In the Whispers of the Trees

by Amanda Maynard-Schubert

Neala Moran never believed she was anything but ordinary. But when she and her mother move from Australia to Ireland following the tragic death of her father, Neala discovers a long-held family secret. She is a Bard - a human with Faerie blood. Separated from the magical Otherworld for centuries by a mystical barrier known only as the 'Veil', Bards must practice their elemental magic in secret, away from the prying eyes of the humans who have persecuted them. When Neala attends Birchtree Hall, the academy where young Bards can go to learn how to harness their abilities, she learns that the peaceful existence they have been living is under threat. The Veil is failing, and creatures long vanished from her world are emerging once more. But no one seems to know how, or why. The only clue is a prophecy that speaks of seven Lorekeepers - Bards chosen by the ancient Chieftain Trees - who must restore the balance and protect the worlds. Neala is one of them, and the fate of the worlds rests on her choice. Will she choose to risk everything to protect her magical world? Or will she turn her back on her destiny?

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in the Riverland region of South Australia, Amanda is an artist and author with a passion for all things fantasy. An avid reader as a child, it was Amanda’s dream to one day write and publish her own series of books. Inspired by authors like Tamora Pierce and J.R.R. Tolkien, Amanda’s writing weaves magic, mythology and elemental mysteries to create enchanting worlds and stories. A highlight of her career so far was attending a writing retreat at Crom Castle in Ireland, hosted by Serenity Press.

A talented artist and illustrator, Amanda was named as a top-5 finalist in the 2019 Roar Success Awards for her artwork and has provided illustrations for several authors across multiple publishing houses.

A creative soul, Amanda spends much of her day with a pencil in hand - just in case inspiration strikes. Part of her unique process of writing involves sketching characters and scenes from her stories to help find the words to describe them – reverse illustrating, if you will!

When not writing or drawing, Amanda enjoys spending time in the garden with her husband and two children.

Amanda’s debut novel, The Bards of Birchtree Hall, will be released in late 2020; the first book in The Stormbringer Chronicles trilogy.

Reviews

[Jacqueline]

I'm enjoying the storyline and wish I could buy the sequel, but it's only available in Australia!