Reviews

Fans of Harry Potter and Bilbo Baggins and Aslan speak enthusiastically of the pleasures of reading fantasy literature. They may not always understand its benefit. Psychologists and social scientists have long understood its value as a tool with which readers explore different realities, in order to make sense of their own. The use of metaphor, allegory, and alternate scenarios has been shown to strengthen readers’ abilities to face fears, cultivate empathy, and claim their own powers as choosers and changemakers, even against formidable foes and immense challenges.

Sean of the Realms is another welcome addition to this genre. Author Jacqueline Howard has compiled stories she once told to her son at bedtime into a fantasy coming-of-age tale with all the elements to delight: a young hero with a mysterious past whose true identity and purpose become revealed through trial and testing, risk-taking and humility, loyalty and betrayal, and great, enduring love. Through non-stop action rather than long descriptive narrative, Howard creates a world of “realms”—realities of great beauty and potential, yet under threat from evil forces.

In a word, it’s a re-telling of the Christian story. But don’t reduce this book to simplistic theology palatable only to the very young. With deft touches that never deteriorate into creedal formulations, Howard paints a world of ambiguity and complexity in which God’s purposes are not always discerned, let alone welcomed. Asking questions becomes a way of learning, a spiritual discipline that draws the hero into greater understanding of self-in-relationship to others and to the Holy One. Sean exercises growing personal agency while realizing the deep connective tissue at the heart of creation. Much like the children of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia chronicles, Sean must learn that life is not an individual competition to win and get rewarded, but a collaborative adventure with a larger purpose benefiting the whole community.

And an adventure it is! Suitable for readers of all ages, Sean of the Realms offers a good and generous guide to faith formation through enjoyable fantasy and amazing grace.

Sean of the Realms by Jacqueline Howard

A Review by Dr. Louise Westfall