Book Two, Bound by Scale and Blossom is on pre order. Tentative release date, December 2026.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series, the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series or my brand new Celestial Throne series.Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Oathsworn, the prequel novella to the SoulMist series, and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
Reviewed: July 3rd, 2026 Released: April 11th, 2026 Genre: Cozy Fantasy
Sometimes, the world doesn’t need a hero. Sometimes it needs a caretaker.
Despite being called the Cloud-Maker, Nuvem’s rain spells almost never work. He lives quietly on a garden-raft along the Whisperbend River, helping where he can, and trying not to believe the whispers that say he simply isn’t very good at magic. Then the rain begins.
After Nuvem uncovers an ancient relic in the marshlands, the river rises. Strange winged Watchers take to the skies, and secrets buried beneath the bog begin to stir. The people of Silverfern Hollow adapt with cheer and warmth, but something old has awakened, and it seems to be following him. Why does the rain answer Nuvem now, when it never did before? Why do the spirits of the river watch his every step? And why do forgotten voices call him Keeper?
At his side are Ludovic, a merchant and scholar who sees worth where Nuvem sees only doubt, and Andy, his sharp-tongued axolotl familiar. Together, they set out into the marshlands in search of answers. There, among mushroom circles and lost villages caught between moments, he understands that magic does not always come from power. Sometimes, it comes from care.
Reviewed: June 27th, 2026 Released: March 30th, 2026 Genre: Urban Fantasy
Magic is real, demons walk the earth, and Max’s brother is dead.
Max Asher, Jewish mystic and private-eye, never thought he’d be coming back to his home town to bury his twin brother, Solomon. He definitely never thought the funeral would turn into a case, but when Sol’s widow Gabby asks him to investigate the cause of death, “Uncle Max” is on the job.
When Max kicks the demon’s nest, he uncovers a conspiracy that forces him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his brother. Unfamiliar local politics blur the line between the supernatural and the mundane, and soon, fighting for justice becomes dangerously literal. If Max can uncover the murderer, he might just save his brother’s soul—but if he can’t, he’ll fall victim to the same deadly fate.
Putting the past to rest is going to take more than a shovel full of dirt.
It’s time to meet Historical Fiction author, Lisajoy Sachs. I’m excited to talk to Lisajoy about how her family history inspired her book.
Helen: Welcome, LisaJoy. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk to you about writing journey. Thank you for joining me today. Tell us about your latest book.
Lisajoy: Bright One is a historical novel based on true events, following a mother and daughter in Romania during a time of rising uncertainty and danger. At its heart, it is the story of Jetti and her young daughter, Berta, whose bond is tested as the world around them begins to shift. Set against the backdrop of pre-war Eastern Europe, the novel explores love, resilience, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to protect one’s child when everything familiar begins to unravel.
Helen: With such deep emotional themes, how did you come up with the cover design?
Lisajoy : The cover features my great-grandmother, Jetti Finkelthal, and her daughter Berta, my grandmother, standing at the end of the driveway of the mansion where they once lived. They are turned toward the house, not facing the viewer, which makes the moment feel both intimate and distant.
This image captures a pivotal emotional truth at the center of the story: the moment before departure. It symbolizes Berta leaving behind the only home she has ever known, along with the safety, innocence, and stability it once represented. The mansion stands not just as a place, but as a memory, something already beginning to slip into the past.
Helen: And how did you come up with the title?
Lisajoy: The title Bright One came to me during the research process, while I was translating family letters and historical documents. In that work, I discovered that the name Berta, in High German, translates to “Bright One.”
That moment felt significant. It wasn’t just a linguistic detail, it captured something essential about her spirit and her role within the story. The title reflects both who she is and what she represents: light, resilience, and endurance in the face of darkness. From that point on, I knew it wasn’t just the title of one book, but the foundation for the entire series.
Helen: I know the characters are based on members of your family, but why did you decide to write this book?
