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.
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
It’s time to meet Indie author, Estelle Tudor and find out more about her book, The Vein Severed, a historical fantasy that released in August 2025.
Helen: Welcome, Estelle. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I actually checked out your book, and I read it in Kindle Unlimited. You took me away from my editing, but I enjoyed the tragic story of Rosella and Lorcan and the dark world of vampires. You can read my review here. But on with the interview. Tell us about your latest book.
Estelle: My most recent book is called The Vein Severed and is a tragic yet hopeful love story featuring Lady Roselle Lamont and her husband Lorcan from whom she has been separated for a century.
It is a story of betrayal, secrets, and loss but their love still remains. When the century of punishment and enforced separation comes to an end, the pair must try to reconcile with the past all while yearning for a future together. It is an ensemble cast of vampires and witches and takes place at the turn of the century 1899/1900.
Helen: It is a great premise and tempted me to read it. I must admit I am enjoying it, even though you are not being very kind to Roselle! How did you come up with the cover? It gives me a vintage vibe, which goes with the passage of time.
Estelle: I had a vision for the cover in colours of deep red and gold and gave my cover designer – Juniper at Red Fox Creative – free rein to add elements that resonated. She incorporated a beautiful rose (for Lady Roselle) and the locket which plays an important role in the story. It came together beautifully and embodies the gothic vampire love story feel.
Helen: The cover works really well. Why did you give it that title? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?
Estelle: The title is so important to me as I wanted this tale to be told in a lyrical and haunting way. The Vein Severed represents the cutting of Roselle’s lifeforce, the separation from her family, and then subsequently her new husband, all while enforcing her abstinence. Her life was severed, and now she must pay the price in blood.
Helen: It’s so interesting finding out the meanings behind the title. What made you want to write this particular book?
Estelle: I wanted to indulge myself in a truly lyrical haunting piece of writing. I wrote the first line and the rest just came. It decided it was to be a vampire story, but one that centred on love and the hope of release. I took my time with it, pouring so much of myself into it and giving myself free rein to indulge in my sometimes purple prose-y heart, that I was emotionally drained afterwards. I am so proud of it and love how it turned out.
Helen: It is beautifully written. Even though it is a dark subject, it feels light and fluid and reminds me of Mary Stewart and her wonderful prose. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Estelle: At a young age actually. Books were always an escape for me, and when I discovered I could create my own tales and leave the worries of this world behind for a while it was so freeing and cathartic. I wrote from childhood until my early twenties, then had a long break to raise my four children. Returning to it seven years ago was like a homecoming. I picked up the pen again… and haven’t stopped. I now have 14 published novels under my belt, with many more sat on my computer.
Helen: Congratulations, that truly is a great achievement. The Vein Severed is dark fantasy. You mentioned you have fourteen books now, are they all fantasy?
Estelle: My brain is like a butterfly flitting from one idea to another, and so I write in multi-genres. My first publications were a five-book fantasy series for middle grade readers. My debut, Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key, won an award and saw it reaching the top ten of the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Awards! I then progressed to YA Romantasy and then on to various genres in the adult market. I have returned to my roots this year and will have a children’s short novel published in the autumn with American publishing house, Watchful Wizard Publishing.
Helen: How exciting! Is there an author who inspired you write?
Estelle: C. S. Lewis was my first inspiration. His Chronicles of Narnia books changed my life as a child and made me believe in the impossible and fantastic. Later on, Terry Pratchett and his sublimely witty Discworld series, gripped my teenage heart, then I fell into the romance genre and discovered the prolific Nora Roberts, who still inspires me to this day.
Helen: Some great inspiration. How do you get the ideas for your books?
Estelle: They come to me, often with a one-liner or an image, and then if it continues to shout loudly at me, then I will write it. I have a queue in my mind of characters and whichever one is most demanding wins haha.
Helen: Now you have a few books under your belt. What advice would you give new writers?
Estelle: I always say to write with your heart, but edit with your head. That first draft—that beautiful landscape of potential—is for you and you alone. Be brave, daring even, and say the words that swirl around your mind. Later on, you can be a tad more ruthless and prune back the brambles to reveal the true core of the story as you would want it to be seen by others.
