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Haven Enduring: Reading Soundtrack

I’m excited to share the next iteration in my book companion soundtrack series! This soundtrack is an excellent companion to Haven Enduring, Book II in The Legion of Pneumos series!

I tried to avoid any major spoilers, but if you want to go in completely blind, feel free to just listen through the song list of this reading soundtrack. Otherwise, check out my chapter/song list and descriptions below and let me know your thoughts! 

Curious to check out the other suggested soundtracks? Take a look below:

The CantorChaos Looming

Happy Reading!

Chapter One - I Ran, by Hidden Citizens I ran, I ran so far away.
I just ran, I ran all night and day.
I couldn’t get away– I Ran Chapter Two - You Said you'd Grow Old with Me, by Michael Schulte

Ugh, this song just breaks my heart every time I hear it. And I really think it encompasses Keira’s emotions and the pain she’s experiencing.

I’d like to say, “I’m okay”, but I’m not
I try, but I fall, close my mind, turn it off
But I can’t be sober, I cannot sleep
You’ve got your peace now, but what about me? Thought we had the time, had our lives
Now you’ll never get older, older
Didn’t say goodbye, now I’m frozen in time
Getting colder, colder.– You Said You’d Grow Old with Me Chapter Three - Dynasty, by MIIA

This song speaks to both Keira’s life at the moment and the Marians’ failed attempts at bringing the people of the Southern Shield into their Empire. 

Thought we built a dynasty that heaven couldn’t shake
Thought we built a dynasty, like nothing ever made
Thought we built a dynasty forever couldn’t break upIt all fell
It all fell
It all fell down– Dynasty Chapter Four - Someone to Stay, by Vancouver Sleep Clinic You were alone, left out in the cold
Clinging to the ruin of your broken home
Too lost and hurting to carry your load
We all need someone to hold. You’ve been fighting the memory, all on your own
Nothing worsens, nothing grows
I know how it feels being by yourself in the rain
We all need someone to stay
We all need someone to stay– Someone to Stay Chapter Five - Human, by Of Monsters and Men Breathe in, breathe out
Let the human in
Breathe in, breathe out
And let it inPlants awoke
And they slowly grow
Beneath the skin
So breathe in, breathe out
Let the human in– Human Chapter Six - Empire, by Alpines I’m building an empire
I’m building with the stars in mind
I’m building an empire
That’s one day gonna scrape the sky
I’m building an empire
That’s led by my heart to know my home
I’m building an empire
And now I’m never gonna look back
I must say this is as good as it gets
So why you wasting your blood, your sweat, your tears.– Empire Chapter Seven - Bring Me Back to Life, by Ht Bristol, Charlie Bannister, Vincent Steele, Nine One One I’m broken and I’m barely breathing.I’m falling cuz my heart stopped beating.If this is how it all goes down tonightIf this is how you bring me back to life.This is what it’s like when we collide.If this is how you bring me back to life.– Bring Me Back to Life Chapter Eight - Need Nothing, by Vérité I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted
A blissful expectation of something you never got
And I’m sorry we’re not where we started
You’ve wasted all your time in holding on There’s a crack in the ceiling where the light bleeds in
I feel you all around me, but I can’t cave in
I want to say I need you, but I need nothing
I need nothing, I need nothing – Need Nothing Chapter Nine - Wolves, by Down Like Silver Oh, the world is dark
And I’ve looked as far as I can see
When the years have torn me apart
Let me be When I die, let the flames devour me
When I die, set me free
When I die, throw my ashes to the breeze
When I die, scatter me – Wolves Chapter Ten - Deep End, by Ruelle I’m slipping, into the deep end
I’m in over my head, I can’t catch my breath
I’m slipping, into the deep end
Feel the current within
I can’t help but give in Like blood in my veins
Darkness is sinking
Darkness is sinking me
Commanding my soul
I am under the surface
Where the blackness burns beneath – Deep End Chapter Eleven - Hold Back the River, by James Bay Tried to keep you close to me
But life got in between
Tried to square not being there
But think that I should have been Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river so I
Can stop for a minute and see where you hide
Hold back the river, hold back – Hold Back the River Chapter Twelve - Setting Sun, By This, the Silent War I took my love to, to the mountain,
And you told me I’ve gotta let it go.
I swear it makes sense,
Oh, but it’s under the surface. When you gonna come and give me your love?
You’re gonna feel what I feel, baby.
We’re up against the setting sun,
When you gonna give me your love? – Setting Sun Chapter Thirteen - Waiting Game, by BANKS What if I never even see you cause we’re both on a stage
Don’t tell me listen to your song because it isn’t the same
I don’t wanna say your love is a waiting game– Waiting Game Chapter Fourteen - Dream, by Imagine Dragons Oh, we all are living in a dream
But life ain’t what it seems
Oh, everything’s a mess And all these sorrows I have seen
They lead me to believe
That everything’s a mess But I wanna dream
I wanna dream
Leave me to dream – Dream Chapter Fifteen - Wolf, By First Aid Kit When I run through the deep dark forest long
After this begun
Where the sun would set
The trees were dead
And the rivers were none
And I hope for a trace
To lead me back home from this place
But there was no sound there was only me, and my disgrace – Wolf Chapter Sixteen - Which Witch, By Florence + The Machine I’m miles away, he’s on my mind
I’m getting tired of crawling all the way
And I’ve had enough, it’s obvious
And I’m getting tired of crawling all the way
Crawling all the way
Crawling all the way I’m not beaten by this yet
You can’t tell me to regret
Been in the dark since the day we met
Fire, help me to forget – Which Witch Chapter Seventeen - Safe, by BANNERS When it gets heavy, sometimes I’ve got doubts
And I’m just trying keep these shadows out
I’ve been thinking myself to death
You’re calling me home like a ship that got wrecked I know there’s always a place for you and I
A place where every word that you say, can save my life
Where nothing hurts and nothing breaks
I’ll know it when I see your face
I’m safe – Safe Chapter Eighteen - Sinners, by Barns Courtney Oh sinners come down, come gather ’round
Oh sinners come down
Dancing on cold feet
Marching on cobble streets
Oh sinners come downI must be good for something – Sinners Chapter Nineteen - Spiral, by Rebecca Clements I’ll surely drown.Falling, falling,I spiral downI can’t do this. When the more I try,The more you make it worse.My head is underwater.Everything’s a blur.‘Cause the more I fight,The more you make it hurt.And to the sound of thunder,I spiral down to Earth. – Spiral Chapter Twenty - Black Sea, by Natasha Blume You rise, I fall
I stand, you crawl
You twist, I turn
Who’s the first to burn?
You sit and stay
I don’t obey
Where do we land in the Black Sea? – Black Sea Chapter Twenty-one - Just My Soul Responding, by Amber Run And it’s just my soul responding
To the heavy heart I’m holding
And it’s just my soul responding
To the love you took from me Oh, and I wanna be here when morning comes
When the stars in the sky fade into oneOh, and I wanna be here when times are hard
When the beating of your heart is like a drum – Just My Soul Responding Chapter Twenty-Two - Achilles Come Down, by Gang of Youths Achilles
Achilles
Achilles, jump now
You are absent of cause or excuse. Throw yourself into the unknown
With pace and a fury defiant
Clothe yourself in beauty untold
And see life as a means to a triumph
Today of all days See how the most dangerous thing is to love
How you will heal and you’ll rise above
Crowned by an overture bold and beyond
Ah, it’s more courageous to overcome – Achilles Come Down Chapter Twenty-Three - Broken, by Seether, Amy Lee ‘Cause I’m broken when I’m lonesome
And I don’t feel right when you’ve gone away
You’ve gone away
You don’t feel me here anymore The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I want to hold you high, and steal my pain away
There’s so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I want to hold you high and steal your pain. – Broken Chapter Twenty-Four - Glory and Gore, by Lorde And the cry goes out
They lose their minds for us
And how it plays out.
Now we’re in the ring, and we’re coming for blood You could try and take us
But we’re the gladiators.
Everyone a rager
But secretly they’re saviors
Glory and gore go hand in hand
That’s why we’re makin’ headlines.
You could try and take us
But victory’s contagious. – Glory and Gore Chapter Twenty-Five - Devil Side, by Foxes So tell me what I need to do
To keep myself away from you
To keep myself from going down
All the way
Down with you So tell me why
I deal with your devil side
I deal with your dangerous mind
But never with youWho’s gonna save you now
Who’s gonna save you – Devil Side Chapter Twenty-Six - Bring You Back, By Gold Brothers, LIIV So tell me what I need to do
To keep myself away from you
To keep myself from going down
All the way
Down with you So tell me why
I deal with your devil side
I deal with your dangerous mind
But never with youWho’s gonna save you now
Who’s gonna save you – Devil Side Chapter Twenty-Seven - Moments Passed, By Dermot Kennedy I wanted to run to you
What if I’m caught up on it’s me you’re calling?
What if I’m lost now, plus if demons come in?
When she kissed me I felt a new freedom or something
Well, move on
I found a moment to be brave so I let her know
And she said: How could I love you back, you who dropped your dreams in the gutter?
In my winters, she’ll be burning slow
Feels like December knows me well – Moments Passed Chapter Twenty-Eight - Rise Up, by Foxes Rise up right now
Rise up right now, rise up
I know you can get off the ground
Rise up right now
Rise up right now, rise up
I know you can get off the ground. Stop a minute cause I’m so cold
If the river dries, my heart won’t beat right anymore – Rise Up Chapter Twenty-Nine - Never Let Me Go, by Florence + The Machine Looking up from underneath
Fractured moonlight on the sea
Reflections still look the same to me
As before I went under And it’s peaceful in the deep
‘Cause either way you cannot breathe
No need to pray, no need to speak
Now I am under Oh, and it’s breaking over me
A thousand miles out to the sea bed
Found the place to rest my head – Never Let Me Go Chapter Thirty - Forever Bound, by Von Grey I want to lay my body down
Sink into your ground
Press my lips upon your brow
I want to lay my body down
I can’t go without
Cause I’m forever bound – Forever Bound Chapter Thirty-One - Legendary, by Welshly Arms ‘Cause we’re gonna be legends
Gonna get their attention
What we’re doing here ain’t just scary
It’s about to be legendary
Yeah, we’re gonna be legends
Gonna teach ’em all a lesson
Got this feeling in our souls we carry
It’s about to be legendary – Legendary Chapter Thirty-Two - Got It, by Marian Hill I got this thing
Gonna break you down
You’re crumbling
Till you hit the ground You wanna try
Come and have your taste
This thing won’t stop
‘Til you can’t be straight – Got It Chapter Thirty-Three - Hero, by Mountains vs. Machines When everybody runs you gotta stand tall
Hit after hit, you can never fall
If the stars come crashing
You’ll be the one to catch them
Don’t let go You could be a hero
Scream your name
When the world comes crashing down you’ll take the pain
You could be a hero
You’ll find a way
Every battle led you closer to today
You could be a hero – Hero Chapter Thirty-Four - Heroes, by Zayde Wolf  I can hear the lost cryingI can hear the truth hiding, hiding
Yeah, the shadows are calling us out
I see the fear rising
Yeah, but my hope is burning
The shadows are calling us out We are heroes
Heroes in the darkest times
When there is no light 
We are heroes
Heroes in the darkest times
Who will rise above
We are heroes – Heroes Chapter Thirty-Five - Invincible, by All Good Things And now the darkest hour collides
With our unguarded lives
If we were invincible
If we could never die
Then all the world could rise against us
And we’d dare to fight
Dare to fight Nothing left to fear
We could never fall
So alive and full of fire
We’d be invincible – Invincible Chapter Thirty-Six - Medicine, by Daughter It’s just medicine
It’s just medicine You could still be
What you want to
What you said you were
When I met you You’ve got a warm heart
You’ve got a beautiful brain, but it’s disintegrating – Medicine Chapter Thirty-Seven - Everybody Wants to Rule the World, by Lorde Welcome to your life
There’s no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world – Everybody Wants to Rule the World Chapter Thirty-Eight - This Mountain, by Faouzia Falling down this mountain
Falling down again
Heart beats still beating in the end
I’m choking
But that’s just what they wanted. So I get up off the ground
And I shake it out
Come, look at me now
Look at me now
I’m not here to talk
I’m not here to talk
I’m just here to walk
Here to walk the walk – This Mountain Chapter Thirty-Nine - Battlefield, by SVRCINA Meet me on the battlefield
Even on the darkest night
I will be your sword & shield, your camouflage
And you will be mine Echos of the shots ring out
We may be the first to fall
Everything could stay the same or we could change it all Meet me on the battlefield – Battlefield Chapter Forty - Flood, by Lhotse, Ellem In the wake of the morning
In the dark of the day
Broken silence Floating on the surface
Floating on the rising waves The fire burns
Let the lightning strike
A thousand flames
Oh, bring on the flood
Bring on the rain
Yeah, we will remain
Oh, bring on the flood – Flood Chapter Forty-One - Kingdom Fall, by Clair Wyndham Say it like you mean it
Bones become dust
Gold turns to rust
Say it like you mean it, Mmmm Underneath a spotlight
And all the splintered wood
Nothing here is shining
Shining like it should, Mmmm I’d rather watch my kingdom fall
I want it all or not at all
I’d rather watch my kingdom fall
I want it all or not at all – Kingdom Fall Chapter Forty-Two - Walk on Water, by Thirty Seconds to Mars Can you even see what you’re fighting for?
Bloodlust and a holy war
Listen up, hear the patriots shout
“Times are changing”
In the end, the choice was clear
Take a shot in the face of fear
Fist up in the firing line
Times are changing Do you believe that you can walk on water?
Do you believe that you can win this fight tonight? – Walk on Water Epilogue - On My Own, by Ashes Remain Bring me out
Come and find me in the dark now
Every day by myself I’m breaking down
I don’t wanna fight alone anymore Bring me out
From the prison of my own pride
My God
I need a hope I can’t deny
In the end I’m realizing I was never meant to fight on my own. – On My Own

Chaos Looming: Reader’s Guide

Enjoying Chaos Looming with friends? Or just want to take a deeper dive into the story? Check out the Chaos Looming Reader’s Guide, where you’ll find discussion questions, quotes to ponder, character interviews, and everything you need for your next weekly book club meeting. 

Read on or download the PDF version below!

Download PDF Discussion Questions

1. How does Keira’s character change over the course of the novel in her pursuit of “purpose?” Does she ever find it?

2. How are Keira’s actions in the book influenced by her relationship with her mother and the way she grew up? Do you think she’s aware of this influence?

3. Danny and Keira are two people from very different times and circumstances, how has this influenced the dynamic between them? How do they each approach the challenges of trust? Intimacy? Dependence? Does this make them more or less well matched as partners?

4. How are the characters’ mental health challenges represented in the story? How do they influence their actions? How much insight do the characters have toward this influence?

5. How might Nazor’s background have influenced her choices and understanding of the stakes at play in the story? Would you have made the same choices? Why or why not?

6. Elliott tells Keira “When in doubt, I say heal whenever you can. For it is far better to fear the outcome of kindness than regret an act of cruelty that went unchallenged.” Is this always true? Why or why not? Pick a character who might disagree with this statement and explain their argument.

7. Discuss Junia’s role as the antagonist. What is the reasoning she claims for her actions? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?

8. What does Neval mean by this?

9. Why does Neval choose the side he does at the end? Was it for strategic or personal reasons? How might his decision have changed if Junia had talked to him first?

10. How does the theme of order vs chaos manifest throughout the book? Is there a difference between “internal” and “external” chaos? Are the two related? If so, how?

11. The mandate of the Legion of Pneumos is to fight chaos and bring order into the world. How do the characters’ differing viewpoints of what chaos and order really mean lead to conflict in the story?

12. Do you view the Legion of Pneumos as a force for good in the world of the story? Why or why not?

13. How does the setting of Loren fit into the story? Do you think its cultural and political history played a role in the events that unfolded? Why or why not?

14. How does the plight of the uplanders’ cultural and economic oppression intersect with the limited rights of women in their society? What implications does this have for the uplanders’ moral position in the lead-up to their planned revolution?

15. How does the shifting viewpoint between Keira and Junia influence the story flow? Does it change the tension? Add perspective? 

Character Interviews

Ever wonder why Keira wanted to become a doctor? What was Nazor’s daughter called and what was she like? Who was the girl that Danny left behind to go off to war? What does Elliott miss most about his world? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Meet the Cast: The Cantor Edition!

Read More

Were Landry and Junia close as children? How do the Marians plan on keeping control in the coming chaos? What brought the Cross-Sea warriors to Loren in the first place? And what exactly are the uplanders planning? If you enjoyed The Cantor edition of Meet the Cast, then you’ll love the newest Chaos Looming edition!

Read More

Meet the Cast – Chaos Looming Edition

Were Landry and Junia close as children? How do the Marians plan on keeping control in the coming chaos? What brought the Cross-Sea warriors to Loren in the first place? And what exactly are the uplanders planning?

If you enjoyed The Cantor edition of Meet the Cast, then you’ll love the newest Chaos Looming edition!

Landrianus Marian

Born: 223 M.E.

Home: Crîd Eálas, Loren

Are you close with your family?

Well my mother died when I was young you see. But back when she was still alive, we were all very close. My mother would always take my older sister, Junia, and I into the city on market days and we’d play with each other and the other noble children. Even our father would occasionally venture out of his study (much to his advisors chagrin I’m sure!) and join us in town. But after our mother died things changed, he changed. And my sister, well my sister took it hardest of all.  

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Well, I’ll be Regio I suppose, terrifying as that thought might be. My father’s often ill, done in by drink I’d wager, so I’m not sure he’ll still be around then. So in five years my life will be essentially over, reduced to nothing but long meetings with stodgy advisors and endless audiences with simpering nobility. No, I’d rather focus on the here and now, while I’ve still got a life to live. 

If you were to rule Loren, what changes would you make?

Hmm, that’s a tough question isn’t it. Well, I suppose there are plenty of things that could use improvement. Just give me a moment, let me think . . . the roads! Yes, the roads. Terrible pot holes, I swear I nearly maimed my horse on the ride to Mount Ánghen. The roads will certainly be first on the agenda . . .

What is your greatest regret?

Regrets you say? Only that I ever agreed to leave the capital and come to this Pneumos-forsaken mountain. No proper civilization for miles and I haven’t been to a ball in year. It’s absolutely absurd that in this day and age we’re still bound to such ancient customs. Here I am wasting away, while my court and subjects (the people I’m meant to rule one day) carry on with their lives. Absolute madness!

Junia Marian

Born: 219 M.E.

Home: Crîd Eálas

Are you close with your family?

I’m not sure I understand. What sort of question is that? We’re the royal family. We have a duty to uphold, a duty to Loren, to the country. Why should our feelings toward each other matter?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Why, I’m a royal princess, descendent of the great Marian Empire. The women in my family have ruled nations, led armies, and suppressed revolt. But that was the old world. Loren is . . . different. And as the daughter of the Regio, there are certain expectations that I must uphold. I will marry well, I suspect some wealthy son of the Council of Benadur, and go on to live a decidedly respectable life. So as you can see, it’s all planned out. Every. Last. Detail. 

If you were to rule Loren, what changes would you make?

Oh my, where to begin? Well to start with, there are certain interests that need to be shown their proper place in the world. A certain council perhaps? And then I’d ensure some well-needed law and order is shown to the Lorenan natives, who too often seem to have forgotten exactly who conquered who. 

What is your greatest regret?

Regret? No regrets–not ever. I look forward, never backward. My eyes are always on the horizon, on the next decision to be made. Because you see, there’s always another play to be made, another move on the board. And I think you’ll find, that I’m a decisive player indeed. 

Neval Brennan

Born: 218 M.E.

Home: Ceffí, Loren

What was it like growing up in the uplands?

The uplands eh? Well what can I say? Hot steaming mudlo any time you like and the best Pandry smoke you’ll find north of the Windin’ Desert, all with a heapin’ side of heel crushin’ tyranny. I left good people back home, honest people, and I didn’t look back. Because not everyone has the stomach for what must be done.

If there were one thing you could change about Loren, what would it be?

Ha, see that would require our dear Regio to give two flyin’ figs about what happins to us lowly uplanders, the scut off his boot you see. But no, there is no “one thing” that would drive out the rot from this Pneumos-forsaken country. Except, that is, the cleansing fire of holy revolution. And it’s comin’ friend. Just wait and see if it doesn’t.

What is your greatest regret?

There’s a price, yeah? A cost. And I was willing to pay it. Only . . . I didn’t know that others would be the ones payin’ for me. If I had, I . . . well, it doesn’t matter now does it? What’s done is done. The future is all that matters.

Inaba Sara

Born: 3207 4th Era (221 M.E.)

Home: Cross-Sea Lands

What is your homeland like?

Ah, the Cross-Sea Lands? The islands rumble with ancient memory and the air carries with it the taste of remembered tears–honor lost and regained only at the end of a sword. It is my home and ever shall be, no matter how far I stray form her shores. It is where my family lies–the living and the dead. And it is where I will one day return, body and spirit. 

What brought you to Loren and the Academy Bellatori?

It is tradition. A symbol of the friendship between our two countries. I never expected to be selected, to be asked to . . . well, that is a tale for another day. The truth is it was an honor to be chosen, to represent my family and my homeland in this way. 

Do you ever get homesick?

Well I . . . I will confess I’ve sometimes found it hard to adapt to Loren. Your culture is so different from my own and I wish I could say I’ve grown used to the questioning looks and sidelong glances I feel as I walk through the streets. But I suppose that is all part of why I’m here isn’t it? Understanding between our two peoples? At least I hope so.

What is your greatest regret?

Hmm, in my culture . . . well, duty is paramount. It comes before everything and everyone, including those we care about. I have a sister, well, I had a sister. And her loss, no matter how necessary, will haunt me until the day my spirit departs from this world. 

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into the lives and loves of the characters from Chaos Looming.

Want to learn more about Keira, Danny, Nazor, and Elliott? Check out Meet the Cast – The Cantor Edition. 

Haven Enduring: Sneak Peek!

I’m so excited to share that Haven Enduring, Book 2 in the Legion of Pneumos series is finally available for pre-order!

This story picks up a few months after the events of Chaos Looming and the epic fallout that ensued. Here we find Keira having fled the mainland and taken refuge in the war-torn chaos of the Southern Shield. The book releases July 15th and I’m so excited to share the first chapter of the book below for FREE as a thank you for all of your love and support for this series. It’s really been a labor of love for me and I can’t wait to share the next iteration of the story with you all!

As always, Happy Reading!

Haven Enduring Release Day! Days Hours Minutes Seconds

That which was undone may be reborn, but only at the price of chaos.

After losing the one person she could always depend on, Keira Altman has fled the Capital and its deadly dance of political intrigue, finding herself instead amidst the perilous jungles of the Southern Shield. Looking for respite and peace from the guilt that haunts her, Keira instead finds a world still on the verge of chaos. Try as she might to avoid the coming onslaught, her fate remains tied in service to Pneumos, a calling she can never truly escape.

Guarded against further heartbreak, Keira ventures back into the vipers’ den. But when long-held secrets come to a head, she discovers that the key to restoring order and reclaiming all that she has lost may be far closer than expected. With the help of some new and unexpected allies, Keira is determined to unravel the mysteries the Legion has buried deep over the centuries. But are some questions best left unanswered?

***********************

In this epic, action-packed sequel to the hit YA Fantasy Chaos Looming, Loren stands upon the edge of a knife, with paths diverging to order or chaos. Time will tell what fate has in store.

Pre-order Here!

So what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to pre-order your copy of Haven Enduring here:

Pre-order Here!

The Cantor: Reading Soundtrack

Writing has always been my happy place.

Truly, there’s nothing I love more than popping in my headphones and settling in for a great writing session. There’s just something about tuning the rest of the world out and retreating into a world of your own imagination. And for me that absolutely has to involve the perfect reading soundtrack to go with it. 

You all loved my Chaos Looming reading soundtrack (check it out here), so as promised, here’s my soundtrack to The Cantor, prequel to the YA Fantasy Adventure Chaos Looming. And if this playlist has you feeling inspired, get your free copy of The Cantor here!

I tried to avoid any major spoilers, but if you want to go in completely blind, feel free to just listen through the song list of this reading soundtrack. Otherwise, check out my chapter/song list and descriptions below and let me know your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!

Chapter One - Trees, by The Oh Hellos

The adventure begins! We first meet Danny and Nazor and get a peak into their life on the farm just outside Abalás. Of course they have no idea that they’re about to get a surprise visitor. I’ll listen to basically anything by The Oh Hellos, but this song in particular seemed like a great way to kick off this atypical origin story. 

Higher branches, harder fall
Hesitation stops us all
Oh, you’ll never know
Climbin’ trees– Trees Chapter Two - Bloodline, by James and the Wild Spirit

Keira wakes to find herself in a new and very different world than the one she left. But can she trust the strangers who seem to know more than they’re saying? The eery tone of Bloodline really captures the sense of confusion and yet odd familiarity she feels upon first arriving in Loren. 

Waking up for the first time
In your eyes I see my bloodline, your heart’s on fire
Breathing in for the first time
Your lungs fill up with all the love
Of heart’s desire, this heart’s on fire– Bloodline Chapter Three - I Followed Fires, by Matthew and the Atlas

Keira gets a fuller look at her new home and is confused and terrified by what she finds. Has she really lost everything and everyone she cared about? I Followed Fires really captures Keira’s desperation to make it to higher ground, and fight back the reality she refuses to accept. 

Give me to the road, upon the heart that I had sold.
Warm my heavy hands, my heavy hands for you to hold.
There’s a devil at your door,
And he grows, he grows– I Followed Fires Chapter Four - Kathy's Song, by The Secret Sisters (originally Simon & Garfunkel)

Acceptance is a big theme of this chapter as Keira learns more about the Legion and pneumonancy. But there’s excitement too and the thrill of a new challenge yet to be unearthed. I love The Secret Sisters’ rendition of this old Simon & Garfunkel song. It really captures Keira’s pain as she realizes all she’s lost. 

And so you see, I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you– Kathy’s Song Chapter Five - Featherstone, by The Paper Kites

The odd discoveries continue, but Keira’s finished being passive. She’s determined to figure out where she fits in all this. Luckily, her new friends are more than willing to help her. Featherstone really captures the desire to move forward even amidst the tether of guilt that still holds you back. 

She went out to the hay in the morning grace
She went out and got lost in a tall hedge maze
Where’d you go? Where’d you go? Why’d you leave this place?– Featherstone Chapter Six - YOUTH, by Troye Sivan

Keira gets to know Danny, but isn’t quite ready to trust him yet. But the arrival of a new and far less patient mentor has Keira on edge. A bit of a genre change here, but YOUTH by Troye Sivan really captures Keira’s budding excitement over all there is to discover in this new world. And after all, she’s about to spend the next few centuries forever young. 

My youth
My youth is yours
Runaway now and forevermore
My youth
My youth is yours
A truth so loud you can’t ignore– YOUTH Chapter Seven - You Never Know, by Anthem Academy (feat. Julie Hardy)

The realities of training and martial combat set in and Keira is left reeling. Does she have what it takes to survive in this new life? You Never Know conveys the spirit of this chapter, excitement mixed with trepidation but with a determination to see this through. 

There’s no telling what the future holds.
So many roads could take us home
‘Cause you never know– You Never Know Chapter Eight - Renaissance, by Paolo Buonvino and Skin

Keira takes things into her own hands. But is she ready to face the consequences of her actions? I adore the theme song from the tv show Medici, and in its soaring chorus I hear Keira’s determination to build a life for herself in this new world – no matter what. 

I am here for all to see
In my bones there’s dignity
I will fight them
I can’t say that I can change the world
But if you let me
I can change a world for us– Renaissance Chapter Nine - All that Matters, by Christina Perri

Overwhelmed and humiliated, Keira is ready to give up on ever belonging in this world. But the kind offer of a friend may just bring her back from the edge. All that Matters is a beautiful song from the musical Finding Neverland that talks about the beauty and power of friendships to overcome even the worst of adversity. I really felt that spirit echoed in this chapter. 

All that matters now
Is where we go from here
There’s an easier way if we live for today
To find that all we are is all that matters.– All That Matters Chapter Ten - Dorian, by Agnes Obel

The deeper mysteries of Pneumos are revealed and Keira begins to see that there is far more to this world than first meets the eye. This is Keira’s first peek behind the curtain of the Legion’s mysteries in Loren. Agnes Obel’s haunting Dorian perfectly captures the mood of this chapter. 

As the devil spoke we spilled out on the floor
And the pieces broke and the people wanted more
And the rugged wheel is turning another round– Dorian Chapter Eleven - Are You Ready, by Distant Cousins

Keira is ready at last to take on the challenges of pneumonancy. But when old wounds rise to the surface, Keira must decide how much she’s willing to let others in. While she may be ready to fly on her own, she’ll need the help of others to keep her afloat. 

I keep on climbing
Oh, against the wind
Tonight the sky is calling
Are you ready
Are you ready
To fly on your own– Are Your Ready Chapter Twelve - Highwomen, by The Highwomen

Comfort is offered from an unexpected source and Keira finally understands what it is they’re up against. Meanwhile, the rising threat of chaos finally touches the little farm. I just love this beautiful rendition of Highwomen and I hear Nazor’s pain echoed in its lines, but also her strength. I think this is a great song to end on because its lines remind me of the Legion’s mantra – that death is never the end, but just the beginning of another journey. And that their purpose remains.

You sent our hearts to die alone in foreign nations
It may return to us as tiny drops of rain
But we will still remainAnd we’ll come back again and again and again– Highwomen

Did you enjoy this reading soundtrack for The Cantor? If so, let me know in the comments below!

Anything you’d add or change? I’d love to hear it!

And remember, if this playlist has you feeling inspired, get your free copy of The Cantor here!

How to Master your Book Aesthetic

Confession time: Writing a book is hard you guys. 

I know, hot take. But today I wanted to share one of the techniques that I’ve found really helps me focus my energy when I’m in the early stages of a writing project . . . and the middle stages . . . and the late stages. Alright you get the point! But that technique is called creating a book aesthetic. 

But what exactly is a book aesthetic? How is it used? How do you even go about making one? And what exactly do each of the images in a mood board have to mean? 

To find out the answers to these questions and more, read on for some tips, tricks, and examples from my own novel Chaos Looming!

What is a Book Aesthetic?

What is the book aesthetic? I like to think of the book aesthetic as a compilation of images, music, quotes, and even video that help tease out the artistic feel of a story. Often this aesthetic revolves around characters, story lines, setting, and even important objects. This is especially helpful when you’re struggling to visualize a new world, characters, and the important events in your story. 

Bringing a new story into the world is hard! Why not make it easier for yourself and really get those juices flowing with some fun visualization? Mood boards can be made for an entire book, individual characters, locations, or even individual scenes. It’s really all about making your story world come to life, so get creative!

How To Create your Own Book Aesthetic

Well, that may be all well and good, but how do you actually go about making a book aesthetic you ask? Well, I have two words for you – Mood Boards!

Mood boards have been around forever. Basically since there were magazines to cut up and paper mache together into beautiful works of 80s art, mood boards have inspired many the creative. Nowadays we have some slightly more high-tech tools. From Photoshop to Canva, Pinterest to Spotify playlists, the options really are endless! Not sure where to start? Check out these templates on Canva and let the magic begin!

Now that we’ve talked about the “whats” and “hows” let’s move on to some concrete examples. Check out my own mood board for my book Chaos Looming below!

Chaos Looming Aesthetic

Here it is guys, an example mood board for my own novel, Chaos Looming. I personally love that it’s simple and clean but with enough space to showcase various aspects of the story. Which aspects you ask? Read on friend . . .

Components of Book Aesthetic - Characters

Characters are an important part of the book aesthetic. After all, they share their lives with us throughout the story. Their likes, dislikes, fears, and goals, all of it plays a huge role in creating a story that we love to engage with. Some ideas for things to include are appearance, clothes, careers, pets, etc. Honestly, some authors and readers love their characters so much that they create entire mood boards just for them! (Hmm, interesting idea actually)

In the Chaos Looming Mood Board, I’ve included an image of the main protagonist, Keira Altman (look familiar from The Cantor cover? ) along with her trusty sword in the bottom left hand corner. In the top right hand corner you’ll see an eery depiction of the Worshippers of Séiro. These nasty rogue pneumonancers are some of the chief antagonists in Chaos Looming. But who’s actually pulling the strings? Well, you can’t put everything in the mood board.

Components of Book Aesthetic - Setting

This is a YA Fantasy set in your typical Sword & Sorcery medieval-esque setting but with some definite influences from Ancient Greece and Rome. The pictures I’ve chosen definitely reflect that setting. You can play around with depictions of cities, buildings, the environment, festivals, and even the weather!

In the Chaos Looming Mood Board, I’ve focused on the settings for the beginning of the book and for the end of the book. That means we have the tranquil farmhouse on the river near Abalás and the bustling capital of Crîd Eálas on the Southern Coast of Loren. Both of these settings play an important role in the story and I’m excited to be able to share them here!

Components of Book Aesthetic - Objects

Particularly in the fantasy genre, objects often hold great importance to both characters and the plot overall. From magic rings to trusty weapons and secret spell books, objects are often key to driving our stories further, bringing characters to life and constructing entire worlds out of our imaginations. 

In the Chaos Looming Mood Board, I chose to include the trusty red plumed helmets of the Bellatorio, the major military organization of Loren. Their red helmets and cloaks make them stand out and are an important symbol of their role in the country – either for good or ill. I’ve also shown a sword next to a set of scales. These symbolize the Legion of Pneumos, an ancient organization dedicated to fighting the forces of chaos across time and worlds. But as Keira soon discovers, the line between chaos and order is not so easily drawn. 

Components of Book Aesthetic - Quotes

Quotes are often a cool component to include in your Mood Board. These can be great to define character voice (what quotes really resonate with them?) or even to touch on the theme of the book as a whole!

In the Chaos Looming Mood Board, since the book is published and ready to be read I chose to include quotes from the book itself. You may recognize this one from the back-of-book blurb!

Build more than you break. Heal more than you destroy. 

But what if chaos can’t be tamed?

For centuries, the Legion of Pneumos has lurked behind the seat of power in Loren. To preserve order across worlds, they are charged with battling chaos in all its forms, no matter the cost.

Keira Altman, the newest Legionnaire, has spent years perfecting the art of wielding pneuma and channeling order out of chaos. Ripped from her own world and into one she barely understands, the only thing Keira knows for certain is that she has a purpose. Now, if only she knew what it was.

Yet when word arrives that the Regio lies on his deathbed, Keira’s new world begins to crumble around her. As the specter of a peasant uprising looms large, and political maneuvering threatens to unravel the fabric of society, Keira realizes that her only hope of avoiding the coming turmoil may lie in the very institutions she’s fought so hard against. But can she master the forces of chaos without losing herself to the chaos within? And what if the price of order proves too high to pay?

Components of Book Aesthetic - Music

In my humble opinion, there are few things that speak to the soul in the same way that music can. Perhaps that’s just because as a writer I’m woefully incompetent when it comes to all things musical, but I choose to believe that it’s because music truly is the magic that refuses to abandon are tired old world.

Since I love to listen to music as I write, I started early on to mark the songs that I felt really resonated with a particular scene or the theme for a book as a whole. After that it was too easy to compile a soundtrack and annotate some notes next to each song.

Want to try your hand at book soundtrack creation? Check out my Soundtrack for Chaos Looming if you’re looking for a little inspiration!

Well as they say in Looney Tunes, th-th-th-that’s all folks! I hoped you enjoyed this peek into my creative process! Plus you got some inside scoop on all the secrets behind the book aesthetic of Chaos Looming! 

Be sure to let me know in the comments below which parts resonated with you!

Meet the Cast – The Cantor Edition

Ever wonder why Keira wanted to become a doctor? What was Nazor’s daughter called and what was she like? Who was the girl that Danny left behind to go off to war? What does Elliott miss most about his world? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this week’s Meet the Cast: The Cantor Edition!

It’s no secret, epic worldbuilding may have been what drew me to the Fantasy genre, but what’s kept me here are the gorgeously written character-driven stories. That’s why when I write my own stories, I take special care to write characters that I can really see and hear and touch on the page. Because of that, there’s often a lot of details that don’t make it into the final story pages! Lucky for you, I love to share!

So this week I’ll be focusing on several of the key characters in The Cantor, the exciting prequel to The Legion of Pneumos series. Meet the cast and check out these fun, never-before-seen details and the stories that make these characters the people they are. I hope you enjoy!

Keira Altman

Born: February 17, 1998

Home: Redding, California

Died: May 2, 2017, Car accident on I-5N

Appearance: Thick, dark brown, curly hair with dark sapphire blue eyes.

Why do you think you were chosen to join the Legion?

It’s hard to say. I mean, Elliott told me that the redoing usually chooses a time and place when chaos is converging. But it seems so peaceful here. Seriously, nothing ever happens. It’s hard to imagine but I guess I’ll just have to take it on faith. I mean there has to be a reason, right? These things don’t just happen.

Why did you want to become a doctor?

I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor ever since Stacy Carmichael broke her arm in gym class in the 7th grade. All the other girls were screaming and she just sat there staring at it, too surprised to cry or anything. So I yelled at one of the boys to go get the teacher and I helped her hold it steady and kept her calm until the ambulance got there. That’s when I knew.

How do you really feel about Danny?

Oof, gosh I don’t know. Danny’s so sweet and basically the best friend I have here. I’m still just reeling with everything that’s happened since I arrived. It’s honestly hard to think about much else. But I don’t know . . . maybe someday. I don’t know, next question please!

Danny O’Leary

Born: May 17, 1923

Home: South Boston, Massachusetts

Died: July 7, 1944, while freeing the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Daye from German occupation.

What’s going on with you and Keira?

It’s so hard. I feel like I know her so well. I’ve been seeing pieces of her life for the past year, her struggles, her victories, everything. She’s just this incredible person who’s been through so much and still manages to be this joyful, optimistic person. But she’s just met me and has no clue who I am. So I just have to . . . dial it back. And that’s been really hard.

Did you leave behind anyone special in your old life? A wife? A girlfriend?

Haha, nope. I mean there was this one girl, used to come into my Uncle’s grocery. We went out for sodas once or twice, but then my unit got our orders. I mean I knew a lot of guys who made quick work of it, getting engaged or married so they’d have someone to come home to. But that was never for me. And after everything . . . well I’m just glad I didn’t make a widow out of some young girl.

