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Ghosts of Hāikimi: A Tale of Ilhara
Not yet published
Expected 27 Mar 26In the deserts of Ilhara, prophecy is not a gift. It is a weapon.
Hāikimi was once a soldier of the Thrennan Front. He has buried his past, his faith, and the boys he helped condemn. Exiled and fractured, he believes his punishment is already paid.
Then his daughter is born with sight that should not exist.
In Ilhara, the future is not left to mystics alone. Ancient methods of foresight treat destiny as a pattern—something to be measured, modelled, and exploited. Power belongs to those who can calculate what comes next.
Hunted for what his child might one day see, Hāikimi flees across a land divided between divine certainty and cold prediction. When he is captured by the Ishen—elite agents pursuing the architect of a historic atrocity—he is forced into an uneasy alliance that drags him back toward the machinery of war he thought he had escaped.
As prophecy tightens and belief fractures, Hāikimi must decide what he is willing to become to protect his family.
In a world where certainty is power, survival may be the greatest betrayal of all.
Hāikimi was once a soldier of the Thrennan Front. He has buried his past, his faith, and the boys he helped condemn. Exiled and fractured, he believes his punishment is already paid.
Then his daughter is born with sight that should not exist.
In Ilhara, the future is not left to mystics alone. Ancient methods of foresight treat destiny as a pattern—something to be measured, modelled, and exploited. Power belongs to those who can calculate what comes next.
Hunted for what his child might one day see, Hāikimi flees across a land divided between divine certainty and cold prediction. When he is captured by the Ishen—elite agents pursuing the architect of a historic atrocity—he is forced into an uneasy alliance that drags him back toward the machinery of war he thought he had escaped.
As prophecy tightens and belief fractures, Hāikimi must decide what he is willing to become to protect his family.
In a world where certainty is power, survival may be the greatest betrayal of all.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 27, 2026
14 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
F.P. Twyman
1 book4 followersF. P. Twyman is a data scientist and author whose fiction blends statistical thinking with rich world-building. Drawing on his background in machine learning and modelling, his work explores the intersection of knowledge, faith, and conflict.
In the Ilhara series, Twyman weaves together the historical roots of algebra with themes of prophecy, war, and scientific discovery.
His work is influenced by thinkers and storytellers such as Isaac Newton, R. F. Kuang, J. R. R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and Alan Moore.
In the Ilhara series, Twyman weaves together the historical roots of algebra with themes of prophecy, war, and scientific discovery.
His work is influenced by thinkers and storytellers such as Isaac Newton, R. F. Kuang, J. R. R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and Alan Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 22, 2026
I have to say I did enjoy this story. I wasn’t itching to finish it but I felt like the world building was great. Really descriptive and allowed me to visualise what was happening as it was. Sometimes the pacing felt a bit slow and I struggled to understand how they got from point A to point B but it didn’t distract from the story. There very obviously is going to be another book so hopefully there’s some more action and character development (which had already begun by the end of the book). If you want a story that really builds the world and situation the main character is in this book is great for that.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy
Ghosts of Haikimi requires patience. The first hundred pages are deliberately slow and full of terminology that isn’t explained. Anyone looking for immediate action has been warned. Those who stay will find what I like most: a book that treats its reader like an adult.
Haikimi ko-Harkyla is a war veteran who returns home with a paralyzed hand and a mind that won’t stop fighting. His wife, Eliyä, is about to give birth to twins. He would like peace, but if he had it we wouldn’t be reading an epic fantasy anymore.
There isn’t a moment of serenity. Instead, there is a racist society (in a very original way, which reminded me of the social stratification based on light and dark eyes in The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson) where the Zinheer, women who see fragments of the future, have become the public enemy of the theocratic regime. When Hāikimi discovers that his daughter Yamai is one of them, escape becomes the only option.
The worldbuilding is dense and flavorful. Ilhara breathes. The lunar system of Kamaar governs tides, calendar, and religion. The various factions have intertwined histories of wars and the occasional genocide. Twyman explains nothing through infodumps. The terminology is absorbed through context, word by word.
The characters work. Haikimi carries the weight of war in his body, Eliya is practical and intelligent. Yhani (I’m losing all the damned dieresis and other diacritical marks in these names, sorry), the enemy prisoner Haikimi takes under his wing, has a convincing growth arc. Each character has a distinct voice and they are not interchangeable. You can see them, not just read them.
There are also two interludes that break up the main narrative, almost like short stories inserted into the book. They show the system from other angles in a really original way. There is a brilliant boy used as a human calculator and a girl who produces war drugs without knowing where they end up. They were my favorite parts, one of those ideas that, as a writer, you realize works because it makes you want to steal it.
Personally, I think the book is too long. Some travel scenes repeat the same emotional beats and the dialogue sometimes slips into exposition.
But when Twyman works, he really works. The ending carries the emotional weight that the book has built for three hundred pages, even if it could probably have achieved the same result in two hundred and fifty.
It is not perfect, but it is serious, ambitious, and it treats difficult themes such as war, genocide, and religious persecution with the respect they deserve. In a sea of interchangeable fantasy, this one is memorable.
Haikimi ko-Harkyla is a war veteran who returns home with a paralyzed hand and a mind that won’t stop fighting. His wife, Eliyä, is about to give birth to twins. He would like peace, but if he had it we wouldn’t be reading an epic fantasy anymore.
There isn’t a moment of serenity. Instead, there is a racist society (in a very original way, which reminded me of the social stratification based on light and dark eyes in The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson) where the Zinheer, women who see fragments of the future, have become the public enemy of the theocratic regime. When Hāikimi discovers that his daughter Yamai is one of them, escape becomes the only option.
The worldbuilding is dense and flavorful. Ilhara breathes. The lunar system of Kamaar governs tides, calendar, and religion. The various factions have intertwined histories of wars and the occasional genocide. Twyman explains nothing through infodumps. The terminology is absorbed through context, word by word.
The characters work. Haikimi carries the weight of war in his body, Eliya is practical and intelligent. Yhani (I’m losing all the damned dieresis and other diacritical marks in these names, sorry), the enemy prisoner Haikimi takes under his wing, has a convincing growth arc. Each character has a distinct voice and they are not interchangeable. You can see them, not just read them.
There are also two interludes that break up the main narrative, almost like short stories inserted into the book. They show the system from other angles in a really original way. There is a brilliant boy used as a human calculator and a girl who produces war drugs without knowing where they end up. They were my favorite parts, one of those ideas that, as a writer, you realize works because it makes you want to steal it.
Personally, I think the book is too long. Some travel scenes repeat the same emotional beats and the dialogue sometimes slips into exposition.
But when Twyman works, he really works. The ending carries the emotional weight that the book has built for three hundred pages, even if it could probably have achieved the same result in two hundred and fifty.
It is not perfect, but it is serious, ambitious, and it treats difficult themes such as war, genocide, and religious persecution with the respect they deserve. In a sea of interchangeable fantasy, this one is memorable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book follows Hāikimi, a former soldier trying to protect his daughter in a world where prophecy's treated like something calculated and controlled. It's grimdark fantasy that leans very heavily into ideas over action.
The core ideas are interesting and it's a very philosophical and introspective read with heavy themes, but it didn't click for me.
Hāikimi is a flawed, guilt-ridden father, and while that should have made him compelling, I never fully connected with him or any of the other characters. I understood what the story was trying to do emotionally, but it was a tough read. It’s heavy going and often slow, with some sections feeling like a total slog. The pacing made it difficult for me to stay engaged with either the plot or the characters.
There’s also something about the writing style that I struggled with. I’d read a sentence and think, am I done yet? My attention was all over the place, and I really struggled to focus. I’d read a page, then put it downand walk away, which never happens to me 😭 I forced myself to power through, but it didn’t get interesting until about 90% of the way through, and by then it was too late for me.
