It's no secret I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre. Period. I can't sit through the Lord of the Rings films, and I've only watched the first in the Narnia movies all the way to the finish. Believe me when I say I can appreciate the talent involved in both writing the imaginative tales and constructing the elaborate films filled with magnificent special effects, but . . . I'm not into any of it. I can do science fiction before I can do fantasy, and sci-fi is definitely not my favorite.
My cyber-friend Rebecca Luella Miller has done her level best to convince me that I'm missing out on some wonderful literature by refusing to indulge the fantasy genre. The platform it presents for the universal good v. evil conflict is epic and allows for the creative genius of many to develop multiple scenarios to point to spiritual truths (among other things) in the demonstration of this ever present war. I know she shakes her head when I staunchly decline to budge on my views. Fantasy does not appeal to me. Not even remotely. Ranks right up there with Amish fiction in the least desirable category. Truth is I'd read an Amish novel before I'd read a fantasy novel.
This aversion does not apply to supernatural suspense. As long as the author doesn't veer too far away from the biblical perspective of the spiritual warfare we all face, bring it. Do it well and I'm so there. Why? Because it isn't fantasy. It's bona fide real. And contemporary. And ancient. And critical. And easily incorporated into stories of ordinary or extraordinary people, not made up creatures living similar to humanity with the same objectives, good or bad.
So. There you have it. Fantasy lovers, feel free to engage. However, you won't change my mind. Sorry.
Father, I know you spark the imaginations of your people in many ways. I guess I'm earthly and heavenly and nothing in between. Thank you for loving us all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.