If you hadn’t joined the Army, what would you have wanted to do in life?

Gosh, you mean if I could do anything? I think I’d have been a writer. Crazy I know, High School dropout and all. But if I hadn’t had my Mam and sisters to take care of, then I like to think I’d have gone back some day. Reality though? I’d have taken over my Uncle’s grocery, and worked there till I dropped dead. I just hope my Army benefits were enough to take care of ’em – my mam and sisters. I think about them sometimes, a lot actually.

Nazor Onodugo

Born: November 22, 1939

Home: Enugu, Republic of Biafra (Modern Day Nigeria)

Died: September 30, 1968

What’s your weapon of choice?

I’ve always been taken by the heavy steel of my longsword, Ebibi Obi – Heart Slayer. I bought her off a Tramor who owed me a debt long ago and she has never failed me.

What was it like to first wield pneuma?

Wielding pneuma was like feeling my toes slip beneath the sand as waves lap higher and higher up your legs. It is at once, soothing and yet also terrifying in its power. It has come to infuse everything I do – every swing of the sword or chafe of leather on skin. It is as much a part of me as breathing.

Tell me about your daughter?

I called her Onyeka because she was my greatest achievement. She brought the stars down around her with every breath and her laughter set the birds to song. She was also stubborn as an ass and with fury born of a lioness. But she was mine, and there will never be another like her.

How did you meet her father?

I think that is enough questions for today. I’ll see you in the training field Oyinbo . . .

Elliott Hughes

Born: February 11, 1848

Home: Reading, UK

Died: March 1, 1877

If you don’t age, do you still get sick? Why do you think that is?

What an interesting question! I won’t deny that I’ve often found myself thinking on the very same thing. From what I’ve gathered speaking with my colleagues in Port Galaén, the aging process as we experienced it on Earth is fundamentally distinct from the ways that many sicknesses occur. While of course the illnesses of old age that are borne of the wearing down of our bodies don’t affect us, infectious disease is certainly a reality as I can attest from the cough I had last week!

What’s one thing you miss the most about your old life?

Ahh, that is a difficult question. There is so much about my life back in Oxford that I miss, friends, colleagues, the smell of a lovely pint down at the Turf, but perhaps what I miss most is the science. I’ve done my best to continue my studies across my lives but it is always a challenge without that shared community of likeminded investigators, passionately pursuing some unknown entity. There really is nothing like it.

How fast does technology progress in this world?

Another fascinating question! In the centuries I’ve spent in Loren, I can attest to the fact that change here is quite slow. In fact the sword I wielded in the Tramorian uprisings is virtually identical to the one I carry today. That said, particularly in areas such as agriculture and metallurgy we’ve seen considerable advancements! With the new and improved multi-axel plow, a field that took a pleasant two weeks to plow, can now be done in half that time! This has had serious implications for relations between uplanders and downlanders let me tell you . . . Now whether our continued presence serves to accelerate that process remains to be seen!

I hope you enjoyed getting to meet the cast of The Legion of Pneumos series! To learn more, head over to my World Anvil page for more fun extras!

Want more character profiles? Check out my instagram feed to see all the newest ones and comment with the questions that you’d like answered!

Like this type of content? Comment below and let me know!

What’s in a Name? – Chaos Looming Edition

One of my favorite parts of any new writing project is the process of character creation! Backstories, motivations, goals, and stakes – these all come together to make characters feel life-like and unique. Many of those core components can be symbolized by a character’s name, and I’m often asked about the meaning behind these names. In fact, character name meanings are one of the most common questions I get asked! So here dear readers is my gift to you: the stories and meanings behind the names in Chaos Looming. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did creating!

Chinazor Onodugo

Origin: Nigerian

Chinazor: “God Saves”

Onodugo: “A Position of Honor/Excellence”

Explanation: Nazor is actually short for Chinazor, and her full name is Chinazor Onodugo. In Nigeria, the Igbo people have a lot of names that begin with or include “Chi,” which means “God” or “Spiritual Being” depending on their religious affiliation. The name Chinazor translates best to “God Saves.” Given Nazor’s history living through the Nigerian Civil War, dying, and then ultimately being called to join the Legion and being reborn in Loren (not to mention the ups and downs she experiences in Chaos Looming), Nazor is a character in many ways defined by second chances. So all in all, I thought it was a fitting name for one of my favorite characters!

Inaba Sara

Origin: Japanese

Inaba: Family Name, “leaves of the rice plant,” name of the daimyo of Mino

Sara: 沙 meaning sand. / 羅 meaning gauze, thin silk, Rome, arrange, spread out. Theme: (沙) ocean.

Explanation: In the Cross-Sea Lands, it’s typical for individuals to introduce themselves by their family name, then followed by their first name. Sara’s name invokes the spirit of a sea breeze, absolutely perfect for a cross-sea warrior!

Gaius Flavius

Origin: Latin

Gaius: Happy / Rejoice

Flavius: Ancient Roman family name associated with a dynasty of emperors.

Explanation: Gaius’s family came to Loren during the Marian invasion over 200 years before the events of Chaos Looming. They’ve served honorably in the Bellatorio for generations, and Gaius wants nothing more than to live up to their legacy and prove his worth as a leader.

Landrianus Marian

Origin: Latin

Landrianus: Landry as a boy’s name is of Middle English origin, and the meaning of Landry is “landowner”.

Marian: The Latin meaning refers to Marian as “Rose Petal.”

Explanation: In Chaos Looming, the Marian Empire is loosely based off of the Roman Empire in terms of history and aesthetics. In terms of naming, the Marian Empire is named after the Maurya Empire. It was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power based in Magadha and founded by Chandragupta Maurya, which dominated the Indian subcontinent between 322 and 185 BCE.

Aaron Tiobraide

Origin: Hebrew / Irish

Aaron: Hellenized Hebrew for “warrior lion,” Hebrew roots meaning “high mountain”, “mountain of strength”, “exalted”,”enlightened”, or “bearer of martyrs”.

Tiobraide: Established in the 13th century, the name means “well of the Arra,” a reference to the river that runs through the county. The river was named after the town of Tipperary, which comes from Tiobraid Árann, meaning “well of the Arra”; a reference to the river which flows through it.

Explanation: Aaron Tiobraide’s name reflects his proud roots as an uplander, the youngest member of a family whose inhabited the Lorenan riverlands for hundreds of years. He’s a leader amongst his people and in the Bellatorio.

Your turn! Comment below and let me know who your favorite Chaos Looming characters are!

How to Start from Zero on your WIP

Ever have that gnawing sensation that what you’re doing just isn’t good enough? Ever wanted to give up? Well, that was me right around December 2020. I was feeling exhausted, burnt out, and drained of all creative ideas. My work on the sequel to Chaos Looming had slowed to a crawl and I kept telling myself that it was just because I was busy. Once the holidays get here, I’ll feel more motivated, I told myself. That’s when the words will come. 

Weeeell, I bet you all can guess how well that went. The holidays came and went in all their exhausting fury and I was still left feeling completely uninspired. Where had I gone wrong? I still cared about these characters and wanted to see how their stories ended up, but what I’d written just didn’t feel true enough to those stories. Then I stumbled across The Heroine’s Journey, an absolutely incredible book (check out my review here!) that made me realize what had been the problem all along. I was telling the wrong story. So I did the hardest thing an author ever has to do . . . I started over.

When the words just won’t come and your motivation drops to a zero, it’s easy to feel defeated and at a loss. So read on to check out my tips and tricks to start from zero on your WIP and rediscover your love for your story! Plus check out these sneak peaks of the revamping process for my next novel Haven Enduring.

Start from Zero: Question your Assumptions

As I mentioned earlier, The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger was absolutely an eye opener for me because I realized that I was trying to squeeze my character into a plot mold that really didn’t fit her all for the sake of adhering to “classic” storytelling technique. As Carriger explains, The Hero’s Journey is not the only way of telling a story and in fact, is tailor-made for specific character types (namely independent, lone-wolf, go in guns blazing types).

In the Heroine’s Journey, success is defined not merely by defeating the big bad, but by the networks and alliances that are built along the way. The heroine doesn’t always have to resort to self-sacrifice, but in a seemingly no-win scenario can often find compromise. Not all endings have to be bittersweet and happily ever afters aren’t just for romance.

Now obviously you can take the Hero’s Journey or any other plot archetype in a lot of different directions, but if you’re stuck in your story sometimes it’s helpful to question some of the basic assumptions that got you there -including what makes a good story.

Haven Enduring – The Heroine’s Journey OutlineStart from Zero: Bring it Back to the Characters

When I can’t help but feel that my story has gone off the rails somewhere, the first thing I do is bring it back to the characters. They are absolutely your foundation and if your story isn’t true to who they are, what they want, and how they’re capable of achieving it, then the story is doomed before it even starts.

Enter Faye Kirwin’s Writerology blog, an incredible resource that focuses on the intersection of psychology and storycraft. When I was struggling with how to tell my character’s story, I found her Mind of the Character section absolutely invaluable in exploring themes of love and loss, the complexities of forgiveness, and the ever-present weight of guilt. When you can’t decide on the story you want to tell, sometimes focusing on the story your character’s need might ultimately surprise you.

Haven Enduring – Character ChartsStart from Zero: Don’t Lose the Spark Amidst the Plan

I am absolutely a plotter by nature. I find nothing more satisfying that sitting down at my desk in the morning and knowing exactly what scene to write next. I like knowing the characters that will be involved, where the scene will take place, what generally will happen, and loosely what my characters’ goals are for the scene itself. Personally, I find this makes me not only more efficient but also more excited about the journey ahead.

But sometimes there comes a point in my writing where I lose that excitement. Sometimes I over plot to the point where all the excitement is gone. I know exactly what will happen and the lack of mystery inevitably leads to a lack of interest.

That was most definitely the case in December and so desperately searched for a way of overcoming this mental block and becoming excited about my story. That’s when I discovered E.A. Deverell’s One Page Novel method. For me, this was the perfect balance of detail and creativity. Using this method, I was not only able to ask fun “what-if?” questions that took my story down new and unexpected paths, but the actual creation process itself was fun and artistic – much better than the endless spreadsheets I’d been compiling up until that point. This method gave me a plan with enough detail to know where I was going, but not so much that it took all the excitement out.

Everyone’s process will be different. The key is to find something that strikes the right balance between organization and creativity.

Check out my finished One Page Novel for Haven Enduring below!

Haven Enduring – One Page NovelStart from Zero: Once More Unto the Breach

At the end of the day though, starting from zero requires conquering your own fear of the unknown. It’s killing your darlings in the most final way possible and letting go of control – or at least loosening that death grip. It’s scary and exciting and nauseating and freeing. But most of all? It might just save your story.

To clarify, this isn’t always necessary. Often a story can be salvaged, a plot reworked, or a character altered. But sometimes, the best course of action is to take a deep breath, go back to the drawing board.

So without further ado, go forth and restart!

Comment below and let me know how your revamp is going!

Sometimes it takes a messy desk to clear the mess from the brain . . .

Top New Fantasy Reads for 2021

With a new year comes all new opportunities to dive deep into worlds of imagination, fall in love with quirky characters, and experience the awe of magic. After my deep dive into the Best Fantasy Book Covers of 2020, I was feeling a little nostalgic for the year-which-shall-not-be-named. Well there’s an easy fix for that! Check out my list of top fantasy reads for 2021 and get ready to mark your calendars! 

The Light of the Midnight Stars By Rena Rossner

Deep in the Hungarian woods, the sacred magic of King Solomon lives on in his descendants. 

This is another new author to me, but I’m excited to read this book that reviewers are describing as a mix between fantasy and Jewish folklore.  Plus you all know how much I love a good sisterhood story! – April 13, 2021

The Gilded Ones By Namina Forna

In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice. Get ready for battle. 

First of all, this cover is gorgeous and you all know I’m a sucker for an attractive spine. Second, I’m seriously intrigued by this West African warrior sisterhood and can’t wait to dive in! – February 9, 2021

For the Wolf, By hannah F Whitten By Hannah F. Whitten

The first daughter is for the Throne. The second daughter is for the Wolf.

This will be Whitten’s first novel, but the premise certainly looks exciting. A Red Riding Hood retelling with a side of human sacrifice certainly piques my interest! – June 15, 2021

By Adrienne Young

Trader. Fighter. Survivor.

I read Fable this past year and absolutely adored the lyricism and storytelling. Fantasy on the high seas is definitely my cup of tea and I can’t wait until the sequel comes out this year. – March 16, 2021

A Master of Djinn By P. Djèlí Clark

Cairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she’s certainly not a rookie.

I’ve loved Clark’s novellas for their gorgeous world building and was so excited to hear he has a novel this year. An alternate history Cairo meets steam punk in this murder mystery – May 11, 2021

So there they are – my top fantasy reads for 2021! Well, at least the first half of the year…what? You didn’t think that was all you could look forward to, did you? Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon, as we dive headfirst into the roaring twenties!

What about you? What books are you dying to read in 2021? Comment below and let me know!

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