Ashley Burgess takes readers on an unforgettable journey with her gripping fantasy series, The Incredible Journey. The trilogy centers around Prince Hawthorne Hale Mercy, an immortal who must navigate the treacherous world of royal politics, sibling rivalry, and ancient power. Through each book, Burgess delivers a blend of rich world-building, action-packed sequences, and emotional depth. This saga unfolds as Hawthorne faces challenges both from within his own family and the world at large, forcing him to confront his past and fight for the future of his kingdom, Belta.
The series mixes medieval and futuristic elements in a seamless narrative that will captivate fans of epic fantasy. In this article, we’ll explore the three books in the series, each of which adds layers of complexity to the tale of Prince Hawthorne as he battles his brother McGlaire and discovers what it means to be a true leader.
Book 1: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – A Prince’s Journey Begins
In Hawthorne Hale Mercy, the first installment of The Incredible Journey, readers are introduced to Hawthorne Hale Mercy, the eldest son of the royal family of Belta. Born into power, Hawthorne is an immortal who has lived through countless wars and battles, witnessing the rise and fall of kingdoms and mythical creatures alike. However, the story begins with Hawthorne losing a crucial part of himself—his memories.
Hawthorne’s quest to regain his lost memories serves as the driving force behind this epic adventure. Without his memories, he is unable to fully understand the weight of his father’s legacy or the significance of the kingdom’s history. As the story unfolds, Hawthorne embarks on a journey to rediscover who he truly is while protecting the kingdom from dark forces, including his brother McGlaire, who is bent on chaos and destruction.
What makes Hawthorne Hale Mercy so compelling is the intricate balance between action and introspection. Hawthorne must face both external battles against McGlaire’s forces and internal struggles as he pieces together his past. Accompanied by legendary creatures who serve as his protectors and guides, Hawthorne’s journey is one of rediscovery, courage, and strength. The first book in the series lays the groundwork for what will become a much larger conflict, introducing readers to a world where ancient myths coexist with advanced technologies, creating a unique fantasy landscape.
Book 2: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – The Battle for Knowledge and Allies
In Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 2), the stakes are raised as Hawthorne’s quest becomes even more perilous. With some of his memories restored, Hawthorne is better equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead, but the growing power of his brother McGlaire continues to threaten the stability of Belta. As McGlaire’s influence spreads, the fight for control over the kingdom becomes more intense, drawing new characters and alliances into the fold.
Hawthorne is no longer just fighting for his own memories—he must now protect the knowledge of the kingdom that has been lost over the centuries. In this volume, Burgess expands the world of The Incredible Journey, introducing new allies who help Hawthorne navigate the complexities of a modernizing world. The themes of tradition versus progress take center stage as Hawthorne struggles to preserve the history and myths of Belta while dealing with the changing landscape of the kingdom.
One of the standout elements of this second book is the development of Hawthorne as a leader. While the first book focused on his personal journey, the second installment shows Hawthorne growing into the role of protector and commander. He learns that leadership requires more than just strength; it requires wisdom, humility, and the ability to inspire others. The battle scenes are epic, and the relationships between characters deepen, making Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 2) a thrilling continuation of the series.
Book 3: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – The Homecoming
The third book in the series, The Incredible Journey series, Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 3), brings Hawthorne to a pivotal moment in his life. After regaining much of his memory and understanding the truth about his father’s legacy, Hawthorne is faced with a difficult decision. Should he return to Belta to confront McGlaire head-on, or should he continue his journey to gain more power and knowledge before facing his brother? This decision not only affects the future of the kingdom but also determines Hawthorne’s fate as a leader.
In this concluding volume, readers are taken deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of Hawthorne’s journey. He must confront the pain of his past, including the mistakes made by his father and the devastation caused by McGlaire’s ambition. The themes of legacy, redemption, and sacrifice are woven throughout the narrative as Hawthorne comes to terms with the responsibility of being an immortal ruler.
The showdown between Hawthorne and McGlaire is a culmination of everything that has come before, offering a satisfying and action-packed conclusion to the series. As Hawthorne makes his decision, readers see the full arc of his character, from a prince unsure of his place in the world to a leader who understands the true cost of power.
Conclusion: A Fantasy Trilogy That Captivates
The Incredible Journey series by Ashley Burgess is a masterful blend of fantasy, adventure, and character-driven storytelling. Across three books, readers are drawn into the world of Belta and the complex dynamics between Hawthorne Hale Mercy and his brother McGlaire. Burgess excels at creating a world that feels both ancient and futuristic, filled with mythical creatures, advanced technology, and the timeless themes of power, leadership, and redemption.
With each book, the story deepens and expands, providing readers with an immersive experience that keeps them invested in Hawthorne’s journey. Whether you are a fan of epic battles, emotional character development, or rich world-building, The Incredible Journey offers something for every reader, making it a series worth exploring from beginning to end.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
Hello, my name is Ashley Marie Burgess. I go by Ashley M. B. or Ashley Allen. I have been an artist since childhood and dreamt of being a well known author.
Please tell us about your Book Series: Hawthorne Hale Mercy.
Hawthorne Hale Mercy is a whimsical adventure about two brothers, forged against one another in the embers of time, battling for the kingdom of Belta. Hawthorne, the eldest, with a steely, blue-eyed gaze, searches for peace. Yet, McGlaire and the brethren of shadows sought to burn it all. However, neither beast nor man could overcome the magnitude of power that lies beneath the surface. The grand machines of seraphine warriors drove an irrefutable wedge between them. As time endures, suffering and despair befalls the land. It is now up to Hawthorne to grow beyond the chaos of a fallen kingdom. With his cherished legendary creatures, he looks to rebuild, but first, he must relive his past horrors and dictate a new path.
All the art inside the book and the borders are hand-drawn by me. I also have a DeviantArt account where I share more inside character designs. They are available on paperback and Kindle.
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey for success is an ongoing process. I originally started this journey in 2018, and the covers were bland and far from successful. I began the adventure once more in 2024. I plan to release a second edition called ‘The Collection’. I hope that this story will not only be a fun one, but that help will connect to readers. I include in my process; a three truths chapter. This is where I, the author, attempt to make a connection to real-life problems; Depression, Pride, Etc.
Thank you so much, Ashley, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
