The Legend of the Firefish

Trophy Chase #1

by George Bryan Polivka

The Legend of the Firefish is a timeless tale of the pursuit of faith and honor.

Packer Throme longs to bring prosperity back to his decaying fishing village by discovering the trade secrets of a notorious pirate who hunts the legendary Firefish and sells the rare meat. Armed with the love of the priest's daughter and a noble purpose, Packer stows away on the ship Trophy Chase bound for sea. But many tests of his faith and his resolve follow.

Will belief and vision be enough for the young man to survive?

Captivating action, dialogue, and insights into the heroic struggle of faith make this an ideal read for fans of adventure, fantasy, and well-told tales of honor.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Pirates, Young Adult, Christian Fantasy

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

George Bryan Polivka was raised in the Chicago area, attended Bible college in Alabama, and ventured on to Europe where he studied under Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. He then returned to Alabama where he enrolled at Birmingham-Southern College as an English major.

In 1986, Bryan won an Emmy for writing his documentary, “A Hard Road to Glory,” which detailed the difficult path African Americans traveled to achieve recognition through athletic success during times of racial prejudice and oppression.

Bryan moved to the Baltimore area where he worked with Sylvan Learning Systems, (now Laureate Education). In 2001 Bryan was honored by the U.S. Distance Learning Association for the most significant achievement by an individual in corporate e-Learning. Bryan is currently responsible for developing and delivering new programs for Laureate’s online higher education division.

Reviews

[George Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lots of swords and monsters, a love story, and people struggling against the odds. It has a siginificant spiritual bent, traditional (like 17th century) Christian. I really like it, but then, I'm a bit biased.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books by Christian authors will be enjoyed by all readers. Lord of the Rings comes to mind. Others, while equally enjoyable for Christian readers, will probably fail to connect with non-Christian readers. The Legend of the Firefish fits that latter category.

The premise is promising: a seventeenth century sea-faring tale in which certain mythological elements (sea monsters) are true. The storytelling is competent.

Writing any novel with a Christian worldview adds a dimension which some readers will appreciate, but many wouldn't.

The story is constantly interrupted by the jarring mix of modern attitudes with seventeenth century (or older) technology. Talk of "glut the world's markets" and "daydreams of patterned porcelain plates" are completely out of place. Also, making the King James Version Nearing Vast's literal Bible is a stretch. While they may be a plausible analog for England, the rest of the KJV doesn't fit the Firefish world. Like C. S. Lewis dropping Father Christmas and Bacchus into Narnia, it's a mixing of mythologies which Professor Tolkien found inexcusable.

Polivka is a good writer. He sets up all sorts of good conflicts and not a few cliff-hangers, but then he defuses the tension by over analyzing them. He needs to leave us hanging more.

Additionally, Polivka's heavy-handed evangelizing also distracts from the story. It may be his reason for writing the books, but it certainly knocks the reader out of the story for his sermon-of-the-chapter.

All in all an enjoyable read. I look forward to The remainder of the Trophy Chase trilogy.

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 stars- English paperback
The Legend of the Firefish, by George Bryan Polivka, is the first book of an exciting new series - the Trophy Chase Trilogy.

Packer is a fisherman from a poor village that he gladly calls home; a master swordsman; a disgraced seminary student (but for the right reasons); and a man deeply in love with a woman who gladly returns his ardor. He seeks to answer the question common to man: what is his purpose in life? And he decides that the hunt for the magical Firefish will answer his question and show him how all the pieces of his life fit together.

He quickly discovers, however, that he has embarked on the wrong quest. The true question is - what is God's purpose for his life.

He grows from the initial confusion about who he is despite his natural talents, to a gloomy certainty that he isn't worth the tarnish on a rusty sword, until finally, he discovers that what he thinks of himself doesn't matter. If God approves of him, everything else will fall into place.


This story marvelously weaves the stories of several characters together and creates a brilliant tapestry of growing faith in the face of doubt and active opposition that threatens death at every turn. He combines swordsmanship (and swordswomanship!), and sailing into an adventure that is fun and causes the reader to pause for personal reflection at the end.