Helen: Nice. Lets chat a little about how you write. Do you listen to music when you write, if so, what do you listen to and why?
Estelle: I adore listening to music while I write. I am an immersive writer, so epic cinematic soundtracks such as The Pirates of the Caribbean scores or The Lord of the Rings really helps me get into the feel of my worlds. I also like haunting artists such as Loreen, Fleurie, Amy Lee, and Enya too.
Helen: Oh We have similar tastes. I prefer instrumental music as well. What about research? That can be a bit of of a rabbit hole. How much research do you do for each book?
Estelle: Gah! I love research, and have multiple, multiple tabs open on my computer while writing. My most recent WIP is based on Welsh myth, legend, and folklore, so you can imagine the deep dives I have being doing on that! It has been a joy to celebrate my country Wales, and incorporate the history I fell in love with while I worked at Cardiff Castle before having my children.
Helen: I wish we had time to chat about Cardiff Castle, but we we’re here to talk about your writing, so… Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?
Estelle: I believe I am a Pantser in that I don’t write down a formal plan, however, I ‘plot’ in my head. I can see my scenes like movies inside my mind and let them percolate for a while just before sleeping or awakening. Once they have seeded in my mind, I then write and let it flow organically.
Helen: I know authors read a lot, so I am always looking for more recommnedations. What are some of the books you read recently that you would recommend to others?
Estelle: Recently, I have been immersed in Emma Bradley’s Faerie multi-series, while beta reading for writing friend Aerin Apeltun. Both have an immersive way of writing and drawing you in with witty side characters and romantic plots. I also loved The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery and have the second one on hold at the library – looking forward to diving in to that!
Helen: Those are some great recommendations. Thank you so much for joining me today, it’s been lovely chatting to you. Just to finish, one last question: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?
Estelle: This is such a tough one to answer, but I feel very important. It doesn’t matter how many books I write, or how many awards or 5-star reviews, there will still be that niggling voice inside my head that taunts ‘you are not good enough’. But still I write… why? Because I have to. Writing chooses you, I believe. It is a drumbeat inside your heart that won’t be sated until you put pen to paper or open up that new draft. As a creative, it is an outlet to freedom, and while I am inside my worlds, that voice is drowned out. Just for a little while…
Helen: Thank you so much for all your great advice. You are inspirational. I wish you lots of success with your books.
Estelle: Thank you so much for having me – this was a lot of fun!
About the Author – Estelle Tudor
When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies or exploring yet another Castle, Estelle can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand.
Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children.
She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog.
She loves to connect with her readers and can be contacted on http://www.estellegracetudor.com or via her Instagram page @through_the_fairy_door_books
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.
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 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
It’s time to meet Indie author, Martin Owton, and find out more about his dark fantasy books.
Helen: Welcome, Martin. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you tell us about your book, Shadows of Faerie?
Martin:Shadows of Faerie – is a contemporary fantasy set in Southampton and The New Forest. Some might call it urban fantasy, but a fair bit of it takes place in rural settings. The cover shows someone passing through one of the portals to the Otherkin world.
The blurb – “Faerie serial killers in the New Forest” For centuries countrywomen in England have kept a secret; if you go to the right part of the woods and sing the right song, an Otherkin man will appear and be your lover. Charlie Somes, 24, postgraduate chemistry student at Southampton University, is the product of such a liaison and is touch telepathic; a gift which blights his life as he cannot control it.
When Charlie discovers his gift works on the recently dead he is forced to use it to avoid a murder charge and then when the bodies of women who have taken faerie lovers start turning up, Charlie is the only person who can stop the serial killers.
Helen: Oh, Southampton was my university haunting ground, so it’s exciting to see a book set in that area. Charlie is your protagonist. Tell us about him and how you came to write him.
Martin: Charlie Somes – 24 – only child of a single mother, working on his PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. Nice friendly guy, no-one knows he doesn’t like touching people because he is uncontrollably touch telepathic – a gift from the father he has never met. There’s a lot of me in Charlie. Like him I grew up in the Waterside area between the New Forest and Southampton Water and did a PhD in chemistry at Southampton. I’m not touch telepathic, but the chemistry that appears in the book is real.