This is obviously a well written and thoughtful book, and it's absolutely not a bad book, it’s just not for me. I wanted to like it, but I was really bored. The premise is great and there are genuinely awesome ideas but the pacing's just too slow for me, but I think it you're looking for an introspective character study, then this is it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
The core ideas are interesting and it's a very philosophical and introspective read with heavy themes, but it didn't click for me.
Hāikimi is a flawed, guilt-ridden father, and while that should have made him compelling, I never fully connected with him or any of the other characters. I understood what the story was trying to do emotionally, but it was a tough read. It’s heavy going and often slow, with some sections feeling like a total slog. The pacing made it difficult for me to stay engaged with either the plot or the characters.
There’s also something about the writing style that I struggled with. I’d read a sentence and think, am I done yet? My attention was all over the place, and I really struggled to focus. I’d read a page, then put it downand walk away, which never happens to me 😭 I forced myself to power through, but it didn’t get interesting until about 90% of the way through, and by then it was too late for me.
This is obviously a well written and thoughtful book, and it's absolutely not a bad book, it’s just not for me. I wanted to like it, but I was really bored. The premise is great and there are genuinely awesome ideas but the pacing's just too slow for me, but I think it you're looking for an introspective character study, then this is it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ghosts of Haikimi is beautifully written. It’s a dark and gripping story that will stay with me long after reading. The writing is lyrical and deep creating an atmosphere that feels haunting and immersive. I loved the pacing of the plot and the action woven throughout the story. There is really so much to absorb here. The tension keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish but is well balanced with character development.
Ghosts of Haikimi follows a warrior, Haikimi, who is pardoned from military service and returns home to his wife who is about to give birth. He struggles significantly with PTSD and (Tag) does a phenomenal job portraying his trauma in a raw and realistic way. You can really feel the demons that Haikimi is wrestling with and how hard it is for him to exist in a non-combat world.
In my opinion, one of the most powerful elements of the book is Haikimi’s internal conflict. As he learns more about the people he once fought against, he is forced to confront the reality of the orders he followed. The guilt of his past actions continue to haunt him throughout the story and impacts his choices as a new father trying to protect his family. His journey feels very relevant to the world we’re living in today. It’s easy to see others as the enemy when we’re deeply rooted in our own loyalties. Haikimi’s journey is a reminder of what can happen when we begin to see the humanity in the people on the other side.
Ghosts of Haikimi follows a warrior, Haikimi, who is pardoned from military service and returns home to his wife who is about to give birth. He struggles significantly with PTSD and (Tag) does a phenomenal job portraying his trauma in a raw and realistic way. You can really feel the demons that Haikimi is wrestling with and how hard it is for him to exist in a non-combat world.
In my opinion, one of the most powerful elements of the book is Haikimi’s internal conflict. As he learns more about the people he once fought against, he is forced to confront the reality of the orders he followed. The guilt of his past actions continue to haunt him throughout the story and impacts his choices as a new father trying to protect his family. His journey feels very relevant to the world we’re living in today. It’s easy to see others as the enemy when we’re deeply rooted in our own loyalties. Haikimi’s journey is a reminder of what can happen when we begin to see the humanity in the people on the other side.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is not for the impatient reader. The pacing is slow and heavy; by chapter 4, the protagonist, Haikimi, is still in the same place he started, however a lot of world building and character development has been presented. The prose is artistic and florid. Much like reading Chaucer, some time is needed to get into the flow of the narrative. I imagine fans of R. Scott Bakker and Wilbur Smith would enjoy this. The reader is also introduced to many fantasy names (or words) in a very short span, necessitating the need to flip back and forth through the chapters until the names stick. I personally was knocked out of the story several times because I needed to pause and figure out which descriptions matched with which actions or characters. In many ways, I felt the novel was like a sculpture or painting, which has to be examined and reflected on extensively to appreciate it for what it is. It certainly is not fast-paced or plot-driven; much attention is given to detail and conversations that contribute more to the overall tapestry of the world and its religions. These have to be patiently experienced before the next plot anchor occurs, reminding me of Joseph Conrad’s writing. The story is moody, atmospheric, and grim. The pressure never lets up on Haikimi. Overall, I think the niche audience for this book will be found in more scholarly circles than in the conventional “mainstream”.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the deserts of Ilhara, prophecy is not a gift. It is a weapon.
Hāikimi was once a soldier of the Thrennan Front. He has buried his past, his faith, and the boys he helped condemn. Exiled and fractured, he believes his punishment is already paid.\
Then his daughter is born with sight that should not exist.
In Ilhara, the future is not left to mystics alone. Ancient methods of foresight treat destiny as a pattern—something to be measured, modelled, and exploited. Power belongs to those who can calculate what comes next.
Hunted for what his child might one day see, Hāikimi flees across a land divided between divine certainty and cold prediction. When he is captured by the Ishen—elite agents pursuing the architect of a historic atrocity—he is forced into an uneasy alliance that drags him back toward the machinery of war he thought he had escaped.
As prophecy tightens and belief fractures, Hāikimi must decide what he is willing to become to protect his family.
In a world where certainty is power, survival may be the greatest betrayal of all.
The author isnt afraid to put his characters through it. Overall I liked the premise of the book and the pacing, A solid 3.5 stars out of 5
Disclaimer this is a ARC review to give my honest thoughts.
Thanks to the publisher and author
Hāikimi was once a soldier of the Thrennan Front. He has buried his past, his faith, and the boys he helped condemn. Exiled and fractured, he believes his punishment is already paid.\
Then his daughter is born with sight that should not exist.
In Ilhara, the future is not left to mystics alone. Ancient methods of foresight treat destiny as a pattern—something to be measured, modelled, and exploited. Power belongs to those who can calculate what comes next.
Hunted for what his child might one day see, Hāikimi flees across a land divided between divine certainty and cold prediction. When he is captured by the Ishen—elite agents pursuing the architect of a historic atrocity—he is forced into an uneasy alliance that drags him back toward the machinery of war he thought he had escaped.
As prophecy tightens and belief fractures, Hāikimi must decide what he is willing to become to protect his family.
In a world where certainty is power, survival may be the greatest betrayal of all.
The author isnt afraid to put his characters through it. Overall I liked the premise of the book and the pacing, A solid 3.5 stars out of 5
Disclaimer this is a ARC review to give my honest thoughts.
Thanks to the publisher and author
Review of advance copy received from Author
An incredibly immersive story that takes its time to unfold, but never feels boring.
We begin the story with Haikimi - a war veteran that has returned home, albeit not unscathed by all he's had to do to earn his freedom. His wife gives birth to twins, which instead of being a joyous event, sets them off on the run immediately. In a war-torn world where people are prosecuted for their beliefs and abilities, their daughters' life is in great danger from the moment she is born.
What stood out to me, was how much effort was put into the world building, but you need to be patient for all the new terminology to be explained through context and discussions between characters. I did have some difficulty in keeping track of all the new words, so I kept asking few notes for a quick reference.
Even though the book is quite philosophical and retrospective, there was also enough action, mystical elements and overall character growth to keep the pace going. I did wish that I had connected more with some of the main characters, as they felt a little too distant to me, but I still understood their actions and reasoning.
It wasn't a perfect book, but it's the type of book that stays with you for a long time. As only a first of series, the story has such potential to scale to epic proportions, and I honestly wish I could proceed with the rest of the series already!
We begin the story with Haikimi - a war veteran that has returned home, albeit not unscathed by all he's had to do to earn his freedom. His wife gives birth to twins, which instead of being a joyous event, sets them off on the run immediately. In a war-torn world where people are prosecuted for their beliefs and abilities, their daughters' life is in great danger from the moment she is born.