Lisajoy: I wrote Bright One because it is part of my legacy. I don’t have children, and my sister doesn’t either, so I felt a deep responsibility to preserve my family’s story in a meaningful, lasting way.
This book is how I carry their voices forward. It ensures that the lives, struggles, and resilience of those who came before me are not forgotten. In many ways, it is something I am leaving behind, and a way for future readers to connect with their history, and for my family’s story to continue long after I’m gone.
Helen: That is a wonderful way to preserve your family history. Can you tell us a little more about your main protagonist?
Lisajoy: In Bright One, Jetti is the central protagonist in the first part of the story, with her daughter Berta following closely behind in the second half. As the series continues into Golden Flight, Berta becomes the primary protagonist.
I chose both of them because they are the voices through which my family’s story in Romania before the outbreak of World War II needed to be told. Each of them carries a different perspective, and together they create a fuller, more intimate understanding of what that time was like.
As for the rest of the series, the focus will continue to evolve…but you’ll have to wait to discover whose voices come forward next.
Helen: I love the fact that there is the next episode of your family history coming. Why did you choose to write historical fiction?
Lisajoy: I write historical fiction because it allows me to honor real people and real events while also giving me the space to tell a complete story. Much of my work is rooted in the lives of family members who are no longer living. I only have fragments, like stories, letters, memories that were passed down to me, but not every detail.
Historical fiction gives me the ability to bridge those gaps thoughtfully, creatively, and respectfully. It allows me to stay true to the emotional and historical reality of their experiences, while imagining the moments that were never recorded, so their stories can be fully realized and shared.
Helen: You mentioned that you were writing the second book in the series, can you tell us more about it?
Lisajoy: I’m currently preparing Golden Flight, the second book in the Bright One series, for release this July. I’m in the final editing stage now, where the manuscript feels nearly ready for publication.
At the same time, I’m close to completing Aliyah Rising, the third book in the series, which I plan to publish in mid-2027. Beyond that, the full arc of the story is already taking shape. I have three additional manuscripts completed—Folding Light, Restoring Hope, and Fading Night—that will follow, finalizing the six-book saga.
It’s incredibly meaningful for me to see the entire series unfolding, from the early stages of discovery to a fully realized, multi-book journey.
Helen: How did the idea for writing this series start?
Lisajoy: The ideas for my books began with something deeply personal. When my grandmother died in 2004, I inherited boxes of ephemera from her home. Inside, I found letters, documents, and photographs that revealed a story I had never known.
Through translating those materials, studying DNA records, and conducting historical research, I was able to piece together what happened to my great-grandmother and her siblings. She was one of nine children. As that story came into focus, the fragments I had learned over the years from living family members suddenly made sense.
What started as discovery became narrative. My books grow from the process of uncovering hidden histories and bringing them to life in a way that connects the past to the present.
Helen: You mentioned you had to translate a lot of material and records, but as your books are based on real life history, you must do a lot of research. How much time did you spend researching?
Lisajoy: That’s such a loaded question…because writing historical fiction requires an enormous amount of research. I spend a great deal of time reading, studying, and cross-referencing other sources to make sure I truly understand the world I’m writing about.
My process may not be traditional, since I don’t come from a formal writing background, but accuracy is incredibly important to me. I pay close attention to the details, everything from clothing and food to hairstyles and the social atmosphere of the time.
For me, those specifics are what bring the story to life and make it feel authentic. If the details are right, the reader can fully step into that world.
Helen: It must be so interesting finding out about your own history. Once you start, I imagine it can like going down a rabbit hole. What do you find is the most challenging part of writing?
Lisajoy: Editing without a question is the most challenging part of the process for me. It requires reading the manuscript over and over again, sometimes ten times or more before the final galley is due, and that can be incredibly grueling.
There’s a mental and emotional toll to that level of repetition. The more I read it, the more I begin to question it…every sentence, every choice…until I start to doubt whether it’s any good at all. It’s a difficult phase because it demands both precision and resilience. But once the book is finally published, there’s a sense of clarity and confidence that makes the entire process worthwhile.
