Blood Gift Chronicles is a character-driven, page-turning fantasy adventure. The series encompasses themes of wildlife and the environment, animism, social injustice and exploitation, magic, dragons, and being true to one’s self. Books one and two are part of a planned trilogy, but each story also easily stands alone. The series is YA and appealing to a wide range of readers.
Return of the Mantra: Blood Gift Chronicles Book One
***Firebird Book Award Winner***
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Available to buy from Stairwell Books, Book Depository, Waterstones, Amazon and all good book shops.
16-year-old Suni has always known she is different. She and her mother, Mata, live a secretive life on the edge of society, hidden from the tyrant King and his autocratic rule. Her father abandoned them to work in the King’s crystal mines.
In a land ravaged by drought, where the natural world is forsaken for profit, Mata follows the old ways of the Mantra, which the King has outlawed. When tragedy strikes, Suni is cut adrift. She sets off to find her father. Will she also find the destiny Mata wanted for her?
Return of the Mantra chronicles Suni’s experiences in the mines, how she escapes and the people she meets. Her journey is a search for justice and her own identity, as she finds herself at the centre of a desperate bid to save her homeland.
The Warder: Blood Gift Chronicles Book 2
Available to buy from Stairwell Books, Book Depository, Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon and all good book shops.
The King has been defeated and the spirit of the Mantra has been restored, Suni has been reunited with her father and all is – not quite right.
Wanda and his cousin Luna are living in the valley beyond the mountains: Luna is possessed and dreams of dragons while Wanda, gifted with the ability to communicate with animals, struggles with the curse of Orag. Ntombi blames Wanda for her daughter Luna’s condition.
Meanwhile, in the town by the sea, Suni fears for Wanda, and watches over him using her gift for dreamwalking. Many, including Suni’s father, suffer from a strange affliction and the townspeople are blaming the Mantra.
Then strangers arrive from the sea bringing hope for the town: but in this land of gifts and curses, is anything what it seems to be?
Praise for Return of the Mantra
“A beautiful, multi-layered story with vivid descriptions and sensory images. The author tackles important issues such as social injustice, marginalisation, sexuality and environmental concerns with aplomb.” Anjana Chowdhury, Author Click here for full review.
“This book has everything I look for within fantasy. Strong protagonists and antagonists, an equal split of genders, diversity, and story-lines that at times reflected a modern day Africa. This is a highly satisfying read with a well developed world, and magic system I cannot wait to see how it continues. Well done Susie 5 Stars.” Dan Stubbings, Writer and Book Reviewer. Click here for full review.
“With her vividly-depicted world, and compelling protagonist searching for justice and her own identity, Susie Williamson takes the reader to places which are distant, yet familiar.”William Thirsk-Gaskill, Author and Editor
“The best type of fantasy: reflecting important issues in our own society, and a cracking good read. A great debut.”
Clint Wastling, Author
“A multi-layered story. Hard truths woven into fantasies. Filled with wonder, depth of feeling, and lives astutely observed. A gem.” Shahidah Janjua, Author
“Very enjoyable fantasy adventure, great world-building and an original theme. Reminiscent of Ursula LeGuin at her best.” Dave Holwill, Author
Praise for The Warder
‘This book is a charming story of loss, love and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. It is epic fantasy with a heart that will leave you scarred, but begging for more. A highly accomplished sequel. 5 stars. Dan Stubbings, Book Reviewer. Click here for full review.
“Another Fantastic Leguinesque fantasy. An excellent sequel. Coming back in 10 years later, Suni is older and wiser, while Wanda and Luna are forced into an adventure neither of them asked for. I’m still reminded of classic-era Le Guin in this beautifully imagined fantasy world with its carefully constructed flaws. SW’s prose dances off the page with a lyrical quality that you can’t help but love. Really hoping for another Blood Gift Chronicles now.” Click here Dave Holwill, Author
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