Alternative History? Quasi-Historical? Speculative? Fantasy? Where's the line?

[Assaph]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for reviewers for my hard to classify novel :)

It's set in a fantasy world, but one that draws heavily on Ancient Rome. I've done a lot of research into cultural elements of the early- and mid-Republic, but then went with a cinematic version to explore what might happen if several key things evolved differently.

And had magic, of course. Because slightly supernatural mysteries that don't require a deus ex-machina are that much more satisfying.

Anyway, I've subtitled my novel Murder in-absentia as "a story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic" as it draws together elements of an whodunit, ancient Rome and magic.

Follow the above link for a full blurb, and if this sounds to you like an interesting cup of tea send me a message for a review copy (no strings attached).

Cheers!
Assaph

[Sara]

Just your description would have me call this Fantasy. Even though it draws on Ancient Rome, the use of magic, and the fact that it's still set in a whole different world...that's where I'd start anyway.

[Assaph]

Sara wrote: "Just your description would have me call this Fantasy. Even though it draws on Ancient Rome, the use of magic, and the fact that it's still set in a whole different world...that's where I'd start a..."

Thanks Sarah.

That's pretty much where I started too - marketing it as a fantasy novel primarily. However I've been running Amazon ads as a test, and it seems like that readers of ancient Roman mysteries are more interested in another ancient mystery but with a magical twist, that general fantasy readers are interested in fantasy set in ancient Rome.

An area I get mixed results is Urban Fantasy where I present it as an UF set in an ancient world.

Mostly I spend more on ads that I get in sales, but that's beside the point - I am using it to see which readers are more receptive to my book. So far it seems like cross-genre historical fiction works best.

Cheers,
Assaph

[Robin]

If it's set in a fictional world (even one based on a real time period) and the magic is that prominent that you've included it in your subtitle, then this is fantasy, absolutely. Being set in a fictional world makes it high fantasy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fa...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy

ASOIAF is set in a fictional world, though is draws heavily on the Middle Ages, and it includes magic, and it is very much considered fantasy. It draws in a lot of historical fiction readers, possibly because it's loosely based on the Wars of the Roses, but it's still fantasy.

[Assaph]

Thanks Robin.

I myself think of it as fantasy (I usually refer to it as a fantasy murder mystery with an historical slant and a dash of horror), but I am trying to gauge the market :)

I'll let the Amazon ads keep running and report back. I just find it surprising that what I thought would be the target market is not necessarily the majority of readers who actually look into the book and buy it.

[Sara]

Using ads for market research is a very good idea! It's likely going to be worth your investment just on the gauging of interest. I might have to copy you if you don't object. :)

Regardless, best of luck! It sounds like a good read!!

[Assaph]

Sara wrote: "Using ads for market research is a very good idea! It's likely going to be worth your investment just on the gauging of interest. I might have to copy you if you don't object. :)

Regardless, best ..."

Thanks - on both counts :)