In conjunction with our Master Class on Saturday, I plan to share reviews of other YA or MG fantasy novels. Some may have explicit Christian content such as Amy Earls' FORBIDDEN REIGN, but others like today's book, MAGGIE AND THE MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT by Mark Snoad, might not. As our guest blogger, Ginger Dennison points out, even books without clear Christian references, can be used to prompt a spiritual discussion.

REVIEW

How many heroine’s have Crohn’s Disease and allergies and have to carry a bag with inhalers and other medical supplies at all times? Maggie is a very cautious and insecure girl, but in desperation subdues a raging monster from another world with her Epi-pen! This rollicking story has creatures like Faeries, Brownies and Bugbears who we know from our childhood stories, and brings them into very believable historical settings, like the Tower of London, via a totally fictional Wayfinder Girls (“light the path, lead the way”) international organization, dedicated to keeping our world safe from other worlds. Read this book to learn historical facts, discover why this organization recruits girls instead of adults for this life threatening task, but mainly read it for pure enjoyment!

Thoughts as a Christian

The author may or may not be Christian, but as a Christian grandmother of 13 boys and girls, I can enthusiastically endorse this book. There is nothing to offend Christian sensibilities or even sensitivities.  Depending on the age of the child, you could discuss what makes this a fantasy novel and whether or not God created fairies, bugbears, etc, but making this a theological issue would probably just earn you an eye roll from your child or grandchild. 

I think it would be more interesting to focus on the motto of the Wayfinder Girls: “Light the Path, Lead the Way.”  This can be used to ask questions like, “Who in the real world says he is the way, the truth and the life?"  Molly is a fictional Wayfinder but we are all finding our way in this life, and the path we want to be on leads us to everlasting, happily-ever-after life. The Word is a light on this path (Jesus is the Word; He is also the Light of the World).  As I discuss the book with them, I would not be trying to change this into a Christian story, just using a theme for my Grandmotherly interest in the Spiritual well-being of these children I love. 

About Ginger Dennison, Our Guest Blogger

Ginger remembers getting her first library card and the weekly library time in primary school.  She was introduced to the Little House books and the Narnia series at just the right ages. Reading always was and continues to be an adventure for her. Ginger is also my Bible study leader and was my fun travel companion to western Canada in 2022.

GIVEAWAY!!

Mark Snoad is giving away a copy of MAGGIE AND THE MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT to one fortunate winner. Please leave a comment by April 20 and you'll be in the running!

To find out more about Mark Snoad and his writing, here is a youtube interview with him.