The Sapphire Heart

The Erynvor Cycle #1

by Three Scribes, Sandra Mead Miller, Abigail Bender

FEATURING ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY JEFF BROWN!

IT IS WRITTEN THAT AN ERYNVOR WILL SAVE EOLEMAR. TEN HAVE FAILED. WILL THE ELEVENTH SUCCEED?

Elorah longs to revive her wasting homeland, but everything she’s been taught suggests the path is nothing but myths and legends. That is, until a vision from a Founding Dragon affirms her as the fated Erynvor, the one who will restore the power centers of Eolemar.

Now, Elorah and her assembled group—a noble-born terramancer, a wind-harnessing gryphon-tamer, a firestarter in love, a wide-eyed innocent, a deal-making rapscallion, and a mysterious dreamwalker—must align their powers and embark on a quest spanning not only a waking world full of dangerous men and terrifying beasts, but an even more perilous dreamworld, where an immortal being with a grudge threatens to steal their souls.

Will Elorah and her companions restore balance to Eolemar, or will their realm be forever lost?

Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy, LGBT

624 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2025

About the author

Three Scribes are a mother/daughters writing team consisting of Sandra Mead Miller (Mama Scribe), Abigail Bender (Artsy Scribe), and Victoria Hungria (Extra Scribe).

Sandra, in addition to writing about dragons, is an avid supporter of Liverpool F.C., a keeper of hens, and a smiter of non-native flora in her two-acre wood.

Abigail and Victoria began building the secondary world of Eolemar in elementary school, a hobby they’ve continued for over two decades. Abigail is also a tea connoisseur, an artist, and an admirer of mycorrhiza. Victoria is a hometown festival goer and bookshop enthusiast for whom cozy isn’t just a favorite genre, it’s a lifestyle.

For more information, visit our website www.three-scribes.com

Spotify playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1hd...

Reviews

[Lara R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Heart is a stunning start to what promises to be an epic series. The world of Eolemar is richly detailed, filled with elemental magic, ancient myths, and a sense of history that makes it feel alive.

I loved following Elorah’s journey—she’s a determined, empathetic protagonist who carries the weight of destiny with grace and strength. The group of companions she gathers quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story; their found-family dynamic adds so much heart and depth to the adventure.

The writing is elegant and immersive, with vivid descriptions and a tone that perfectly fits the mythic feel of the story. By the final chapters, I couldn’t put the book down.

Beautifully written, emotionally engaging, and full of wonder.

[Robert Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer's Note: I was forwarded a free advance copy of "The Sapphire Heart" to read and review. No compensation was received for this review.

"The Sapphire Heart" is a fantasy novel that thrusts an unlikely young heroine into an epic journey to restore balance to the realm in which she lives. This journey takes her to the very edge of her physical world and beyond into a dream world that is equally as relevant to her destiny, perhaps even more so.  Elorah, the main character, assembles a mishmash group of companions, each with their own abilities and powers, and convinces them to assist her in her quest to right past wrongs and bring about an order the world so desperately desires. Some of her selected allies join enthusiastically while others are more reluctant, but in the end they form a loose-knit team resolute to accomplish their mission or die trying. They are opposed every step of the way in both the physical plane and the dream world by malevolent forces acting avariciously to maintain the status quo stranglehold they have held on society for decades. Initially unaware of the magnitude of powers she possesses, Elorah learns much about herself and her formidable strengths along the way, and her troop, each with their own flawed and often tragic backstories, also learn and grow as the group cavalcades onward.  Dragons, wolves, horses, and other familiar and unfamiliar creatures are introduced throughout the journey, and their daunting mission teeters on the edge of failure time and time again.

This is the first fantasy novel I have read, my reading preferences being biographies, historical and biblical works, and horror novels.  I was mildly apprehensive about starting this book, fearing I would be disinterested in not only the genre but also in not being able to focus because of the "fantasy" component.  Boy, was I mistaken!  If you can get your head around the first couple of chapters which detail the important relationship between the dream world and the physical world, you are in for a great adventure with a smart, creative story that will hold your attention to the end.  The descriptions and story developments are simply brilliant, and one is easily able to imagine the characters and scenes portrayed.  Unfamiliar flora and fauna are given the thorough level of descriptive explanation even the most blockish reader like myself could understand and appreciate, and all of the unique characters are developed magnificently.

"The Sapphire Heart" is a great read, albeit long, but absolutely worth the effort. There are many snags and surprises along the way, and its unpredictability and exotic setting make it interesting, thought-provoking and fun. Highly recommended!

[Caleb Likes Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I was provided a free copy for review; however, I will do my best to provide an honest and unbiased review. Thank you to Three Scribes for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This was a fun read, and a solid debut book from this trio!

There are many things I think this book does well. First, the prose of the book is fantastic. It not only reads very well, but the language used in the book really emphasizes the strong worldbuilding of this story. A lot of fantasy terms are used here to refer to different things—unique words for day, year, or the various elemental affinities for the magic—which are similar enough to real world words to get the gist of what they mean, but give the book a strong sense of setting. The book includes a *lot* of these right from the beginning, which can make it hard to follow at times, but over time it becomes very immersive. I also really enjoyed how simple yet ambitious this book is. It follows a relatively traditional quest fantasy structure, with a main quest that a special character must embark on, a “fellowship” which they recruit to their cause, and a malevolent entity which tries to stop them. However, the book takes this structure and really makes the book more than just that by including a wide cast of characters and the aforementioned thick layer of worldbuilding flair; it makes the book feel familiar yet extremely fresh and unique. The magic and worldbuilding in general here is interesting too, with elemental aspects to the magic and a whole alternate realm.

There are a couple things that didn’t quite land for me here, though, as much as I’d praise several aspects of this book. The biggest thing for me is the characters. They are not poorly written by any means, as I generally enjoyed the dialogue and interactions between them. However, none of them really stood out much to me outside of Elorah, the main character, and one or two others who I mostly just thought of as “oh, it’s that character.” I didn’t really feel that connected to any of the characters beyond a very surface level. I also think the plot of the book didn’t quite grab me throughout, although I think the setup is good and the progression of it is well done—I think quest-style fantasy stories don’t land as well for me most of the time, so I’m not sure that that’s really the book’s fault.

Overall, a very solid and enjoyable first entry into this series. While I do think there are some kinks in the book here and there in regards to things like characters, and the worldbuilding can make for quite a learning curve at times, I think there’s a lot of potential here due to its uniqueness and ambition. Definitely a self-pub series to at least keep an eye on.

Rating: 8/10

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up reading fantasy novels, first The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, then the Forgotten Realms and Dragon Lance and from then everything in between. Why is this relevant? Because The Sapphire Heart is an amazing fantasy novel in the vein of those but is completely it’s own. Elrorah and her group of ‘misfits’ are amazing. Each character is given time to shine and come into their own. This is only aided by the amazing world building. You honestly feel like you are in the realm with them, perhaps a mysterious hooded member of the group following along at a distance. As someone who enjoys the occasion game of D and D this isn’t hard to imagine.
Speaking of world building, this is epic. I adored every minute and the writing is top tier. I could not put this one down from start to finish. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything but if you love a good epic fantasy than this is one you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of fantasy or those getting into the genre. Told with an amazing narrative voice, with a diverse and varied cast of characters and believable world and storyline this is a must read.
As always thank you to the authors for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an immersive epic fantasy world filled with mystical creatures, elemental magic, and powerful dream realms.
The worldbuilding is detailed, as is the writing style and inventive language, and there are multiple characters to follow, all with intriguing motivations, powers or personalities, and some tragic pasts.
There are strong themes of found family as the story weaves multiple paths together into a quest driven plot that binds the characters and forges their destiny.
I think Elorah and Thane were my favourite characters, but there is a diverse range with plenty of character growth, and the development of abilities and leadership roles.
It definitely gives a fellowship of the ring feel, with misfit characters coming together for a high stakes quest, tackling obstacles, and working towards saving the world and stopping an evil power.
I always enjoy the chosen one and reluctant leader themes, and the story very much gives the feeling of unexpected heroes rising.
The beautiful cover very much reflects the feel of the book and the epic quest and fantasy world of this series.


"Never doubt, always trust, for you are mightier than the moon and more powerful than the stars"

"That's the thing about adventures. We don't choose them. They choose us"

[Tre' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a fantasy book comes along that feels like it was written for people who love both big, epic stakes and quiet, soul-deep moments. The Sapphire Heart is one of those books. It takes classic epic fantasy ingredients. Prophecy, dragons, a broken world, and spins them into something that feels beautifully magical and earnestly hopeful without ever losing its sense of danger.

The worldbuilding is where this story first sank its claws into me. The authors don’t just give us one realm, but two intertwined realities: the physical world of Eolemar and the dream realm of Oru Fen. The way characters slip between these spaces, fighting battles in their sleep alongside spirit-wolf guardians, makes the whole book feel like walking through someone else’s vivid, half-remembered dream. The magic system, Vor, is intention-based and tied to six affinities. Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Mind, and Spirit, and there’s something deeply satisfying about a world where what you mean matters just as much as what you can do.

At the heart of all this is Elorah Niav, a healer who just wants to pass her exams and help people… right up until she learns she’s the prophesied Erynvor, the one called to restore a fractured world. I really loved how her compassion shapes the story; she’s not a snarky assassin or a reluctant brute, she’s someone who feels the weight of the world and still chooses to step forward anyway. Around her gathers the kind of chaotic found family I’m always a sucker for: Rachmyn, the quiet Shadowen with a past and a fiercely loyal wraithwolf; Haedyn, all fire and charm and terrible decisions, backed up by a tiny, violent Grynt named Fryk; Thane, the con artist who trips face-first into heroism; Brynz, the stable girl whose fierce love for a silver-blue gryphon made me care immediately; and Aikin, the traditionalist whose stubbornness adds friction in all the right ways.

The creatures of this world make it feel even more alive: wraithwolves who guard your soul in Oru Fen, Bravik stalking the wilderness like wolf-bear nightmares, Tusk-pigs charging out of the underbrush, Grynts waiting in pockets to strike, and that single silver gryphon whose presence lingers in the mind long after the chapter ends. The Northlands trek has that “the land itself is trying to kill us” energy, but there are also quiet scenes, campfires, tea heated with elemental fire, and little glimpses of beauty that keep the book from drowning in its own darkness.

What surprised me most, though, was how thematically grounded the story feels. This isn’t just about waking sleeping dragons or repairing broken parambeks; it’s about what it costs to keep hoping when the world feels irreparably damaged. One line in particular lodged itself in my chest and decided to stay there:

“Worry steals hope… and hope steals fear.”

Spoken by Elorah’s grandmother, Vaytah, it becomes a kind of quiet anchor for the characters as they move through danger after danger. It also felt like the heartbeat of the book: fear doesn’t vanish, but hope can steal some of its power.

The Sapphire Heart is dense in the best way—full of lore, layered with meaning, and populated by characters who feel both broken and deeply worth fighting for. It’s the kind of first book that promises an even bigger story to come, while still giving plenty to savor right now.

Perfect for readers who love:

Dual-reality fantasy (physical world + dream realm)
Intention-based elemental magic systems
Soul-bonded animal companions (especially enormous spirit wolves)
Chaotic found families learning to trust each other
Ancient dragons, broken worlds, and stories about healing as much as heroics

I received an advanced digital copy of this novel for review consideration from the publisher and NetGalley; all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Vals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

First off, the world-building, because I truly enjoyed it. Not only is it interesting, but it's also well-done: even if at the beginning the high volume of specifically invented vocabulary might slow down the reading, everything takes its place pretty fast, and it's easy to come to appreciate the rich world that the Three Scribes have created. While it winks to consolidate magic systems like element-based magic, familiars, and others, such concepts are interpreted under a new light, and there's the added element of action happening in the dream world, where everyone can go, even though some are more aware (and thus skilled) than others. I found everything about the world and the magic in it really intriguing and would definitely like to learn more about it.

The characters are a heterogeneous bunch, well-rounded and all interesting in their own ways. Unfortunately, I found their characterization a bit on the surface and would have love to learn more about each of them, also through more interaction among them, something I felt I missed and would have helped me to be ever more emotionally invested — I still found myself drawn to them and I really like each character, which speaks to the ability of the writers make a connection happen even if the characters are not presented in depth. Yet, more focus on the interactions among them would also help witnessing the creation of the found family that is the core of this story — I like destined-like relationships, but I need to see such bonds backed by something more concrete to actually care on a Deep level about the characters. Like to when it the world and the magic, I hope this not-in-depth descriptions are due to this being the first book in a series, thus working as an introduction, and we'll see more details about the world and the magic and read more about the characters' background and their interactions in the following books.

Last, the plot. This book is quest-based fantasy that is strongly event-based, resulting in a fast-paced story with a plot that plays out nicely and pulls different threads well until they all come together. I did, however, hope to read more about the wycche, because I felt her storyline a bit weak, more like a villain that's there because a fantasy need one, but who doesn't feel indispensabile — I believe, and hope, this is due to the book generally remaining of the surface as an introduction to a saga.

Oh, the writing is good, with a style that delivers the different perspectives depending on what character the focus is on, and makes you feel like you're going with this found family on their quest.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read the arc of this new adventure!

[Signe S. Brummerstedt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers for the free ebook ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Sapphire Heart is a new epic fantasy following a cast of very different individuals on a magical journey.
The world is fun and original and I lived the idea of the dream world, however, I must say I have a hard time summarizing the plot - as is the case with most high fantasy books.

The writing makes you feel almost like a ghost or a spirit following and rooting for these characters as they navigate through their challenges.
The books is also written in a way that makes you almost believe in destiny in this world. Even though the characters do actively make the choices that leads them to their destinations, you get the feeling that they’d have ended there no matter what, which makes for an interesting dynamic.

While I would recommend the book to enjoyers of epic fantasy books, I will say that I did find a few things lacking as well.
I think all the characters were great and pretty well rounded, but I was really missing some more scenes of interaction between them. The writing is very action and description based, so I feel like us readers missed out on a lot of discussion that could deepen the understanding of the characters.
And while I did enjoy the Wycche, I don’t think her (its?) chapters hit as hard as it can. Instead of just showing her in the dream world, it could be fun to see how she had impacted others in there or in real life. I also think we were told a little too much of what she was doing.
Basically, I’d add a few scenes of dialogue between the main cast that focuses more on the development of their relationships rather than the plot, while maybe removing a few of the Wycche’s scenes, as it would ground the story a little more.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to fantasy lovers. 3.5/4 stars.

[Emily Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free ARC from the authors and am so glad I did.

The Sapphire Heart has the timeless quality of a classic fantasy. The prose is elegant and literary, with intention in every sentence. The characters are well fleshed out, with interesting backstories, secrets, and motivations that make a fun ensemble as they come together to help the main character on her quest.

The magic system and the concept of the dream realm are fascinating without being something the authors dwell on too much apart from the story itself. The first chapter is the most information-heavy, and I'll admit it intimidated me at first! But the later chapters introduce things more slowly, adding clarity to those first chapters, so you don't have to get it all at once.

The word that keeps coming to mind is "beautiful"-Beautiful writing, beautiful character building, beautiful magic, beautiful story. I'm excited to read more from the Three Scribes!

[Story Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers whose fantasy jam reads quest with buddy banter and found family will find The Sapphire Heart fits right in on their shelf. Also, Jeff Brown has done the cover art, so it's going to fit in and look amazing. The authors introduce a rich and complex world with lots of magic, plenty of diverse places and folk, and impressive creatures that leap off the page (or mountain). Also, this honking doorstop weighs in at 624 pages, so tuck in an get comfy; the reading will last a while.

My thanks to the authors for the DRC, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.

See the full review on my blog:

Blog / Instagram / BookBub

[Sarah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully imagined epic fantasy that pulled me in from the first page. Elorah is a compelling heroine, torn between doubt and destiny, and her journey feels earned rather than handed to her. I loved the diverse group of companions, each bringing distinct powers, personalities, and emotional weight to the story. The blend of waking world danger and the eerie, high stakes dreamworld adds a fresh layer of tension, and the mythology behind the Erynvor prophecy is rich and engaging. With strong worldbuilding, meaningful character growth, and a quest that feels both grand and personal, this story is immersive, adventurous, and deeply satisfying for fantasy lovers.

[Raquelio poop · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sapphire Heart is a incredible epic fantasy read. If you love The Fellowship of the Ring or even Frieren, I think you will enjoy this story, however in ways it's better because you get to see in depth of so many diverse people in this world, this isn't a common renaissance-style fantasy, and I love it for that. There's lots of world building and lore that's very fascinating, lots of loveable and interesting characters with good character development, the plot/story is compelling and enjoyable. It's a really good epic fantasy read, I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

Elorah is having dreams that are so much more than simple dreams, and they're of a dragon thought to be myth, and she knows helping make this come to fruition will help restore her homeland. She must embark on a quest and gather other people, who like her were destined to be a part of this.

[Tim Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sapphire Heart is beautifully written, even lyrical. The world is complex but rich and full-bodied, with vast landscapes, history, cultures, and languages. The team of adventurers is diverse and determined. A world and story to immerse yourself in and savor!

[Chayton Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having not read a proper fantasy book in some time I had a slow start with this one, but once I gained a better grasp of the terms and pronunciations I was fully immersed in the rich world and characters. So excited for the rest of the series in the future!

[Books on Wheels · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the many different fantasy creatures I did not expect, to the incompatible group of characters set on the same goal. Yet, all things coming together! If only Goodreads had a 4.5 star option😂

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://sarahreads4.wordpress.com/202...

[Kyla]

Came for the cover art, stayed for the blurb... can't wait to read this!