Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #12

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Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

• The hunt BEGINS on 3/18 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com
• Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 3/21 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.
• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

I’m Carla Laureano, award-winning author of contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and historical fantasy! It may not seem like those genres have a lot in common, but my favorite thing is showing how people react to and overcome adversity, whether it’s the loss of a job in the real world or finding out they have magic in a fictional one. You can find out more about me and my books here on this site, or you can visit me on Facebook, Instagram, or BookBub for additional information. My newest release is the Celtic fantasy series starter, Oath of the Brotherhood. Here’s what it’s about:

In an island kingdom where the Old Ways hold fast and a man’s worth lies entirely in his skill with the sword, Conor Mac Nir is a musician and a follower of a forbidden faith—problematic for any man, but disastrous for the son of the king.

When Conor is sent away to a neighboring kingdom to secure a treaty, he learns that his ability with the harp is a talent that traces back to the magical foundations of a once-united Seare. But his newfound home is soon placed in peril, entangling Conor in a plot that has been unfolding since long before his birth.

Only by leaving both kingdoms behind and committing himself to an ancient warrior brotherhood can Conor discover the part he’s meant to play in Seare’s future. But is he willing to sacrifice everything—including the woman he loves—to follow the path his God has laid before him?

This book incorporates three things I love dearly: Ireland, romance, and fantasy fiction. If you’re a newcomer to the genre and don’t know if it’s your thing… or you’re not even sure where to start, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a super easy, super abbreviated reference guide so the next time you’re staring down that Fantasy & Sci Fi section in the bookstore, you’ll know exactly what to look for!

Carla’s Super Simple Fantasy Guide for Beginners

My first published books were contemporary romance, so most readers are surprised to find out that I’m also a fantasy writer. The comment I hear most often is not “I don’t like fantasy” but “How do I even know if I might like fantasy?”

I get it. The genre can be intimidating, simply because it spans a wide spectrum from historically plausible to completely invented, from recognizable to utterly foreign.

So, if you’re one of the newcomers to the genre and you’re not sure where to start, here’s a handy-dandy guide to fantasy genres to guide you on your way.

High Fantasy

High fantasy is a descriptor for a story that takes place in a fully made-up world with its own rules, culture, and often its own magic. It has a high amount of fantastic or fictional elements. This is the form of the genre that most people think of when they talk about fantasy.

Examples: Lord of the Rings, A Game of Thrones, The Mark of the Raven, Oath of the Brotherhood

Low Fantasy

Low fantasy, in contrast to its counterpart, high fantasy, is a story that takes place in our recognizable “real” world, whether it be modern times or a historical time period, in which fantasy or magical elements intrude or co-exist. It has a low amount of fantastic or fictional elements.

Examples: Harry Potter, Twilight, City of Bones, Storm Front

Epic Fantasy

Epic fantasy is often conflated with high fantasy, but it doesn’t necessarily have to take place in a fully made-up world. Epic fantasy generally takes a wide-angle view, concerning itself more with big events and world-ending consequences, often involves a quest, and may follow one or very few characters through a big, overarching story.

Examples: Lord of the Rings, Tigana

Portal Fantasy

Portal fantasy is a subgenre in which the characters are literally transported by magic from the real world, through some sort of door or passage, into a fantasy world. This is a very common sub-type among children’s fiction, because it allows readers to discover a fantastic world through the eyes of a character who possesses the same points of reference as their own. In some ways, it’s a combination of high and low fantasy.

Examples: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Summer Tree

Heroic Fantasy/Sword-and-Sorcery

Sword-and-sorcery is often looked down upon when it comes to fantasy subgenres, but it can be of the most fun! Books in this subgenre usually focus on the fighting prowess of a main heroic character; sometimes the protagonist possesses magic himself, but often he fights sorcery with nothing more than a sword and his own cleverness. The lead is often, but not always, male. (Actually, I could do with some more female sword-and-sorcery? Someone? Anyone?)

Examples: Conan the Barbarian, The Blade Itself, Silverglass, Xena: Warrior Princess (novelizations)

Historical Fantasy/Alternate History

I’ve grouped historical fantasy and alternate history into the same category, because often authors who write in one subgenre also write in the other. The main difference is that the historical fantasy world is modeled on an existing historical culture or uses historical events only for inspiration; alternate history uses real world history up to a particular point, then diverges from it, either because of the emergence of magic or because of supernatural/time travel/magical interference. (You can also have largely-realistic alternate history that does not fall into the fantasy genre, such as The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick.)

