Non-Magical Fantasy
When you think fantasy, you think
magic, right? I mean, fantasy and magic seem to go hand in hand. It
can be a very controversial topic, and one that keeps many readers
away from the fantasy genre, even if it’s Christian fantasy. That
definitely makes it a bit harder to market Christian fantasy if it is
automatically assumed to contain magic. I have my own opinions on
magic in fiction and have read Christian book series that contain
magic (Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia,
anyone?), however, I write non-magical fantasy.
It wasn’t really a conscious decision
on my part. I think, in a way, it was because of my love for
historical fiction. You see, I started out as a historical romance
author. I LOVE history. But I also love fantasy and the unlimited
creativity and possibilities it presents. So my solution to this, is
to write fantasy with a historical feel to it. My fantasy worlds may
contain different races of people and creatures, but you won’t find
any characters wielding magic. It may not be typical of most fantasy,
but isn’t that every author’s job—to offer something a little
bit different? And I hope that, perhaps, someone who ordinarily
wouldn’t pick up a fantasy book because of magic may take a chance
on Ilyon Chronicles and be able to enjoy the adventure and
message that can be found in a fantasy world.
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. To learn more about Jaye and her work, visit: www.jayelknight.com
Resistance Text:
“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”
Could God ever love a half-blood society looks on with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.
Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair and her twin brother live every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.
Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are put in danger. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.
Giveaway:
Jaye is giving away an Ilyon Chronicles Bookmark from her Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/listing/237960336/bronze-dragon-bookmark-your-choice-of
a Rafflecopter giveawayMain Giveaway: Choice of book is either Emissary by John Locke, or To Win Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ooh, what cool giveaways! Jaye is one of my favorite authors... Could never have enough bookmarks from her shop. *wink*
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing your thoughts on magic and fantasy. I'll admit, I have felt pressured to put a magical element into a fantasy book, wondering if it could be classified as fantasy without it, but I think you really hit on the mark that what makes it fantasy isn't magic. While magic might be an element, it is far from a defining factor.
ReplyDeleteAwesomeness!!! I totally love that you write fantasy with out magic! I love fantasy, but I hate magic (with the exception of Narnia), so your gooks are a good fit with me ;).
ReplyDeleteI also love your bookmarks ;)
I'm an extreme magic-lover. I pick up a fantasy book to read about magic and supernatural powers, but I can see how your book would cater to those who have an aversion to it and that's pretty cool. :)
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Jaye's books are soo Crash! I love the way you write, your characters practically jump off the page. Can't wait to see what you come out with next
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