Item 1 of 1
Arena -
Karen Hancock.
Minneapolis, Minn. : Bethany House, c2002.
393 p. ; 22 cm.
Reviews:
- Rosemary Moran (VOYA, October 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 4))
Enticed by the $50 offered to participants, best friends Callie and Meg agree to be in a psychology department experiment. When Callie is dressed in a futuristic jumpsuit, however, and her belongings taken from her, she is warned by a man in the waiting room that "strange things go on around here." After Callie is separated from Meg and frightened as her interviewer disappears in front of her eyes, she attempts to withdraw from the experiment. Instead, she is thrust into a strange world with minimal supplies and a mysterious manual whose directions tell her how to find her way to the gate that will return her home. Callie's journey leads her through terrifying places and events. Joining others who have also been placed in the Arena, she tries to understand the directions of the manual and find her way to the portal. Fighting the mutant subhuman Trogs and linking up with Pierce, the one man she believes can lead them out, Callie overcomes her crippling fear of heights and discovers other strengths within her. After a year of struggle, she escapes and finds that she had been gone only overnight in her world. Relying on the skills and strengths she developed in the Arena, Callie achieves her dream of a successful artist and is reunited with Pierce. This exciting, allegorical science fiction novel from a noted Christian publisher symbolizes the quest of the human soul through a world that often puts roadblocks in one's path. Although there are descriptions of horrific acts endured by the humans, none is graphic. Callie and Pierce decide not to consummate their relationship until they can be married. The characterizations are well crafted, and the plot moves quickly toward the final passage. Teens would easily identify with the characters and their struggles. This well-written novel would be enjoyed by science fiction fans of all ages. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P J S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2002, Bethany House, 393p, $11.99 Trade pb. Ages 12 to Adult. Subjects:
- Psychology, Experimental Fiction.
Psychological fiction.
Christian fiction.
| Language | Call Number | LCCN | Dewey Decimal | ISBN/ISSN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English (eng) | PS3608.A698 A89 2002 |
2002000969 |
813/.6 |
0764226312 9780764226311 |