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Bellanok #1
The Reluctant Savior
Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in. Now the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.
Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.
Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.
Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.
Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
6 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Ralene Burke
9 books187 followersWhether she's wielding a fantasy writer's pen, a freelance editor's sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer's world. She spins fantastical tales to encourage people to SHINE BEYOND.
When her head's not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .
When her head's not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 21, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this new series by debut author Ralene Burke, but guys... this is something new and fresh on the Christian fantasy scene! I've never seen this done before, the combination of creatures and peoples and worlds and dimensions--the spiritual with the tangible--it's really original and vivid. Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is really well done, a quick fantasy read (rare!) with touches of humor (love that grouchy dragon!), and I will be looking forward to the next installments!
November 4, 2015
I finally got around to reading Bellanok. It’s a little difficult to review since it’s only the first part of the series, and I prefer to read the whole book and then make my mind up about it. But for now…
I really enjoyed it. It wouldn’t be my first choice, since it contains a few elements that I’d rather stay away from such as a modern setting and a portal-type fantasy.
But it had a few cool things going for it. A realm preserved from the beginning of time filled with creatures from myths and legends. Fairies, dragons, and unicorns. But evil has found away in. And as the author has said, “it’s not every day a unicorn becomes a nightmare”. And there is hint of a great adventure not set in our world. So it caught my interest.
We only glimpse the island of Bellanok, so I am anxious to return there and explore it some more. Most of the story was set in the United States and on the run until they reach the island.
The fairy queen was not the only one who wanted Brian.
I enjoyed the characters. They felt real. The down-on-his-luck pastor, the damsel-fairy queen in distress, well, her world is, and she braves the unknown with her trusty but ornery dragon sidekick. I enjoyed their cultural differences. They definitely had their quirks and promise of growth. I look forward to getting to know them more and seeing how the author will develop them.
I really enjoyed it. It wouldn’t be my first choice, since it contains a few elements that I’d rather stay away from such as a modern setting and a portal-type fantasy.
But it had a few cool things going for it. A realm preserved from the beginning of time filled with creatures from myths and legends. Fairies, dragons, and unicorns. But evil has found away in. And as the author has said, “it’s not every day a unicorn becomes a nightmare”. And there is hint of a great adventure not set in our world. So it caught my interest.
We only glimpse the island of Bellanok, so I am anxious to return there and explore it some more. Most of the story was set in the United States and on the run until they reach the island.
The fairy queen was not the only one who wanted Brian.
I enjoyed the characters. They felt real. The down-on-his-luck pastor, the damsel-fairy queen in distress, well, her world is, and she braves the unknown with her trusty but ornery dragon sidekick. I enjoyed their cultural differences. They definitely had their quirks and promise of growth. I look forward to getting to know them more and seeing how the author will develop them.
June 1, 2020
Bellanok is a contemporary Christian fantasy in which an island of faeries and mythical creatures on an island near America, veiled by protective stones. But something is wrong. The stones are failing. Somehow, a demon found his way into their haven and is causing death and destruction. Fauna, the queen, must remove the beast and save her kingdom.
There is one who can save them.
Brian, a pastor in a languishing church, isn't so sure of himself. If he was doing as God called, his church should be flourishing. So why isn't it? As he wonders what God has planned for him, strange beings lure him away to Bellanok.
Rather than shepherding a flock of humans in Brian's familiar world, God has called him to this strange world where he shrinks to faerie size, rides dragons, and battles giants. The job God has called him to seems very different in Bellanok. But is it really?
I enjoyed Bellanok. The story intrigued me from the start though I must confess to feeling that certain parts in the middle dragged. Overall, Bellanok is a good read. I appreciate fantasy stories that don't shy from the gospel and bring Christ Himself into the narrative. We need more books like this on the shelves.
If you like faith-filled adventures in alternate worlds full of fairy-tale creatures, Bellanok is the place for you.
There is one who can save them.
Brian, a pastor in a languishing church, isn't so sure of himself. If he was doing as God called, his church should be flourishing. So why isn't it? As he wonders what God has planned for him, strange beings lure him away to Bellanok.
Rather than shepherding a flock of humans in Brian's familiar world, God has called him to this strange world where he shrinks to faerie size, rides dragons, and battles giants. The job God has called him to seems very different in Bellanok. But is it really?
I enjoyed Bellanok. The story intrigued me from the start though I must confess to feeling that certain parts in the middle dragged. Overall, Bellanok is a good read. I appreciate fantasy stories that don't shy from the gospel and bring Christ Himself into the narrative. We need more books like this on the shelves.
If you like faith-filled adventures in alternate worlds full of fairy-tale creatures, Bellanok is the place for you.
October 19, 2015
Love the Serial Concept
The story sped by! I'm fascinated by Bellanok and Fauna's story. Brian's was a little harder to get into but there's enough to understand his situation. I can't wait for the next installment to see Brian's reaction to Bellanok and what danger awaits.
The story sped by! I'm fascinated by Bellanok and Fauna's story. Brian's was a little harder to get into but there's enough to understand his situation. I can't wait for the next installment to see Brian's reaction to Bellanok and what danger awaits.
July 19, 2016
First in a series, Bellanok the Reluctant Savior invites readers into a beautiful but failing world, where fairies, unicorns and dragons keep peace with their Creator Father, safely hidden from evil. But evil is killing unicorns and causing “panic attacks” for the Lady Fauna. This mythical realm has a very modern feel as the queen embarks on a serious quest to find the only human who will save Bellanok.
Meanwhile, on earth, Pastor Brian is losing his faith, because in the real world, “his light does not shine as bright—the faith of this world is much weaker.” Cultures clash, and there are some great lines of dialog as Brian begins to see beyond the ills of this world, and maybe even learns to believe in demons. But can he really have been chosen? Will he believe enough to embark on his task?
The story is filled with pleasing allusions to Eden and the Fall, complemented with questions of faith and practice, and pleasingly portrayed with fun and faith. There are more books to come, and readers should be ready to embark on reading them soon when they’ve finished this one.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I offer my honest review.
Meanwhile, on earth, Pastor Brian is losing his faith, because in the real world, “his light does not shine as bright—the faith of this world is much weaker.” Cultures clash, and there are some great lines of dialog as Brian begins to see beyond the ills of this world, and maybe even learns to believe in demons. But can he really have been chosen? Will he believe enough to embark on his task?
The story is filled with pleasing allusions to Eden and the Fall, complemented with questions of faith and practice, and pleasingly portrayed with fun and faith. There are more books to come, and readers should be ready to embark on reading them soon when they’ve finished this one.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I offer my honest review.
June 23, 2016
I had no idea what to expect with Bellanok. I love the title and the cover! One thing I don't like very much is reading on my tablet/phone, BUT this short read got me to do it! I read this in a very short time (actually in a hospital waiting room) and it kept me intrigued while I waited, making time fly by, which I was very grateful for.
Two very different worlds collide in this story. I like the fact that Fauna was willing to do what had to be done and seek out Brian. Brian, a preacher, is totally taken by surprise by this new world he is introduced to and goes through quite a bit of emotions.
This story does contain some dark vs. light elements and I am very interested to see where Burke takes it. Oh, and this was the very first Serial I have read and I am torn on whether I really like the idea or am frustrated that I don't have the full story. Part 2 is out so at least I don't have to wait for that! Looking forward to the next!
Two very different worlds collide in this story. I like the fact that Fauna was willing to do what had to be done and seek out Brian. Brian, a preacher, is totally taken by surprise by this new world he is introduced to and goes through quite a bit of emotions.
This story does contain some dark vs. light elements and I am very interested to see where Burke takes it. Oh, and this was the very first Serial I have read and I am torn on whether I really like the idea or am frustrated that I don't have the full story. Part 2 is out so at least I don't have to wait for that! Looking forward to the next!
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August 17, 2021Disappointing
The basic story is good but the style of writing made it difficult for me to stay interested. In the most exciting part of the book, when I should have been on the edge of my seat, I found myself critiquing the writing. Its hard for me to say what could have been done differently but I felt none of the characters' fear or any of their emotions. Except for an occasional scream and a good description of the danger, there was little to indicate the terror they must have all felt. It also felt somewhat cliché in parts, *spoiler alert* especially with the "evil whirlpool" in the ocean in the middle of the storm. Sorry, I just think that is a bit overused. She gives you a good description of the danger, it just was not written well enough to hold my interest and to make exciting characters. It was also difficult to feel sympathy for any of the characters.
The basic story is good but the style of writing made it difficult for me to stay interested. In the most exciting part of the book, when I should have been on the edge of my seat, I found myself critiquing the writing. Its hard for me to say what could have been done differently but I felt none of the characters' fear or any of their emotions. Except for an occasional scream and a good description of the danger, there was little to indicate the terror they must have all felt. It also felt somewhat cliché in parts, *spoiler alert* especially with the "evil whirlpool" in the ocean in the middle of the storm. Sorry, I just think that is a bit overused. She gives you a good description of the danger, it just was not written well enough to hold my interest and to make exciting characters. It was also difficult to feel sympathy for any of the characters.
December 3, 2015
Entertaining, short story. Lively fantasy
I really enjoyed this quick read. It was a good, clean read. But upon reflection, it's quite sad.
This is a good example of current "Christian" fiction. It looks and feels good until you realize that the stone of offense is missing. Somehow the idea has become the norm that Jesus or a Messiah is not necessary for a Christian novel. We need to remember the word from Jesus, "If you're ashamed of me, I'll be ashamed of you."
So, yes I'd let my child read this, but I'd explain to him or her before they started reading it that the author was too chicken to include Jesus. Maybe that seems harsh, but one of these days we are all going to held responsible for the words we say and the words we write.
I really enjoyed this quick read. It was a good, clean read. But upon reflection, it's quite sad.
This is a good example of current "Christian" fiction. It looks and feels good until you realize that the stone of offense is missing. Somehow the idea has become the norm that Jesus or a Messiah is not necessary for a Christian novel. We need to remember the word from Jesus, "If you're ashamed of me, I'll be ashamed of you."
So, yes I'd let my child read this, but I'd explain to him or her before they started reading it that the author was too chicken to include Jesus. Maybe that seems harsh, but one of these days we are all going to held responsible for the words we say and the words we write.
July 5, 2016
Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior by Ralene Burke is an excellent example of Christian fantasy that meets all the criteria of a great fantasy book. It is action packed and fast paced.
The author did a great job of developing a storyline that will grab you and fill you with excitement. It is full of action and plot twist that make it a fun book to read. And, it is fun to read a "clean" book for a change without all the language issues.
The cast of characters developed by Ralene Burke are deep and easy to get behind. They are real and very believable which makes the tale come alive.
I enjoyed reading Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior by Ralene Burke and highly recommend this book to all readers.
The author did a great job of developing a storyline that will grab you and fill you with excitement. It is full of action and plot twist that make it a fun book to read. And, it is fun to read a "clean" book for a change without all the language issues.
The cast of characters developed by Ralene Burke are deep and easy to get behind. They are real and very believable which makes the tale come alive.
I enjoyed reading Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior by Ralene Burke and highly recommend this book to all readers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews