THIS SCAVENGER HUNT IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. WINNERS AS DRAWN BY LISA BERGREN ARE:
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 11/7 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, 11/10 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!
Hi, y’all! I’m Ronie Kendig, an best-selling, award-winning author mostly known for my Rapid-Fire Fiction, which includes over twenty-five paramilitary thrillers (novels and novellas), but I’m branching out a little more and launching a new science fiction series, The Droseran Saga. My husband and I live a short train ride from New York City with our twin sons and two dogs—a retired military working dog and an English Cream Golden Retriever. I love connecting with readers here on my site as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
My newest release, Brand of Light, is a space opera—think Dune meets Firefly. Sort of. Here’s what it’s about:
There’s a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.
Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they’re not alone.
After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she’s borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accused of their murders.
Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order-not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted-or cursed-with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted.
Are you ready to join this space adventure? Maybe you’re asking the infamous question:
What is a space opera?
So Brand of Light is the science fiction oddball of the scavenger Hunt, and I’m okay with that. I’ve written over twenty suspense novels and novellas, and three fantasy novels, so when readers became aware that I had a science fiction novel that was going to be published, they weren’t really surprised. Maybe a little concerned, but not surprised. Especially when I explained this story-of-my-heart was a space opera.
A what? *insert deer-in-headlights look*
A space opera. It’s a subgenre that falls under science fiction, but to the soft side, not the hard side (because Ronie can’t “science” to save her life). This subgenre arose during the 1930s, along with soap operas and horse operas (I had no idea that latter term existed!). The term was a pejorative one and coined in 1941 by writer Wilson Tucker, who described it as a “hacky, grinding, stinking, outworn, spaceship yarn.”
Well, then. That’s a bit abrasive and mean. Irony comes with the fact that by the 1960s and ’70s, the space opera was a widely accepted—and beloved—subgenre, producing shows and movies like Dune, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, etc., and even today it is a much-loved style with loved shows like Dark Matter, KillJoys, Lost in Space, and the many spinoffs of the Star Wars empire.
Wikipedia defines a space opera as a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles, chivalric romance, and risk-taking. It also can involve opponents possessing advanced abilities, weapons, and other sophisticated technology.
When I finished writing Brand of Light for the first time fourteen years ago, I had no idea what the genre was; I simply knew I loved the story and the genre. In The Droseran Saga, there is advanced technology, medieval-era planets, advanced weapons, chivalric romance (Ahhh, Marco!), and risk taking. I love the descriptor “melodramatic adventure,” because it seems to remind the reader to have fun, enjoy the story. If someone is looking for hard science fiction, this is the not story for them. But if you want a fun space adventure with some romance, Marco and Kersei are ready to welcome you aboard!
Here’s the Stop #19 Skinny:
If you’re interested, you can preorder Brand of Light on:
Clue to Write Down: into a purple
Link to Stop #20, the Next Stop on the Loop: Pepper Basham!
***
But wait, there’s more!! You can enter my personal giveaway (use the Rafflecopter widget below), to include a copy of BRAND OF LIGHT and the swag featured in this picture, and an exclusive KERSEI candle and Brand of Light ornament (not shown). All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter (banner across the top of my home page) or note that you’re already a subscriber. Additional points to those who follow me as an author on Goodreads, mark Brand of Light as “Want to Read” on GoodReads, and/or follow me on Instagram! (USA only)
PLEASE NOTE: Brand of Light does not officially release until 12/3, so copies of the book are not available to the author until roughly mid-November. The signed hardcover will be mailed as soon as they are available. If the winner so chooses, swag items can be mailed earlier.
Comments 136
Already subscribed 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Amy!!
I subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Anne!
The rafflecopter is not working, it just shows the HTML code
Author
THANK YOU for the heads-up on that, Beth! It’s fixed now!
Already subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Sarah!
I subscribed!
Author
Thank you so much, Wendy!!
Already subscribed! I’m pretty positive this will be the first “opera” of anything I’ll ever read. lol Who knew there was a horse one, too? lol
I’m already subscribed Ronie! 🙂 Space Opera…intriguing indeed.
Already subscribed
Already subscribe, thank you Ronie! Space Opera…intriguing indeed!
Already subscribed. Love your books, thanks for the giveaway!
Author
Thank you, Amanda!
I have signed up. Thank you for this opportunity.
Author
Thank you, Jessica!
Already subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Melissa!
Already a subscriber. Follow you on Goodreads too!!! Can’t wait to try this novel.
Author
Thank you so much, Kelly!! I’m grateful for your support!
Already Subscribed
Author
Thank you, DeVorah!
I Subscribed and following you thank you for the chance!
Author
Thank you so much, Sarah!
I ‘m a new subscriber.
Author
Thank you, Tara!
I subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Abby!
Already subscribed
Author
Thank you, Diane!
Already following on facebook and already subscribed. Following on goodreads and marked Brand of Light as want to read.
Author
Thank you so much!!!
Already subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Caryl!
Already subscribed! Thank you! This is so fun!
Author
Thank you, Christine! I’m so glad you’re having fun!
I subscribed! Really looking forward to Brand of Light’s release!
Author
Wonderful! Thank you, Emily!! I hope you enjoy it!!
Subscribed
Author
Thank you, Terri!!
I am already subscribed and follow on Goodreads and Bookbub. Love your books!
Author
Thank you, Gloria!
I subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Angeline!
I subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Rachel!
I don’t tweet but I’m already following you on Facebook, Instagram and already subscribing to your newsletter.
Author
Thank you, Gail!!
I’m already subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Jessica!
I am already a subscriber!!! Thanks for having the giveaway!!!
Author
Thanks for coming along for the hunt, Debbie!
I subscribed! Your new book sounds incredible, and you compared it to Firefly. I’m in! 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Sioux! We Browncoats have to stick together, ya know?
I just subscribed. Having fun on the Scavenger Hunt!
Author
Thank you so much, Betty!! So glad you’re enjoying the hunt!
I’ve been subscribed. 😀
Author
Thank you, Abigail!!
I am already a subscriber 🙂
Author
Thank you, Betti!
Following you on Goodreads, I am already subscribed to your newsletter, and I marked your book as want to read!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Author
Thank you, Stephanie!! So appreicate you!
I subscribed
Author
Thank you, Mikayla!
Already subscribed. Thanks for the chance.
Tighefan42atgmaildotcom
Author
Thank you, Tammy!!
I am already a subscriber!
Author
Thank you, Abigail!
Already a subscriber and good reads follower.
Just added book as a want read :). Your books are very intense, i can’t wait to see this sci-fi element.
Author
THANK YOU so much, Jessica! I hope you really enjoy BRAND!!
signed up
Author
Thank you, Deb, and welcome to Rapid-Fire Fiction!!
I am already subscribed! Thank you for the giveaway!
Author
Thank you, Hannah!!
Already subscribed.
Author
Thank you, Dawn!!
Subscribed!! Thank you for taking part in the scavenger hunt 🙂
Author
Thank you, Darlene!!
Just subscribed. Thank you for explaining what a space opera is; I had heard the term before, but not the meaning. I do like “soft” sci-fi…it doesn’t make me drift off with all the scientific terms & details. Thanks for sharing!!
Author
Same, Becky!! I always knew BRAND was a space opera, but I’d never really explored the definition, and when I did–it fit so perfectly.
I am already subscribed to your newsletter. Also, I’m following you on Goodreads and I have marked, Brand of Light, as “Want to Read”.
Author
Thank you so much, Stephanie!! I so appreciate that!!
I am a subscriber. Thank you!
Author
Thank you, Kathy!!
Just finding out about you thru this scavenger hunt. Newly subscribed…
Author
Brilliant! Welcome aboard!! Thank you for subscribing!!
NOOOO! Sci-fi is my jam! Obsessed with Stargate Atlantis and S-G-1, love a good starwars and am so excited there something other than pink flowers and wedding dresses for christian fiction to write about. i was so sad when i learned the give away was only to US as im not there. I love reading a book i own, but gotta save towards life somehow! Im going to read this babe! as an avid lover of Sci-fi you will get my review!
Author
JESS!!! Love your post. I’m so sorry about the US-only, but shipping costs are killing me these days. THANK YOU for being willing to comment and read anyway!! If you see this reply, would you message me at ronie [at] roniekendig [dot] com, please?
Already subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Joan!!
I just subscribed! 🙂
Thank you for the fun giveaway!
Author
Thank you, Becca!
Already subscribed! 🙂
Author
Thank you, Julie!
Thank you for this wonderful chance.
Author
Thank you, Tashia!
I follow you on goodreads, put the book as want to read, and follow on instagram. 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Megan!!
Already subscribed
Author
Thank you, Carol!
Just subscribed
Author
Thank you, Samantha!
Subscribed. I haven’t read much science fiction, but this book looks interesting.
Author
Thank you, Sabrina! It’s pretty light on the sight, so it should still be a fun read.
Signed up!
Author
Thank you, Sheila!
I signed up!
Author
Thank you, Taylor!
I’m already a subscriber.
Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt.
Author
Thank you, Linda!
Just subscribed – Happy Sunday! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Author
Thank you for coming aboard!
I already subscribe. Thanks for the giveaway.
Author
Thank you, Charlotte!
Signed up! This sounds like such a great adventure. I am currently writing a space story too.
Author
Thank you, Halita!! I wish you well on your story. Aren’t they so fun?
I already subscribe
Author
Thank you, Nancy!
I subscribed! I don’t read nearly enough scifi and your book sounds amazing!
Author
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!
I subscribed! Thanks.
Author
Thank you, Bernice!
Subscribed!
Author
Thank you, Sarah!
I signed up. Thank you for the chance to win!
Author
Thank you so much, Amy!
i signed up……..Thanks for giving us the chance to win
Author
Thank you, Barbara!
Already Subscribed:)
Author
Thank you, Jennifer!
I signed up! Thank you for the giveaway!
Author
Thank you, Bethany!
I signed up. Thank you for the chance!
Author
Thank you, Priscila!