What stood out to me, was how much effort was put into the world building, but you need to be patient for all the new terminology to be explained through context and discussions between characters. I did have some difficulty in keeping track of all the new words, so I kept asking few notes for a quick reference.
Even though the book is quite philosophical and retrospective, there was also enough action, mystical elements and overall character growth to keep the pace going. I did wish that I had connected more with some of the main characters, as they felt a little too distant to me, but I still understood their actions and reasoning.
It wasn't a perfect book, but it's the type of book that stays with you for a long time. As only a first of series, the story has such potential to scale to epic proportions, and I honestly wish I could proceed with the rest of the series already!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Such a amazing debut novel by F.P.Twyman. GoH is set in a very dark and brutal world, where the focus is on the brilliant characters and highly crafted traumas and PTSD.
He's biggest strength so far is the character. How he's able to pull the reader into their fear, sorrow and feelings. Letting the people read about the characters forgiveness in each other, when it all feels so lost and no forgiveness can be made. The way a found family should feel like, because no matter how old or new the friendship is. You are gonna love everyone in this brutal world.
The story has a exceptional pacing with exciting dark and groteske parts, with some great action scenes. You can really feel how much passion the author has put into his world and characters.
Perfect for the fans of Ghost of Tsushima and the Poppy War, if you really love a good trauma.
Can't wait to see what comes in the next book!
Such a amazing debut novel by F.P.Twyman. GoH is set in a very dark and brutal world, where the focus is on the brilliant characters and highly crafted traumas and PTSD.
He's biggest strength so far is the character. How he's able to pull the reader into their fear, sorrow and feelings. Letting the people read about the characters forgiveness in each other, when it all feels so lost and no forgiveness can be made. The way a found family should feel like, because no matter how old or new the friendship is. You are gonna love everyone in this brutal world.
The story has a exceptional pacing with exciting dark and groteske parts, with some great action scenes. You can really feel how much passion the author has put into his world and characters.
Perfect for the fans of Ghost of Tsushima and the Poppy War, if you really love a good trauma.
Can't wait to see what comes in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into Ghosts of Hāikimi not knowing what to expect, and came away genuinely absorbed. The setting of Ilhara feels harsh, complex, and fully realised.
This is dark fantasy that doesn’t shy away from violence or tragedy, but it never feels hollow. There’s moral tension throughout, and just enough hope to keep the weight of it from becoming nihilistic.
Source: received an ARC from the author.
This is dark fantasy that doesn’t shy away from violence or tragedy, but it never feels hollow. There’s moral tension throughout, and just enough hope to keep the weight of it from becoming nihilistic.
Source: received an ARC from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ghost of Hàikimi
By F.P.Teyman
Pub Date May 27 2026
This is a very character driven fantasy book with a slower pace. Normally I'm not a fan of slower pacing but this book is so well written I didn't really notice it. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By F.P.Teyman
Pub Date May 27 2026
This is a very character driven fantasy book with a slower pace. Normally I'm not a fan of slower pacing but this book is so well written I didn't really notice it. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨4.5 Star Rating✨
This book had me at peak anxiety. Danger literally lurked around every damn corner, creating unease throughout. A bit of a slow burn at first. It’s a grim tale filled with tension, violence & survival.
I thought that this was such a great book and enjoyed the authors writing. I will definitely be reading the next one!
I did receive an advanced copy for the author.
This book had me at peak anxiety. Danger literally lurked around every damn corner, creating unease throughout. A bit of a slow burn at first. It’s a grim tale filled with tension, violence & survival.
I thought that this was such a great book and enjoyed the authors writing. I will definitely be reading the next one!
I did receive an advanced copy for the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of Ghosts of Hāikimi ahead of release from the author. As a fantasy enthusiast, this ticks every box for me. The worldbuilding is amazing. Ilhara feels truly lived-in. The lore surrounding the flora and fauna is intricately woven into an engaging and captivating story.
I would highly recommend this.
I would highly recommend this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews