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Arena
A Repackaged Award Winner From Karen HancockCallie Hayes is living a life of fear and disillusionment when she volunteers for a psychology experiment that promises to turn her life around. As her orientation proceeds, Callie becomes frightened by the secrecy and evasion she encounters. When she demands to be released from the program, she is suddenly dropped into a terrifying alien world and into a perilous battle between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie embarks on a life-changing journey. Will she decipher the plans the Benefactor has established for her escape, or will she succumb to the deception of the Arena?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2002
88 people are currently reading
2786 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hancock
8 books313 followersKaren Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor's degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
November 25, 2013
I wish I could give this book a sixth star. Take a dash of Pilgrim’s Progress, toss in a good helping of The Matrix, and you get Arena by Karen Hancock. Talk about a book I couldn’t put down. My teenaged daughter highly recommended Arena to me, and it turned out to be one of the most fascinating and unique novels I have ever read. Sci-fi fans will go especially crazy for this book, but everyone will appreciate the finely crafted allegory of the Christian experience.
Callie Hayes thinks she is signing up for a psychology experiment, but finds herself whisked away to…well, she isn’t quite sure. Is it a holographic fantasy, an alien world, or an alternate reality? All she knows for sure is that she, like everyone else lost in this strange place, is desperate to get back home safely. Along the way she will meet a host of strange creatures, incredible challenges, and bizarre mysteries.
This book offers more than just adventure, however. Callie forges many deep relationships with the other victims of this experiment, and learns much about her own desires, about life, and about what is truly important. She also discovers a unique connection with a special man, but can it survive the Arena?
The Arena serves as a backdrop for some of life’s most pressing questions and realities. As Callie and her friends move through different levels and phases of this unusual realm, the relationship to our own spiritual growth and development becomes clear.
I particularly liked the concept of “the link,” a way to touch and communicate with “Elhanu” who served as God within the story. The armor given to those who passed through “the Gate” was quickly deactivated by fear and could only be reactivated by reaching within and finding “the link” again. This is so true in our own lives. The parallels to spiritual warfare in this book were exquisite, and clearly demonstrated the power and responsibility of the Christian believer in battling and gaining victory over the enemy. No less stunning was Hancock’s presentation of how one must first come to God and salvation and the varying struggles people go through in order to find Him. The powerful spiritual messages in this book are too many to enumerate in one review.
If you read one Christian novel this year, let me recommend Arena. No matter where you are in your walk with God, you will find something within its pages that will minister to you, enlighten you, and draw you closer to Him.
Review by Dina L. Sleiman
Callie Hayes thinks she is signing up for a psychology experiment, but finds herself whisked away to…well, she isn’t quite sure. Is it a holographic fantasy, an alien world, or an alternate reality? All she knows for sure is that she, like everyone else lost in this strange place, is desperate to get back home safely. Along the way she will meet a host of strange creatures, incredible challenges, and bizarre mysteries.
This book offers more than just adventure, however. Callie forges many deep relationships with the other victims of this experiment, and learns much about her own desires, about life, and about what is truly important. She also discovers a unique connection with a special man, but can it survive the Arena?
The Arena serves as a backdrop for some of life’s most pressing questions and realities. As Callie and her friends move through different levels and phases of this unusual realm, the relationship to our own spiritual growth and development becomes clear.
I particularly liked the concept of “the link,” a way to touch and communicate with “Elhanu” who served as God within the story. The armor given to those who passed through “the Gate” was quickly deactivated by fear and could only be reactivated by reaching within and finding “the link” again. This is so true in our own lives. The parallels to spiritual warfare in this book were exquisite, and clearly demonstrated the power and responsibility of the Christian believer in battling and gaining victory over the enemy. No less stunning was Hancock’s presentation of how one must first come to God and salvation and the varying struggles people go through in order to find Him. The powerful spiritual messages in this book are too many to enumerate in one review.
If you read one Christian novel this year, let me recommend Arena. No matter where you are in your walk with God, you will find something within its pages that will minister to you, enlighten you, and draw you closer to Him.
Review by Dina L. Sleiman
June 1, 2008
To the person who recommended this book to me, first of all, I would like to say, "Mother, that was one weird bus stop!"
What do you get when you combine a western novel with a sci-fi and a romance and Pilgrim's Progress? You get a cowboy shooting blue laser light at demons to save his true love. That's what. And then you stay up late into the night trying to find out what happens, and you come away with the same sort of impression you have after eating sushi or kimchee for the first time--weird, but strangely good and even inspiring.
I totally agreed with the message the author was trying to convey, and I thought it was a good reminder. There were some plot holes and redundant battles, but overall, the story was intriguing and insightful at the same time. And definitely different.
The only thing that really bothered me, and this is trivial, was the characters' diets: hot dogs, eggs, bacon, and once before going into battle, macaroni and cheese with a slab of beef. GROSS! If the enemy don't getcha, your diet will!
What do you get when you combine a western novel with a sci-fi and a romance and Pilgrim's Progress? You get a cowboy shooting blue laser light at demons to save his true love. That's what. And then you stay up late into the night trying to find out what happens, and you come away with the same sort of impression you have after eating sushi or kimchee for the first time--weird, but strangely good and even inspiring.
I totally agreed with the message the author was trying to convey, and I thought it was a good reminder. There were some plot holes and redundant battles, but overall, the story was intriguing and insightful at the same time. And definitely different.
The only thing that really bothered me, and this is trivial, was the characters' diets: hot dogs, eggs, bacon, and once before going into battle, macaroni and cheese with a slab of beef. GROSS! If the enemy don't getcha, your diet will!
July 30, 2012
This has to be my favorite book of all time. I have read this book several years ago and it has withstood the test of time. Brilliantly wriiten. I loved the concept of this story. Makes christian fiction fun and interesting like never before.
December 27, 2022
3.5
Who is this girl posting a review right away? Couldn’t be me.
Anyway.
Let’s dive into this book a bit.
Why this book deserved five stars:
Analogies were on point. I started this book thinking “aliens? Biblical analogies? Do explain.” This is one of those books you must read in order to understand.
Characters growth!!
The description of the link (basically refusing to be overcome by fear or temptation and seeking God’s peace and guidance instead). It’s one of those spiritual visuals that you’ll never forget.
PLOT LINE. That’s all. Aliens? Not my thing. This book? All my love.
How mistakes and forgiveness were portrayed.
Why I took off a star and a half:
Pierce and Callie’s relationship. But hold on before you kill me for saying that. It was more of what they did. As in kissing. I wish Pierce had been more “let’s stop before we go to far”, it would’ve brought more respect to his character. I felt like it was just going as far as possible without having sex.
Speaking of sex, there’s a lot of sexual content in here. While there’s no actual sex scenes (I’m pretty sure), there were implications and mentions. Mostly of rape. Callie almost got raped multiple times. Another girl got raped continually. Well, yes, it was to show how evil those men were, I personally felt like it went to far in a couple spots.
The whole pilgrims progress but with aliens.
Content warnings: rape, sex mentions/implications, feelings, kissing, death, serious injuries, women’s allure being used wrongly, possession, guys looking at women’s bodies
Who is this girl posting a review right away? Couldn’t be me.
Anyway.
Let’s dive into this book a bit.
Why this book deserved five stars:
Analogies were on point. I started this book thinking “aliens? Biblical analogies? Do explain.” This is one of those books you must read in order to understand.
Characters growth!!
The description of the link (basically refusing to be overcome by fear or temptation and seeking God’s peace and guidance instead). It’s one of those spiritual visuals that you’ll never forget.
PLOT LINE. That’s all. Aliens? Not my thing. This book? All my love.
How mistakes and forgiveness were portrayed.
Why I took off a star and a half:
Pierce and Callie’s relationship. But hold on before you kill me for saying that. It was more of what they did. As in kissing. I wish Pierce had been more “let’s stop before we go to far”, it would’ve brought more respect to his character. I felt like it was just going as far as possible without having sex.
Speaking of sex, there’s a lot of sexual content in here. While there’s no actual sex scenes (I’m pretty sure), there were implications and mentions. Mostly of rape. Callie almost got raped multiple times. Another girl got raped continually. Well, yes, it was to show how evil those men were, I personally felt like it went to far in a couple spots.
The whole pilgrims progress but with aliens.
Content warnings: rape, sex mentions/implications, feelings, kissing, death, serious injuries, women’s allure being used wrongly, possession, guys looking at women’s bodies
August 3, 2023
3⭐️
Christian YA Sci-Fi with a Christian allegory flare
I really liked how the book starts off with two friends signing up for a science experiment in exchange for $50. The experiment ends up transporting them, to what they believe, is an alternate reality challenge. Things get intense, however, when the experiment presents dangers & challenges and takes a LOT longer than they could’ve anticipated.
The allegory is super strong and obvious in the beginning, which I actually liked! As soon as we start really getting into the alternate reality, however, I felt like it was way too romance heavy and a bit boring.
In chapter 26, there is a marriage proposal and it seems like the guy lays the kisses on hard to convince her to say yes….? um……manipulation?
I did like how it wrapped up though! 👌🏻
**also, there are two characters in here named Thor & Loki 😂😂???
I honestly would’ve loved the story if there would’ve been zero romance, as that is not the point of an allegory and if the girls would’ve came upon a number of people from different ages-not just all young adults…
Quote:
“Hope is a temptress and it hurts so much when it dies” Pierce
Christian YA Sci-Fi with a Christian allegory flare
I really liked how the book starts off with two friends signing up for a science experiment in exchange for $50. The experiment ends up transporting them, to what they believe, is an alternate reality challenge. Things get intense, however, when the experiment presents dangers & challenges and takes a LOT longer than they could’ve anticipated.
The allegory is super strong and obvious in the beginning, which I actually liked! As soon as we start really getting into the alternate reality, however, I felt like it was way too romance heavy and a bit boring.
In chapter 26, there is a marriage proposal and it seems like the guy lays the kisses on hard to convince her to say yes….? um……manipulation?
I did like how it wrapped up though! 👌🏻
**also, there are two characters in here named Thor & Loki 😂😂???
I honestly would’ve loved the story if there would’ve been zero romance, as that is not the point of an allegory and if the girls would’ve came upon a number of people from different ages-not just all young adults…
Quote:
“Hope is a temptress and it hurts so much when it dies” Pierce
August 10, 2017
Arena by Karen Hancock
.1/5 Stars
I like to start my reviews with the best parts, themes, characters or whatever I think makes the book standout. This book has already been a heavy discussion piece in my "book club." However, not for the reasons a book should be. The only things about this book that I can muster in a positive aspect are the following: the message and the overall idea.
Unfortunately, the execution of the idea was atrocious. The writing was bland, repetitive and overall boring. There is virtually no character development. Of the few characters that were developed, they would go through a personality change instantly, remain that way for a few pages then revert back or change all together again. There were a few phrases that were used multiple times over.
Most of all, the story never meshed together. To me, it was just bad story telling.
.1/5 Stars
I like to start my reviews with the best parts, themes, characters or whatever I think makes the book standout. This book has already been a heavy discussion piece in my "book club." However, not for the reasons a book should be. The only things about this book that I can muster in a positive aspect are the following: the message and the overall idea.
Unfortunately, the execution of the idea was atrocious. The writing was bland, repetitive and overall boring. There is virtually no character development. Of the few characters that were developed, they would go through a personality change instantly, remain that way for a few pages then revert back or change all together again. There were a few phrases that were used multiple times over.
Most of all, the story never meshed together. To me, it was just bad story telling.
August 13, 2022
This book had me instantly intrigued from the start and for about half of it, I was super invested and trying to figure out what was going on and the reason for what was happening. Then I realized this was an allegory of the Christian life and stuff and even though I usually like allegories, in this case I started losing interest, because then the mystery was gone. I knew why everything was happening and what it all represented. There was nothing to figure out. So the second half was kinda boring.
But all in all not a bad book, just not what I expected. If you like allegories and sci-fi, check this one out!
There is an attempted rape just FYI. It doesn't get very far, so it's not too detailed or anything, but just thought I'd put that warning out there for those of you that care.
But all in all not a bad book, just not what I expected. If you like allegories and sci-fi, check this one out!
There is an attempted rape just FYI. It doesn't get very far, so it's not too detailed or anything, but just thought I'd put that warning out there for those of you that care.
June 27, 2011
One of my favorite books, re-read it again, have already read it a couple of times. It is a very different kind of book, blending sci-fi and Christian allegory, but it also is a great adventure and quite a ride, one of those books you can't put down. A bit on the edgy side, so not for everyone, but very clear allegory. On the back of the book it is described as a modern blending of elements of the Matrix and Pilgrim's Progress, and I would add: and more! If you want something different, check it out!
April 20, 2023
4.5/5
Arena is christian sci-fi meets hunger games
Callie signs up to an experiment for a bit of cash along with a friend but things start to feel off and when she tries to back out she is plunged into a different world with no information. Immediately in danger and with barely any instructions to go on she runs into a boy who saves her life more than once... Little does she know she too will have to save his...
Arena is christian sci-fi meets hunger games
Callie signs up to an experiment for a bit of cash along with a friend but things start to feel off and when she tries to back out she is plunged into a different world with no information. Immediately in danger and with barely any instructions to go on she runs into a boy who saves her life more than once... Little does she know she too will have to save his...
December 27, 2012
This is my favorite book. I didn't know what to expect when I picked this one up, but two days later I still couldn't put it down for more than a few minutes. I read it years ago and I still reread it. It's got great plot, characters, pacing, and is a fabulous allegory of the Christian walk from before salvation til God takes u home. I can't say enough good things about it. It's a must read.
June 1, 2014
I typically have a hard time with Christian Fiction, because, to agree with a few of the reviews, that genre tends to be too "in-your-face" or too "Christian-cliché." I happen to be someone who knows God to be much more than cute quotes and easy street, so I get slightly repulsed by those types of books because they do not accurately portray the difficulty of life -- with and without God.
While granting my limited knowledge of this category, I found Arena to be an incredible example of the walk of a Christian. No two Christians have the same testimony as to how they found God, and this book introduces a lot of different angles (while focusing on Callie's story of course). Also granted, is that no book is perfect or will be able to cover all of the intricacies included in finding and following God, so of course this book can not cover them all either.
Where a lot of Hancock's allegory can be seen as "obvious" to those comfortable in the genre and the Christian walk in general, others may be able to glean new insight from her presentation. She begins where all begin: dropped into a world unknown unsure as to what the next step is. Each character will either find their way to the "God" representative character, or they won't. Hancock intertwines the problems we fact today in easy to relate to situations, effectively showing how different people will react differently. Temptation, fear, anger, lust, depression, all of these (and more) topics we face today -- Christians and non-Christians alike -- are all introduced to Callie or Pierce, oftentimes with a contrasting minor character who handles a similar situation differently.
Each section of the book promotes the characters to the next level of their journey (or faith, to follow the allegory). Some characters make it, some don't, which also is seen in today's world with Christianity. The characters must mature in their understanding and abilities as they fight to reach truth and return home, and it was creative and enrapturing to me how Hancock was able to convey the relevance to people today.
I recommend this book to all because Christians and non-Christians alike do, and will, face the same emotional and spiritual torments these characters go through, and only our choices and reactions will determine where we go next. However, I do recommend reading it with full knowledge of the sub-novel story being one of the Christian walk. Approaching it this way may help avoid being broadsided when it pops out. It is Christian fiction after all.
I read this first about 6 or so years ago and it still remains my favorite Christian fiction.
While granting my limited knowledge of this category, I found Arena to be an incredible example of the walk of a Christian. No two Christians have the same testimony as to how they found God, and this book introduces a lot of different angles (while focusing on Callie's story of course). Also granted, is that no book is perfect or will be able to cover all of the intricacies included in finding and following God, so of course this book can not cover them all either.
Where a lot of Hancock's allegory can be seen as "obvious" to those comfortable in the genre and the Christian walk in general, others may be able to glean new insight from her presentation. She begins where all begin: dropped into a world unknown unsure as to what the next step is. Each character will either find their way to the "God" representative character, or they won't. Hancock intertwines the problems we fact today in easy to relate to situations, effectively showing how different people will react differently. Temptation, fear, anger, lust, depression, all of these (and more) topics we face today -- Christians and non-Christians alike -- are all introduced to Callie or Pierce, oftentimes with a contrasting minor character who handles a similar situation differently.
Each section of the book promotes the characters to the next level of their journey (or faith, to follow the allegory). Some characters make it, some don't, which also is seen in today's world with Christianity. The characters must mature in their understanding and abilities as they fight to reach truth and return home, and it was creative and enrapturing to me how Hancock was able to convey the relevance to people today.
I recommend this book to all because Christians and non-Christians alike do, and will, face the same emotional and spiritual torments these characters go through, and only our choices and reactions will determine where we go next. However, I do recommend reading it with full knowledge of the sub-novel story being one of the Christian walk. Approaching it this way may help avoid being broadsided when it pops out. It is Christian fiction after all.
I read this first about 6 or so years ago and it still remains my favorite Christian fiction.
July 11, 2018
This is one of the best “under the radar” books I have read. Her ability to communicate spiritual truths through a sci-fi story is impressive. And the story itself is one of the weirdest rollercoasters you will ever ride.
November 20, 2021
I've read nine chapters (28%) and am putting this book down. This was the group read for my Christian Sci-Fi Bookclub, so I got farther than I would have had I picked this up on my own, but I have zero interest in continuing.
Callie Hayes is a 25-ish year old who wants to be an artist, but instead studied science and now has a dead end job as a lab assistant. She volunteers to be a guinea pig for experiments at the local university in exchange for money. The latest of these experiments involves completing an obstacle course, under the guise of studying, and ultimately improving, one's decision making. Callie is quickly approached by a questionable man claiming all of those involved in the e experiment are actually aliens, further supported by all of the scifi-esque technology being used and the seemingly curated appearances of everyone involved. Callie's best friend, Meg, is along for the ride and believes Callie is being paranoid, but she is quickly proven to be right when one of the scientists disappears before her very eyes and she is transported to the titular Arena. For participating in the study, she is given a backpack containing an instruction manual and not much else that appears useful. The manual states there is evil in the Arena, but if one stays on the white road, they are invulnerable. The road leads to the Gate, the exit, which can only be entered through with the aide of the Benefactor.
This reads very much like a YA dystopian novel, which makes sense for when it was first published, but is exactly why I have no interest in continuing. Callie is described as being in her mid-twenties, yet she reads as a teenager with no depth. I was not interested in the obvious love interest she meets early in the Arena or any of the other one-dimensional characters introduced. I was so interested in this premise, but even the allegorical elements were far too obvious and thus, uninteresting. I can see why this book is popular for those who enjoy YA books, but it's not for me.
Callie Hayes is a 25-ish year old who wants to be an artist, but instead studied science and now has a dead end job as a lab assistant. She volunteers to be a guinea pig for experiments at the local university in exchange for money. The latest of these experiments involves completing an obstacle course, under the guise of studying, and ultimately improving, one's decision making. Callie is quickly approached by a questionable man claiming all of those involved in the e experiment are actually aliens, further supported by all of the scifi-esque technology being used and the seemingly curated appearances of everyone involved. Callie's best friend, Meg, is along for the ride and believes Callie is being paranoid, but she is quickly proven to be right when one of the scientists disappears before her very eyes and she is transported to the titular Arena. For participating in the study, she is given a backpack containing an instruction manual and not much else that appears useful. The manual states there is evil in the Arena, but if one stays on the white road, they are invulnerable. The road leads to the Gate, the exit, which can only be entered through with the aide of the Benefactor.
This reads very much like a YA dystopian novel, which makes sense for when it was first published, but is exactly why I have no interest in continuing. Callie is described as being in her mid-twenties, yet she reads as a teenager with no depth. I was not interested in the obvious love interest she meets early in the Arena or any of the other one-dimensional characters introduced. I was so interested in this premise, but even the allegorical elements were far too obvious and thus, uninteresting. I can see why this book is popular for those who enjoy YA books, but it's not for me.
June 5, 2013
I'm kind of torn with this book. On the one hand, I did kind of enjoy it. The writing wasn't anything spectacular, and the story was kind of strange, but it was interesting in a way that kept me reading (although more slowly than I would with a book that really captured me).
Callie, at first, is a bit of a boring character. She seemed pretty stuffy for someone that young. I can understand serious, or reserved, but she came across as way older than she was supposed to be. So, it was kind of hard to relate to her at first. I was easily interested in her journey though, once it got into the Arena world itself. Sometimes I felt she spent too much time thinking. It seems like a bad idea to get that lost in thought when the environment is as hostile as hers was! She changed a great deal throughout the book, which was fun to see.
At any rate, I did get somewhat invested in the story, which got better. I really did enjoy that, though there was romance, that wasn't the whole focus of the book. It was there, but the book was full of much more than that.
I think the thing that really didn't go over well with me was the God/faith allegory. It felt too forced and overly obvious, and it just... didn't really belong. It went from a sci-fi type feeling to "this is an overt metaphor for God, have faith and all things are possible". Which is fine, but doesn't really fit with what the story was shaping up to be. It was a strange shift, and I felt like the rest of the book focused too much, and gave too much credit to that. It kind of overshadowed what the characters were going through and accomplishing.
I guess my biggest complaint aside from the overt allegory was that the book changed pace and tone so much. Things were skimmed over, which I felt took away from how awful the Arena was supposed to be. And then it went from terrible, to a luxury resort, to terrible again. That kind of back and forth was strange!
So... yeah, I'm just really torn with this one.
I guess all I can say is that I didn't hate it, and I don't regret reading it. Which isn't the best compliment you can give a book...
Callie, at first, is a bit of a boring character. She seemed pretty stuffy for someone that young. I can understand serious, or reserved, but she came across as way older than she was supposed to be. So, it was kind of hard to relate to her at first. I was easily interested in her journey though, once it got into the Arena world itself. Sometimes I felt she spent too much time thinking. It seems like a bad idea to get that lost in thought when the environment is as hostile as hers was! She changed a great deal throughout the book, which was fun to see.
At any rate, I did get somewhat invested in the story, which got better. I really did enjoy that, though there was romance, that wasn't the whole focus of the book. It was there, but the book was full of much more than that.
I think the thing that really didn't go over well with me was the God/faith allegory. It felt too forced and overly obvious, and it just... didn't really belong. It went from a sci-fi type feeling to "this is an overt metaphor for God, have faith and all things are possible". Which is fine, but doesn't really fit with what the story was shaping up to be. It was a strange shift, and I felt like the rest of the book focused too much, and gave too much credit to that. It kind of overshadowed what the characters were going through and accomplishing.
I guess my biggest complaint aside from the overt allegory was that the book changed pace and tone so much. Things were skimmed over, which I felt took away from how awful the Arena was supposed to be. And then it went from terrible, to a luxury resort, to terrible again. That kind of back and forth was strange!
So... yeah, I'm just really torn with this one.
I guess all I can say is that I didn't hate it, and I don't regret reading it. Which isn't the best compliment you can give a book...
May 15, 2010
This was a really weak book. A good premise, but the allegorical part was so blatant as to ruin the plot, and the messages were either too obvious, too patronizing, or both. The writing was poor, and the ending was terrible.
August 8, 2023
Nope. Nope nope nope.
I was super thrilled to start this novel, expecting an adventurous psychological contest against other regular people in a man-made arena. And loved the way the characters and challenge were introduced, to the point of wanting to be able to write like this myself.
But wtf?
Did not expect chapter 2 to hit it off with seemingly surreal developments, suspicions of an alien abduction, and hiking in the wild.
Seriously. Perhaps this is because I am not a native English speaker, but when I read the synopsis, I misinterpreted the "alien world" as some strange and unknown maze, not a different world including extraterrestrials and divinely created monsters.
I read (and disliked) the first 1/3, skimmed over the next 2/3, and read the epilogue.
Should have abandoned way sooner. Immediately when my alarm bells started ringing upon reading the Acknowledgements that were put before the first chapter.
My best guess is that . It could have actually been interesting, if the first chapter had not created totally different expectations; if this was instead .
What shook me most? That you can combine in one story.
Also: I hated the writing style. E;g.: how many times can you refer to specific types of trees etcetera? Seriously, do a count of how many times the word "juniper" appears. Really started to annoy me. Irrelevant, allright?
If this is your genre: go for it, and enjoy it. You'll find a whole village of characters here.
But I really could not care about any of these characters nor their setting, and found many interactions and dynamics plainly weird (e.g. .
The only good thing I could say is that .
I am never ever reading a novel categorized as "Christian fiction" again.
I was super thrilled to start this novel, expecting an adventurous psychological contest against other regular people in a man-made arena. And loved the way the characters and challenge were introduced, to the point of wanting to be able to write like this myself.
But wtf?
Did not expect chapter 2 to hit it off with seemingly surreal developments, suspicions of an alien abduction, and hiking in the wild.
Seriously. Perhaps this is because I am not a native English speaker, but when I read the synopsis, I misinterpreted the "alien world" as some strange and unknown maze, not a different world including extraterrestrials and divinely created monsters.
I read (and disliked) the first 1/3, skimmed over the next 2/3, and read the epilogue.
Should have abandoned way sooner. Immediately when my alarm bells started ringing upon reading the Acknowledgements that were put before the first chapter.
My best guess is that . It could have actually been interesting, if the first chapter had not created totally different expectations; if this was instead .
What shook me most? That you can combine in one story.
Also: I hated the writing style. E;g.: how many times can you refer to specific types of trees etcetera? Seriously, do a count of how many times the word "juniper" appears. Really started to annoy me. Irrelevant, allright?
If this is your genre: go for it, and enjoy it. You'll find a whole village of characters here.
But I really could not care about any of these characters nor their setting, and found many interactions and dynamics plainly weird (e.g. .
The only good thing I could say is that .
I am never ever reading a novel categorized as "Christian fiction" again.
February 5, 2009
Callie Hayes grudgingly agrees to participate in a psychology study as moral support for a friend. However, frightened by the examiners' secrecy and evasiveness (one vanishes before her eyes), she tries to escape but finds herself cast into the Arena, a testing ground for participants of the study. Armed with only a guidebook and minimal supplies, she is soon forced to trust the enigmatic Pierce, a man who claims to have spent the past five years in the Arena. As Callie journeys toward the Gate, supposedly her ticket out, she learns more about the mysterious Benefactor conducting the test and uses her developing faith in him to find the way home. However, this path is laid with false trails, traps, and false messiahs eager to destroy Callie and the friends she makes along the way. Hancock's first novel is an allegorical blend of fantasy and sf depicting the tests a soul faces that strengthen or destroy belief in God. Hints of the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max surface, along with the sense of climbing through the wardrobe into C.S. Lewis's allegorical Narnia. A classic in the making for the modern era, with appeal for fans of Lewis and Kathy Tyers ("Firebird Trilogy"), this is required for all collections.
May 13, 2022
This book absolutely stunned me. In the best possible way. I had no idea what I was really getting into. I just knew the premise sounded promising and I leaped into the pages. Wow. Just...wow! I was immediately hooked on this page-turning drama. It took me a few chapters to see through the layers and understand the absolute brilliance of this author's work. I knew the story was fantastic, but then I figured out that the story went deeper and the meaning became clear. What a great way to tell a story. I won't tell you what I discovered. I want you to experience this the same way I did. As Callie makes her way through the Arena, she will be tested. Her actions and reactions drive the story forward and her character arc is such a sweet conclusion. If you enjoy fantasy, you should read this. Even if you don't enjoy fantasy, I encourage you to give Arena a try. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2022
Having loved Karen Hancock's "Legend of the Guardian King" series, I've been curious about "Arena" but never got around to reading it. Then, Enclave Publishing re-released it with a GORGEOUS 20th edition cover. So... I snagged myself a copy, unsure of what I was going to get myself into (very much like Callie our protagonist).
And wow... was I blown away! It's just amazing!
While some of it feels "sci-fi", it's more of a fantasy epic. Without spoiling too much, it tells of a young woman's journey of survival through the Arena, a world where two battles are being waged: one between good and evil for the souls of humanity, and the other between light and darkness within the followers of Christ. The "allegory" is amazing! Simply put, it's "Pilgrim's Progress" meets "Star Wars" meets C.S. Lewis, but much deeper and more unique!
Read in nearly an entire day, this held me captive from beginning to end, leaving me satisfied... and, in a way, Changed.
And wow... was I blown away! It's just amazing!
While some of it feels "sci-fi", it's more of a fantasy epic. Without spoiling too much, it tells of a young woman's journey of survival through the Arena, a world where two battles are being waged: one between good and evil for the souls of humanity, and the other between light and darkness within the followers of Christ. The "allegory" is amazing! Simply put, it's "Pilgrim's Progress" meets "Star Wars" meets C.S. Lewis, but much deeper and more unique!
Read in nearly an entire day, this held me captive from beginning to end, leaving me satisfied... and, in a way, Changed.
July 27, 2009
I absolutely loved the first 3/4 of this book. Great adventure, mysterious and interesting characters and a good visual of the alien world. The only thing I would have liked is for the ending to have a little more to it....although I did like the very end where they meet up again years later...not the most original..but still cute and hopeful.
I had no idea this was "Christian fiction" until afterward- there was no "religion pushing" in this book-- just a lot of "faith" basis which was done in a way that didn't feel like preaching in the slightest-- it could apply to anyone, anywhere at anytime.
I had no idea this was "Christian fiction" until afterward- there was no "religion pushing" in this book-- just a lot of "faith" basis which was done in a way that didn't feel like preaching in the slightest-- it could apply to anyone, anywhere at anytime.
December 3, 2009
I enjoyed this book and didn't find that it was preachy in the Christian sense, despite the fact that is is listed as inspirational fiction. I can certainly see the parallels and allegory, but I do not believe that it would be a turn off to someone who was not a deeply religious person. I thought the message transcended Christianity as a moral tale of life, asserting ourselves and the choices we make. I enjoyed the little bit of an added happy ending as well. Sucker for the guy getting the girl.
January 30, 2018
Solidly written. I was surprised halfway through to discover it was an allegory for Christianity, but she manages to walk the line (barely) and keep it from being heavy handed. Recommended if you enjoy CS Lewis’s Space Trilogy.
January 16, 2013
I love this book! I have read it several times, it never gets old.
April 27, 2022
One of my all-time favorites.📚♥️
This was, I believe, my third or maybe fourth time reading Arena. It had been nearly 8 years since my last reread, so I had forgotten a lot of the story details yet remembered the main story plot.
In this brilliant scifi fantasy, Karen Hancock takes us, alongside main character Callie Hayes, on an unexpected epic journey of self-discovery. There are themes of trust, forgiveness, obedience, and unconditional love. The story also reflects the biblical fight between good and evil in a unique way.
I highly recommend this book to mature readers who enjoy scifi fantasy stories that do not shy away from showing some of the realities of sin and evil, as well as it’s consequences, and yet, despite the darkness it also shows us beautifully that hope can still be found.
My rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Content: no language or explicit sex scenes, quite a bit of war-like violence and some descriptions of blood and gore, some brief sensuality and a few kisses.
Although I do already own a first edition paperback copy of Arena, I was recently given an advance ebook from the publisher (which is what I just read) of the 20th Anniversary Edition. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was, I believe, my third or maybe fourth time reading Arena. It had been nearly 8 years since my last reread, so I had forgotten a lot of the story details yet remembered the main story plot.
In this brilliant scifi fantasy, Karen Hancock takes us, alongside main character Callie Hayes, on an unexpected epic journey of self-discovery. There are themes of trust, forgiveness, obedience, and unconditional love. The story also reflects the biblical fight between good and evil in a unique way.
I highly recommend this book to mature readers who enjoy scifi fantasy stories that do not shy away from showing some of the realities of sin and evil, as well as it’s consequences, and yet, despite the darkness it also shows us beautifully that hope can still be found.
My rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Content: no language or explicit sex scenes, quite a bit of war-like violence and some descriptions of blood and gore, some brief sensuality and a few kisses.
Although I do already own a first edition paperback copy of Arena, I was recently given an advance ebook from the publisher (which is what I just read) of the 20th Anniversary Edition. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 22, 2022
Wow, this book really got a hold of me. It was one of those that I found myself thinking about as I went about my day, anxious to get back to it.
While this book is an alien kidnapping story, it also has a lot of spiritual allegories, in the theme of Pilgrim's Progress. Arena has a lot of intense moments, from emotional breakdowns to edge-of-your-seat action. The characters are real--sometimes uncomfortably so--and sympathetic.
Arena took me by surprise, in that I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I can see why this book became a Christy Award winner.
I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
While this book is an alien kidnapping story, it also has a lot of spiritual allegories, in the theme of Pilgrim's Progress. Arena has a lot of intense moments, from emotional breakdowns to edge-of-your-seat action. The characters are real--sometimes uncomfortably so--and sympathetic.
Arena took me by surprise, in that I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I can see why this book became a Christy Award winner.
I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2015
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! MY ABSOLUTE ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOK!! I NEED SOMEONE TO RECOMMEND A BOOK TO ME THAT WOULD BE SIMILAR TO KARENS BOOKS!! I love the characters, the plot, the allegory and the cute little character romance!! :)
January 4, 2026
Mix hunger games with cheesy Christian and add a touch of thoughtful theology and inspirational advice on Christian living. A weird combination that took me a while to pick up but I am glad I did!
An awesome allegory, definitely some holes in the book and a bit cheesy at times but the imaginative way to see an entire Kingdom and the battle for Good versus Evil and how evil can entice us so often is very worthwhile!
Don’t plan to take a long time to read, I didn’t want to put it down.
An awesome allegory, definitely some holes in the book and a bit cheesy at times but the imaginative way to see an entire Kingdom and the battle for Good versus Evil and how evil can entice us so often is very worthwhile!
Don’t plan to take a long time to read, I didn’t want to put it down.
January 19, 2025
While I enjoyed this book, I would not say it was my favorite. I struggled at the start of it, not immediately captured into the story. I honestly feel like it would be great as a movie tho. As a book there was just SO MUCH that happened, I feel it needed to be condensed a bit to keep you desperate for more.
February 7, 2018
Hmmm. This one was thought provoking for sure. Enjoyable overall. Although it was hard to keep with, with all the different names and terms etc.
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