How Loyalty, Courage, and Faithfulness Can Transform Your Life with YA Author James R. Hannibal

Episode Show Notes:

Introduction

Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ, the podcast dedicated to teens and young adults eager to explore thrilling worlds, profound themes, and epic stories—minus the objectionable content. I’m your host, award-winning young adult author CJ Milacci. In this episode, we dive into an enlightening interview with James R. Hannibal, a former stealth pilot turned multi-award-winning author of suspense and fantasy novels for both adults and children.

Meet James R. Hannibal

James R. Hannibal has a remarkable background. He’s been shot at, locked up with missiles, and even pursued by an armed terrorist on a winding German road. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped his gripping storytelling. Today, he’s the esteemed author behind the Light Raider Academy series, which is perfect for teen boys looking for adventurous and meaningful reads.

“James writes books for teen boys and really has a heart to see them get lost in great stories, but also have incredible content that they’re discovering through those as well.”

The Light Raider Academy Series: A Journey of Faith and Adventure

The Light Raider Academy series is not just a collection of books; it’s a mission to equip the next generation with profound lessons and biblical truths. The series currently has three books, with the latest one just released. The stories are deeply interconnected with a game, providing an interactive layer to the reading experience.

The Inspiration and Legacy

Hannibal shared the fascinating backstory of the Light Raider Academy series:

“This world was created for a youth discipleship program in the 1980s by a man named Dick Wolf, a navigator’s author and Christian counselor. This world had a big effect on me as a teenager.”

The series evolved from an old boxed set of a game called Dragon Raid, which Hannibal experienced firsthand. When his own children reached their teen years, Hannibal was inspired to revive and expand this world into a full-fledged literary series and game.

Unveiling the Deeper Themes

The Light Raider Academy trilogy is about young cadets rekindling the fires of Light Raider Academy to combat the encroaching evil from the Dragon Lands. Each book in the series carries a significant theme:

• Wolf Soldier: Loyalty to the mission
• Bear Knight: Physical and moral courage
• Lion Warrior: Faithfulness

“Each book in the series also has a theme. The theme in Wolf Soldier is loyalty to the mission. The theme in Bear Knight is both physical and moral courage. And the theme in Lion Warrior that just came out today is faithfulness.”

Loyalty to the Mission

In Wolf Soldier, readers are introduced to the concept of loyalty, particularly to the mission of the “Rescuer,” a Christ-like figure in the series. This theme underscores the importance of prioritizing the Rescuer’s mission over personal desires.

Physical and Moral Courage

Bear Knight delves into the essence of courage. Hannibal explores both physical courage and moral fortitude, encouraging readers to stand up for their beliefs and act bravely in the face of challenges.

Faithfulness

The latest release, Lion Warrior, emphasizes the virtue of faithfulness. This theme highlights the significance of remaining steadfast and loyal to one’s beliefs and commitments, even when faced with adversity.

Connecting Stories and Games

The Light Raider Academy series offers a unique blend of storytelling and interactive gameplay. The books and the game share a cohesive universe, enhancing the reader’s immersion and engagement. The game is set before the timeline of the books, providing a rich backstory that players can explore.

“We created a fantasy language in which the sacred scroll verses are spoken in the stories, and then the characters think of them in terms of key word, key concept, which helps with Scripture Memory and understanding.”

A Mission to Inspire and Equip

Hannibal’s dedication to creating meaningful and adventurous stories for teen boys is palpable. The series aims to equip young readers with biblical truths while engaging them in thrilling adventures.

“We need men who are equipped to really lead their families in the future, lead this generation to follow after God in a different way than it has previously.”

Conclusion

The Light Raider Academy series by James R. Hannibal is more than just a collection of books—it’s a mission to inspire and equip the next generation of young men with loyalty, courage, and faithfulness. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or teen reader, this series promises adventure, deep themes, and a strong moral foundation.

To discover more about James R. Hannibal and his work, visit his official website and check out the Light Raider Academy series today.

Wrapping things Up: from CJ

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with James R. Hannibal. As I said at the end of the interview, I absolutely love James’s heart for his readers and for equipping young men to follow Jesus and be discipled.

If you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure OR for a Christian RPG game, I encourage you to check out all of the things James has to offer. His heart for his readers and those who will play the Lightraiders game is so evident and I look forward to seeing all God will do through this ministry.

Next Time on Read Clean YA with CJ

Next time on Read Clean YA with CJ, I’ll be talking with young adult Megan Schaulis about her new young adult book, The Protector. Nanotechnology and royal romance combine with a heartfelt quest to make a difference in this dystopian reimagining of the book of Esther. Megan and I had a great time chatting, so be sure to tune in for the episode.

Thank you so much for listening to Read Clean YA with CJ. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend so they can discover exciting, clean young adult books too.