Enchanted Forests is a collection of ten short fantasy stories about magical forests and the creatures living in them. All proceeds of this book are being donated to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation.
Why does the book exist?
Ten fantasy authors who are concerned about the state of the planet saw an opportunity to do good with their writing. Each on our own, we don’t have the following or the financial wherewithal to make a significant contribution towards this important cause. But when we joined forces, we found we actually have a chance to make a difference.
Enchanted Forests is the second charity anthology these authors have worked on together, and it has been a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and turn the writing process, which is usually very lonely work, into a group activity. The authors read and critique each other’s stories and Elena Shelest has contributed with illustrations for each story in addition to providing her short story for the anthology. The previous book in the Enchanted Anthologies series of fantasy story collections for charitable causes is Enchanted Waters.
Why Rainforest conservation?
Since this anthology is about magical forests, the authors wanted to make a contribution towards forest conservation. Rainforests, specifically, are the type of forest in greatest danger from human activities. Deforestation overshadows conservation attempts to the extent that eight million hectares of rainforest are lost every year! Add to that: virtually all rainforest deforestation is driven by human activity! At the same time, rainforests are the source of foods and other products (many used in medicines) that we humans need.
Rainforest Foundation supports indigenous and traditional peoples of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights by assisting them in securing and controlling the natural resources necessary for their long-term well-being and managing these resources in ways which do not harm their environment, violate their culture or compromise their future. Additionally, Rainforest Foundation works to develop the means to protect their individual and collective rights, and to obtain, shape and control basic services from the state.
About the authors
Jennifer Kropf is a Canadian author obsessed with Christmas legends and folklore.
Xander Cross creates original stories with folkloric elements from all over the world.
Ben is a myth obsessive who writes stories with exotic settings and cool monsters.
Alice is a young adult fantasy and fairytale author who spends most of her time adventuring in mythical lands and the rest exploring non-mythical ones.
Lyndsey writes young adult fantasy filled with myths, magic and swoon-worthy romance.
N.D.T. Casale is an Italian-American fantasy author creating magical realms for others to escape into and enjoy.
Astrid V.J. is a South African fantasy author who writes transformation fiction: exploring our human capacity to transform our lives and achieve success in the face of adversity.
Sky Sommers is a fan of retold fairytales, valkyries and frozen cinnamon buns.
Donna White writes epic and paranormal fantasy stories with mysterious adventures, gracious characters, and a touch of humor.
Elena Shelest is a Ukranian-American artist and author of romantic fantasy inspired by Cossack culture.
About the stories:
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
These two female dwarves aren’t to be crossed, especially not by an arrogant fae lord.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
One dream. One wish. One bargain Pip will come to regret.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers
What do you do when a six-headed dragon complains of indigestion after it’s just gobbled up a dark elf? Easy, you tell it to wait in line like everyone else.
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.
When a woodcutter follows a song into the forbidden depths of the forest, he finds himself tangled in a deadly conflict between the Willow Daughter and the Forest Father.
Pingguo and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
In a desolate post-apocalyptic world riven by famine, three children make a journey through the Dead Forest in search for seeds defended by a dragon.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
On the night when the legendary fern flower appears in the forest, can Miray and Savko find their true path?
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale
A wicked queen’s desire for blood from the hearts of unicorns, sends a princess through a divided forest into the shadows of death.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White
A lot has happened to the curator of a supernatural treasure trove since she discovered that she can walk through different dimensions, now she’s traveling with Bigfoot.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
When Estheryn overhears the royal family’s secrets, it’s her father who pays the price, resulting in a careless murder that propels her to do the unthinkable: disobey the direct order of the Prince of Persianna and enter the forest.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
A prince’s duty is to bring his people luck and the slightest misstep means bringing ruin to the kingdom…or worse…
Join us in making the world a better place! We are currently looking for readers to join our review team to help out with a review on Amazon, Goodreads and/or Bookbub during the book’s release week. You’ll get a free e-book copy of Enchanted Forests as well as your name included in the book’s acknowledgements if you sign up before May 15, 2022. Sign up here.
Enchanted Forests is available to pre-order here.
Sources:
https://rainforests.mongabay.com/facts/rainforest-facts.html#6
About
Helen Garraway 