Amy Hopkins's Blog, page 7

Olfred

Olfred, one of the Otherworld denizens who’s made This World his home is an animal magus. Created by the druids back in times gone, he was originally a tree spirit, worshipped and called into being by the power of faith. Though his followers dispersed and his lore forgotten, he found purpose in the deep woods, becoming protector to those creatures – both earthly and not – who could not speak their own needs.

Olfred posesses the ability to heal by drawing power from our world, or from the Other. This can sometimes have unusual effects, giving the animals he heals extraordinary power. Though he rarely employs Otherworld magic in his healing,  preferring instead to rely on the innate energies around the fallen critter, he has, in special circumstances, created something more than the animal he has healed.

Olfred is about 4 feet tall with skin like the bark of an ancient tree. He has a smattering of foliage down his scalp and back and wears a perpetual scowl. He believes pets own their keepers and respects those who care for and respect animals as he does. Woe to any to harm an animal in his presence… they may not live to see the consequence.

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Welcome to the land of the Fantastical

What draws a reader to the lands of myth and legend, of dragons and fae beasts?

For me, Fantasy (with a capital F) is the epitome of escapism, the ultimate getaway from the drudgery of normal life. Even when normal life is good, the ability to slip into a new world, to become a warrior, a priestess, a mage or a dragon rider is more tempting than any drug. To be able to laugh, love, hurt and win with no strings attached, to traverse the countryside without soggy boots and ride the skies without airsickness or chafe … who could say no?

Fantasy used to be a tiny section in the bookshop, lumped in with sci-fi and the stuff that didn’t fit anywhere else. Now, it has its own section and is often broken down into subgenres, to help readers navigate the growing section of books.

In my own local store, they’ve had a shuffle. Mainstream fiction is now further back, with paranormal and SFF taking up the entire front half of the fiction bay. Why? Becuase it sells. People are gobbling it up with abandon and with so many incredible authors adding to long-running series, it’s not surprising.

I was in the bookstore today for two reasons- to pick up a copy of Robin Hobb’s new book (which I swear I will NOT read until I’ve reached some deadlines), and to order a copy of a book due out in November. This is a Very Special Book.



The Obernewton series began when I was in school. I’m not sure exactly when as I came to it when it was already a little worn from use at my high school library. Apart from a childhood favourite about a unicorn and a girl who beat the bad guys by using her manners, this was my first foray into the world that Is Not. Carmody introduced me to a world that at first, seemed alternate. It’s revealed (early, no spoilers) to be a dystopic, post-apocalyptic Earth, populated by normal humans and those who have evolved to be something more. By using proxy races and traits, Carmody opened my mind to the reality of racism, bigotry and acceptance of other, without ever pointing a finger at existing peoples. She wove dire warnings about the realities of war, the destruction of the planet and respect for animals into her universe, and for an impressionable young mind, it made one hell of an impact.

This is the series of books that reminds me why I love Fantasy. It allows us to explore themes that are uncomfortable and contentious in our world, through a medium that takes away the blame and preconceptions that often mar discussions about them. By using a non-existent race or class of people, by creating scenarios and worlds that are so different from our own that we have to learn them from the start, we’re opened to the possibility that anything can be true. When we’re whopped in the head with an actual, real-world truth? The blow is not only cushioned, but our minds are already softened up and receptive to hear it with new ears.

Fantasy isn’t just about new worlds. It’s about changing ours.

**Post Script: I asked Isobelle herself where she’d link a link directed for purchases. Her response was ‘the nearest good bookshop’. This is why I love her so much as a person as well as an Author. Do it guys. Go and support your local store. Get to know the staff. Be a regular. It may cost you an extra dollar or so to buy a book but the return value you get from a Good Bookstore is worth so, so much more. I’d like to give a giant shout out to the folks at QBD Strathpine- they are my Good Bookstore. I couldn’t live without them.

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