Examples: Sailing to Sarantium, The Dark Mirror, Oath of the Brotherhood, Clan of the Cave Bear

As you can see, several of the example books fit into several different categories, including my own book, Oath of the Brotherhood. In it, I borrowed from the real-life history and culture of ancient Ireland to create a new fantasy world in which magic and religion collide and the fate of the nation hangs on the bravery of an unlikely trio of characters.

Did you discover any new genres/subgenres today? Is there one in particular that you’re excited to try? Do you have a favorite fantasy subgenre that I didn’t cover?

Here’s the Stop #12 Basics:
If you’re interested, you can order Oath of the Brotherhood on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, or at your local bookstore!
Clue to Write Down: and ready
Link to Stop #13, the Next Stop on the Loop: Carrie Turansky’s site!

But wait! Before you go, enter my giveaway below to win your own hardcover copy of Oath of the Brotherhood and this beautiful hand-tooled leather Celtic knot bookmark!

 

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Giveaway – Spring 2021


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Comments

  1. Deborah D says:

    Thanks for the great giveaway. You are a new author to me and I can’t wait to read your books.

    • Catherine Brubacher says:

      This book looks interesting. I’m planning a trip to Ireland in the near future. Have not read your books, but would like to read this one.

  2. Danielle Hammelef says:

    This scavenger hunt is always fun! Thank you for the chance to be a winner.

  3. Kathryn Bochman says:

    Thanks for the giveaway. I love your books!

  4. Rebekah Kasperson says:

    I have yet to read your books, but I am planning on buying one soon. Thanks for the giveaway!

  5. Jordan Millsaps says:

    So excited to read your new book!

  6. Jonelle R Yates says:

    This is a great distraction from thinking about moving. Thank you so much!!!

  7. Carrie E says:

    This scavenger hunt is so much fun! Thank you!

    • Linda Horin says:

      I actually was not aware of all the sub genres of fantasy. I am interested in quite a few of them after having them explained.
      Thank you!

  8. Julie Waldron says:

    Fun scavenger hunt, I love the bookmark!

  9. Heidi says:

    I love doing the scavenger hunt every year because I find tons of new authors like you! I can’t wait to check out this new book!

  10. Brandi M. Rawlins says:

    I love your fantasy!!!

  11. Trudy says:

    I’m already following you on Bookbub and Goodreads. Haven’t yet read one of your books, but looking forward to doing so!

  12. Jerrye Bell says:

    Loving this series and ready for the next book!

  13. Lila Diller says:

    I love epic fantasy and portal fantasy, as LOTR & Chronicles of Narnia are my favorites.

  14. AslansCompass says:

    That cover looks fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading this book.

  15. Julia Stone says:

    I’d say that historical fantasy/alternate history is probably my favorite. 🙂

  16. Alaina says:

    The cover of the book is beautiful! This has been a fun scavenger hunt. Thank you.

  17. bn100 says:

    fun scavenger hunt

  18. Martha says:

    Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway and a chance to win.

  19. Sarah Y says:

    Thanks for the descriptions of the different kinds of fantasy. Very interesting! Your book sounds intriguing too!

  20. Karen says:

    Thank you for explaining all of the different varieties of Fantasy – it’s a new genre to me and I’m excited to read your newest book!

  21. Jreavis says:

    Fun scavenger hunt.

  22. Kim Bakos says:

    I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, since it often seems very ungodly to me. I’d love to read a Christian spin on it, since I did love the Narnia books as a kid.

  23. Becky M says:

    Thank you for participating in this!

  24. Laura says:

    Wow, loved that quick run down of all the different types of fantasy out there, very helpful!

  25. Zoe Jane says:

    I never thought of Heroic fantasy as being it’s own sub-genre, that’s cool! Suggestion for you, Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. The main heroine makes it through the majority of the book by her own wits and strength rather than use of her magical powers 🙂

  26. Karen M says:

    I enjoy scavenger hunts! Thank you for the chance to win.

  27. Arletta says:

    Thanks for participating. I love this hunt!

  28. Mimi says:

    I have to bookmark this page because I’m always confused as to how to narrow down sub-genres in fantasy, sci-fi, speculative fiction, etc. This was super helpful to read! I think historical fantasy is a new one for me.

  29. Susanne says:

    Awesome giveaway!

  30. Joy says:

    Glad I found this! Sounds like something my teen boys would enjoy and I am always looking for good books for them.

  31. Stacey Ulferts says:

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  32. SARAH TAYLOR says:

    Thank you for the amazing giveaway!

  33. Angeline says:

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  34. Hannah Currie says:

    I had no idea there were so many subgenres of fantasy, although I’ve read quite a few of them. How fascinating! Thanks for the explanation (and examples of each, they were really helpful). What a fun post!

  35. Heather Olsen says:

    I enjoyed your book JILTED. =)

  36. Cheryl says:

    This is always a fun hunt!

  37. Diana Hardt says:

    It sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for the giveaway.

  38. Leslie Carter says:

    This book looks really good!! I can’t wait to read it!

  39. Stephanie H. says:

    So far in this giveaway, I have found some new authors and their books. I’m looking forward to discovering more along the way!

  40. Laurel Stein says:

    My daughter and I would *love* to read that book!!

  41. Pam Graber says:

    While I’ve read a number of your books, I have not read any in the fantasy genre. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  42. Lavay says:

    Thank you so much for explaining the different fantasy genres! It makes a lot of sense!

  43. Yvie says:

    My son would love both the book and the bookmark….would love to win for him!

  44. mindy says:

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  45. Perrianne Askew says:

    Thank you for explaining the fantasy subcategories. My son enjoyed it but I’ve never tried them, except the first Harry Potter book. Maybe I should try yours.

  46. Heather Maki says:

    Thank you for the giveaway, always excited to discover new Christian fantasy writers!

  47. Laurin Boyle says:

    I read Oath of the Brotherhood before any of your other novels, so I’ve always thought of you as a fantasy author! 😁 But I love your other books as well. Thank you!

  48. Shelia Hall says:

    beautiful bookmark and book sounds great!

  49. Carolyn Theriot says:

    The cover on this book is so pretty! Thank you for the extra giveaway.

  50. Audrey Stewart says:

    This is such fun! I hope I win something. I have never won on a scavenger hunt.

  51. Jan S says:

    I, too, enjoy fantasy. Besides The Chronicles of Narnia, one of my favorite children’s series are The Archives of Anthropos by John White. I highly recommend these if you haven’t read them 🙂 Thanks for this opportunity.

  52. Vesna Dan says:

    Thanks for the chance

  53. Heidi Robbins says:

    I love that you’ve shared and explained the different subgenres of fantasy! There are some that I prefer over others, but really it all boils down to the author’s writing for me.

  54. Rachel T Taylor says:

    Thank you so much for explaining the different categories of fantasy. I have read High fantasy, epic fantasy, portal fantasy, and some historical/alternate fantasy.

  55. Megan says:

    Thank you so much for the chance to win, I really love your books!

  56. Glenda Tickerhoof says:

    Your books sound very interesting!

  57. Carol Smith says:

    Thanks for taking part in the Scavenger Hunt.

  58. Jane Pearson says:

    Thanks for the giveaway! I love all of the information on your web site. I have not read your books before, but I will definitely check them out!

  59. Katelynn says:

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  60. Lucille Maddox says:

    Thank you for a chance to win your giveaway. Look forard to reading your books.

  61. Chelsea Chandanais says:

    I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I plan to soon.

  62. Mark A Buzard says:

    Oath of the Brotherhood sounds good……and I appreciated and enjoyed your explanation of different kinds of fantasy novels – very interesting!

  63. Pearl says:

    Thank you for the breakdown of fantasy genres. That is helpful!

  64. Jessica Grewe says:

    I’ve not read much fantasy in my life (but love the magic of WDW) so I will for sure check out your books!

  65. Ferne Knauss says:

    Thank you for your participation in the Spring Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Giveaway. I love multiple authors giveaways as I always add “new authors to me” on my reading list which is a reader’s joy. Thank you!

  66. Caryl Kane says:

    Carla, You’re one of my MUST read authors! Thank you for the giveaway.

  67. Shannon says:

    This is not usually the genre I read, but I am intrigued by your books and look forward to reading them!

