WildWood Revisited: Relax on the Beach with a Brand-New Fantasy Novel about Hope and the Power of Books
Whether it’s sculpting stately sand castles or going on a quest to find the perfect seashell, there’s always something wonderfully magical about a beach day! Of course, the easiest way to infuse a little extra enchantment into your getaway is to stow a good book in your beach bag. Today, we humbly recommend WildWood Revisited as your next beach read.
Angela Graham is a Tome Traveller. She can walk in worlds made of words, and her favourite novel, WildWood, is the perfect escape from memories of the Great War. However, her Uncle Clement insists Travelling is more dangerous than it seems, and as WildWood crumbles from a plot-perfect story into a nightmarish mess, Angela can’t help but wonder if he’s right...
Cozy and thought-provoking, this fantasy novel evokes the essence of Studio Ghibli with hints of influence from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
It’s all about being transported to a realm beyond our own. However, rather than hopping on a plane to a Floridian paradise, the protagonist finds refuge in the pages of a book, thanks to a rare ability called Tome Travelling.
WildWood Revisited is an ode to both authors and readers, to the power of literature, and to the hope it inspires. If you’ve ever cried over a fictional character, written fanfiction to “fix” a terrible ending, or daydreamed about living in another world…then you are my novel’s new best friend.
Oh, did I mention that I wrote WildWood Revisited?
A Not-Too-Tragic Backstory
I’ve been absolutely thrilled to write for MouseEars TV for the past three years (and look forward to many more), but long before teaming up with the coolest folks in Florida, I was scribbling away at something else. A story called “The Tome Travellers.”
For a long time, there was no clear direction beyond “magical book powers” and a smattering of espionage. While those elements still remain, the message of my book finally crystallized when the First World War became its backdrop. My favorite poet, Siegfried Sassoon, penned these words:
“Look up, and swear by the green of the spring that you’ll never forget.”
Aftermath, Siegfried Sassoon
That was in March 1919, just a few short months after the war’s end. The seasons were already turning even though the painful memories still lingered. Things were blooming even though hearts had not yet healed. Sassoon felt it vital there be a balance between remembrance and moving on.
Similarly, my novel ended up exploring literature’s role in both honoring one’s past and healing from it.
Throughout the years, there have been countless books that have inspired me. The Lord of the Rings trilogy reminded me that there is good worth fighting for; Jane Eyre reminded me that every soul is precious, including my own; The Travelling Cat Chronicles reminded me that none of us are alone. The words of each book rest in the quiet corners of my mind, cradled as precious memories and brought to the surface when I need them most.
That’s not to say these books have solved all of my problems. No, not even writing my own story has erased worry or heartache, but it has been a huge blessing. Literature has been both an escape and a catalyst in my life for which I am ever grateful and adding to the world’s library of stories has been an incredibly humbling experience.
Ultimately, I wrote the story I needed to hear. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from reading, it’s that there are many kindred spirits out there. Tolkien, Brontë, and Arikawa are just a few. Perhaps you are a kindred spirit as well. And that’s why I published WildWood Revisited. Just in case someone else – just in case you – might need it, too.
WildWood Revisited: Welcome Home, Dear Reader!
After eleven years of writing, rewriting…and rewriting some more…WildWood Revisited is finally ready to meet new readers! It’s already received praise from kind-hearted bookworms across the States, in the UK, and even in Finland!
“I laughed and cried and loved every moment of it.”
Susanna Kanto, author of Caytee and founder of Caudex Books
With its spunky young protagonist, this historical fantasy is aimed at YA and new adult readers, but anyone who enjoys a heartfelt adventure can find themselves feeling at home amongst the pages of WildWood Revisited. Even my father, who would rather watch paint dry than sit through The Lord of the Rings, enjoyed the story! (At least, he said he did. Maybe he was just being nice…)
My greatest hope for this story is that it will befriend the readers who need it most, providing catharsis, encouragement, and a bit of fun.
A Traveller’s Heart
So, what is WildWood Revisited all about? Allow me to properly introduce you to the plot!
Angela Graham is a Tome Traveller. She can walk in worlds made of words, and her favorite novel, WildWood, is the perfect escape from memories of the Great War. However, her Uncle Clement insists Travelling is more dangerous than it seems, and as WildWood crumbles from a plot-perfect story into a nightmarish mess, Angela can’t help but wonder if he’s right.
Determined to save the fictional woodland and its residents, Angela seeks the help of WildWood’s author – the reluctant and recalcitrant Mr. DeBryn. Torn between the Literary Realm and the harsh realities of post-war London, Angela, her uncle, and Mr. DeBryn must face their war-torn pasts to secure a future for both themselves and the Wood.
Deep within the bramble-filled pages, they will discover Literature’s greatest power is restoring hope.
(Photo: MouseEars TV Creative Editor)
An examination of restoration and remembrance, WildWood Revisited is my expression of thanks to the authors and books who have inspired me through many seasons of life.
Of course, one of my favorite seasons is vacation season. (Yes, we’re coming full circle now.) Going to the beach is a rejuvenating experience. The crashing waves, the sun-softened sand, and the merry laughter of gulls all culminate in a setting that soothes the soul.
WildWood Revisited is all about a renewal of spirit, so – if I may say so myself – it could be a rather fitting beach read…but even if you don’t take my book to the beach, I still recommend taking some book. Time is always best spent with a friend…and some friends just happen to be made of paper and ink.
Happy Travelling, friends!
More Posts About Offbeat Florida
Dear MouseEars TV readers, This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Featured photo: MouseEars TV Creative Editor, cover design by Enchanted Ink Publishing
