Wars, quests, and worldviews

Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird

Tim Probert

(HarperAlley 2022)

In this second Lightfall tale, artist Tim Probert offers an inviting, action-oriented graphic novel. Young Bea sets out with brawny friend Cad and her kitty, Nimm, to stop the evil bird, Kest Ke Belenus, from destroying their planet’s lights. The delightfully drawn, quirky characters—including a Yoda-like rabbit and dog-faced sea serpent—will draw readers into the story. Although the book uses spiritual elements (like spirits and prophetic messages) and features one character who lies and steals, Probert draws in the main a ­winsome story of friendship, courage, and perseverance. Additionally, Bea’s ­ability to talk through problems can inspire readers to treat anxiety in a positive way. Ages 8-12

Prince Lander & the Dragon War

S.D. Smith

(Story Warren Books 2022)

In Book 3 of his Tales of Old Natalia, author S.D. Smith takes readers back to his noble land of “rabbits with swords.” King Whitson Mariner nears the end of his life while his heir, Prince Lander, struggles to fill his shoes. But the evil Dragon King and the rabbit traitor, Grimball, will push Lander to find strength beyond himself and a way to safely wield the powerful Star Sword. Like other Natalia and Green Ember tales, Smith’s story includes war and violence. In this case, the evil dragons seek to use dark magic and child sacrifice to gain power. Smith’s heroes, though, model courage and chivalry. Ages 9-12

A Rebel’s Manifesto

Sean McDowell

(Tyndale Momentum 2022)

“Every day you face moral choices. … Will you follow the pattern of Jesus or will you ­follow the pattern of the world?” In this ­revision of an older book, apologist Sean McDowell helps Christian teens overcome the challenges of American culture today. McDowell covers classic topics like drugs and bullying, but he also takes on hot-button issues like gun rights, race, and transgender ideology. McDowell draws readers in with real-life stories (i.e., the soccer player who lost her U.S. Olympic Team spot for refusing to ­celebrate gay pride), and though he does challenge readers of every persuasion, McDowell wisely avoids policy debates. Instead, he underlines critical principles that shape a Biblical worldview. Ages 12 and up

The Postmodern Pilgrim’s Progress

Kyle Mann & Joel Berry 

(Salem Books 2022)

In this sci-fi version of Bunyan’s novel, Babylon Bee writers Kyle Mann and Joel Berry re-imagine Christian’s journey as a lighthearted space odyssey (think The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). When a megachurch video ­projector smashes into Christian’s head, he’s catapulted to a new planet. To escape falling meteors, he seeks safety in the Golden City where Christian meets a guide named Faith as well as an array of colorful characters like Humanist and Health-and-Wealth. The book includes plenty of laugh-out-loud satire as well as substantive ­cultural analysis. While some scenes feel underdeveloped, it’s a timely and entertaining read for fans of sci-fi and satire, young and old. Ages 12 and up