  68. Nancy Shaw says:

    I enjoy your books very much.

  69. E.F.B. says:

    Your book sounds amazing! I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

  70. Kate Baxter says:

    You’re book sounds absolutely captivating! Thanks so much for participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. It has been a lovely diversion from the troubles of the day.

  71. Steph renea says:

    Thanks for the fun!!

  72. Susan J. Reinhardt says:

    Hi Carla – I really enjoyed your Skye series. I’d love to see more books like these.

  73. Betty R. says:

    Thanks for the chance to win. You are a new writer for me, so I am looking forward to reading your books.

  74. Jan Hall says:

    Many are new to me.

  75. Trixi says:

    I read every Lord of the Ring books when I was a teenager and watched the movies years later. That’s about the extent of fantasy fiction reading.

    Thank you for the extra giveaway to win your book and a bookmark!

  76. Alicia Haney says:

    Your book sounds like a very good read and the cover is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing about it. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. Thank you for the chance.

  77. Sarah Stewart says:

    Thank you for the giveaway. I love the scavenger hunts because I always meet new authors I want to read.

  78. Rhonda Murrey says:

    Thank you for your explanation of fantasy. I had always dismissed this genre but am now curious about looking into it, starting with your work. I love this scavenger hunt. Even though I’m participating from Australia and can’t take full advantage, it’s terrific to discover so many new authors and titles. Well done!

  79. Toria says:

    I have not heard about your books before, but I have to go look them up now. I am very interested.

  80. Amy Hunt says:

    Thanks for the fun!

  81. Beth A Ellis says:

    Hello Carla!

    I love Fantasy in all of it’s forms and I’m excited to discover you. I look forward to reading your books and I love a good series as well.

  82. Lisa L says:

    Appreciate the introduction to the various types of fantasy books. I am a huge fan of the Chronicles of Narnia – so maybe I would enjoy some fantasy fiction.

  83. Sue says:

    Thank you so much for the giveaway! Enjoyed the fantasy information!

    Your book sounds very interesting!

  84. Lisa Hudson says:

    Excellent Explanation of All Types of Fantasy!!

  85. Virginia Winfield says:

    This sounds very interesting.

  86. Jeanna Massman says:

    I loved learning more about Fantasy! Thanks for the information.

  87. L.C. says:

    lovely giveaway! hope this is ww

  88. Kathleen D Anderson says:

    I love learning about new to me authors. Your book sounds so good.

  89. Sabrina Templin says:

    You are new to me and I’ve not read about Ireland history. Sounds interesting to mix it with fantasy.

  90. Beth says:

    Thanks for all of those fantasy descriptions! Interesting and helpful!

  91. Laura Krooswyk says:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  92. Jennifer M. Barnes says:

    Thanks for educating me on all the variations of fantasy! I never considered myself a reader of fantasy; but, realize there’s lots I love about reading and writing it. Great information.

  93. Virginia Burford says:

    I am excited to read this book!

  94. Holly says:

    Thanks for the fun hunt!

  95. Brianna K Watts says:

    Loved getting to hear about your new book! It sounds very interesting

  96. Heather Ratliff says:

    Your book is now on my to be read list!

  97. Melinda M says:

    Your book sounds good. I will have to check it out as you are a new to me author. Thanks for the giveaway.

  98. Bridgette Shippy says:

    Thanks for that giveaway!

  99. Jennifer Lynn says:

    These scavenger hunts are so fun – thanks for joining in!!

  100. Julie K says:

    I have all of your contemporary novels sitting on my shelf. I’m excited to try your fantasy books!

  101. Jennie says:

    This book sounds great!

  102. Jan Tomalis says:

    Thanks so much for participating in this fun hop! Meeting new authors! I need to check out all your books since you are a new to me author!

  103. T. Jones says:

    I have always been fascinated with Ireland, and have been blessed to have made several long (6+ weeks) trips there. I love the fantasy genre, but not the dark spiritual element that often comes with it, particularly in the secular field. As a Christian, I think we do have to be careful there. I also enjoy historical fiction, and the mix of the 2 genres. Throw in a little time-travel or portals, and I am definitely very intrigued. “Oath of the Brotherhood” sounds like a book I would enjoy reading!

