Customer Reviews

The Legend of the Firefish (Trophy Chase Trilogy)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let's be honest here, when I found out we were going to feature The Legend of the Firefish during the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Tour I wasn't too impressed or excited. I've never heard of him and I'm not too into pirates. I've discussed my author loyalty before - once I've read you and I liked you I'll buy pretty much everything you write. Even if it's not my typical genre (which is why I'll buy Wayne Thomas Batson's new pirate book!). For me it takes some pretty high praise from someone I already know and trust before I spend my hard earned money on an author that is new to me. Especially in a genre I don't normally read. Pirates. High seas. I loved Pirates of the Caribbean but not so much love for pirate books.

And um, yeah, I was pretty sure it was going to be lame because well, the whole Firefish thing threw me. And the character and location names kind of threw me as well. But then I read the opening scene and man! WOW! I couldn't put it down and much to my husband's chagrin I totally ignored both the need to clean our house and do our laundry. I fell in love with Packer from the moment he drew is beautiful sword.

Each character is richly developed. The world is a living and breathing creation. Dialog moves smoothly and the action is very well paced. While there were times that I was frustrated by Packer's frequent self-flagellation I was able to stay within the story and continue to feel sympathy for him. Even continue to love and root for him. There is a change in Panna's personality that also threw me, took me a bit out of the story because it seemed so very unlikely and if there was any foreshadowing I totally missed it. But again, I was able to care for her, feel sympathy for her and cheer her on during her trials.

One of the things that really struck me about The Legend of the Firefish is that its one of the most Christian Christian novels I've read in awhile. God is God in this book. And it took me aback and at times I did feel a bit preached at. But for most Christian audiences it's going to be okay! Most of us like outright Christian themes and story lines. I just happen to be one of those who like things a bit more subtle.

In non-writer/story stuff the cover is a real attention grabber. It's beautifully done and the pages of the book itself are nicely detailed. A small ship's wheel on the lower outside corners, next to the page number. And then on the upper outside corners some nice scroll work.

The second in the series, The Hand that Bears the Sword, is already sitting on my desk just waiting for me to dive in. But I wanted to get this post finished first so I kept everything straight in my mind. I'm expecting to enjoy the second book as much as I enjoyed the first.

This unusual new book offers a seafaring tale of lands before the time of Internet technology and modern news media. I like ancient parables of northern Slavs, Vikings, and Native Americans, and this story reminds me of all those at some point.

Polivka combines this flavor with science fiction and a fantasy that recalls C.S. Lewis's Narnia. His story is like a foundation myth handed down through generations, without flashing special effects, but more akin to the oral tradition of folktales or Native American lore. This is especially true in character names of Dog, Talon, Duck, Hand, Monkey and Ox, and in legendary fish with personality.

Fantasy can catch the attention of those who might benefit from seeing the values and grace of Christianity work, so this book is a good mix for introducing the Trophy Chase Trilogy. The Legend of the Firefish is strongly Christian by design, but not "in your face." Packer Throme's faith is tested and he does not always make the faithful decision. This is more believably real than a Crusader in shining armor, brandishing a flaming sword against the devil. This caused me to want to expand my compassion to accept Packer and hope for the best. I would want such mercy.

Nearing Vast is Packer's village and I think the name indicates that daily life is approaching the vastness of all that is and can reach for the divine (truth). The Vast Sea contains monsters, just as our lives contain trials to either challenge or accept in their power over us. This setting is much like J.R.R. Tolkien's universe as well as Narnia. Wishing his impoverished fishing village to be blessed with some kind of good fortune, Throme pursues a pirate that chases the Firefish for its meat bounty, with interesting and fun results.

In Packer's love interest Panna, Firefish supports the strength of women. It is interesting that the word "helpmeet" in the English language before King James did not mean "servant" at all. The original English and the Hebrew word mean "defender and warrior." This is the help that "comes from the Lord."

It is swashbuckling, with Christ in action and people in predicament, and very much fun.

Armchair Interviews says: Good for anyone in middle school through adult ages.

First off, the writing was good. The descriptions of the world, the creatures, and the people were well done. The depth of the characters was also good. The firefish, the pirate characters, and the main characters were all intriguing.

So, you are wondering what my "but..." is for? I'll tell you this first--if you are a pacifist, you'll love this book and the theology within it. If you are not, you won't--it's as simple as that. This book holds the stereotypical idea that Jesus and His message are tied to being a limp-wristed whipping boy and God will do everything for you. There are many evidences in scripture that refute this, yet many in modern Christian thought believe that because Christ allowed Himself to been crucified that is a pattern to follow. It was a special circumstance--He had come to die to pay our sin debt. If you read scripture closely, you will see that Jesus didn't even rebuke Peter for defending him with the sword and told Peter that He could have called twelve legions of angels to protect and fight for Him--but He didn't, because His intention was the cross. Just before this, Jesus had told His disciples to take up the sword and to sell their cloak and buy a sword if they didn't have one. Why? To defend themselves and others. Jesus Himself took the time to actually fashion a whip out of cords to beat the moneylenders out of the temple--an active, righteous use of force. God sent David out to fight and battle his enemies--God was behind David's sword arm when the cause was right. God didn't tell David to throw his sword down and God would honor that and do a miracle every time to save him and his people. I believe this line of thought is the same as when Satan told Jesus to jump from the temple, as God had said the angels would catch Jesus. Jesus told Satan it was not right to put the Lord God to the test, basically to presume upon God to intervene and do a miracle by forcing His hand and calling that "faith." Meekness is not weakness, and our being weak is in being yielded to the Lord, not in being a punching bag for the world. Turning the other cheek refers to not having to return an insult for an insult, not in defending yourself or others from harm. The book went beyond being merciful to being spineless, IMHO.

The one decision Packer made that was described as being against God, I saw as the opposite. It was the one time he actually made a stand for something other than just allowing people controlled be evil to walk all over him. And, if I remember correctly, he was also thinking of someone other than himself and of her defense--finally a real moment of selfless honor.

Delaney was the only one I found to truly stand up to defend himself and others when the need arose, while at the same time depending on the Lord.

The way out of most situations in the book where all linked to the mentality of "I'll be a wimp, lay down my arms, and let God do everything for me, not use the skills and will He has given me to stand against evil." It was mentioned a few times about not standing against evil. Yet, it was mentioned that some demons only came out with prayer and fasting, when a priest was praying. If we should not stand against evil, why pray against or cast out a demon? We should wimp out and let them have fun, shouldn't we? God will handle it with a miracle, won't He? Let's presume upon God again.

I am giving this book four stars, as it was well-written, was a good story, and presented the theology of the author well, though it is not one I agree with. I doubt that any Christian in the military, or who believes in standing in defense of family or even themselves, will probably not receive its message well. Many, many of you probably will though, and will therefore probably love this book. This mentality seems to be prevalent in modern, American Christianity today, and is probably one reason a big publisher embraced this novel. Pacifists enjoy--this one's for you.

This heroic struggle of faith makes The Legend of the Firefish a compelling story that will be enjoyed the world over by fans of adventure, fantasy, and well-told tales of honor and sacrifice.

Author George Polivka does not shy away from portraying the hero, Packer Throme, as sincerely doubting and struggling with his faith. That's what endeared me as a reader to Packer. This character is `real', not a garden-variety Pollyanna type.

The villain, Talon, is a character you'll love to hate. Throughout the story, the reader wonders if she can possibly get any more evil--and then she does. However, toward the end of the tale, Polivka masterfully turns the reader's heart to actually feel sorry for her.

There is eventually a happy ending, though most of the way through the book it seems as if no good can come from all the horrible events. A great analogy of how God works things together for good to those who believe.

The one thing I personally found frustrating is the point of view. It's omniscient, meaning that from paragraph to paragraph, you know what everyone is thinking. There were a few spots I had to re-read because at first I didn't know which character was thinking what.

Overall, though, a hearty round of applause goes not only to George Bryan Polivka for some mighty fine action-packed writing, but to Harvest House as well for taking a chance on a fantasy.

I'm hoping sales of the Trophy Chase trilogy will sky-rocket, opening the door to more new authors in this genre.

Fantasy lovers put your money where your mouth is and get out to by The Legend of the Firefish.

Review by Michelle Griep

Convinced that a good book has a good cover, and "The Legend of the Firefish" having an awesome cover, I was surprised to be thoroughly unimpressed with the first chapter. A young swordsman has it out with a burly fisherman in a seafaring pub. Swords clash and tempers flare--it was definitely a man scene. Written by a man for a man, I thought. Dumping the book on the floor, I groaned, "How am I ever going to get through this book?"

Reluctantly, I picked it up the next day and started at chapter two. From that point on, I could have read straight through to the end without so much as a toilet break, if my children hadn't asked for dinner...then breakfast.

Over the few days it took me to read it, I walked about wondering if the Firefish was going to eat that deserving witch Talon, if Packer was going to survive the keel hauling, or if poor innocent Panna would realize she was entertaining death. Every spare moment, I poured over the pages of this thrilling adventure, hoping to one day see it on the silver screen.

Talk about a wrong first impression!

Polivka's tale is set is an imaginary land that resembles our world in the time of the pirates, but in this world sea creatures grow so large they can sink a ship with a single bite. These solitary predatory beasts...are highly desirable--legend has it that the meat of the Firefish bestows considerable powers upon all who consume it. And why is it called a Firefish? Because it emits an electric shock with each bite. Oh yeah, that added an edge to the story.

One of my favorite characters in the book was the Firefish. Sounds odd, I know, but we actually see the world through the beast's eyes. Polivka does such a fantastic job of giving this behemoth believable thoughts and reasons behind its actions that I hung onto every word.

Unfortunately for Packer, ex-pirate Captain Scat Wilkins, and the rest of the Trophy Chase crew, they didn't know what the thing was thinking, especially when it lunged into the air reaching for a Packer-snack in the crow's nest...think he made it?

How to collect its meat was the number one question on everyone's mind. The secret was finally revealed, but only after thousands of bloodthirsty Achawak warriors had flooded their decks and twenty Firefish had laid chase to them. It's one hair-raising experience after another with Packer, and even his love Panna, delicate and sweet, gets into her own mess of trouble.

By the end, I wondered if Polivka had actually ever "reefed the main four points" or "struck the mizzen" or "hauled sheets" himself, so colorful and detailed were his descriptions of the ship and its workings. He certainly educated himself well on all things ship and pirate related. His hard work paid off with a vivid setting.

Polivka pulled out an old writing style, dusted it off, and gave it a new spin. In each scene, he "head-hops" moving from one character's point of view to another's so that the reader knows what everyone is thinking at all times. It threw me for a loop at first, but I really grew to enjoy it. Only once or twice did the change catch me off guard, forcing me to go back several paragraphs and reread with the new character in mind. For the most part, the changes were seamless.

"The Legend of the Firefish" has soared straight to the top of my list of top ten favorite books, and I anxiously await the July 2007 release of the second in the series. I hear it's even better than the first!

~ excerpt from the book in italics

I've often felt that the British have the wrong temperament to really appreciate Christian fiction and certainly the examples that I have read have never seemed as good or satisfying as their secular counterparts. Perhaps it's because most Christian fiction comes from America and the American way of expressing faith seems over-pushy or embarrassingly earnest to us. Consequently I approached "The Legend of the Firefish" not expecting too much.

In most ways I was very pleasantly surprised. This is a fantasy book and its writing is on a level with the better secular fantasy novels out there. The pace is excellent, the worldbuilding works (and is internally congruent and consistent which isn't always the case) and the underlying plot concept, a young man's search for a semi-mythical sea-snake which involves joining a pirate ship and facing dozens of dangers and the side-plot of his young woman breaking out of the constraints of her upbringing and finding new inner strength as well as dangers, are excellent. Both Packer Throme, the young man, and Panna Seline are appealing characters, particularly in the way that we watch them growing and discovering new things about themselves and about the world around them and moulding their understanding of their faiths accordingly.

The setting is a kingdom rather akin to life in the 1800s where people fish, ride horses, are involved in swordplay but also have pistols and where life is rough, tough and often short. Most of the action takes place either in local villages or on the pirate ship and some of the descriptions of sailing in a fast vessel are fascinating and seem well-researched and accurate to our own history.

This was an excellent book, the only minor downside being the Christian element. Firstly because in this different world (the world of Nearing Vast) where people have different names, are living in a different era and seek for semi-magical sea creatures, their religion was our Christianity. Jesus and God are transferred to this world unchanged and it just didn't sit quite right, especially as various characters talked in rather 21st century terms about their faith. The challenges to the faiths of Packer and Panna were well written and it was fascinating watching them work their theology round events that happened to them but it just felt too strange to have 'normal' Christianity in this abnormal world. CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien gave an allegorical version of Christianity in their fantasies and I felt that that would have worked much better in this story too because every time something overtly Christian was said/thought I found myself dropping briefly out of the world of the story and back to reality.

This is the first of a trilogy of books but this novel reached a satisfactory conclusion and wasn't one of those books that doesn't finish but requires you to buy the next in the series. It was always a great read and the story was fascinating despite my reservations about the Christian aspect and I look forward to the next two books in the trilogy.

This is one of my favorite books, and I think it's a good read even if you aren't necessarily Christian. The characters have depth, the action scenes are fantastic. I recommend this, and the other books in the trilogy.

It's been a while since I finished reading this trilogy and I still consider it my favorite series. Bryan writes his stories in such a way that he makes you wish you were in them. His characters are so vibrant that you feel as if you could interact with them. I did not want to put this book down and I was sad when I reached the end of the series. Overall, the story was truly captivating and the messages woven throughout are incredibly powerful. Wonderful set of books!

And it STILL gets five stars! That should tell you enough, but I'll elaborate anyway.

George Bryan Polivka has manged to write my favorite kind of story. I don't mean the pirates, I mean the fact that it has everything a satisfying story needs! Action, suspense, gory deaths, romance, comedy, and through all of that, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, it makes you think. The characters are all relatable, both the villains and the good guys. The story is highly original, even while using cliche's! (You'd have to read the book to understand what that means.) The beginning is a little slow, but well worth reading to get to where the plot begins.

I enjoyed The Legend of the Firefish and the Trophy Chase Series nearly as much as the Chronicles of Narnia. If Polivka's books were 50 years old it might even be a tie. Somebody else will have to decide that years from now. It's a different type of fiction though so comparison is not fair. As Polivka says, this is more of a mythical fantasy story, with sea monsters rather than the usual fantasy which is made up of elves, centaurs, etc. But it is Christian fantasy nonetheless, which doesn't seem to exist very much anymore.

The plot is an all out unpredictable adventure on the high seas. I was thrilled by every chapter. The characters are fantastic. There's action, friendship, love, pirates, honor, and an and adventure into the unknown.

This book really appealed to me because it did not fit into the two typical categories of Christian fiction. I notice when I go to the Christian bookstore that there are basically two types of novels. For women, the story is about a young lady somewhere out west in the 1800s who falls in love with a mysterious but honest man who accidentally chops his leg with an axe and nearly dies, then actually dies later of something else. For men, the books all seem to have broken glass on the cover and a really creepy, dark title. I was totally pleased to find a wonderful sounding piece of Christian fantasy.

The Legend of the Firefish delivered for me, big time. The other books in the series are equally as exciting and satisfying.