebee ate very well indeed, as did each of the other bumblebees as they hatched. That first baby grew the fastest, becoming bigger and chubbier.

Then one day, the mother bumblebee went to feed her very first baby, and found a new surprise. It no longer looks like a little worm! But it didn’t look quite like a bumblebee either. It’s a pupa, she realized. Her little worm was transforming into an adult. She sealed off the cell so it could sleep in peace.

She stressed over her child, wondering how it was doing. As her other children became pupae she sealed them off too, hoping and praying they’d continue to grow.

Then one day, she came across her firstborn chewing its way out of the cell.

The mother bumblebee watched in expectation. I finally get to meet my child!

Her child emerged: a daughter, with her mother’s eyes, and her mother’s beauty.

At last! The mother bumblebee could barely contain her joy. Though I saw only an egg, and then a little worm, this whole time, she was always my lovely daughter!

Fantasy Books Part 2

Written by Karlissa J.

Searching for a new fantasy book to read? For this week of highlighting fantasy titles, I’m going to recommend some of the classics! They’ve been published multiple times, with a variety of cover designs, so I came up with my own images for each - a little taste of what I found memorable in these stories!

Phantastes

By George MacDonald. An enchanted journey - through nature and village and palace - filled with delights and dangers, romance and tragedy, and above all, self-discovery. Beautiful, contemplative; I can see how this inspired future authors like C. S. Lewis. A journey to take more slowly.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass

By Lewis Carroll. Rich with word plays, puns, and banter, there's more to these books than what exists in the popular imagination. I've never seen a retelling that features Alice's older sister; yet I'd argue the meaning and purpose of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland hinges on her. Alice herself is fun and quirky, and the short books are easy to read.

Out of the Silent Planet

By C.S. Lewis. The first book in his Cosmic Trilogy.

I have to admit, this is my kind of story! Exploring an enchanting world, interacting with non-human creatures, and discovering a new language and culture! Appropriately (or perhaps conveniently), the main character is a philogist (someone who studies languages); this provides an excuse for the language barrier to be rather smoothly crossed, and an excuse for Lewis to fixate on unique words and concepts.

Perhaps the lesser fame of this work is, in part, due to the fact that it's not for kids: unlike Narnia, it contains a spattering of mature content, nudity, and mild swearing; nothing obscene, but some Christian readers may find it unexpected.

Perelandra

By C.S. Lewis. The second book in his Cosmic Trilogy.

Perelandra contains the adventure and beautiful worldbuilding of Out of the Silent Planet, but this time, it takes a back seat to a myriad of philosophical musings: about the nature of temptation, the definition of gender, the Theory of Evolution, and even why you shouldn't fear bugs. There are a few bizarre plot choices, but C.S. Lewis' imagination and thoughtfulness shine through.

Till We Have Faces

By C.S. Lewis. It's hard to argue with those who call this C.S. Lewis' greatest novel. It feels like an ancient tale brought to life by someone who understood ancient literature and culture; and it contains Lewis' classical mix of masterful storytelling and spiritual musing. Orual is a compelling and complex protagonist. This is a mature story, not designed for a family audience.