Check out my Interview on the Wandering Scribe Youtube channel

I was invited to be on The Wandering Scribe podcast by host Gabriel Garcia, a historical fantasy author who supports Indie authors, to talk about my author journey, my books, how AI impacts writers and much more! There were some tough questions! Check out the interview to find out how I answered!

We talked about my author journey, my books, how AI impact writers, when did I first see myself as an author? questions from the the audience. Advice for aspiring writers and much more!

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

Sentinals Origins Part One is awarded 1st Place Best in Category in the Chanticleer International Book Awards OZMA Fantasy category.

I am so thrilled to announce that Sentinals Origins Part One has been awarded FIRST PLACE Best in Category in the Chanticleer International Book Award’s (CIBA) 2025 for OZMA Fantasy.

The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs). These titles have moved forward from all 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction entries to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Finalist List.

These titles have moved forward from the 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction Finalists to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards 1st Place Best in Category winners.

CIBA announced the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday April 18th, 2026 in beautiful Bellingham, WA. 

So excited to be on this prestigious list. Congratulations to all the First Place Winners:

  • Abigail O’Bryan – Iron Rose
  • Helen Garraway – Sentinals Origins, Part One
  • J.A. Nielsen – The Winter Heir (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 2)
  • J.C. Wade – Summer’s Reaping
  • Jason P. Crawford – The Trials of Poseidon
  • Nikhil Prabala – The Duchess of Kokora
  • Palmer Pickering – Dark Town
  • Sean M. Tirman – Dreamweavers, LLC

See full details on CIBA website.

đź‘€ Series link

Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.

The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.

Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.

A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.

This is the first part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal series.

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)
.

Enter the International Launch Giveaway for Forged by Betrayal and Blood

Starts: Monday May 4th, 2026 at Midnight GMT
Closes: Sunday May 31st, 2026 11.45pm GMT
Winner announced June 1st, 2026
Open Internationally, One winner, Over 18 only. No cash alternative.

Join me as I celebrate the forthcoming launch of Forged By Betrayal and Blood with many of my friends in the writing community. Thank you to these generous authors for donating their books to the grand prize. Enter the launch giveaway by following the authors on social media or by signing up to their newsletter. The more authors you follow, the more entries you recieve.

One randomly drawn reader will win a signed print copy of Forged by Betrayal and Blood, three more fantasy paperbacks and 10 fantasy ebooks.  That’s fourteen books in total for one lucky winner!

Prize list:

Signed Paperback:

Forged By Betrayal and Blood by Helen Garraway

Paperbacks:

A Breaking of Realms by Jasmine Young

Phoenix Rising by Beth Ball

Alidor The Forgotten Hero by Matthew Hillsdon

Ebooks

Kingdom of Lies by R.S Williams

The Princess Knight by C.H Smith

Og-Grim-Dog by Jamie Edmundson

Let Sleeping Dragons Lie by Evelyn Grimald Stone

Magic and Mystery: A Midwest Fantasy Sampler curated by Justin Rose

Night of the Black Dragon by Melanie Ansley

The Crane Maiden by MH Woodscourt

Liberation by R.M Krogman

Sundering by R.M Krogman

The Iron Crown by LL Macrae

Forged By Betrayal and Blood

On preorder now

Releases: June 1st, 2026.

On Preorder. Releases June 1st, 2026

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

New Audiobook available – Sentinals Banished now live in audio

Do you love audiobooks? Then the first five books of the Sentinal series are now in audio! You can find them on a platform of your choice.

Senitnals Banished is now on Audible, Amazon and Apple, and will be on other platforms shortly.

Narrated by the wonderful Matt Coles, it’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Remargaren one more time.

Artwork design by Jeff Brown

Book Description

Sentinal Birlerion has watched from the shadows for so long he doesn’t know how to stop. Always there when the Lady’s Captain needed him. He did what was necessary to keep those he loved from harm.

When the king banishes the Lady’s Captain, Jerrol Haven, from Vespiri and disbands the Sentinal guard, the Sentinals are at a loss, some bitter, some eager to retire, all angry at the king’s decision.

Birlerion moves to Old Vespers to watch over Jerrol’s daughter as she begins her journey to become a King’s Ranger.

Old Vespers is in turmoil, the king unpredictable, and the Sentinals are unwelcome. Unexplained deaths are occurring, and bodies begin to appear in the city streets. As Birlerion continues his search for the place he can call home, he has to step out of the shadows as he is drawn into a tangled web of deceit and lies. He must hunt down those responsible and clear the Sentinals name before anyone else goes missing.

Sentinals Banished is the fifth book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

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 (Sentinal series) and also Oathsworn (SoulMist series) and to follow Helen’s writing journey and be notified when her 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)
.

Author Event – Come and meet me at the Cardiff Indie Book Fair

Cardiff Indie Book Fair

When: Saturday 2nd, May, 2026, 11am-3pm

Where: Futures Inn, Hemingway Rpad, cardiff, CF10 4AU

FREE Entry

Cafe on site.

Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?

I’ll have my latest release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology at a special show offer price.

Do your booklovers love dragons? Then I will have a limited number of the most amazing fantasy anthology with foiled cover, sprayed edges, beautiful artwork and 18 dragon-themed stories. The ideal present for your bookdragon hoarder!

Come and meet over twenty indie authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

If there is a specific book you want, then please let me know, so I make sure I bring enough copies and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

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

Book Review Alert: When Legends Spark by Casey Blair

Reviewed: April 22nd, 2026
Released: December 10, 2024
Genre: Epic Fantasy

A firestarter of unmatched power,
The most legendary swordsman alive,
And the sparks that will ignite their worlds…

Kazuron is happy with his isolated life, but everything changes when he discovers a kidnapped firestarter in the snowy expanse of the Frozen Wilds.

Since the people Jesra made herself small for betrayed her, she’s ready to use her magical fire to burn those bridges with prejudice. Unfortunately, she can’t do it alone. While Kazuron may be the only person she’s felt at home with, he’s retired and doesn’t need her problems.

But shocking no one more than him, he wants them—and her, with all her magnificent fire—to stay. If only he had something to offer her beyond choosing each other’s battles, because Kazuron’s enemies and the past he’d thought behind him are back and more treacherous than Jesra’s.

With the sanctuary of the Frozen Wilds threatened, it will take both their skills to fight the combined forces after them—if they can trust each other to stand by them when they demonstrate just how much they’re really capable of, and reach for a brighter future together.

Read My Thoughts…

Amazing Artwork and Cover Reveal for Forged By Betrayal and Blood

Forged by Betrayal and Blood is the first book in Helen Garraway’s new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series. The gorgeous artwork and cover was designed by Jeff Brown Graphics as are the Sentinal book covers.

Forged by Betrayal and Blood is currenlty on preorder and will release on June 1st, 2026.

Artwork design by Jeff Brown

Click HERE to Preorder Your Copy Today!

Book Description

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 (Sentinal series) and also Oathsworn (SoulMist series) and to follow Helen’s writing journey and be notified when her 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)
.

Author Interview – Quick Fire Round

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. We did a quick question rapid fire round. So difficult to keep it to a short answer. I had to bite my tongue many times not to say more!!

Time to celebrate #IndieFeatureFridaywith an interview with USA Today bestselling author, @HelenGarrawayAuthor!

Let’s jump straight into the Rapid Fire Round. In this clip, Helen answers:

1 – What is the last book you read?
2 – Name an author you admire.
3 – What character from a book (any book) would you like as a friend in real life?
4 – Which of your novels is your favorite?
5 – What genre would you like to write in next?
6 – What’s your favorite book to recommend to others?
7 – In five words or less, why will readers fall in love with your novels?

👉 The full podcast episode can be found on YouTube. 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

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

Check out my recent Author Interview on ’12 Minutes (or Less!) with the Author’ Podcast

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. Join us as we chat about my journey, my books and what’s coming next.

Come listen to — or watch — Episode 32 of TL Brown’s podcast, 12 Minutes (or less!) with the Author. Today, a prolific writer and author, Helen Garraway, joins the show. Helen is the USA Today Bestselling author of the award-winning epic fantasy Sentinal series, the fantasy romance SoulMist series, and the standalone dystopian fantasy, Harmony. She’s contributed books to two fantasy anthologies, Realm of Darkness and the Kickstarter, Reign of Dragons.

An avid reader of many different fiction genres — a love she inherited from her mother — Helen enjoys immersing herself in fantasy and is passionate about creating new characters and worlds, editing, and all things writing.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

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

Book Review Alert: Scale of the Dragon by Richard Fierce

Reviewed: March 27th, 2026
Released: July 5th, 2021
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Her key to freedom is also her torment.

Mina is an outcast. A childhood accident left her scarred and with a curse that her master exploits to hunt dragons for sport.

She wants freedom, from both her master and the curse, but unless the right dragon is killed, she’ll be a bondservant for the rest of her days.

With Mina’s uncanny ability and her master’s magical strength, the beast responsible for her misery will fall … even if she has to take matters into her own hands.

Read My Thoughts…