Arena Audiobook By Karen Hancock cover art

Arena

20th Anniversary Edition

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Arena

By: Karen Hancock
Narrated by: Aimee Lilly
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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 Audio Christian Fiction Classics & Allegories Fantasy Genre Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy

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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Engaging Adventure • Imaginative Setting • Excellent Narration • Unexpected Twists • Spiritual Journey • Good Ending
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I first read this book over 15 years ago and it immediately became a favorite. I've read it two other times as well, but this is the first time I've tried the audio version, and I'm so glad I did! It brought the story to life in a new way and reminded me how much I love this book. From the beginning it has helped me to understand my faith walk in a new way, and even this last time reading it gave me new insights. I highly recommend it!

Long Time Favorite

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This has been one of my favorite books for probably 10 years! I have been waiting for it to become an audiobook for so long! You won’t be sorry you read this book!

An amazing read and adventure!

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Loved this amazing interpretation of finding Christ and how through faith we are saved and given purpose.
Loved Kara and Pierce and this amazing world in the Arena.

Amazing story of Faith

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I love karen’s books especially the Guardian King series. Have read them numerous times and would love to listen to them on audible! Please.

Finally!!

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Lots of Christian allegories. I enjoyed it and couldn’t stop it once I started. Lots of twists and turns.

Great Christian book

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I first read this book in highschool, and had always checked every few years to see if it ever became and audio book.

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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This is such a great story with a lot of action and many unexpected twists and turns!

Excellent, Engaging Plot

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This has been my favorite book for a very long time and will continue to be. The narrator also does a fabulous job!

Favorite book

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I have remembered this book for 20 years since reading it when I was in college. It was so fun to listen to it - I didn't really remember a ton, just some main things (and the ending) so it was fun to be surprised again. It just sticks with you. Such a good story!

Even better than reading it 20 years ago!

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I read this book my first year of college and have reread it several times. It was a true joy to finally discover an audio edition of this beautiful story.

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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