Most readers are unfamiliar with the term “Christian Speculative Fiction”. This sub genre consists of fantasy, science fiction, and supernatural thrillers written from a Christian worldview. And yes, there are at times horror stories are involved. To create a work of Christian fantasy is to compare oneself to such legends as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Few have managed to reach a level of storytelling to comprehend with these legendary authors.

“The Bowsinger” by Eileen Copeland is worthy of joining with the ranks of Lewis and Tolkien. I have known Eileen for years and there have been many times I saw her working hard over her laptop in our church coffee shop. A few years back, I was privileged to be asked to take a look at some of the early chapters of this work. I was impressed then. And I am truly impressed now. I was so honored when Eileen asked me to write a review for her book.

When one writes reviews, there is a different mindset. As an author and editor, I am looking for specific elements of the writing to signal if it is well written and the story and characters are well developed. I must confess, when I started reading “The Bowsinger” I completely forgot I was reviewing the book. Instead, I was drinking in, soaking in, living in this fantastic world Eileen has created.

“The Bowsinger” has all of the necessary requisites of a classic! Fantastic characters, including elves and dragons! A slow growing love story. A heroine (with a secret!) faced with impossible odds yet dedicated to her Creator and His teachings. A kingdom under siege from forces of evil!

As you meet Aralyn, you are immediately won over by her personality, her spunk, and her “hidden” talent of “singing” an arrow to its intended destination. Originally betrothed against her will to an awful shopkeeper in her village, she soon learns she is to marry Brone, a wealthy businessman in a distant land. His escort, Master Gillis, takes Aralyn away from her village and her home headed for her fate with Brone. Of course, along the way to the kingdom, bad things happen. I don’t want to ruin the story. You must read it yourself!

Just know that the character development and growth of Aralyn and her escort, Gillis, is deep and layered. I loved these characters even when they were decidedly unlovable. And the dragons! Physically beautiful and stunning in their appearance, their wisdom and compassion were so surprising for a creature that usually spends most of its time eating and charring its enemies! Aralyn’s friend, a Grand Dragon has her own quest: “Aralyn, I will tell you this—I must keep searching until I discover where my rider fell and claim that ground for him.”

And, of course, Elves come to Aralyn’s aid against the evil forces threatening to conquer all that is good.

Eileen creates a chilling metaphor for the seductive attraction of sin and our heroine is not immune to those forces. Her battle to overcome evil and control her own temptations is at the heart of the latter part of the story and worth every minute of buildup to the climax.

I have known Eileen for years and I had to tell her how proud I was of this novel. What a great effort realized with care and diligence and a deep understanding of what the reader wants to experience.

Get “The Bowsinger” today! Enjoy the journey! Sing with Aralyn. Eileen must have the same gift for she sang her story to hit the very heart of every reader! Well done!

You can find her book at this link.

On another note, please pray for Eileen as she is experiencing significant health problems and can use all the prayers we can send up!