In Richard Haslam’s engrossing fantasy book, Kiona the Gardenian, readers are whisked away to an alternate 18th-century universe where miracles and prophecy interweave to shape the destinies of its inhabitants. The book “Now.Here” introduces us to Kiona, a young heroine whose life is thrown into turmoil with the kidnapping of her little brother, Achak, by the nefarious Eresh Kigal.
Unraveling Fate and Adventure
Kiona’s story begins on the peaceful island of Gardenia, a land subtly encased in the larger drama of a world where the Yin-Lung Dynasty and The Northern Roman Empire emerges from the Shepherds Civil War, to fill the void. Amidst this delicate peace, Kiona’s journey unfolds as she sets out to rescue Achak, facing trials that test her spirit and bravery. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of traditional fantasy with rich, new characters like The Masked Piper, a friend whose destiny intertwines with Kiona’s own as they confront their fates in the Forest Trial—a pivotal event in Gardenia’s Trials of Maturity.
The rescue mission takes readers through the treacherous landscapes of Dagger Teeth Pass in Cornelia, where the story takes a tragic turn—the loss of Achak at the hands of Eresh Kigal. This moment is not just a point of sorrow but also a catalyst for Kiona’s transformation into the prophesied Maid of the Heart, an incarnated angel named Tiqvah. Alongside her heart angel, Levtiqvah, Kiona embodies the hope and resilience needed to oppose Kigal’s darkness.
The Power of Unity and the Heroine’s Journey
Haslam’s novel is a refreshing take on the genre, emphasizing not only the fantastical elements but also the power of unity between characters. Through Kiona’s alliances, both old and new, the story celebrates the strength found in collaboration, particularly highlighting the pivotal roles that women play in the saga. Kiona and her companions, including Abenanka and The Masked Piper, demonstrate that heroism is not a lone endeavor but a collective effort that shapes the fabric of their world.
The book’s underlying themes delve deep into the struggles of maintaining a balance between warring powers and the internal battles each character faces. By exploring these dualities, Haslam crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. The challenges Kiona and her friends encounter reflect larger existential queries about fate, free will, and the nature of good versus evil.
Prophecy and Promise: The Greater Battle
As the tale of Kiona unfolds, readers are gradually introduced to the grand scale of the prophecy that Kiona is destined to fulfill—one that promises to restore order and light to a world veering on the edge of destruction. This prophecy not only sets the stage for Kiona’s personal redemption but also for the thematic arc of the “Now.Here” book. The narrative promises an intricate look at how ancient prophecies and personal struggles interlock in the battles that these young warriors wage.
The novel, rich with allegory and symbolism, does more than narrate a young girl’s fight against a predestined adversary. It crafts a world where every character is essential, every choice has weight, and every moment is a thread in the tapestry of a larger story. This element elevates Kiona the Gardenian from mere fantasy to a reflective mirror on life itself, challenging the reader to consider their path and the paths of those around them.
In conclusion, Richard Haslam’s Kiona the Gardenian is not just a fantasy novel but a profound exploration of resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit required to change one’s destiny. For enthusiasts of fantasy looking for a narrative that combines the thrill of adventure with deep, meaningful insights into the human condition, this book promises to be a captivating read. As Kiona’s journey continues, it is poised to build on its promise of intrigue and transformation, exploring the depths of human and divine interplay within the fantastical realm of Gardenia.
About the Author Richard Haslam:
Richard James Haslam is a humble individual who is the author of the Now.Here Saga. Born in Bolton, Greater Manchester on the 2nd April 1989 with High Functioning Autism, he lived with his older brother, Philip, and his parents, Christine and Martin near Horwich for a short time before moving to Whittle-Le-Woods near Chorley, Lancashire, where his childhood there shaped him with events, including TV shows such as The Dreamstone, Animals of Farthing Wood, Watership Down, Redwall, The Wind in the Willows, and other examples that would gradually overtime inspire him to write the Now.Here Saga. He was given an extra year in Nursery after coming down with Meningitis when he was three, and as a result, had a year gap between himself and Philip at Manor Road County Primary School (1995-2001).
After Primary School, Richard went to Lostock Hall Community High School and Arts Collage (2001-2006), where throughout that long 11-year road of maturity, his carer, Sally, would help him mature his rebellious childhood and transition him into an adult. After High School and warm goodbyes to Sally, Richard gained more independence in living when attending a disabled boarding college in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, called Callow Park, part of the Alderwasley School (2006-2008). After two years of staying with his parents, Richard eventually moved into Townley House in Chorley in June 2010, a disability-living apartment of flats. Since childhood, Richard, with Philip, had many inspirational ideas for novels and even cartoon series of their own, but it wasn’t until 2005 that the first ideas for Serena, Abigail, Abenanka, Rui-Lin, and Zoe came to the imagination and pencil sketches. Richard’s time in Townley House was an enjoyable one at first, but over time, many of the staff left and were replaced, gradually hiring fewer and fewer.
Ten years later, in March 2020, Richard moved to Penwortham, near Preston, to have a fresh start with Autism Initiative. The timing couldn’t have been fortunate, because when Covid-19 struck, Richard was confined within his new home, but unlike his last home, he had a garden and space in the countryside to move about. The elements were now just right for writing Now.Here, with his first book, “Kiona the Gardenian”, being published on 12th October (Now.Here Day). Since then, four more books were published about the world of Now.Here, “The Maid of the Heart”, “Rubecula & Nascha”, “The Tree of Agape”, and “A Zephyr Before The Tempest”.