Garden of Mysteries
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE DRAGON SLAYER BIBLE SERIES
Frank Peretti meets The Chosen for Kids
Adventure-Packed Biblical Fiction for 8-12 year olds
A DRAGON SLAYER BIBLE STORY
An ancient curse. An invisible dragon. A mysterious prophecy.
Seth’s parents have secrets they won’t share with him. Why did the King kick them out of the garden and curse the land? And can the curse be broken? Finding answers to Seth’s questions will prove more dangerous than he imagined. Can he discover the truth before the dragon destroys him?
Frank Peretti meets The Chosen for Kids in this action-packed biblical fiction story that will inspire readers to identify lies of the dragon and to put their trust in the dragon slayer.
Seth’s story takes place in a post-fall world where ferocious beasts lurk in the darkness and thorns and thistles cover the land. When Seth learns of an ancient prophecy about the Chosen One, he sets off on a quest to find the one who will break the curse. But the evil dragon also has a mission—to deceive Seth and turn his heart from the King.
On his quest for truth, Seth learns what it means to trust the King and to resist the lies of the evil dragon.
AUDIOBOOK SALE!
For a limited time, you can purchase the audiobook at a discounted launch price of only $10.00! (USD) The audiobook version of Garden of Mysteries is currently exclusively sold through my website. It will eventually be available through Audible at full price, but I wanted to offer YOU the chance to purchase it at a discounted rate first.
Meet the Narrator
The audiobook for Garden of Mysteries was narrated by Ian Riethmiller. Ian is a 17 year-old homeschooled senior from Lancaster, PA. He was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical in 2024 for the role of Scarecrow/Hunk in “The Wizard of Oz” with Encore Homeschool Productions.
Listen to Chapter One
Other Books in the Dragon Slayer Bible Series:
What Readers Are Saying
5.0 out of 5 stars
A hit with my son!
My 11 year old son loved this book! He saw the gorgeous cover and took it from my book pile (I wanted to read it first actually). He devoured it in one day. Bringing it back, he said I needed to put it in my next giveaway (I’m an author myself) which is saying something because even though he loves to read he’s never “recommended” a book to me. He related to the main character Seth and his quest to break sin’s curse, while I loved that this book brings the gospel story to life for my son. Its engaging and reads quickly, which I think would make it great for reluctant readers, and its premise is perfect for families looking for gospel-centered books for their kids.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read!
Once my daughter started the book she couldn’t stop! Same for myself! We loved the biblical background of the story and how it kept us engaged to wanting to know more after chapter. We highly recommend this book!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Will leave your child fighting dragons in the backyard
Thankful for this novel sparking so many questions in my little boy. I would often catch him reading with his headlamp on at all hours of the night/morning! He wouldn’t call himself a reader but he tore this book up!! The idea of slaying the Dragon has allowed us to have so many discussion about scripture. It has sparked his curiosity about God and what it means to be a man of God. (It’s also lead to hours of dragon slaying in the backyard!)
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved by my 9 year old son!
My son has not been able to put this book down. He describes it as serious, but exciting! He even chose to write a book review for school on this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Adventure with God!
I know this book is intended for teen boys, but this 53 year old mama loved it too! Laurie’s writing is so engaging and keeps you turning the page. I love the parallels she used between her fictional story and scripture, and the illustrations were stunning. As the mom of a 13 year old, I love that Laurie has given parents an alternative to the doom and gloom writing that seems to attract our kids. She has found a way to point to the Bible as the greatest story ever written, while taking the reader on an adventure you don’t want to see end!
About Garden of Mysteries
Garden of Mysteries is divided into two books.
Garden of Mysteries: A Dragon Slayer Bible Story is a fictional story based on characters and events from the Bible. The Bible mentions many of the characters in the book, but some were invented by the author. Many events of the story were imagined by the author as well. (Flip to the “Fact or Fiction” section of this book to learn more about what really happened!)
Garden of Mysteries: A Dragon Slayer Devotional includes devotions and Bible studies that complement the themes of the fictional book. It contains “The Mission” and “The Marching Orders.”
Garden of Mysteries was checked for theological accuracy by Gordon Gregory, ThD, Professor of Bible & Theology, Lancaster Bible College, Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
This book remains true to what the Bible reveals about God’s character, and what the Bible teaches about spiritual warfare. Jesus is referred to as the Dragon Slayer, and Satan is depicted as a dragon. The Bible uses a lot of dragon and serpent imagery when talking about Satan (Revelation 12).
The fictional story takes place between the fall of Adam and Eve and the flood. The Bible dedicates only a few chapters to this time period. Likewise, extra-biblical sources do not provide much information about pre-flood culture. I have taken the liberty to imagine what the culture might have been like at the time.
The goal of this story is three-fold:
1. To provide an entertaining experience for the reader in the context of biblical history.
2. To challenge the reader to dig deeper into the Scriptures and to learn about the characters and events mentioned in the story.
3. To make readers aware that we have an evil enemy who seeks to destroy us. My prayer is that readers will learn to trust in Jesus, the Dragon Slayer.
The companion devotional book challenges readers to dive deeper into scripture passages and to apply biblical truths to their lives.
I pray this book will inspire young readers to know God and dig deeper into his Word!
Look Inside the Novel
A Companion Devotional
A DRAGON SLAYER DEVOTIONAL
Will You Join the Army of the Dragon Slayer?
In this companion devotional to Garden of Mysteries: A Dragon Slayer Bible Story, preteen readers will learn what it means to be made in God’s image, how the dragon deceived Adam and Eve, how sin corrupts our hearts, and how God sent Jesus—the Dragon Slayer—to fix our broken friendship with the King.
Oh, and there might be a smelly troll.
THE MISSION
The Mission section includes six short devotional readings that refer back to events in the Garden of Mysteries story. Readers will encounter topics like: lies of the dragon, God’s love, dealing with fear, prayer, hard work, and friendship.
THE MARCHING ORDERS
The Marching Orders section includes eight longer devotions and Bible studies. These studies dive deeper into the background Scriptures in Genesis that Garden of Mysteries was based on.
Basic Training provides Bible verses for you to read.
Directives dives into the Scripture passages and challenges readers to understand and live out the Word of God.
Critical Communications is a prayer to the God of Angel Armies.
The Battle Plan provides readers with space to think and reflect on the challenge for the day.
Look Inside the Devotional
Help Spread the Word
I would love for you to help me get the word out about Garden of Mysteries! Feel free to use the graphics below and repost them to your social media pages, website, blog, or newsletter.
Meet Laurie Christine
Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, certified Biblical Parenting Coach, Bible teacher, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys.
Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.
In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes Biblical fiction and devotions for kids ages 8-12. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same! As a mom of four boys, she understands how important it is for parents to connect with their children, while communicating the truth of God’s Word to them in a way they can understand.
With degrees in Creative Writing, Biblical Studies and Education, Laurie has more than 20 years of experience in teaching the Bible to children and teens, in addition to writing Sunday School curriculum for her local church.