Why did I write about him? His voice came to me very quickly when I was supposed to be writing something else. He sounded a lot more interesting and his voice stayed with me for the journey. I don’t plan out my novels and just let the plot logic lead me. I think it lead me to good places with this story. There is a strong police procedural element, and I was fortunate enough to have to have the assistance of a fantasy-reading Detective Sergeant neighbour to advise me.
Helen: You are so lucky to be able quiz a detective about procedures, and bonus, they love fantasy. Why did you start writing?
Martin: Because I can, and I’ve got good at it. My mother wrote too, mainly short stories, but didn’t like my first novel.
Helen: That’s a shame, but our books are not for everyone! It’s finding the readers who will enjoy it that is the challenge. I see that Shadows of Fairie is dark fantasy. Which genre do you typically write?
Martin: Mainly fantasy – evenly split between traditional secondary world (2 novels published, another 2 in progress) and contemporary (2 novels). I’ve also written a bit of SF, but because of my background I know too much science and that stifles me. Why fantasy? I blame my hippie-chick teacher in the last year of junior school for reading the class The Hobbit for the last lesson on Friday afternoons. It caught me and has remained my favoured genre ever since. I enjoy the possibilities it offers.
Helen: What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Martin:Fix it in the rewrite. It is sometimes the case that you don’t know what the true story is until you’ve reached the end of it. Then you may realise the main character is not who you thought it is, that you started in the wrong placeand you don’t need those 6 chapters in the middle. All of which you cannot know until you’ve finished the first draft. Nobody expects you to get it right first time. All my books have had rewrites. My agent made me rework “ Shadows of Faerie” three times.
Helen: Great advice. If you don’t get your story down to begin with, there will be nothing to edit. What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Martin:Gaining representation with a major fantasy agent. Regrettably this has not resulted in trade publishers buying my work. Shadows of Faerie did make it to one acquisition meeting though.
Helen: Getting an agent to represent you is an amazing achievement. Congratulations. Fingers crossed they find a home for your books. Do you have any advice for dealing with writer’s block? What do you do to overcome it?
Martin: Two suggestions – take a minor character from your work-in-progress and write a short story with them as main character. Second, consider what could be the worst possible thing for your main character(s) to have happen. Have it happen and make them deal with it.
Helen: What are some of the books you read recently that you would recommend to others?
Martin: The Green Man series by Juliet McKenna. Contemporary fantasy deeply rooted in British folklore. Protagonist is the son of a Dryad. First book – The Green Man’s Heir
The War For The Rose Throne – Peter McClean. Peaky Blinders with swords and magic. First book – Priest of Bones
The Mennik Throne series – Patrick Samphire. Renegade mage does fantasy detective noir. SPFBO finalist. First book – Shadow of a Dead God
The Sisters Mederos – Patrice Sarath. Georgette Heyer with magic
Helen: Those are some great recommendations. Now you have a few books under your belt. What advice would you give new writers?
Martin: Read a lot, be aware of trends in your genre. Work with other writers and don’t be afraid of seeking critique. Other writers are not going to steal your ideas; they’ve got enough of their own. If any one person doesn’t like an aspect of your story feel free to ignore them (unless they are your agent/editor!), but if two or more people raise the same issue then pay attention. Critique in return. Identifying flaws in a story that doesn’t quite work will teach you a lot about your own writing and improve it.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, it’s been great learning about your book. Was there anything anecdotal you’d like to share?
Martin: The words of Peter Lavery, editorial director of Pan MacMillan, to me. “Two things get you there; talent and persistence.”
About the Author – Martin Owton
Martin Owton
I was born in Southampton, Hampshire in 1958, and grew up on the edge of the New Forest. At the age of 13, I was lucky enough to win a county scholarship to Winchester College (1972-76). From there I went to St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge (1977-80) where I read Natural Sciences. I then went to Southampton University where I studied for a PhD in synthetic chemistry.
I spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at St George’s Hospital Medical School in south London, where I met my wife Mary. We now live near Camberley in Surrey, where I work for the research division of a major international pharmaceutical company.
I have been writing seriously since 1995, and have had somewhere above 20 short stories published. I have also published 3 novels, two adventure fantasy novels Exile and Nandor (collectively the Nandor Tales) and one contemporary fantasy Shadows of Faerie.
Beside writing I follow cricket, and Southampton FC, and enjoy a good pub quiz.
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.
You may only vote if you are attending PascifyCon in Harrogate on April 11th, 2026.
Lost guardians. Tensions brewing in the frozen north. Can a goddess-appointed champion prevent a looming war?
Jerrol Haven’s last run-in with evil has left deep scars. Recovering from the torture that damaged him mentally and physically, the guilt-ridden commander searches for the whereabouts of one of his captured allies. But he feels the chance to rescue the awakened sentinal slipping away when his king requests his aid in peace negotiations at a remote and unstable border.
Accompanied by his beloved, Jerrol arrives at his destination only to discover the enemy’s corruption running rife. And after he’s cut down by a shocking betrayal, the skilled soldier’s destiny plunges into bloody chaos.
Can he overcome his failures to forge a desperate victory?
Sentinals Justice is the thrilling third book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, action-packed suspense, and gritty battles, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s emotional rollercoaster ride.
Available in ebook, paperback, audio or in Kindle Unlimited.
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
Cafe on site. Part of the Farnhm Literary Festival.
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 local 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
One of my goals for 2026 was to compile the novellas I’ve written in the world of Remargaren into a collection. I’ve had multiple requests to publish them in a book, so here we go: Ta daa!
Sentinals Collection One :
Sentinals Discovery (Novella 1.5)
Sentinals and Guardians (Novella 2.5)
Sentinals of Stoneford (Novella 4.5)
A collection of three novellas set in the ancient world of Remargaren.
These novellas add additional insights and colour to the main epic fantasy Sentinal series as we learn more about select characters. They were originally written for the author’s newsletter subscribers and are now being compiled in this collection. It is highly recommended that you read the main series first, as these novellas slot in between the series books. An anthology of novellas previously released to newsletter subscribers only.
The first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV, plus bonus scenes.
This ‘short story’ was originally published as part of the Creatures of Magic and Myth anthology in 2022, but the anthology is no longer available and has now been delisted.
Sentinals and Guardians
Set in Deepwater Watch, Sentinals and Guardians is novella #2.5 and set between Book 2, Sentinals Rising and Book 3, Sentinals Justice. I recommend you read Sentinals books 1-2 prior to this novella. This story was voted for by my newsletter subscribers for the 2023 Christmas gift. Although it is a complete story and could be read standalone, there are spoilers for the main series.
Sentinals of Stoneford
Every year I write a story as a Christmas gift to my newsletter subscribers. Sentinals Of Stoneford was the gift for 2025. Sentinals of Stoneford is novella #4.5 and set between Book 4, Sentinals Across Time and Book 5, Sentinals Banished. It is set ten years after the battle of Oprimere.
I recommend you read books 1- 4 prior to this novella. Although it is a complete story and could be read standalone, there are spoilers.
That makes five additional stories in the world of the Sentinals, including the already published Sentinals Stirrings (#0.5) and Sentinals Recovery (#3.5). Hope you enjoy them all!
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
Have you read Sentinals Origins Part Two yet? The eighth book in the award winning Sentinal Series.
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards has given it a Five Star review.
Birler, Tagerill and Serill have accepted the Lady’s invitation to become her personal guards, her Sentinals. They roam the territories of Remargaren in the name of the Lady, protecting those who can’t protect themselves.
But the threat against Lady Leyandrii is growing and Captain Guerlaire is in the Ascendants sights. He has been too successful in disrupting their plans and now time is running out, for him and the Sentinals. The Ascendants are determined to kill them all and show Leyandrii, once and for all, that they hold the power in Remargaren.
Birlerion’s discovery of his innate magic, offers Leyandrii an alternate path, but it’s a last resort and as Leyandrii teaches him how to control it, she is desperate to find another solution.