I can't help but wonder if Packer Throm's struggles find their roots in the author's life. I am grateful to Mr. Polivka for sharing them in such a wonderful way.

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was unaware when I picked this book up that it was Christian fiction (I generally avoid the genre as I find it overall poorly written, preachy in tone, and pretty much romantic fiction which I also do not read). Given my bias against the genre, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found the balance between story and message appropriate. The emphasis on message did not detract from plot or characterization overmuch, and I was able to read the book without being too annoyed.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do wish the "sermons" were more covert ~ integrated better. They seem to make you step out of the story.

[Sandralena Hanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book. The premise sounded good and some of the plot twists were interesting. But I didn't like any of the characters.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book at my local library, when I was searching for a not-super-serious/dramatic/heavy book to read last weekend. I was searching Christian fiction in the library catalog...read this synopsis...and was just floored by the idea of a Christian book with pirates in it. So I just had to pick it up.

I loved this book. My expectation going in was that it might be kind of airy, more entertainment than good theology...but this book was something altogether unexpected and amazing. As the characters struggled with their own sin and pursuit of righteousness and Christianity, I saw myself; my own struggles between God and self. I found the characters to be very real; not the picture-perfect Christians that I could imagine and write. These were real characters with real struggles.

The book was heavier at times than I expected, because I'm used to death being glossed over, like it doesn't really matter, because of movies and games, etc, but Polivka deals with death as *death*. I really appreciated that, among many things in this book: Death had the weight that it deserved.

Overall, this book was a great, exhilarating read. And it's only the first in a trilogy! I was so excited to see that the other two books were available at the library; I'm on the next one now!

[Sue Bohannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a grandson that loves fiction/fantasy books. I was a little concerned until I found/read your book,"The Legend Of The FireFish". I have ordered him the trilogy set. I loved reading "'FireFish" and may be hooked on fantasy and dragons myself. He is coming by today on his way back to college and pick up another trilogy by another Christian author, L. A. Kelly. I have bought him other sets at the Family Christian Store but when I checked Saturday, they were not carrying any dragon/fantasy type Christian books.

If you have other fiction/fantasy books you have written please tell me where I might buy them. I have to go to the Internet most of the time. However, I did buy "'FireFish"
at Wal-Mart. Before I finished reading it I ordered the boxed trilogy on Christian Books.com for his birthday that is coming up. I took a chance on "'FireFish" and noticed printed on the price of the book that it stated Inspirational Fiction. That sold me to take the chance
Thanks for writing such books for kids/adults that are based on solid concepts of the Bible.

Sue Bohannon

[Jaclynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for an adventure on the sea! Packer Throme begins his quest to hunt the Firefish (with secrets given to him by his father) by stowing away on Scat Wilkin’s (a notorious pirate) ship- The Trophy Chase. But will he die at the hand of Talon, a woman who has turned her back on God, before he ever gets the chance to share his knowledge and desire? And what will happen to Panna, the girl he loves? I really liked this book although it did take quite a bit of concentration to get through. One of the main lessons it shows is that God is in control no matter what life throws at us, and if He wills it to happen it will and if His will is otherwise then nothing can stand in His way.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a Christian book when I picked it up at the library. I was a little worried that the story wouldn't be very good/complex. It turned out OK. While it had a slow start, the characters were likeable (for the most part) and the story was fun and even exciting at times. I'm not sure I'll finish out the trilogy as the writing and themes were a bit too simple for my taste.

[Caroline Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT book! I love the characters and the plot and it's very well-written. The only thing I'd say is that there is a good bit violence, so if you're sensitive to violence, this book might not be for you. Other than that, it was a great read!!!

[Richard Lovecchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one for all the god stuff but this book was something that can get people to believe in him I am still not sure but I do know this book was at the top of book's I have read. I'm still trying to get the second.

[Raymond Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written, quality Christian Fiction. It has a fantasy genre to it but all will enjoy it even if that is not your type of reading. The whole series is excellent.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a high 3-start, almost a 4-star for me.

[Kyle Domingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a thrift store when I was in college. I don't know how many times I read this book, surely this is my comfort book. Lots of adventure, and good romance too

[Addison S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book ten stars! It was AWESOME! Think Pirates of the Caribbean but better cause it is Christian! I loved it so much. The next two books in the series are just as good! Read these books or else!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packer Throme, a failed seminary student, turns to the sword as the means of proving his worth and hatches a daring plan to save his fishing village from poverty. He concocts a plot to stow away aboard the pirate ship Trophy Chase, whose captain, the notorious Scat Wilkins, hunts a treasure far more valuable than silver or gold. Wilkins hunts the Firefish, legendary sea creatures whose meat is a highly prized and valuable commodity. Packer has little idea of the life-threatening dangers facing him when he sets out on his quest -- particularly the threat his faith poses to Talon, a godless Drammune warrior woman bent on destroying him because of his beliefs. Meanwhile, Panna Seline leaves the safety of her village life in order to find Packer, little realizing that as Packer's love she is a target Talon would pay dearly to eliminate in order to destroy him.

Polivka's prose is richly detailed and his worldcrafting has a nice "dense" feel to it. While Firefish is not a fantasy per se in that there are no dragons or wizards, in some respects Packer's world can be likened to the classic "fantasy" of Tolkien's Middle Earth. Where Tolkien constructed the world of Lord of the Rings as a kind of British "pre-history," Polivka's world of Nearing Vast feels like it could have taken place in, say, an early American or European fishing village. This sense of familiarity makes the novel very accessible. And while Polivka's characters are thrust into incredible, life-threatening adventures, their personalities and reactions are firmly grounded in reality. The fact that their fears, hopes, doubts, and dreams are credible and relatable draws the reader into the story and lends a compelling sense of urgency to their struggles.

Firefish has an old-fashioned feel to it, reminscent of classic adventure stories like The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini, in great part due to Polivka's succesful use of the omniscent point-of-view. The point-of-view is constantly changing and the transitions from one character's perspective to a "big picture" view and back again are seamlessly accomplished. While this is a technique that took a little getting used to, I grew to appreciate it as it adds to the richness of the narrative. Every character, from the principals like Packer and Panna (the latter is especially notable as she is no weak and fainting heroine -- she meets every challenge thrown her way head on with strength and backbone) to the villagers of Near Vast, are fully and realistically developed. The faith element is expertly incorporated into the storyline as well and Polivka doesn't beat his readers over the head with a simplistic Christian message. Thanks to his strong characterizations, Packer and Panna's faith is an integral aspect of their lives and the struggle between their natural and spiritual selves is taut and compelling.

The Legend of the Firefish is a classic hero's tale wrapped in the swashbuckling excitement of an old-fashioned adventure story, shot through with a ribbon of faith. Book two, The Hand That Bears the Sword, releases July 2007.

[Deb]

in a history that is similar to our own, but different in that the giant sea monsters drawn on maps are actually real, a young man is strangely obsessed with the "legend" of the firefish. he believes he can help find the elusive beasts--but the only problem is that the only people interested in hunting the firefish are pirates. stowing away on a pirate ship is almost a certain death sentence, but that is just what packer (our hero) does. this leads to the first of several times he is nearly killed, but survives by the hand of providence. providence is also guiding his fiance, who leaves her home on a desperate quest to find him. plenty of swashbuckling adventure follows, with a hint at more to come in the planned sequels.[return]there isn't much "christian fantasy" so fans of that genre who would like it to be written with that worldview will be pleased to see this new addition. the fantasy element is kind of low, this reads more like an alternate history type of adventure, though the firefish and the native people that hunt them are pretty unusual. there's no magic, but there is a god who seems to be keeping packer alive through some pretty incredible circumstances. it took a while for me to get into this story, i had to adapt to the historical feel of the language and geography, but once the adventure got underway it was a good romp.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up a clearance sale with no expectations. The cover and title were intriguing. Usually, that turns out fairly well as I have no glowing reviews to taint how I process the story. This one only turned out sort of on par with that trend. The world and mythology is top notch. However, there is too many monologues for my taste. Monologues that only end with "God will decide." I'm okay that the characters end up this way; it is just frustrating that we spend so much time with them arguing a decision to have them never come to a decision. At some point, the characters have to learn their own lesson that they have faith in God, not repeat it for every crisis. Like the other reviews, I wasn't aware that the book was in the Christian Fiction genre. I feel it is sloppy in its more preachy moments. The moments with the Firefish and the chase of the Achawuk are thrilling stuff and my favorite parts of the book. It loses traction when we return to the Talon plot. She's written less interesting than Scat Wilkins or the men who follow him. It is hard to get on board with her redemption plotline as she isn't developed enough for me to care which way she goes. Or rather her best stuff comes too late in the book.

