About the Book
Book: Arena
Author: Karen Hancock
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 16, 2022
A Journey She Did Not Choose Will Change Her Life Forever
Transported surreptitiously to a terrifying alien world, with limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie Hayes finds herself engulfed in a perilous battle for freedom – for her very life. After agreeing to participate in a routine psychology research experiment, she must unravel the mysteries shrouding her only route of escape or risk succumbing to the deadly deception of the Arena.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.
More from Karen
Arena was not my first novel. The Light of Eidon was. In those days, however, Christian publishers were not interested in the fantasy genre because it had too much magic and wizards and such, despite the publication of the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They were softening to science fiction, however, and thanks to Kathy Tyers, Randy Ingermanson, John Olson and others the door was opened in 2001 for what is called “speculative fiction.” Arena fit right in, and was published by Bethany House in 2002. It went on to win a Christy Award, which started the ball rolling for the Guardian King series. Three out of the four Guardian King books in that series also won Christy Awards, at which point I was the first speculative fiction author inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013.
I am thrilled to have Arena appear again in this 20th anniversary edition with a new cover and in limited-edition hardcover. Oasis Audio will also be producing the audiobook, for the first time, so it can be available for every type of reader.
Blog Stops
Inside the Wong Mind, April 30
For the Love of Literature, May 1 (Spotlight)
Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1
Beauty in the Binding, May 2 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2
Texas Book-aholic, May 3
Inklings and notions, May 4
For Him and My Family, May 5
deb’s Book Review, May 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 10
Blogging With Carol, May 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12
Through the Fire Blogs, May 13
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copy of Arena!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3bd/arena-celebraiton-tour-giveaway
My Review
Arena is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Karen Hancock. Even though it is not from my go to genre, I thought it was a good read. It is full of action and adventure that fascinated me to see what would happen next. I enjoyed Callie’s story. I could never predict how it was going to end for her. I thought the author did a great job making this whole new world seem believable and it was entertaining to read.
I am giving Arena three and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction. I thought it was definitely worth a read. I will be looking for more books by Karen Hancock.
I received a digital copy of Arena from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.