As the final confrontation looms and the natural world buckles under the backlash from the reckless use of magic, Leyandrii has one last throw to try and save their world from ruin and destruction, but will any of them live to tell the tale?
“A superbly plotted fantasy adventure with a strong cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf www.thewsa.co.uk
REVIEW
A good book this! But I’m a fantasy fan ; ‘epic’ is my middle name, so a magical saga like this is perfect for me. It’s the second part of SENTINALS ORIGINS and I have to say, I was enjoying this book so much, I stopped reading it, grabbed a copy of the first, read that – also excellent – then went back to part two! My next job will be to start the other ‘Sentinals’ novels, six in all – I’m going to be busy!
So, why did I enjoy it so much? Well, to be perfectly honest, it’s the planning. You see, a lot of epic fantasy is badly planned and, as a result, it all gets very complicated and confusing, often in the last third of the book when the author can’t work out how to end things. But Helen Garraway hasn’t fallen into this trap. Using alternative POVs, she’s constructed a complex – but never too complex – fantasy adventure with a strong LOTR feel to it.
So, if you happen to be on the lookout for a smartly plotted, character-driven adventure with clever twists and populated with the sort of characters you can enjoy rooting for, then this book is for you. Saying that, I would recommend reading part one first. You don’t have to – part two works as a standalone – but why wouldn’t you? The first book’s a gem too!
Now, I need to go and buy a copy of Sentinals Awaken; let’s see if that’s just as good.
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
The excitement is rising as I announce that Sentinals Origins Part One is a FINALIST 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 in the second round from all 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction entries to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Short List.
These titles have moved forward from the 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction Semi-Finalists to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Finalists. Finalists will be recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC26.
CIBA will announce 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.
Congratulations to all the Finalists:
Abigail O’Bryan – Iron Rose
B.L. Mostyn – Heroes of Another Age
David Nos – The Final War of Wizards and Dragons
C.R. Ware – All We Have to Remember: Volume One of the Seventh Layer Saga
Crystal D. Grant – Lightshed
Evette Davis – The Gift
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
Jeffrey L. Kohanek – The First Wizard
Nikhil Prabala – The Duchess of Kokora
Nikki Mccormack – Child of Vanris (The Warden’s Son Book 1)
Palmer Pickering – Dark Town
R. M. Krogman – Sundering
Richard M Wagner – The Chronicles of Amerista: Griefold
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).
Another year has passed, and it’s that time of year when you look back at what you achieved last year and plan for the next. This year we reached the five year anniversary of publishing my debut novel, and now I have 13 books published, 6 audiobooks, been a contributing author to four anthologies, one kickstarter, and written four novellas for my newsletter subscribers.
I hope you downloaded the bonus free novella, Sentinals of Stoneford, set in the world of the Sentinals series which I wrote as thankyou to all my newsletter subscribers. Your support makes writing so fulfilling, and your enthusiam for my characters makes me want to write more!
Anyhow, back to what I achieved in 2025, and what’s in store for 2026?
I published two books, one novella, and one short story
Book Two: Celestial Throne series: Release date TBC
Sentinals Series Collection 1 : Anthology of novellas originally released to newsletter subscribers only.
Sentinals Discovery (Novella 1.5)
Sentinals and Guardians (Novella 2.5)
Sentinals of Stoneford (Novella 4.5)
Other goals:
More formal Marketing plan to grow sales
Open a Tiktok shop
Create a Sentinals Wiki site (still a stretch goal!!)
So plenty to keep me busy outside of the day job!
Work continues to take up most of my brain power as I was promoted and took on more responsibility. Which meant it was more difficult to focus on writing in the evenings and weekends.
I am very proud that I still managed to write and release two books, both of which hit the number one new release spot on Amazon Classic Fantasy, wrote the first draft of a book in a brand new epic fantasy series, participated in a kickstarter, and wrote a 35k word novella for my newsletter subscribers. In total that was over 400,000 words in 2025!
I know 2026 will be just as productive. I look forward to sharing the results with you throughout the year. Once again – Thank you for all your support, I hope you stay with me as we continue this amazing journey. Follow my blog or sign up to my newsletter to get the news first!
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 