[Les Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I really liked the storyline and the characters! I do have one gripe about it. The author created this beautiful story in a different world during a different time...yet didn't want to create a Jesus in that world that reflected that. When it came to that his creativity was dry. How does an author just transplant the exact story of Jesus, in our timeline, into a created fictional world? The author also needs to create a Jesus that fits into that world like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien did, and they did it very well. It took me away from the story. Give the biblical characters different names and different nationalities and even a little bit different history so their story fits into this created world yet still keeping the very same message. We see this done with so many other authors. I feel like the author's theology got in the way of his creativity.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on faith and trust. Shows great glimpses of how God works, and we don't realize it until someone points it out later.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heroic struggle of faith- a compelling story of adventure, mythology, honor & sacrifice.Packer Throme begins his quest to hunt the Firefish (with secrets given to him by his father) by stowing away on Scat Wilkin's (a notorious pirate) ship- The Trophy Chase. But will he die at the hand of Talon a woman who has turned her back on God
before he ever gets the chance to share his knowledge and desire? And what will happen to Panna, his beloved? This book was a little "wierd" but it had a very good message that God is in control over our lives. Whatever happens, it's in His Hands.
And... He most definitely can bring good out of bad.

[Je74393 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was thought-provoking, exciting, and (for me) often unpredictable. It was pretty violent sometimes, but had very little sexuality. I appreciated the closer look into characters' minds and hearts. The story had a whole lot happening all at once and yet was very well held together. I do not agree with all of the spiritual perspective though. It seems to have a Calvinist lean.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a rip-roaring tale this was! This book is action packed and a real page-turner. I enjoyed the rollicking ride and was also pleasantly surprised by the depth of the plot and the soul/spiritual issues that were fleshed out as the characters responded to difficult situations. This is Christian fiction a step above the average.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rousing tale of high seas adventures, battles and a search for a semi-mythical predator. Liberally mixed with an earthly love story we should all aspire to and the truth of the heavenly Father's unconditional love. Whenever I want excitement, pirates and a good dose of spiritual challenge, I read this book.

[J-rod Drudge]

It was very adventurs and with a lot of caracters that have purposes that make sense in th story. My favorate caracter is Packer Throme, and Scat Wilkins. They both play an important role in the story. If Scat Wilkins wasn't in the story, then Packer wouldn't of been in the story and it probaly would not have been very intresting. I really liked it, and I bet the second book will be even better.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I liked the Christian aspect of it and the real struggles between right and wrong. And not to mention PIRATES lol!! I started the sequel but I couldn't get into it. Firefish ends nicely, the sequels weren't exactly necessary. Recommended!!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame that this series remains unnoticed! I read them several years ago, and I loved them. Definitely a good and very exciting read. It is packed with action, adventure, and a powerful message blended throughout. I wish more Christian fiction could have this mix of fantasy and adventure! :)

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars.
There's too much explaining of people's thoughts, intentions, and what their faith is. All this internal dialogue slows the story down too much. I just kept thinking, get on with the story.

[Catrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I found that I didn't have much emotional connection with the characters. I didn't really care what happened to them. Some of the 'non-fighting' annoyed me. Though I did like how easy it was to read. Over all, an okay book. I will probably read the second one, since I have it.