Helen: Are you a Pantser or a Planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?
Lisajoy: For most of the Bright One series—Bright One, Golden Flight, Aliyah Rising, Folding Light, and Fading Night—I was very much a Pantser. I start with an idea and let the story unfold naturally, writing intuitively and following where the narrative lead. My focus in those early drafts is to tell the story as honestly and vividly as possible.
Then, during the editing and proofreading stages, I shift gears. That’s when I go back and refine the work ensuring that the historical details are accurate and strengthening the emotional, cinematic quality of my storytelling.
Restoring Hope was different. Because I had the opportunity to interview the protagonist in person, I worked from a loose outline. It required a more structured approach to stay true to the real-life events while still capturing the sense of adventure and depth the story deserved.
Helen: How do you fit your writing into your day job?
Lisajoy: For me, it comes down to consistency and making writing a daily priority. I dedicate a small part of each day just for writing, even 15 minutes, which ultimately turns into more once I start writing, and I stick to it.
Even when life gets busy, having that set time keeps me connected to the work and ensures steady progress. It doesn’t have to be hours at a time; what matters most is showing up every day and committing to the process.
Helen: There are many hidden joys in the writing journey. What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Lisajoy: The most meaningful part of this journey has been how much closer I’ve become to my family. Through writing, I’ve uncovered stories about my parents and their past that I might never have known otherwise. It’s deepened my understanding of where I come from in a very personal way.
At the same time, I’ve been incredibly moved by how readers connect to my work. Many have reached out to share their own family histories and experiences, and in some cases, I’ve been able to weave elements of those stories into my books. That exchange, between past and present, between my story and theirs, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of writing.
Helen: What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?
Lisajoy: The most valuable advice I received came from a ghostwriter named Marilyn, whom I met at an art opening a few years ago, when I had only completed a few chapters. She told me to write 600 words every morning, first thing, for three months, promising that I would have a finished manuscript by the end of it.
I took her advice seriously, and it worked. At the time, I wasn’t working, which allowed me to dedicate several hours each day to writing. What started as a disciplined daily routine quickly became something much bigger. I ended up completing the first four books in just three months.
That experience was transformative. It showed me the power of consistency and immersion, and how giving yourself the time and structure to write can unlock far more than you expect.
Helen: Writing everyday is a great habit to cultivate. Most authors are also great readers. What is your favourite book?
Lisajoy: My favorite book is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I’ve read it at least six times, and each time I find something new to appreciate.
I’m drawn to the characters, the richness of the story, and the incredible level of detail. It introduced me to a period of history I knew very little about, and I love how fully immersive it is. I’ve always been captivated by epic novels. There’s something deeply satisfying about getting lost in a world that unfolds inside a thousand page novel.
In fact, I’m always a little sad when I reach the final chapter of a book like that. I even own a first edition copy from 1989, which makes it feel even more special to me.
Helen: Do you have any advice to share with aspiring writers?
Lisajoy: First, I would pass along the same advice Marilyn gave me: write consistently. Set a daily goal, something manageable, like 600 words, and commit to it. That kind of discipline builds momentum and turns an idea into a finished manuscript.
Second, don’t give up on your dream. So many people want to write a book, but very few actually follow through and see it published. The difference often comes down to persistence.
Third, there will be moments when it feels hard, and times when you question yourself or feel like an imposter. That’s completely normal, because it is part of the process. Writing isn’t easy, but it is deeply rewarding when you finally hold your finished work in your hands.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. It’s been so interesting to hear about your books and your writing process. I wish you every success with your series. Just to finish, is there anything else you would like to share?
Lisajoy: One of the most unexpected and meaningful parts of this journey has been how the past seems to reveal itself when you’re ready to listen. What began as a few boxes of old letters and photographs turned into a much larger story, one that had been waiting to be uncovered.
There were moments during my research when small details such as names, places, and fragments of family stories suddenly connected in ways that felt almost serendipitous. It was as if my ancestors were guiding me, piece by piece, toward understanding.
And now, what started as something deeply personal has become something shared. Hearing from readers who see their own families reflected in these pages has been incredibly moving. It reminds me that while the details of our histories may differ, the emotions of love, loss, and resilience are universal.
About the Author – LisaJ=joy Sachs
Inspired by true events, family letters, photographs, and oral histories, the Bright One series follows the lives of the author’s great-grandmother and grandmother as they struggle to survive the rising dangers of antisemitism in prewar Europe.
Beginning in Czernowitz, Romania, Bright One tells the story of Jetti Finkelthal, a young Jewish mother determined to protect her daughter as the world around them begins to unravel. Golden Flight continues the journey through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Berta, whose forced marriage and desperate migration across Europe and Istanbul become a haunting coming-of-age story shaped by exile, identity loss, and survival.
Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, the series explores resilience, family bonds, generational trauma, and the quiet courage required to endure history’s darkest moments.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
Reviewed: June 16th, 2026 Released: July 15th, 2025 Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Following her parents’ disappearance, Gwyndolyn Carstairs dreams of joining the hallowed halls of the Astro-Archaeology Guild just like they did. But when the map she painstakingly and diligently plotted goes missing-and with it all hopes of presenting to the Guild-she sees everything she longed for evaporate.
Realising there is someone with the temerity to enter her locked office, she follows her erstwhile colleague, Dr Nicodemus Aster, to the airship dock. There, a sudden storm thrusts her into an unwanted quest, and far away from everything she has ever known.
When adventure and academia collide, fuelled by secrets and lies, Gwyndolyn will need to rely on her deepest instincts and inner strength. Only then will she discover who to trust-and uncover the mystery of her parents’ vanishing-if she is to obtain what her heart desires the most.
Forged by Betrayal and Blood by Helen Garraway opens the Celestial Throne series, a fantasy that brims with ancient magic, political intrigue, and a gritty redemptive journey. Vael Tor Arne, also known as the Butcher of Leif, is a disgraced soldier who has lived on the fringes of the empire, banished and haunted by a betrayal that destroyed not only his reputation but his family.
Farsolian warbands hunt Vael and his soldiers. His path leads to a lethal assassin, Disari, Sister of the Moon Blossom, whose mission to murder Emperor Talonm instead turns into an oath to destroy the oppressive sisterhood. When prophecies about the celestial dragons destined to protect the realm surface, Vael becomes the target of a sadistic warlord. Can he survive what is coming for him, protect his men, and find redemption?
Helen Garraway is a great entertainer, and her epic fantasy had me invested in her characters and how she explores their psychological wounds. Vael festers with survivor’s guilt and resentment, yet he is fond of his newfound family to whom he shows loyalty, especially Mort, the healer, and the protective Lars. Disari is another character who is grounded, struggling with the indoctrination by the Sisterhood and her desire for freedom. The setting is written with atmospheric detail, from the sanctuary’s stone archives to the Farsolian peaks and the snow that covers them. Forged by Betrayal and Blood is filled with action and scenes that test the human will.
Fans of Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will find familiar thrills in the elements of military fantasy and dragon mythology; however, Garraway distinguishes her work through its examination of the cost of honor and the haunting question of whether a man broken by bloodshed can ever be free.
Book Two, Bound by Scale and Blossom is on pre order. Tentative release date, December 2026.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Oathsworn, the prequel novella to the SoulMist series, and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
It’s time to meet YA Fantasy author, Paul R. Somerville, who I met a local book fair in Farnham, and he is here to talk about his books.
Helen: Welcome, Paul. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk to you about writing journey. Thank you for joining me today. Tell us about your latest book.
Paul: It’s actually a trilogy, called Guardian of the Stones. Three books which follow the fate of Jaydon, a fourteen year old boy whose world is turned upside down when his whole family and village are destroyed. I’ve set the story in a land and time similar to Saxon age England, in fact I’ve taken many influences for my world building from the dark ages and early medieval Britain… even with twists on Celtic mythology.
In book one, The Stone of Radnor, I really put poor Jaydon through the mill in the early parts, as he’s left orphaned, homeless and eventually captured and forced into slavery. But he swears revenge on his the man who murdered his family after finding his father’s sword in the rubble of his home. It soon transpires that there is more to this sword than Jaydon ever knew, as his journey takes him on an unexpected quest, with unexpected consequences – all beginning with a companion, a young servant girl called Raven, who helps him escape. Jaydon discovers he is the guardian of the stone of Radnor, a magical god-stone on the pommel of his father’s sword.
In Book Two, The Gods of Winter, Jaydon has been sent by the High Priestess of Mieses to seek out an old warlock called Gunlak, who has, for 500 years, hidden himself away from the world. The evil god Elokar is raising and army and as the Guardian of the Stone of Radnor, it’s down to Jaydon to unite the remaining three god-stones, and Gunlak owns the Stone of Onir – yet no-one knows where is hiding. Jaydon’s sets of with Raven and his friends, their journey takes them across a vast ocean, but a vicious storm forces them to abandon the ship and seek shelter in the arctic islands called The Sisters, winter is coming, yet the islands are littered with warring tribes and hungry snow bears. Jaydon must befriend these tribes and seek help finding Gunlak – yet he finds war and clashing religions which put his friendship with Raven into jeopardy. For the arctic tribes I mixed both Mongolian and Inuit cultures to create the contrast that Jaydon had known on the mainland to challenge his beliefs and naïve view of the only world he had known.
The final book is called The Servant of Mieses. Jaydon has reunited the three god-stones, but Elokar’s armies march northwards to war. Jaydon must get a ship back home to stop him. The tribes of The Sisters believe him a god, and follow him, yet despite the end of winter and the oncoming thaw, the land is treacherous and the only way of getting a ship is to get to the remote northern outposts of the islands. In book two, Gunlak had told Jaydon of the coming of Amraeth – the one who will defeat Elokar – and it was down to Jaydon as the Guardian of the Stones to face Elokar and bring Amraeth forth. But he does not know how, his army is small and he feels hopeless and out of his depth. Yet help comes from an unexpected source as he faces Elokar in a final battle.
Helen: What a thrilling adventure for young and older readers alike! Your covers go so well together, how did you come up with the designs?
Paul : One of the joys of being self-published is the full control we have over our own works, that includes the covers. I always had an idea of roughly what I wanted to do for my covers, specifically half-way through The Stone of Radnor when I realised I was writing a trilogy. Quite honestly I used the red, blue and green colours to represent three of the four god-stones in the books, red for Radnor, blue for Onir and green for the evil entity, Elokar. I was thinking of hiring someone to design them for me, but I love the creative element, so using online design tools I set to create each one myself.
The cover of the Stone of Radnor represents Jaydon’s sword with the red god-stone on the pommel. I have been told it gives a LOTR feel, which wasn’t intentional but plays into the fantasy feel I wanted.
The Gods of Winter has a shield on the cover, which is representative of the Shield of Edora from the book, a magical shield that comes into Jaydon’s possession.
Finally, The Servant of Mieses, keeps the central ‘circular’ theme from the first two, but the colour representing Elokar’s god-stone, however the ethereal globe in the centre covers two things – the Stone of Mieses (a white globe) and the final climax of all the stones coming together (sorry no spoilers to explain more).
Personally I feel the covers represent the story well and do draw the eye.
Helen: The Guardians of the Stones trilogy is YA Fantasy. Is that the main genre you write?
Paul: I write fantasy – I read a lot of historical fiction, and what I enjoy is bringing real historical stories into my own world and fantasy-based settings. The world across the Guardian of the Stones series is called Calaria, and uses lots of real-historical references through research that I have done; for example, in the Gods of Winter, Jaydon needs to find the magical Shield of Edora to save a friends life – this idea sprung from historical myths around King Arthur and his search for the Cauldron of Anwr in what is now Anglesey.
I just love the idea of the creation of my elements from my own imagination – including those elements that bring more realism, aside from maps (which are in the books) I have created a language called Calar Ahunn (Old Calarian) – which is used sporadically through the books for prayers and magical components. The language is unique, but based on forms of Nordic, including a rune-based alphabet.
I have been heavily influenced by what I read – which includes both epic fantasy and historical fiction – with Bernard Cornwell’s Last Kingdom series of books being my main influence, the way he develops character and seeps you into his world I find completely inspiring.
In essence, writing fantasy allows my imagination to flow and run wild and re-use existing myths, legends and historical stories and create and morph them into my own world.
Helen: Isn’t it wonderful how the books we grew up become our inspiration as we go forward. I hope my books one day inspire others to write. With your books having such a historial influence, do you find you have to plan your books, or are you more of a pantser?
Paul: Oh – a complete pantser, which at times is amazing as I never know what direction my characters will take me in. But sometimes that’s to my detriment as, I have, on occasion, got myself in a pickle. A creative writing group covered this in an exercise and put this in an interesting term – you’re either a gardener or an architect. A gardener plants seeds, nurtures them and sees how they grow, never really knowing what they will grow to be like – if the fruits will actually appear. Whereas an architect works to a detailed plan that they have already sketched out.
Having said that, I do usually have an idea of how my stories end (sort of) and although not sure quite how I will get there, it gives me a point to aim for. In fact, as I get closer to the end – usually about two-thirds of the way through – I start to map out chapters, writing a paragraph on each, stating what I want it to cover, and asking myself any questions that I still need an answer to. One piece of advice I was given was to treat each chapter like a mini-story, with a beginning, middle and end – having an objective for each one.
I do need to plot a little more in my current WIP, I have realised the middle part of the book has become a little muddled and I’m not quite sure of the motivations of my side-characters, which has allowed my protagonist to become too passive. So, I am undertaking an exercise to plot out their goals and needs a little more.
Helen: That is some great advice. I thought you might have been more of a planner! You mentioned your WIP. Can you tell us what you are working on next?
Paul: I’m currently have two projects on the go – one a little more advanced than the other. The main project, The Emerald Passage, is a fantasy / sci-fi – using the premise of climate change as the catalyst for my protagonist become the centre of this change.
Earth has a sister planet called Galea, many light years away, which is linked by a secret portal. The portal’s existence is protected by a secret society of humans from both planets – however they follow a supreme entity called The Being, who is dying and the secret society need to save both worlds to protect The Being and save Earth and Galea in the process.
I based this premise on stories I researched on Thoth the Atlantean an Egyptian deity of wisdom, described in literature as an immortal Priest-King who survived the sinking of Atlantis, and mashed it with existing stories written by conspiracy theorists who claim that aliens live among us. I guess it’s become cross between a Dan Brown novel and Stargate.
My other WIP is called The Cursed Crown. This is still very much in the very early stages of development, but I’ve taken the premise of what happened when Emperor Nero died and the Roman Empire was thrown into civil war, with four emperors in a year. I am this premise into my own fantasy world – with the view point of my main character, who is a close friend to the man who ends up as the final emperor during this period of chaos. A long way to go, but one I am excited about.
Helen: You are very busy!! I wish you all the best with your books. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, what is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and from whom?
Paul: I’m certainly never short of being given advice!! 😊 I’ve been attending a creative writing group on and off for 6 years now. My tutor (Mel) is amazing and provides constant support and encouragement. The best advice she has given me is , write, write, write – even if it’s just a few words, just get it down. It doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, refining is the editing process.
I recently listened to Stephen King’s On Writing audio book. Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything that he said, he does say ‘Write the first draft with the door closed, the second with the door open.’ What he means by that is that the first draft you are writing for yourself, with the doors closed. Then you open the door and you are rewriting your story to the outside world, to your readers. I liked that analogy as I do tend to get myself bogged down trying to perfect a piece of prose or descriptive text on some scene, when actually I should just get the darn story written.
Being a self-published author, I’ve learned a lot through my own mistakes too. I certainly did with my first book – editing was a chore, and it’s costly paying someone to do this professionally, but that means that errors in grammar and typo’s creep in. It is definitely worth getting this done properly – and I’ve certainly had those errors pointed out to me after pressing the ‘publish’ button on KDP!!
Lots of people though have given me advice on what comes next, marketing, promoting etc. Every time I attend an event with other writers I learn more. One thing I have discovered is that the writing community, especially self-published and indie writers, are an amazing and helpful bunch of people, really supportive – I guess I now need to listen to that advice and become less of a luddite where social media and book promoting is concerned?
About the Author – Paul Somerville
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, Paul joined the British Army at the age of just 16 and served until 1999, having travelled widely (Norway, USA, Canada, Alaska, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Denmark, Croatia, Bosnia, Gibraltar) and completing three operational tours in the Former Yugoslavia during the Balkan conflict.
Since leaving the army Paul has worked in a variety of roles and organisations – but moved into Cyber Security, and is now a Principal Consultant for a UK based consultancy. Paul has lived in Malvern, Rugby, Farnham and now resides in Alton, Hampshire, with his two children, a mad-cat, two gerbils and several fish.
Outside of writing and work Paul is an avid supporter of Burnley FC and enjoys walking in the Hampshire and Surrey countryside and taking mini-adventures in his twenty-five year old campervan.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series is now available.
Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.
‘I was enraptured from the first page all the way to the last word. There is a lot of action, adventure, found family, betrayal, magic, A little romance and dragons! The characters are all well written, they all have depth and they are all very engaging. Helen’s world building is stunning and she weaves and blends it brilliantly and beautifully throughout the story. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend reading it!!! And I can’t wait for the second book to come out!!!’ Raelene, ARC Reader
‘Another excellent book by master story teller Helen Garraway. I was quickly hooked and then reeled in to immerse myself in the story. I had to force myself to stop reading at 1 am so I could go to sleep. I kept telling myself: I’ll read just one more chapter.’ Bob, ARC Reader
Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
Have you preordered yet? I can’t wait to share my new world with you: WWW.Books2Read.com/FBBB.
Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then there is only five days to go and Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series will be available.
Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.
Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
21st May 2026 TITLE: FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD, CELESTIAL THRONE, BOOK 1 AUTHOR: HELEN GARRAWAY Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW Helen Garraway throws readers straight into the action with Forged By Betrayal and Blood, and it doesn’t take long to get hooked. From the opening pages, the world feels dangerous, gritty and full of tension, with battles, political unrest and long-buried secrets all colliding at once. Vael is exactly the kind of fantasy lead that’s easy to root for — scarred by his past, carrying a terrible reputation, yet fiercely loyal to the men who stand beside him. The banter and loyalty within his group adds a lot of heart to the story and keeps the darker moments balanced perfectly.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the character work. Vael and Emperor Talon are far more layered than they first appear, and watching their complicated history slowly unfold keeps the story compelling. Disari was another standout character for me. Her storyline brings a completely different perspective to the world, and her struggle between duty and freedom gives the book an emotional edge that works really well. None of the characters feel flat or predictable, which makes the shifting alliances and betrayals even more interesting.
The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming. Dragons, assassins, ancient gods and political power struggles all weave together naturally, and Garraway reveals details at a pace that keeps you wanting more. There’s a strong classic fantasy feel to the story, but it still feels fresh thanks to the character dynamics and the mystery surrounding the Celestial Throne and the missing dragons. The atmosphere throughout the book is fantastic — whether it’s brutal battles in the wilderness or tense conversations in palace corridors.
Overall, Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a really enjoyable start to what feels like an epic fantasy series. It has action, intrigue, emotional moments and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed heroes, dangerous politics and slow-burning secrets, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be reading the next book.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
Helen Garraway 