Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart

by Craig W. Dressler

The back cover reads: "The invasion of Hafren has begun. Two youths are thrown into the fray attempting to thwart the evil. At times their efforts even turn humorous. The outcome remains uncertain as the two head directly for the trouble's source."

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

84 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2004

About the author

For several years I searched for peace but failed to find it until I made Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Since then I have taught overseas and in Christian institutions in the U.S. In addition, I have had several books published including two works for teens: Character Concert and Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart.
Here are a few Facebook pages:
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Reviews

[Craig Dressler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One practicing witch who happened to read the novel was not happy with its Christian worldview. However, I think you or your teen will enjoy the fast-paced plot and occasional humor. In addition, there is teaching on pride versus humility as well as teaching on forgiveness.

Here is an excerpt from the Midwest Book Review:
"This is the story of an adventure of two youths... The two fellows looked different and because of that others stay away from them, but that doesn't stop their quest for adventure... Are they afraid? Perhaps. But this trip holds many suprises for them.
This story is one of overcoming evil with the help of God, friendship, and helping your fellow man. It is an entertaining and God-principal story that any teen should enjoy."

Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart is available from amazon.com and from the Lighthouse Christian Publishing website fantasy page 2 at http://lighthousechristianpublishing.com

Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart

[Patricia Kemp Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shuh and Ufh, two youths set out on a quest for the good of all. The Horroh are planning on attacking surrounding lands. The two youth from Huhland must warn the others. Each place they went they were held as captives until the message they delivered is proven to be true. It is a harrowing adventure with much danger to self along treacherous terrain. There is also a creature called a garrow that comes up from the sea and burrows tunnels and destroys and kills everything that gets in it's way.

Along their journey pride tends to foil their intentions and the evil they seek to destroy gets a stronghold whenever pride is evident.

In this book the author teaches that becoming prideful can lead us into temptation. But if we present ourselves with humility it leads us to righteousness. Asking God for forgiveness will restore humility and help us to defeat evil within us and in the world.

We must trust in God and endure our trials and tribulations with patience and prayer. God is there every step of the way.

Okay young people let's put on the Armor of God and battle the temptations of evil at every turn! Reading this book will help you find the way.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5. Only because I had a hard time getting past the first few pages. So don't make the same mistake I did by assuming the whole book would not be interesting. As I continued to read I found it to be an enjoyable read with an inspiring message. I would very much have liked some colorful illustrations depicting the characters and there surroundings. I had a hard time getting an image of the characters in my mind.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is evil approaching and the knowledge of its approach is thrust upon the shoulders of two young adults who try to warn their leader. When the leader refuses to believe them, their struggles begin. "Hafren" tells the tale of Shuh and Ufh as they endeavor to save their village and others nearby. It also shows some of the inner struggles and shortcomings of the two as they struggle toward their goal to fight this evil. On their jouney they discover much about themselves and about evil and how it works. In the end they seek to find the way to overcome evil once-and-for-all. Is there a way? If so, what is it?

I am not a big fan of fantasy or of young adult literature. However, I did find that the end of the book was worth the wait. I felt that the writing was good but a little stiff and with sharp turns on occasion. Also, I would have liked more of an introduction to the characters, the location, and some information about the natural dangers in the land. I felt like I was always a little behind the story trying to figure out what the creature was and who the characters were, but that could just be me since I am not a fantasy fan. But even with those issues, I would say the book is worth reading. The story is enjoyable and at the same time gives the reader something to think about beyond the surface presentation of a fantasy tale.

[angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart did not live up to my expectations of the young fantasy genre. I felt as though the story developed too rapidly with very little reference to the "back story" of the plot. If there was an introduction of prologue...I missed it. Although I spent some time wondering a bit about the character names, the adventure held my attention throughout the reading. Even though this wasn't an advanced reader copy (ARC), there were several typographical errors. Overall, Hafren...was a quick read; finished it in one hour.