About the Book
Book: Beneath the Forsaken City
Author: Carla Laureano
Genre: Fantasy
Release date: June 8, 2021
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About the Author
More from Carla
Fictional Magic… and Why It Matters to Us
The first book in the Song of Seare series introduced the culture, religion, and characters of my fictional universe, but it’s this second book, Beneath the Forsaken City, that really delves into the magic of the world, both light and dark.
The light magic in the series comes directly from Comdiu (their version of the Christian God), given as gifts to his people to be used in His service. I approached the creation of this magic much as the real-world church views spiritual gifts: everyone might have a different gift, some people may have more than one, but all of them are meant to be used within the context of God’s commands and promises. They come from a purely good source, but when used for our own glory or for selfish ends or even just without full understanding, they have the potential to be twisted into something that’s harmful or ineffective. In Beneath the Forsaken City, Aine learns how carefully she must wield her powers in order not to sow discord in those around her; Conor must come to grips with the limits and the boundaries of his own abilities, battling the ever-present temptation of pride.
The dark magic, on the other hand, comes from the Adversary either in the form of sorcery or in the powers of the sidhe, the spirits who haunt the isle of Seare and beyond. For this, I delved both into the Celtic myths and fairie tales as well as neo-pagan rituals, particularly for details on scrying. I approached the topic thinking it was a somewhat harmless, if ineffective, practice and left with a deep sense of spiritual unease—this is the type of thing the Bible warns against when it forbids divination and witchcraft. Consequently, when Conor is approached with the opportunity to scry for an answer he desperately needs, he battles the temptation of his own desires against his very clear understanding that it’s dark, forbidden magic.
Some of this may seem academic to the modern Christian reader—most of us aren’t going to be tempted by dark magic or pagan rituals. But I meant it to reflect a warning and a lesson in our larger walk with Christ. Things that come from darkness can never be used for light, even when our intentions are good—God has forbidden them for a reason, because of their danger to ourselves, others, or the integrity of our own souls. Even the gifts and abilities that have been God-given for the use of His kingdom can be corrupted by sin if we’re not anchored to the heart and purpose of Christ.
That’s why my deepest wish is that readers of Beneath the Forsaken City will look beyond the fantasy elements of Seare to the real-world lessons beneath—and be both warned and encouraged in their own spiritual walks.
My Thoughts
Beneath the Forsaken City is a Fantasy book that is written by the talented Carla Laureano. This is book 2 in the Song of Seare series. I have read book 1, and I would recommend reading them in order so that you grasp the full effect of the series. The first book in the series looked more at Conor's training to be a warrior and the battle of good and evil. You can read my review for that book: HERE. In this book Conor will use his knowledge and training and will rely on that warrior training. Aine has grown from the first book also. Aine will channel and use the gifts she has been given.
Conor has to fine the harp to end the nightmare that has been brought on by the Red Druid’s reign of terror. First Aine and Conor encounter a storm that separates them. They are now having to navigate separately and its full of danger. I love how many twists and turns there were in this book - I did not know what was going to happen next. I love how the author ended the story - I cannot wait until the next story to come out. The author has done a great job weaving in the Christian faith into this Celtic - era inspired book. I look forward to the other books in the series. I would say this is appropriate to high school kids and up, possibly upper middle grade. It has well written characters.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.
Blog Stops
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 27
Worthy2Read, June 27
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 28
Inklings and notions, June 29
Texas Book-aholic, June 30
For Him and My Family, July 1
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3
deb’s Book Review, July 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 5
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 6
Blogging With Carol, July 7
Labor Not in Vain, July 8
Mia Reads, July 8
A Baker’s Perspective, July 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away the grand prize package of a limited-edition hardcover of Beneath the Forsaken City and a sterling silver Celtic pendant!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10e08/beneath-the-forsaken-city-celebration-tour-giveaway
I read this series years ago and agree with your warnings. As a grounded believer, I love how Laureano wove the gospel into this. I have now read this series three times.
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