  104. Darla Meyer says:

    I was one who steered away from fantasy, but I dearly love the Narnia books. So, I’m going to give yours a try! When I signed up for the newsletter, I didn’t check the fantasy box. Please add me to that if possible.

  105. Joy ISLEY says:

    I like these kinds of hunts because I get introduced to a lot of authors I have yet to read.
    Thanks for the hunt

  106. Paty Hinojosa Gómez says:

    This scavenger hunt is so fun! And I love to learn so many things of all the authors! Your new book sounds awesome!

  107. Diane says:

    I loved Ireland! You are a new author to me, but I’m excited to read your work.

  108. Natalya Lakhno says:

    Thank you for participating in the hunt!

  109. Linda says:

    Thank you for taking part in the scavenger hunt.
    I enjoy reading what everyone is writing.

  110. Elaina says:

    Beautiful book cover!

  111. Michelle L. says:

    Great giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity to win that beautiful book!

  112. Connie Porter Saunders says:

    Thanks for being a part of this scavenger hunt.

  113. Kym says:

    I didn’t realize there were so many different kinds of fantasy. I like historical fantasies best so I’m glad to “meet” you and your books!

  114. Gayla Kaufman says:

    Would love to try your books!

  115. Shelley Beachy says:

    Thanks for explaining all the fantasy genres. I learned something new.

  116. Patrice Doten says:

    I love that cover and have had my eye on this book for sometime!

  117. Chris Henderson says:

    Love the beautiful harp on your book cover.

  118. Debra lee says:

    I would love to win.. This book sounds so good

  119. Katie H says:

    I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I would love to! You sure do make fantasy sound so exciting!

  120. rttl says:

    Thanks for the guide and thanks for the giveaway.

  121. Mindy Staley says:

    So excited for the giveaway! Thanks for being generous!!

  122. Dorothy Kent says:

    I can’t wait to read this!

  123. Megan Tkacik says:

    I didnt realize there were so many sub-genres inside fantasy! Interesting!

  124. Christine Sharbrough says:

    Fantasy? How did I miss that! Looking forward to reading more.

  125. Anya May says:

    So interesting to learn there are so many different fantasy genres. I absolutely loved Oath of the Brotherhood and would love to have this beautiful hardcover copy, since I read the ebook. Thank you! (Love all of your books by the way!)

  126. Teri DiVincenzo says:

    I’m not much of a fantasy reader (or so I thought) so putting them all in categories really helps determine what I might like…your book sounds like one of them!

  127. Jennifer Erickson says:

    I love this gorgeous journal so much! What an inspiration from a fellow writer to future writers!

  128. Lanya Yu says:

    AHHH This is amazing!!! I’m having sooo much fun doing this scavenger hunt!!!

  129. Karen says:

    I must not be expert level nerd because I didn’t realize that there were sub-genres of fantasy! Haha Thank you for enlightening me!

  130. Amber says:

    WOW! Great prize 😇

  131. Connie Hendryx says:

    I love fantasy! Thanks for the giveaway!

  132. Stephanie Ludwig says:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  133. Rita Navarre says:

    Thank You for the giveaway!

  134. Debra J Pruss says:

    God bless you. Thank you for sharing your time and your talent.

  135. Debbie Clatterbuck says:

    An interesting book from a new-to-me author, nice, and the hand-tooled leather bookmark looks nice too.

  136. Bekah says:

    The cover for Oath of the Brotherhood is so beautiful! It’s been on my wish list for awhile. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

  137. Abigail Harder says:

    I cannot WAIT to read your book! I LOVE Enclave Publishing and all the books that they publish, so I know that I’ll love yours!!

  138. Becky B says:

    Thank you! I am excited to read your book.

  139. Reading Bee says:

    Oh, this was such a wonderful breakdown of the different fantasy types–I had wondered about some of them, and this was so helpful. Thank you! 🙂

  140. Amanda says:

    Loving this scavenger hunt! Thanks for being a part of it!

  141. Bethany H. says:

    I love that I get to discover new authors through this scavenger hunt. I am looking forward to reading your book.

  142. Donna Durnell says:

    I have read some fantasy, and I enjoyed what I read. But, I must admit fantasy is not the genre I look for. I may be more inclined to try some more after reading your discriptions.

  143. Becca Peterson says:

    This sounds really interesting! Can’t wait to check it out!

  144. Heidi V says:

    Thank You Carla for having me

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