Episode 5 - Questions from the Jar, Part 2

More random discussions about the state of fantasy! Are there any discernable trends in Christian fantasy? Are they different than the trends in secular fantasy? Are there any untapped markets (noteworthy subgenres or mediums) that Christians have largely not pursued? We share our opinions, tangents, and queries!

Books mentioned: Warriors series (Erin Hunter), Redwall series (Brian Jacques), Tomo series (by Funnypages Productions), The Silmarillion (JRR Tolkien), The Children of Hurin (JRR Tolkien), Lilith (George MacDonald), “On Fairy Stories” (essay by JRR Tolkien), The Dragon Prince (show by Wonderstorm and Netflix), Auralia's Colors (Jeffrey Overstreet), Till We Have Faces (CS Lewis).

Episode 4 - Questions from the Jar, Part 1

Karlissa and Jason answer an array of questions about books, reading, and Christian fantasy! Do we take Lewis’ advice and reread books? Do we need more thoughtful influences shaping Christian fantasy authors, and does the level of academic rigor found in Lewis and Tolkien still exist in the Christian fantasy landscape? We share our opinions, tangents, and queries!

Correction: Phantastes (George MacDonald) doesn't end with it all having been a dream, though his other novel Lilith leaves things ambiguous as to whether it was a dream.

Books mentioned: C. S. Lewis "Different Tastes in Literature" (article); Phantastes (George MacDonald); Amish Vampires in Space (Kerry Nietz); The Thrawn Trilogy (Timothy Zahn); Redwall series (Brian Jacques); Till We Have Faces (C.S. Lewis); The Children of Hurin (J.R.R. Tolkien); The Great Divorce (C.S. Lewis); The Wingfeather Saga (Andrew Peterson).

This episode is from back when the Book-Bat podcast was focused on Christian fantasy books. Visit book-bat.com/about to learn more about who we are and our goals for the podcast!

Episode 3 - 10 Fun Facts: CS Lewis

CS Lewis: one of the most famous Christian fantasy authors, writer of the acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia, author of multiple apologetics books defending the Christian faith… and a more complicated person than we may imagine.

Jason reacts to ten surprising facts about C.S. Lewis that Karlissa has found during her research. Where was Lewis actually born? What was his official career? Who was Arthur Greeves? Discover something new about this familiar author!

Correction: CS Lewis did identify as an Anglican. He did try not to emphasize denomination in his writings to non-Christians, as he explains in the introduction to Mere Christianity, instead focusing on things that join us across the Christian faith.

Resources: The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings (Phillip and Carol Zaleski), The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis (Jason M. Baxter), Narnia, Middle-Earth and the Kingdom of God (Mark Worthing), the CS Lewis Podcast (with Alister McGrath), Perelandra (CS Lewis), That Hideous Strength (CS Lewis).

Episode 2 - What Is Christian Fantasy?

What is “Christian fantasy,” and how are we using that term? First, we explore the complexities involved with defining whether a book is ‘Christian’ or not. Then, we look at the roots of the fantasy genre; and finally, give an overview of the fantasy book scene today.

Resources: Mark Worthing's Narnia, Middle-Earth and the Kingdom of God; another helpful book to consider is Daniel Silliman’s Reading Evangelicals.

This episode is from back when the Book-Bat podcast was focused on Christian fantasy books. Visit book-bat.com/about to learn more about who we are and our goals for the podcast!

Episode 1 - Introducing... Us!

Welcome to the Book-Bat podcast! Hear how we began our podcast, seeking to help readers navigate the world of Christian Fantasy books! Our podcast is cohosted by Karlissa J, fantasy author, and Jason, husband and fellow creative.

Find out more about our goals for Book-Bat and how we engage with fantasy - books and otherwise, Christian and non - by visiting book-bat.com/about!

Books mentioned: Out of the Silent Planet (C.S. Lewis), Blaggard's Moon (George Bryan Polivka), the Redwall series (Brian Jacques), The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien), Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll).