'Lord of the Rings Sets the Standard for Fantasy Genre

The triumphant sweep of the Oscars this year by the final installation of director Peter Jacksons 'Lord of the Rings trilogy has been tremendously encouraging for the fantasy genre. Moviegoers and avid readers alike were temporarily transported to J.R.R. Tolkiens world of Middle Earth in this classic trilogy. Although the surroundings of Middle Earth may be foreign to us, we connect with the universal similarities and valuable insights offered in many of these fantastical stories.

(PRWEB) April 15, 2004 -- The triumphant sweep of the Oscars this year by the final installation of director Peter Jacksons 'Lord of the Rings trilogy has been tremendously encouraging for the fantasy genre. Moviegoers and avid readers alike were temporarily transported to J.R.R. Tolkiens world of Middle Earth in this classic trilogy. Although the surroundings of Middle Earth may be foreign to us, we connect with the universal similarities and valuable insights offered in many of these fantastical stories. Colleen Helme has written a fantasy of her own, titled Child of the Flame, and it explores many of these same universal truths, while fulfilling the expectations of a remarkable fantasy as it introduces you to a vividly different world.

Ms. Helme declares, Fantasy is a wonderful outlet for the imagination. Normal people become more than what they are. Courage and honor are gained and displayed. Evil is unveiled and defeated. And beneath it all, steadfast bonds of friendship and love are formed. Fantasy can truly be an inspiring genre." Ms. Helmes first novel proves that she understands what it takes to create an alternate world filled with adventure, romance, magic, and characters we can all identify with and care about. L.E. Modesitt, Jr., best- selling author of The Saga of Recluse series has this to say about the heroine of the story; Callista [is] a young woman filled with both impatience and a burning sense of destiny, and [her] impatience is often a greater problem than her considerable array of enemies. Readers will certainly want to see just what happens to Callista in the next book, as will I."

Fantasy is a wonderful diversion for those of us who delight in the triumph of good over evil. It is refreshing to experience a story that clearly portrays evil as evil and good as good, without the shades of gray that seem to surround our everyday lives. This is evident in Ms. Helmes book, as well as in the highly successful 'Lord of the Rings trilogy. While these movies have turned the thoughts of many to the fantasy genre, we recognize that new voices must be added to continue the tradition of quality we have come to expect from fantasy stories. Colleen Helme is one of those compelling new voices, and you will enjoy her work in Child of the Flame, available at a discount online at the Publisher Direct Bookstore at http://www.pdbookstore.com.