Because Fiction Podcast

Written by: Chautona Havig
  • Summary

  • Digging deep into what's up in Christian Fiction to help you find your next great read!
    © Chautona Havig 2023
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Episode 399: A Chat with Faith Ijiga
    Jan 27 2025
    If you're looking for a Christian thriller with international impact, Faith Ijiga has a wild ride full of twists and spins just waiting for you. Listen in and see why I am crazy excited for the new Ryder Jackson series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Faith Ijiga, a native of Nigeria, has a few books out there, but her new Ryder Jackson series promises to be something extra special. Codes and ciphers combine with the CIA and terrorist organizations in this fast-paced, can't-put-it-down book. I can't wait to get started. The Kanu Cipher by Faith Ijiga In the heart of Nigeria, an ancient city holds a deadly secret. CIA Agent Ryder "Raven" Jackson, a former Army Ranger with expertise in counter-terrorism and cryptology, is sent to Kano to unravel the mysteries of the elusive terrorist organization, The Kano Brotherhood. Known for their sophisticated encryption methods, the Brotherhood has evaded detection for years—until now. As Ryder delves deeper into the labyrinth of codes and conspiracies, he uncovers a chilling plot to unleash a catastrophic weapon hidden within the city’s ancient walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With time running out, Ryder discovers an even more shocking truth: the Brotherhood is being manipulated by a rogue CIA operative known only as "Sphinx." Driven by a personal vendetta against the agency, Sphinx has faked his death and is now fueling the Brotherhood's rise to power, using cryptology to conceal a larger, more sinister scheme. To prevent a global disaster, Ryder must decipher the Kano Cipher, a complex code embedded in ancient Hausa texts, and expose Sphinx’s true intentions. As the world teeters on the brink of chaos, Ryder teams up with the best cryptologist the CIA has, Ava Mitchell. Together, they must navigate treacherous betrayals and fierce battles, racing against time to stop Sphinx and save 1/3 of the world's population. Fans of Joel C. Rosenberg, Tom Clancy, Luana Ehrlich, and Terry Toler will find themselves engrossed in this high-stakes international thriller. Also, if you enjoy the intense action of Jack Carr and the gripping intrigue of Brad Thor, this book is for you. Dive into The Kano Cipher today and experience a pulse-pounding journey that combines rich cultural heritage with high-octane espionage. Will Ryder decode the cipher in time to save billions? The clock is ticking—don’t miss out on this thrilling adventure! Learn more about Faith on FACEBOOK and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Email her anytime! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Episode 398: A Chat with Um Daoud
    Jan 20 2025

    As an author writing stories featuring Muslims yielding to Christ, Um Daoud provides a unique perspective to contemporary Christian fiction. Listen in and learn how that looks in the life of a Muslim!

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    Writing about Muslims in different Islamic predominant nations, Um Daoud shows the vast differences between different schisms and cultures.

    I think I was most fascinated by the way Muslims will return to the faith of their childhood for a time before finally yielding to Christ. As I told her, it's almost the opposite of an Amish rumspringa.

    The Life I Now Live by Um Daoud

    Forced to take responsibility for the family business after his brother's sudden immigration to Europe, Ahmed feels trapped under his father's watchful eye. What would he or other family members say if they knew that he'd forsaken Islam to follow Christ? How could he be a dutiful son while wanting to live his new-found freedom as a Christian?

    As Ahmed learns he's not alone on the journey, Um Daoud introduces readers to a wide variety of characters who reflect the multi-dimensional issues confronted by Muslim-background believers. The Life I Now Live is an inspirational story that will give hope and encouragement to those seeking Christ in the Muslim world, while helping Christian believers to better understand and pray for those who daily live out their faith in Christ despite the struggles.

    In her fourth novel set in the Muslim world, Um Daoud provides an insider's view into the culture and complexities of life for those who consider stepping outside the bounds of religious norms. Writing from decades of experience in the Middle East and North Africa, Um Daoud gives us a glimpse of how Christ-followers from Muslim backgrounds can grow in their new faith and find fellowship with others in countries that prohibit conversion from Islam to Christianity.

    Learn more about Um/Carol on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. (Don't miss "Carol's" GoodReads as well.)

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

    • Apple
    • Castbox
    • Google Play
    • Libsyn
    • RSS
    • Spotify
    • Amazon
    • and more!
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Episode 397: A Chat with Jill Williamson
    Jan 18 2025
    Author of the beloved Blood of Kings series, Jill Williamson has teamed up with Sunrise Publishing to bring four new books in a spin-off series, Blood of Kings-Legends. Listen in to learn what's coming next in this series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Listening to Jill talk about this new series got me wildly interested in it. I've already bought the first book of the original series and I'm a few chapters in. So far, I'm loving it. I already heard the name of one of the characters in this new spin-off book, Squire of Truth and can't wait to meet more. If you love great fantasy with interesting world building, or if you know a young person who is hard-pressed to find good fantasy that doesn't devolve into anti-Biblical agendas, this is your series! Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage. For too long, Mistel Wepp has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future. When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power? Blood of Kings: Legends Book 1: Squire of Truth Book 2: Lord of Winter Book 3: Lady of Shadows Book:4: Heir of Light Learn more about Jill on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. To hear the samples go here! You can get these from Sunrise Publishing HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
    Show more Show less
    35 mins

What listeners say about Because Fiction Podcast

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.