
Arena
20th Anniversary Edition
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Narrated by:
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Aimee Lilly
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By:
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Karen Hancock
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.
A mesmerizing journey through the treacherous terrain of a strange and terrifying world. A powerful allegory that will capture your imagination with its timelessness and aching familiarity.
©2022 Karen Hancock (P)2022 Oasis AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
“A classic in the making for the modern era, with appeal for fans of C.S. Lewis and Kathy Tyers, this is required for all collections.” — Library Journal
“A progression of faith by trial somewhat like Pilgrim’s Progress… [Hancock’s] theological argument, while certainly Christian, is quite subtle… She can take her place in the wave of fine science fiction coming from evangelical presses these days.” — Booklist
“The genuinely enthralling mix of adventure, romance, and vivid imagery fused with spiritual symbolism invites readers to lose themselves in Hancock’s imaginary world… engrossing and well-paced.” — Christianity Today
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Long Time Favorite
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An amazing read and adventure!
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Loved Kara and Pierce and this amazing world in the Arena.
Amazing story of Faith
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Finally!!
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Great Christian book
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It's a great tale of adventure, loyalty and romance with an imaginative sci-fi setting and an excellent reminder of walking as a Christ follower. Amazing, but with many hazards.
I started working at a school this year and recommended it to one of the highschool students. She read it in 2 days. That's when I checked again to see if there was an audio book. I was delighted to find this 20th anniversary edition!
Wonderful Tale and a Great Reminder
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Excellent, Engaging Plot
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Favorite book
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Even better than reading it 20 years ago!
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Callie Hayes flounders in a state of limbo, caught in a dead-end job raising rats for laboratory experiments and in the constant efforts of her domineering mother, who demands that Callie find focus. When Callie reluctantly agrees to join her friend, Meg, in participating in a psychology experimennt, she finds herself transported to an alien world wherrenothing is as it seemms. Trapped in a world where two opposing armies battle, Callie and other participants must discover the truth and find whom they can trust. But, malevolent forces seek to keep them imprisoned, and can Callie trust the Benefactor who rules the Arena?
Karen Hancock's Arena is a riveting story with multi-layered characters and beautiful imagery. Unlike conventional allegories, the characters are fleshed out people who experience hopes and disappointments. I particularly like Pierce Andrews, a man Callie encounters in the Arena who has been there for five years seeking a way out. As Callie and Pierce learn from each other and learn who to trust, the relationship between them grows. The love story here is genuine and borne of shareed hardship and victories. Another character I loved was Evvi Albion, an awkward but stalwart participant. I loved Hancock's commentary here on how often the least expected and ridiculed person turns out to be stronger than anyone might think. I related greatly to Evie as I am often all-thumbs myself. I also enjoyed how the main protagonist made so many mistakes but grew and learned as the book progressed. Elhanu, the emperor of the Arena, is an excellent character, too.
Aimee Lilly superbly narrates this engaging story with energy and excellent aplomb. She employs many accents for the characters, none of them forced or grating. I especially loved her portrayals of Pierce, Evie and a character named Mr. C. The Scottish accent for Mr. C was particularly excellent, and I would have preferred for this character, (even when a surprise is revealed), to have maintained the Scottish accent. Lilly's depiction of British accents is great as well, though.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys unique depictions of the Christian walk that make you explore Scripture from different angles. Also recommended for anyone who just enjoys an exciting story. Be aware that Arena is edgy in places with some attempted rapes and references to the reality of deadly perils. Some characters contemplate suicide, although no one carries out this deed.
God bless you all.
A Vivid and Edgy Depiction of the Christian Life
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