In the rich tapestry of fantasy literature, Richard Haslam’s “Kiona the Gardenian” emerges as a vivid exploration of courage, destiny, and the supernatural. This novel, the first in the ‘Now.Here‘ series, sets a new standard for storytelling with its intricate plot and deeply woven character arcs. The story unfolds in an alternate 18th century universe, where Kiona, a young heroine, steps forth to navigate the tumultuous waters of adventure and prophecy.
A Tale of Bravery and Loss
The heart of the story revolves around the young Gardenian, Kiona, whose life takes a drastic turn when her younger brother, Achak, is kidnapped by Eresh Kigal. This event marks the beginning of a perilous quest that not only aims at rescuing Achak but also at confronting a destiny that has long been simmering within her. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of sibling love and the pains of sacrificial decisions, as Kiona’s journey is marred by tragedy with Achak’s untimely death at the hands of their captor.
However, loss transforms into a beacon of hope as Achak’s spirit becomes intertwined with Kiona’s, awakening the prophesied Maid of the Heart, Tiqvah. This transformation is not just a revival of hope but also a call to arms against the looming threats of Eresh Kigal, setting Kiona on a path to fulfill ancient prophecies and restore the broken shards of their world.
Allies in a Mystical World
Kiona’s adventures do not just see her grappling with formidable foes but also allying with a colorful cast of characters. From old friends like Abenanka to new allies such as The Masked Piper—an intriguing character whom Kiona aids in regaining her sight—each character enriches the journey. The narrative delves into the Forest Trial where The Masked Piper competes, symbolizing personal trials and the pursuit of maturity within the mystical island of Gardenia.
The setting of Gardenia is itself a character, depicted with lush, vivid descriptions that transport readers right into the heart of this serene yet troubled land. Surrounded by the might of The Yin-Lung Dynasty and The Northern Roman Empire, Gardenia stands as a bastion of peace shadowed by the scars of The Shepherds Civil War and the ominous threats of the Firestorm events.
Echoes of Prophecy and Hope
“Kiona the Gardenian” is not merely a fantastical tale of adventure; it is a profound commentary on the roles of genders in heroism. The story champions the often unsung heroes—girls—and their indispensable contributions alongside boys in the saga of life and war. This theme resonates throughout the novel, painting a picture of balance and mutual respect necessary for any great endeavor.
As the Maid of the Heart, Kiona becomes a symbol of undying hope and the fierce will to correct the course of a world straying from “The Father’s plan.” Her journey through loss, empowerment, and eventual confrontation with Eresh Kigal weaves a compelling narrative that promises to expand in complexity and intrigue in the subsequent installments of the series.
A Call to the Chronicles of Kiona
For fans of fantasy who thirst for a narrative that combines the mystique of ancient prophecies with the raw emotions of a thriller, “Kiona the Gardenian” offers a refreshing narrative. Richard Haslam masterfully captures the essence of an epic saga that explores not only the fantastical elements of miracles and adventure but also profound themes of life, loss, and hope.
Readers can plunge into this spellbinding world by picking up a copy of “Kiona the Gardenian” available on major platforms like Amazon. As they flip through the pages, they join Kiona and her allies in a dance with destiny, where every step, every ally, and every trial is a stroke in the grand painting of a world hanging in the balance, awaiting salvation or ruin.
“Kiona the Gardenian” promises to be a beacon for those who find solace in the crevices of fantasy worlds, beckoning with the gentle whisper of adventure and the roaring tide of battles yet fought. As the saga of Kiona unfolds, readers will find themselves more than mere observers; they will become part of a legacy that might just reshape the understanding of heroism and destiny in the literary world.
About the Author Richard Haslam:
Richard James Haslam is a humble individual who is the author of the Now.Here Saga. Born in Bolton, Greater Manchester on the 2nd April 1989 with High Functioning Autism, he lived with his older brother, Philip, and his parents, Christine and Martin near Horwich for a short time before moving to Whittle-Le-Woods near Chorley, Lancashire, where his childhood there shaped him with events, including TV shows such as The Dreamstone, Animals of Farthing Wood, Watership Down, Redwall, The Wind in the Willows, and other examples that would gradually overtime inspire him to write the Now.Here Saga. He was given an extra year in Nursery after coming down with Meningitis when he was three, and as a result, had a year gap between himself and Philip at Manor Road County Primary School (1995-2001).
After Primary School, Richard went to Lostock Hall Community High School and Arts Collage (2001-2006), where throughout that long 11-year road of maturity, his carer, Sally, would help him mature his rebellious childhood and transition him into an adult. After High School and warm goodbyes to Sally, Richard gained more independence in living when attending a disabled boarding college in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, called Callow Park, part of the Alderwasley School (2006-2008). After two years of staying with his parents, Richard eventually moved into Townley House in Chorley in June 2010, a disability-living apartment of flats. Since childhood, Richard, with Philip, had many inspirational ideas for novels and even cartoon series of their own, but it wasn’t until 2005 that the first ideas for Serena, Abigail, Abenanka, Rui-Lin, and Zoe came to the imagination and pencil sketches. Richard’s time in Townley House was an enjoyable one at first, but over time, many of the staff left and were replaced, gradually hiring fewer and fewer.
Ten years later, in March 2020, Richard moved to Penwortham, near Preston, to have a fresh start with Autism Initiative. The timing couldn’t have been fortunate, because when Covid-19 struck, Richard was confined within his new home, but unlike his last home, he had a garden and space in the countryside to move about. The elements were now just right for writing Now.Here, with his first book, “Kiona the Gardenian”, being published on 12th October (Now.Here Day). Since then, four more books were published about the world of Now.Here, “The Maid of the Heart”, “Rubecula & Nascha”, “The Tree of Agape”, and “A Zephyr Before The Tempest”.
