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A Tale of Ilhara #1
Ghosts of Hāikimi: A Tale of Ilhara
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.
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
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
F.P. Twyman
1 book15 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 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 6, 2026
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(Thanks to F.P. Twyman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
"Each man and woman sees through the glass of his or her own hunger, fear, longing. Thus, are we ever blind to what lies beyond ourselves.”
Rating: 3.5 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Full RTC!
(Thanks to F.P. Twyman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
"Each man and woman sees through the glass of his or her own hunger, fear, longing. Thus, are we ever blind to what lies beyond ourselves.”
Rating: 3.5 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Full RTC!
April 25, 2026
This is one of those fantasy books that leans heavily into atmosphere and emotion rather than fast-paced action, and I have to admit, it’s a bit of a mixed experience for me.
At its core, the story focuses on the aftermath of war and what it does to people. Haikimi returns home as a changed man, carrying trauma that seeps into every part of his life. I really appreciated how the book explores this. His struggles feel real, and the impact on his family, especially Eliya, adds emotional depth. It’s not just about battles, but about consequences, and that’s always something I value in fantasy.
The world-building is another strong point. It’s rich, layered, and clearly well thought out. However, the author doesn’t hold your hand at all. You’re thrown straight into this unfamiliar world with its own terminology and rules, and you have to figure things out as you go. While this can be immersive, it also made the beginning quite challenging for me, and at times I felt a bit lost.
Where the book struggled the most for me was pacing. It’s very slow, especially in the first half, and some sections felt repetitive. I often found myself reading just a couple of chapters at a time and putting it down, which is quite unusual for me. The story does pick up later, and there are moments where everything clicks, but it takes a while to get there.
Character-wise, there’s a lot of nuance, but I didn’t fully connect with everyone. I could see what the author was aiming for emotionally, and I respected it, but it didn’t always land as strongly as I hoped.
That said, I do appreciate what this book is trying to do. It’s ambitious, serious in tone, and tackles difficult themes like war, persecution, and identity in a thoughtful way. It’s just not the easiest or most engaging read throughout.
Verdict: A thoughtful and emotionally heavy fantasy with strong themes and immersive world-building, but slow pacing and a demanding style make it a bit hard to fully sink into.
A big thank you to the author for reaching out and offering me the chance to read and review this book, as well as for providing a complimentary ebook. I really appreciate this opportunity.
At its core, the story focuses on the aftermath of war and what it does to people. Haikimi returns home as a changed man, carrying trauma that seeps into every part of his life. I really appreciated how the book explores this. His struggles feel real, and the impact on his family, especially Eliya, adds emotional depth. It’s not just about battles, but about consequences, and that’s always something I value in fantasy.
The world-building is another strong point. It’s rich, layered, and clearly well thought out. However, the author doesn’t hold your hand at all. You’re thrown straight into this unfamiliar world with its own terminology and rules, and you have to figure things out as you go. While this can be immersive, it also made the beginning quite challenging for me, and at times I felt a bit lost.
Where the book struggled the most for me was pacing. It’s very slow, especially in the first half, and some sections felt repetitive. I often found myself reading just a couple of chapters at a time and putting it down, which is quite unusual for me. The story does pick up later, and there are moments where everything clicks, but it takes a while to get there.
Character-wise, there’s a lot of nuance, but I didn’t fully connect with everyone. I could see what the author was aiming for emotionally, and I respected it, but it didn’t always land as strongly as I hoped.
That said, I do appreciate what this book is trying to do. It’s ambitious, serious in tone, and tackles difficult themes like war, persecution, and identity in a thoughtful way. It’s just not the easiest or most engaging read throughout.
Verdict: A thoughtful and emotionally heavy fantasy with strong themes and immersive world-building, but slow pacing and a demanding style make it a bit hard to fully sink into.
A big thank you to the author for reaching out and offering me the chance to read and review this book, as well as for providing a complimentary ebook. I really appreciate this opportunity.
April 13, 2026
In Ghosts of Haikimi we are introduced to a world of power, war and prophecy. It is a Japanese influenced tale which emphasizes honour and allegiance.
A veteran returns home carrying incredible emotional baggage with him. Grief over personally sending soldiers to their deaths.
Any hope of a quiet life and reflective solitude is dashed however when his daughter is born with the gift of prophecy. Pretty much the worst thing that can happen in a controlled state.
That’s the set up. It’s a moody, introspective and bleak read. It does draw you in though through the protagonists battles both physically and mentally. Those being in the present and the past. The action is quite well done and gripping. I would characterize this as having minimal magic.
The writing is almost lyrical at times and presents a vivid depiction of its brutal realm.
If you enjoy Grimdark with a Japanese flair it should be right up your alley.
Thanks to the author for providing this review copy.
A veteran returns home carrying incredible emotional baggage with him. Grief over personally sending soldiers to their deaths.
Any hope of a quiet life and reflective solitude is dashed however when his daughter is born with the gift of prophecy. Pretty much the worst thing that can happen in a controlled state.
That’s the set up. It’s a moody, introspective and bleak read. It does draw you in though through the protagonists battles both physically and mentally. Those being in the present and the past. The action is quite well done and gripping. I would characterize this as having minimal magic.
The writing is almost lyrical at times and presents a vivid depiction of its brutal realm.
If you enjoy Grimdark with a Japanese flair it should be right up your alley.
Thanks to the author for providing this review copy.
April 21, 2026
I've received a free ePub in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author.
I've read quite a few samurai stories this month. I'm happy to report that each was distinctive and original in their own right, and Ghosts of Hāikimi was no exception. It offers an unexpected, slow, emotional build-up, one that leans into post-battle trauma, family life, retreat, sacrifice, guilt, and the tension between expectations and reality. Pretty much what you would expect from a haunted war veteran. There is also a strong 'write what you know' quality to the offering, along with an interesting sub-plot that helps keep the story engaging and adds a unique angle to its low fantasy roots.
What I appreciated most was how committed the book is to its emotional core. Even when the pacing slows down, it feels intentional rather than aimless, and that gave the story room to breathe. The characters' constant struggles feel grounded, and the book is strongest when it lets those quieter pressures build in the background. That understanding of restraint made the heavier moments hit harder than explosive revelations ever could, and it also gave the whole story a more lasting impact than I had expected going in. Overall, I was quite pleased with everything presented. The only real drawback for me was that the book’s emphasis on atmosphere and emotional buildup sometimes made the plot feel a little thin early on, but that's not necessarily a flaw, only something that stood out in a debut this good.
Ghosts of Hāikimi is a congenial, engaging offering that shares many undertones with my own work, which was a nice surprise. I'd recommend this book broadly to dark fantasy fans or more introspective grimdark enthusiasts who don't mind a little slower pacing. Overall, it's a satisfying indie debut that gets it mostly right. Oh, and do keep the glossary within reach.
If 'Misery Loves Company' were a worthwhile indie book — 4.25/5.00
I've read quite a few samurai stories this month. I'm happy to report that each was distinctive and original in their own right, and Ghosts of Hāikimi was no exception. It offers an unexpected, slow, emotional build-up, one that leans into post-battle trauma, family life, retreat, sacrifice, guilt, and the tension between expectations and reality. Pretty much what you would expect from a haunted war veteran. There is also a strong 'write what you know' quality to the offering, along with an interesting sub-plot that helps keep the story engaging and adds a unique angle to its low fantasy roots.
What I appreciated most was how committed the book is to its emotional core. Even when the pacing slows down, it feels intentional rather than aimless, and that gave the story room to breathe. The characters' constant struggles feel grounded, and the book is strongest when it lets those quieter pressures build in the background. That understanding of restraint made the heavier moments hit harder than explosive revelations ever could, and it also gave the whole story a more lasting impact than I had expected going in. Overall, I was quite pleased with everything presented. The only real drawback for me was that the book’s emphasis on atmosphere and emotional buildup sometimes made the plot feel a little thin early on, but that's not necessarily a flaw, only something that stood out in a debut this good.
Ghosts of Hāikimi is a congenial, engaging offering that shares many undertones with my own work, which was a nice surprise. I'd recommend this book broadly to dark fantasy fans or more introspective grimdark enthusiasts who don't mind a little slower pacing. Overall, it's a satisfying indie debut that gets it mostly right. Oh, and do keep the glossary within reach.
If 'Misery Loves Company' were a worthwhile indie book — 4.25/5.00
April 20, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi is an atmospheric fantasy that leans more into consequence and survival than comfort. The world feels harsh and eerie but layered. You slowly start to realize how deeply everything, people, beliefs, even power itself, is tied together in ways that are not immediately obvious.
What stood out most for me was the eerie tone. There is a constant sense of tension underneath everything. The writing is very lyrical and does not rush to explain or simplify things, which made it feel more immersive but also demanded attention. You are not just watching events unfold. You are piecing together meaning as you go.
The characters carry a lot of emotional weight, especially the main perspective. There’s a steady push and pull between duty, identity, and what it costs to keep moving forward when everything around you is breaking. Some relationships feel warm and grounding, others are strained in ways that feel very real and uncertain.
The pacing is deliberate, but at times it was a bit hard for me to stay engaged. It builds slowly at first, then tightens into something much more intense and relentless.
If you prefer fantasy that is fast and straightforward, this might feel dense. But if you enjoy stories that are immersive, lyrical, morally complex, and emotionally heavy, you might enjoy this.
What stood out most for me was the eerie tone. There is a constant sense of tension underneath everything. The writing is very lyrical and does not rush to explain or simplify things, which made it feel more immersive but also demanded attention. You are not just watching events unfold. You are piecing together meaning as you go.
The characters carry a lot of emotional weight, especially the main perspective. There’s a steady push and pull between duty, identity, and what it costs to keep moving forward when everything around you is breaking. Some relationships feel warm and grounding, others are strained in ways that feel very real and uncertain.
The pacing is deliberate, but at times it was a bit hard for me to stay engaged. It builds slowly at first, then tightens into something much more intense and relentless.
If you prefer fantasy that is fast and straightforward, this might feel dense. But if you enjoy stories that are immersive, lyrical, morally complex, and emotionally heavy, you might enjoy this.
March 29, 2026
Grimdark fantasy with heavy world building that I absolutely loved. I love darker fantasy books as I feel they are richer in their story with some seriously flawed characters. This world is intense and rich in descriptions. Sometimes I think the building was too heavy in places because of the political climate but in the end, I enjoyed it so much. It is very slow and doesn't pick up until the last 25%. Still worth it though. If not for the building, but for the characters too. Particularly Haikimi. The portrayal of ptsd was perfection!! Every struggle he had was portrayed perfectly. Haikimi's mental struggles were not used as a plot device. It was real, intense, and a genuine struggle. While he's flawed in so many ways, hes a sympathetic character too. There are some painful moments and very dark themes throughout so be aware but its worth every second.
April 26, 2026
There’s a certain kind of fantasy that doesn’t rush to impress you. It just sits beside you, quiet, a little haunted, waiting to see if you’ve got the patience for it. Ghosts of Haikimi is very much that book.
You follow a veteran warrior who feels less like a hero and more like a man trying to piece together a life that no longer fits. The world around him is still shifting, still caught in conflict, but the real weight here is internal memories, identity, what comes after survival.
That part of the story works. There’s an introspective, almost melancholic tone running through it that I genuinely appreciated.
The story is intriguing. You can feel there’s something bigger under the surface, something that’s being carefully set up. However, the pacing leans heavily into “slow burn” territory, and not always in a way that rewards the reader. It drifted at times for me. Some scenes linger a little too long, threads lose tension, and at times I found myself more aware of the groundwork than the story itself.
That said, it’s clear this book is playing a longer game. You can see the potential for something much more gripping once everything clicks into place.
I just wanted a bit more bite here. A sharper hook, a stronger pull to keep me fully locked in.
Overall though, it’s a thoughtful, atmospheric start to what could be a compelling series, just one that, for me, hasn’t quite found its edge yet.
You follow a veteran warrior who feels less like a hero and more like a man trying to piece together a life that no longer fits. The world around him is still shifting, still caught in conflict, but the real weight here is internal memories, identity, what comes after survival.
That part of the story works. There’s an introspective, almost melancholic tone running through it that I genuinely appreciated.
The story is intriguing. You can feel there’s something bigger under the surface, something that’s being carefully set up. However, the pacing leans heavily into “slow burn” territory, and not always in a way that rewards the reader. It drifted at times for me. Some scenes linger a little too long, threads lose tension, and at times I found myself more aware of the groundwork than the story itself.
That said, it’s clear this book is playing a longer game. You can see the potential for something much more gripping once everything clicks into place.
I just wanted a bit more bite here. A sharper hook, a stronger pull to keep me fully locked in.
Overall though, it’s a thoughtful, atmospheric start to what could be a compelling series, just one that, for me, hasn’t quite found its edge yet.
April 1, 2026
I went into Ghosts of Hāikimi not knowing what to expect and came out genuinely floored. This is a dense, ambitious fantasy set in a world governed by a lunar cycle that touches everything including politics, tides, war, religion and it earns every page. Fair warning: the terminology hits hard and fast, and I needed a moment to find my footing. Stick with it, because the payoff is worth every ounce of effort.
What caught me off guard was how emotionally honest it is. There’s a line early on about how prayer was easier at war because you just asked for one more day and that single sentence hit harder than most books manage in entire chapters. The characters are layered and morally complex in ways that feel real rather than constructed, and the villain in particular is unsettling for all the right reasons.
The ending is quiet, devastating, and completely earned. The kind of ending that stays with you.
Not a book for half your attention. But give it your full attention and you’ll find something really special here.
What caught me off guard was how emotionally honest it is. There’s a line early on about how prayer was easier at war because you just asked for one more day and that single sentence hit harder than most books manage in entire chapters. The characters are layered and morally complex in ways that feel real rather than constructed, and the villain in particular is unsettling for all the right reasons.
The ending is quiet, devastating, and completely earned. The kind of ending that stays with you.
Not a book for half your attention. But give it your full attention and you’ll find something really special here.
March 27, 2026
This is a very philosophical and atmospheric read, that makes you slow down and think, especially with the heavy themes of war and persecution.
It has a slow build up to the action, and instead concentrates on the character's complexities, internal conflicts and growth.
Hāikimi is a war veteran looking for a quiet life and the arrival of his twins. Not only is he still haunted by his actions and suffering from PTSD, but now his newborn daughter has been blessed with a seer's gift - a death sentence in their society. Now he must do everything to protect his family, even returning to the war he hoped he'd left behind.
The story focuses on loyalty, survival, humanity, injustice and a fathers journey to protect his child.
I enjoyed the bond between Hāikimi and Yhani, and the valuable lessons he teaches in survival and strength.
It has a dark and gritty atmosphere, plenty of emotional and physical trauma, and lots of tension and tragedy.
This was a reflective journey and looking forward to more from these characters.
It has a slow build up to the action, and instead concentrates on the character's complexities, internal conflicts and growth.
Hāikimi is a war veteran looking for a quiet life and the arrival of his twins. Not only is he still haunted by his actions and suffering from PTSD, but now his newborn daughter has been blessed with a seer's gift - a death sentence in their society. Now he must do everything to protect his family, even returning to the war he hoped he'd left behind.
The story focuses on loyalty, survival, humanity, injustice and a fathers journey to protect his child.
I enjoyed the bond between Hāikimi and Yhani, and the valuable lessons he teaches in survival and strength.
It has a dark and gritty atmosphere, plenty of emotional and physical trauma, and lots of tension and tragedy.
This was a reflective journey and looking forward to more from these characters.
May 3, 2026
I received this as an ARC from the author for an honest feedback and review, and it was quite a positive surprise for me, especially for a debut novel!
This is a grimdark fantasy about a retired samurai whose past haunts him and whose life circumstances won't let him have the peaceful life with his life and children that he desired.
This is a story about war, sacrifice, family, but also about accepting differences and stepping in to protect the most vulnerable despite the costs.
If you're a fan of classic epic fantasy stories with dark emotional undertones and heroes worth questionable past who want to redeem themselves, this is a story for you. The writing style is rich and outside the fighting scenes more pensive and less dynamic, but it's all worth for the story presented.
I'm looking forward to reading more and learning more about this world and it's magic.
This is a grimdark fantasy about a retired samurai whose past haunts him and whose life circumstances won't let him have the peaceful life with his life and children that he desired.
This is a story about war, sacrifice, family, but also about accepting differences and stepping in to protect the most vulnerable despite the costs.
If you're a fan of classic epic fantasy stories with dark emotional undertones and heroes worth questionable past who want to redeem themselves, this is a story for you. The writing style is rich and outside the fighting scenes more pensive and less dynamic, but it's all worth for the story presented.
I'm looking forward to reading more and learning more about this world and it's magic.
April 18, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi is a dark and often brutal story centered on honor, family, and survival, marking an impressive entrance into the grimdark fantasy space for F. P. Twyman. The novel does not shy away from its heavier themes and instead leans fully into them, trusting the reader to keep up with its worldbuilding, magic system, and cultural nuances. There is very little hand-holding, which can be refreshing, though it may occasionally leave some readers feeling disoriented.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of trauma, particularly PTSD, which is woven meaningfully into the narrative and character development. The emotional weight adds depth and makes the story feel more grounded despite its fantastical setting. The world itself stands out as a unique blend of Japanese and Middle Eastern influences, creating a setting that feels distinct and thoughtfully constructed.
That said, the density of the storytelling and the lack of guidance can sometimes make it harder to fully connect with everything on a first read. Still, for readers who enjoy grimdark fantasy and are willing to immerse themselves in a demanding but rewarding narrative, this is a strong and promising debut.
Thanks so much to F.P. Twyman for providing me with an Advanced Reader’s Copy!
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of trauma, particularly PTSD, which is woven meaningfully into the narrative and character development. The emotional weight adds depth and makes the story feel more grounded despite its fantastical setting. The world itself stands out as a unique blend of Japanese and Middle Eastern influences, creating a setting that feels distinct and thoughtfully constructed.
That said, the density of the storytelling and the lack of guidance can sometimes make it harder to fully connect with everything on a first read. Still, for readers who enjoy grimdark fantasy and are willing to immerse themselves in a demanding but rewarding narrative, this is a strong and promising debut.
Thanks so much to F.P. Twyman for providing me with an Advanced Reader’s Copy!
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!
April 5, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)
If you are a fan of Robin Hobb, check out this book.
This is a slow burn, character driven book, with a minimal magic system. You really get to spend time with the characters, and you get to experience their emotions.
The world building is extremely immersive and dark. While there are a couple of pacing issues in the middle of the book, the descriptive battle scenes more than make up for it.
If you are a fan of Robin Hobb, check out this book.
This is a slow burn, character driven book, with a minimal magic system. You really get to spend time with the characters, and you get to experience their emotions.
The world building is extremely immersive and dark. While there are a couple of pacing issues in the middle of the book, the descriptive battle scenes more than make up for it.
April 26, 2026
5 stars ೃ⁀➷ Hāikimi & Eliyä oh you have my entire heart 😭♥
Omg— guys this book was so good, shut up. Genuinely. It was such a satisfyingly, intense grimdark fantasy with strong elements of War, Prophecy, Middle eastern vibes. It also hugely reminds me of Dune. It had a slow but rewarding plot line + character arc, and an INCREDIBLY complex fantasy world and political system. The ride I went on—my oh my—just beautiful. And that last line, Y'ALL, I read it, looked at the air in front of me like there was someone there and just smiled with tears in my eyes so hard.
Ghosts of Hāikimi follows Hāikimi, who is an ex-soldier of the Front who has atoned for his actions through unspeakable actions but now spends his days returning to his wife late at night after drinking endless amounts of Velien. And then his children are born— one boy, one girl. But his daughter has green eyes, signifying she has the Sight, which immediately makes her a target for the very army he used to serve. Now, still battling his own ghosts, Hāikimi and his family flee, travelling across the land and is forced to learn the lengths he will go to as a husband and a father.
now lets get into the nitty gritty!!
╰►Hāikimi & Eliyä
Oh they were written so well, I feel like I could cry about it. Hāikimi's PTSD and trauma was written so well in the beginning and Eliyä, oh my baby, she definitely deserved better and I was so happy when I could see them both coming back to each other. Their commitment to eachother emotionally, was everything to me. Hāikimi's intentions never faltered or strayed—everything he did was for his family. He loved them so much. I really liked how Eliyä had people outside of her husband because I hate it when a female character's whole personality is her man/husband, but she was so sweet, caring and loved books #relatable. One thing though that maybe could have been a bit better is I guess Hāikimi's alcohol addiction? His addiction was depicted so well at the start but I feel like the stage of withdrawal didn't get much attention. He had his hand tremors etc but generally I feel like he got over that quite quickly. He did think about Velien throughout the book, here and there, but I feel like his recovery was almost too perfect and smooth. I liked how they definitely didn't have a perfect relationship and have had their difficulties but in the end they were there for eachother and supported each other through everything.
╰►Yhäni
Hāikimi and his relationship was so father-son core. Yhäni is Hāikimi's unofficial son. At the start, I was concerned Yhäni would eventually betray Hāikimi, especially because Hāikimi was training him (which would make for the angsiest plot/dynamic ever) but thankfully that didn't happen. And omg, at the end—mr author if you had actually killed him I would have actually been so pissed because he is my baby I love him and do feel bad at how hard Hāikimi was on him.
╰►son & daughter
I'm very excited for these two. We know that the daughter will obviously be important because she's a Seer but I'm also interested in what role the son will have.
╰► Tarziņ lo-Rha
I loved the fuck out of this woman. I knew she'd eventually die but this?! This?! THISSSS?! Made me very sad mr author ✋
╰►The Villains
I really liked the 2 villains in this book but I kind of wish they didn't get killed? I like it when we have a consistent villain but then again we might get an even better villain in book 2+3 so I'm excited for that because Qin & Eūyun were great antagonists imo.
╰►The Ishen
They are LITERALLYYY the Cike in a different font.
The Plot~ GoH was a very slow paced book, and I do love a slow paced high fantasy book when it's written well and has satisfying pay offs—which this book did so well in ksdjkfjds. The writing was genuinely stunning, every sentence was written wtih such meticulous care, and poeticness, I was highlighting so much. One thing I want to point out though is that the Ishen are mentioned in the blurb but they don't enter the plot until like half way which is toooo far in. If I didn't read the blurb I'd be fine with it but I did so I was wondering when they would come in. At the end there's a violent battle and there's a scene before the battle that that encapsulated all the pre-battle emotions so well 😭 I felt so nervous and filled with dread, and then we got the battle and omg Hāikimi is a sick ass fighter y'all I forgot to mention LOL. This book doesn't shy away from depicting the consequences of war and making political commentary which I really loved and just made the scenes overall better. There were soooo many new names/terms in this book so I'm not going to lie it was hard to follow along but with the help of the glossary and trusting the process I think I managed to understand everything! (I feel like when I reread for book 2, I'll fix any remaining gaps in my knowledge).
Overall: I think u should read it because I legit compared it to Dune meaning it's too underrated
5 stars
i love eliyä + hāikimi sm ugh i can't shut my trap about them [instagram post coming soon]
thank you to the author who gifted me an ecopy in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own
Omg— guys this book was so good, shut up. Genuinely. It was such a satisfyingly, intense grimdark fantasy with strong elements of War, Prophecy, Middle eastern vibes. It also hugely reminds me of Dune. It had a slow but rewarding plot line + character arc, and an INCREDIBLY complex fantasy world and political system. The ride I went on—my oh my—just beautiful. And that last line, Y'ALL, I read it, looked at the air in front of me like there was someone there and just smiled with tears in my eyes so hard.
Ghosts of Hāikimi follows Hāikimi, who is an ex-soldier of the Front who has atoned for his actions through unspeakable actions but now spends his days returning to his wife late at night after drinking endless amounts of Velien. And then his children are born— one boy, one girl. But his daughter has green eyes, signifying she has the Sight, which immediately makes her a target for the very army he used to serve. Now, still battling his own ghosts, Hāikimi and his family flee, travelling across the land and is forced to learn the lengths he will go to as a husband and a father.
now lets get into the nitty gritty!!
╰►Hāikimi & Eliyä
Oh they were written so well, I feel like I could cry about it. Hāikimi's PTSD and trauma was written so well in the beginning and Eliyä, oh my baby, she definitely deserved better and I was so happy when I could see them both coming back to each other. Their commitment to eachother emotionally, was everything to me. Hāikimi's intentions never faltered or strayed—everything he did was for his family. He loved them so much. I really liked how Eliyä had people outside of her husband because I hate it when a female character's whole personality is her man/husband, but she was so sweet, caring and loved books #relatable. One thing though that maybe could have been a bit better is I guess Hāikimi's alcohol addiction? His addiction was depicted so well at the start but I feel like the stage of withdrawal didn't get much attention. He had his hand tremors etc but generally I feel like he got over that quite quickly. He did think about Velien throughout the book, here and there, but I feel like his recovery was almost too perfect and smooth. I liked how they definitely didn't have a perfect relationship and have had their difficulties but in the end they were there for eachother and supported each other through everything.
╰►Yhäni
Hāikimi and his relationship was so father-son core. Yhäni is Hāikimi's unofficial son. At the start, I was concerned Yhäni would eventually betray Hāikimi, especially because Hāikimi was training him (which would make for the angsiest plot/dynamic ever) but thankfully that didn't happen. And omg, at the end—mr author if you had actually killed him I would have actually been so pissed because he is my baby I love him and do feel bad at how hard Hāikimi was on him.
╰►son & daughter
I'm very excited for these two. We know that the daughter will obviously be important because she's a Seer but I'm also interested in what role the son will have.
╰► Tarziņ lo-Rha
I loved the fuck out of this woman. I knew she'd eventually die but this?! This?! THISSSS?! Made me very sad mr author ✋
╰►The Villains
I really liked the 2 villains in this book but I kind of wish they didn't get killed? I like it when we have a consistent villain but then again we might get an even better villain in book 2+3 so I'm excited for that because Qin & Eūyun were great antagonists imo.
╰►The Ishen
They are LITERALLYYY the Cike in a different font.
The Plot~ GoH was a very slow paced book, and I do love a slow paced high fantasy book when it's written well and has satisfying pay offs—which this book did so well in ksdjkfjds. The writing was genuinely stunning, every sentence was written wtih such meticulous care, and poeticness, I was highlighting so much. One thing I want to point out though is that the Ishen are mentioned in the blurb but they don't enter the plot until like half way which is toooo far in. If I didn't read the blurb I'd be fine with it but I did so I was wondering when they would come in. At the end there's a violent battle and there's a scene before the battle that that encapsulated all the pre-battle emotions so well 😭 I felt so nervous and filled with dread, and then we got the battle and omg Hāikimi is a sick ass fighter y'all I forgot to mention LOL. This book doesn't shy away from depicting the consequences of war and making political commentary which I really loved and just made the scenes overall better. There were soooo many new names/terms in this book so I'm not going to lie it was hard to follow along but with the help of the glossary and trusting the process I think I managed to understand everything! (I feel like when I reread for book 2, I'll fix any remaining gaps in my knowledge).
Overall: I think u should read it because I legit compared it to Dune meaning it's too underrated
5 stars
i love eliyä + hāikimi sm ugh i can't shut my trap about them [instagram post coming soon]
thank you to the author who gifted me an ecopy in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own
April 4, 2026
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
There was so much that I loved about this book! The author built a RICH world with different languages, customs, faiths, and lore that felt real. I saw other readers found the terminology confusing, but I LOVED the immersive writing. I loved the descriptions and thought provoking concepts. The writing was beautiful and drew me in. The story explores cultural factions and morality. The beginning of some chapters had quotes from a holy text referenced in the story, The Alhaarif, and I especially LOVED those quotes! There was a lot of heart in the story.
However, even with all that positivity, I did struggle with this book. I had some issues with the pacing, and I did not feel a connection to anyone besides the main character. I also fear I was the wrong demographic for this book. I tried really, really hard to not let it bother me, but I STRUGGLED with the representation of newborns and mother in the story. I had to knock it down a whole star because I just could not see past it. LIGHT SPOILERS HERE: for example, newborn babies are drinking water and clapping in joy within the first month of life. I also fear the author didn’t know how much blood comes out of a woman for about a month after giving birth because that mama was riding a horse postpartum (with a fresh C-section scar). The babies were being held by mom and never interrupted the travel due to crying, feeding, or diapering. The babies slept through basically every night of the entire book. I fully recognize that this is a fantasy! There are MANY unrealistic plot points that I look past or even downright enjoy, and I think my issues probably wouldn’t bother plenty of other readers since the mother and babies are not main characters. However, for me, it took me out of the story. I give it a solid 3 stars because even with that, the story was beautifully written with thought provoking themes and a RICH world.
There was so much that I loved about this book! The author built a RICH world with different languages, customs, faiths, and lore that felt real. I saw other readers found the terminology confusing, but I LOVED the immersive writing. I loved the descriptions and thought provoking concepts. The writing was beautiful and drew me in. The story explores cultural factions and morality. The beginning of some chapters had quotes from a holy text referenced in the story, The Alhaarif, and I especially LOVED those quotes! There was a lot of heart in the story.
However, even with all that positivity, I did struggle with this book. I had some issues with the pacing, and I did not feel a connection to anyone besides the main character. I also fear I was the wrong demographic for this book. I tried really, really hard to not let it bother me, but I STRUGGLED with the representation of newborns and mother in the story. I had to knock it down a whole star because I just could not see past it. LIGHT SPOILERS HERE: for example, newborn babies are drinking water and clapping in joy within the first month of life. I also fear the author didn’t know how much blood comes out of a woman for about a month after giving birth because that mama was riding a horse postpartum (with a fresh C-section scar). The babies were being held by mom and never interrupted the travel due to crying, feeding, or diapering. The babies slept through basically every night of the entire book. I fully recognize that this is a fantasy! There are MANY unrealistic plot points that I look past or even downright enjoy, and I think my issues probably wouldn’t bother plenty of other readers since the mother and babies are not main characters. However, for me, it took me out of the story. I give it a solid 3 stars because even with that, the story was beautifully written with thought provoking themes and a RICH world.
March 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.2/5
F.P. Twyman’s debut grimdark fantasy, Ghosts of Haikimi, is a dense, immersive read that rewards patience.
This is a story heavily driven by world building, and at times it can feel like you are dropped straight into the middle of it with little guidance. The terminology and political layers are rich but can be overwhelming early on. That said, if you enjoy slower, more immersive fantasy, it begins to settle and unfold in a very satisfying way.
Haikimi, a pardoned soldier struggling with PTSD, was easily the standout for me. His internal conflict, the weight of his past, and the choices he is forced to make added real emotional depth to the story. Watching his character evolve was one of the strongest aspects of the book.
The writing is lyrical, with detailed world building and well developed characters that feel grounded in a harsh, morally complex world. The political themes especially stood out, reflecting ideas of power, manipulation, and survival that feel very relevant.
The final quarter of the book was where it really came alive for me. The pacing picked up, the action became easier to follow, and everything started to connect in a way that made the earlier investment worth it.
My only real struggle was the assumption that the reader would immediately understand certain phrases and concepts without explanation. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment overall, but it did make the beginning harder to navigate.
If you’re someone who enjoys fast-paced fantasy, this may feel heavy. But if you appreciate slow burn storytelling, character depth, and rich world-building, this is definitely worth your time.
One of my favourite quotes:
“Look at your ways and see the scars you carve into the land…”
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
F.P. Twyman’s debut grimdark fantasy, Ghosts of Haikimi, is a dense, immersive read that rewards patience.
This is a story heavily driven by world building, and at times it can feel like you are dropped straight into the middle of it with little guidance. The terminology and political layers are rich but can be overwhelming early on. That said, if you enjoy slower, more immersive fantasy, it begins to settle and unfold in a very satisfying way.
Haikimi, a pardoned soldier struggling with PTSD, was easily the standout for me. His internal conflict, the weight of his past, and the choices he is forced to make added real emotional depth to the story. Watching his character evolve was one of the strongest aspects of the book.
The writing is lyrical, with detailed world building and well developed characters that feel grounded in a harsh, morally complex world. The political themes especially stood out, reflecting ideas of power, manipulation, and survival that feel very relevant.
The final quarter of the book was where it really came alive for me. The pacing picked up, the action became easier to follow, and everything started to connect in a way that made the earlier investment worth it.
My only real struggle was the assumption that the reader would immediately understand certain phrases and concepts without explanation. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment overall, but it did make the beginning harder to navigate.
If you’re someone who enjoys fast-paced fantasy, this may feel heavy. But if you appreciate slow burn storytelling, character depth, and rich world-building, this is definitely worth your time.
One of my favourite quotes:
“Look at your ways and see the scars you carve into the land…”
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
What a stellar debut novel by F.P. Twyman!
The author was kind enough to reach out to me and offer an eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review 🙏🏻
At the start, our main character Hāikimi is fresh out of the war, struggling with PTSD, and on his way home to his expecting wife. After a harrowing delivery, he finds himself the father of twins. One of whom, his daughter, is born with green eyes, which in this world means she will possess powers of foresight and is destined to be hunted down by the rulers of the land. They must flee their home in search of safety.
The story that follows is of a father doing everything he can to protect his family from foes in an unforgiving land and rebuild his humanity after years of violence. But violence has a way of finding them…
This is a slower, more thoughtful book than I was expecting at first. It takes its time, but doesn’t drag in my opinion. I was never bored while reading this book.
I had a bit of a hard time settling in at first because there’s a lot of new words and names that are given to you and not explained. This book expects you to pick all of this up through context and reading further. If I could start over fresh, I would have a notebook beside me and make a glossary as I go along.
None of that stopped me from enjoying the story though, and by the end I felt like I had a decent grasp on what most words meant.
Along with the language, the rest of the world-building was really interesting and I enjoyed the world a lot. Plus it has a map! 🙌🏻
The quality of the writing was also really, really good. I felt like the more I read, the more it flowed and I was just happy to be along for the ride.
I’m excited to read wherever the story goes next!
The author was kind enough to reach out to me and offer an eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review 🙏🏻
At the start, our main character Hāikimi is fresh out of the war, struggling with PTSD, and on his way home to his expecting wife. After a harrowing delivery, he finds himself the father of twins. One of whom, his daughter, is born with green eyes, which in this world means she will possess powers of foresight and is destined to be hunted down by the rulers of the land. They must flee their home in search of safety.
The story that follows is of a father doing everything he can to protect his family from foes in an unforgiving land and rebuild his humanity after years of violence. But violence has a way of finding them…
This is a slower, more thoughtful book than I was expecting at first. It takes its time, but doesn’t drag in my opinion. I was never bored while reading this book.
I had a bit of a hard time settling in at first because there’s a lot of new words and names that are given to you and not explained. This book expects you to pick all of this up through context and reading further. If I could start over fresh, I would have a notebook beside me and make a glossary as I go along.
None of that stopped me from enjoying the story though, and by the end I felt like I had a decent grasp on what most words meant.
Along with the language, the rest of the world-building was really interesting and I enjoyed the world a lot. Plus it has a map! 🙌🏻
The quality of the writing was also really, really good. I felt like the more I read, the more it flowed and I was just happy to be along for the ride.
I’m excited to read wherever the story goes next!
April 3, 2026
This isn’t a book that tries to win you over quickly.
It drops you into its world, gives you just enough to stay afloat, and then expects you to keep up. No hand-holding, no easy explanations, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it work.
At its core, it’s a story about aftermath. War, loss, survival… and what comes after all of that. Häikimi isn’t just dealing with the world around him, but everything he’s carried out of it. That weight sits over the entire story.
The pacing is interesting, it’s not fast, but it never drags. There’s a constant sense that things are building, even in the quieter, more reflective moments. And when the action does come in, it lands well. Brutal when it needs to be, but not overdone.
The world building is heavy and detailed, and you do have to work a bit to stay on top of it. Same with the characters, they’re not instantly warm or easy to latch onto. There’s a bit of distance there, but it feels intentional given the tone of the story.
This is the kind of book that feels bigger than what you get in the first installment. Like it’s laying foundations for something much larger down the line.
Definitely a memorable story and I’m curious to see where it goes next.
It drops you into its world, gives you just enough to stay afloat, and then expects you to keep up. No hand-holding, no easy explanations, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it work.
At its core, it’s a story about aftermath. War, loss, survival… and what comes after all of that. Häikimi isn’t just dealing with the world around him, but everything he’s carried out of it. That weight sits over the entire story.
The pacing is interesting, it’s not fast, but it never drags. There’s a constant sense that things are building, even in the quieter, more reflective moments. And when the action does come in, it lands well. Brutal when it needs to be, but not overdone.
The world building is heavy and detailed, and you do have to work a bit to stay on top of it. Same with the characters, they’re not instantly warm or easy to latch onto. There’s a bit of distance there, but it feels intentional given the tone of the story.
This is the kind of book that feels bigger than what you get in the first installment. Like it’s laying foundations for something much larger down the line.
Definitely a memorable story and I’m curious to see where it goes next.
April 7, 2026
I received this from the author for an honest review
This book is slightly dark, it has some dark themes so that drew me in.. The story was slow to get going but this book is very character driven, there is not a lot of world building most of the narrative is character based on Hāikimi who is the main character, he’s an ex solder who’s wife has given birth to twins and one twins green eyes so is hunted by his government type thing. I won’t go into the story.
Hāikimi is quite a complex character who at the beginning I hated, I found him weak and annoying but has the book progressed and he had to save his children he came into himself. I understood has his story progressed why he was the way he was and that made earlier chapters make sense. Obviously there’s not many other characters and the ones there are are not as delved into has Hāikimi.
The second half of the story was much better it seemed to have more of a storyline, I did wish that maybe the children had been older and not babies but they could be older in book 2.
This book is slightly dark, it has some dark themes so that drew me in.. The story was slow to get going but this book is very character driven, there is not a lot of world building most of the narrative is character based on Hāikimi who is the main character, he’s an ex solder who’s wife has given birth to twins and one twins green eyes so is hunted by his government type thing. I won’t go into the story.
Hāikimi is quite a complex character who at the beginning I hated, I found him weak and annoying but has the book progressed and he had to save his children he came into himself. I understood has his story progressed why he was the way he was and that made earlier chapters make sense. Obviously there’s not many other characters and the ones there are are not as delved into has Hāikimi.
The second half of the story was much better it seemed to have more of a storyline, I did wish that maybe the children had been older and not babies but they could be older in book 2.
March 27, 2026
Completed Ghosts of Hāikimi today by F.P.Twyman this was an arc copy and it was an absolute pleasure to read. Happy release day as well!
The story follows the pov of Hāikimi who recently is coming back home and finding himself after war. The incredible description of a person dealing with PTSD and a new family is so well done. The struggle is absolutely real but the overcoming and finding purpose made it super relatable.
The story is slow to start, with the world building and the background being set it plays out terrific. As you explore the world of Illhara, things get really interesting with the different factions as well as the religious elements mixed in with power dynamics.
When the fighting begins, it is absolutely beautiful. I felt so engaged in each scene and it built vivid imagines - very grimdarkesk and I loved that!
I am going to have to go with 4.5 ⭐️ this is an outstanding book one and absolutely thrilled to continue the journey and see where things lead!
The story follows the pov of Hāikimi who recently is coming back home and finding himself after war. The incredible description of a person dealing with PTSD and a new family is so well done. The struggle is absolutely real but the overcoming and finding purpose made it super relatable.
The story is slow to start, with the world building and the background being set it plays out terrific. As you explore the world of Illhara, things get really interesting with the different factions as well as the religious elements mixed in with power dynamics.
When the fighting begins, it is absolutely beautiful. I felt so engaged in each scene and it built vivid imagines - very grimdarkesk and I loved that!
I am going to have to go with 4.5 ⭐️ this is an outstanding book one and absolutely thrilled to continue the journey and see where things lead!
April 29, 2026
What a ride! Ghosts of Hāikimi is such a cruel, dark and unforgiving story.
It starts slowly with the reader getting to know Haikimi, a war veteran who decided to put down his blade and get back to his family. He wants to move forward but his past ghosts keep dragging him down.
I loved how mature and complex all the characters are: Haikimi battling his inner demons, Elyia being the wisest and most patient wife he could hope for, as well as other characters they meet along the way with their own beliefs and values.
What starts as a straightforward story about two spouses fleeing to save their children, gradually weaves into an epic story with prophecies, scientific discovery, political turmoil, cruel war fanatics, and a beautiful character development.
The whole atmosphere in the book is dark, foreboding, and haunted. The desert, as the main setting, makes Haikimi’s journey a trial on his character and motivation.
I’m excited to see what happens next!
It starts slowly with the reader getting to know Haikimi, a war veteran who decided to put down his blade and get back to his family. He wants to move forward but his past ghosts keep dragging him down.
I loved how mature and complex all the characters are: Haikimi battling his inner demons, Elyia being the wisest and most patient wife he could hope for, as well as other characters they meet along the way with their own beliefs and values.
What starts as a straightforward story about two spouses fleeing to save their children, gradually weaves into an epic story with prophecies, scientific discovery, political turmoil, cruel war fanatics, and a beautiful character development.
The whole atmosphere in the book is dark, foreboding, and haunted. The desert, as the main setting, makes Haikimi’s journey a trial on his character and motivation.
I’m excited to see what happens next!
April 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ghosts of Haikimi is the debut fantasy novel from FP Twyman and what a novel it turned out to be.
I love a novel where you're thrust into the thick of things with no hand-holding, no compass and no clue what is going on and this is no different. I won't spoil the journey but I was a massive fan of the landscapes described here and Twyman has a knack for keeping us invested.
This isn't the fastest of paces but that's not a bad thing. Twyman takes care with the story and keeps you turning the page hoping to see more of the world and the characters.
It's a brilliant debut from FP Twyman and one that I urge everyone to pick up
Ghosts of Haikimi is the debut fantasy novel from FP Twyman and what a novel it turned out to be.
I love a novel where you're thrust into the thick of things with no hand-holding, no compass and no clue what is going on and this is no different. I won't spoil the journey but I was a massive fan of the landscapes described here and Twyman has a knack for keeping us invested.
This isn't the fastest of paces but that's not a bad thing. Twyman takes care with the story and keeps you turning the page hoping to see more of the world and the characters.
It's a brilliant debut from FP Twyman and one that I urge everyone to pick up
March 29, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Wow this grim dark fantasy is written in a rich and flowing style. The world building is incredible with poetic descriptions that make you feel the sand and storms like your there. I will say this is not for a beginner. The author really makes you focus on the details to understand the concepts and factions within the story. There are many terms and practices that you need to use the narrative and context to understand. It’s a slow burn that really comes together in the end! I really enjoyed it!
Currently Reading
March 27, 2026NEW RELEASE!!!
March 31, 2026
A great debut novel with interesting characters. Gritty and dark, with a world that grows along the way. Slow paced, but intriguing and never boring.
March 31, 2026
Ghosts of Haikimi was given to me by the author as an Advanced Reader Copy. The opinions described here are my own.
Ghosts of Haikimi is a brutally dark fantasy written in an almost lyrical voice. The worldbuilding is intense, the world is riddled by war and hatred that's fueled by doctrines and shifting politics. Haikimi the is a war veteran, haunted by his own deeds and the generations of war-scars that the land he lives in has suffered. But even though he chose to lay down the sword, the war isn't done with him. When his daughter is born marked as heretic and sentenced for death, he chooses his family over his country and doctrines—chooses to flee with them and find a way for her to live. Needless to say, their escape isn't without friction.
What I enjoyed about this book was the atmosphere of dread and trauma, especially in the beginning. It was very well done. It felt like fever dream that then turned into a nightmare of violence and odd alliances. That was the other part I really liked: alliances made with prior enemies, prior allies turned savage antagonists... making all the conflicts complex and tangled. Just how I like it.
For a fantasy book this story gets away with very sparse magic—almost none, in fact. The only supernatural things that seem to exist are visions that only certain people can have, and an almost telepathic connection to eagles, also only specific people in the story have. While I do like stories with lots of magic, I also really appreciate fantasy that is imaginative without needing to paint everything in powers or spells. This one definitely does a great job at that. The world is foreign with its own rules and politics, its own climate and landscapes, making it clearly fantasy, but without a magic system.
What didn't work so well for me, but might work really well for others:
- The prose is very heavy on similes and repetitive descriptions of the same emotions, underlining them in varied ways. I'm sure some people will find this beautiful, but for me it's not my preference.
- The amount of foreign terms was also problematic for me. Even at the end of the book I still didn't know exactly what all the words meant. I could get the gist through context and that was ok, but it did irritate a little. I know some readers love this kind of in-depth in-world feel, and it definitely gives you that, but I just couldn't connect the words to meaning fast enough.
- Finally the world itself is steeped in religion. Everyone is incredibly inside the religion of Ilhara (the story's world), its holy books, its prayers, its God etc.. I mean that's the world the author wanted to write, and he wrote it well. It comes over as natural and very real. For someone like myself who's always been a free thinker and spirit it was just a bit much, and I couldn't really identify with any characters in the story. So while I rooted for Haikimi I didn't have a very strong emotional connection to him or any of the other characters or even the world itself.
The book is written in 3rd person limited perspective focusing on Haikimi alone, there are no POV switches AFAIR. This gives a very intimate window into to Haikimi's experience, but the other characters are less developed and as Haikimi himself is a bit of a jaded and introspective type, it can feel a bit detached from others at times. I sometimes wished to know a bit more about his wife or the other companions he's with throughout the journey, but while they're there and they're important to the story, we see very little real agency of them. This perceived distance is possibly by design though, allowing us to fully be inside of Haikimi, who certainly cares, but isn't exactly emotionally available (not that anyone can blame him for it).
Ghosts of Haikimi is not a comfortable read, and it's not an 'easy' read. It doesn't take you by the hand to lead you to a nice place, it pulls you into the life of someone who isn't at peace, who expects no peace, and who receives no peace. And it pulls you in without any help in the transition. Restless and under the constant weight of what was and what's to come, past and future hold no solace for Haikimi. Just more harshness: sun and sand and blood and steel.
All in all a read well worth reading, especially for lovers of dark and intimate fantasy that moves at a moderate but satisfying pace, has detailed worldbuilding and lyrical prose.
What is also very positive to note: while this is the first in a potential series, it works very well as a standalone too. It has a well rounded out ending that's both an opening for a sequel, and a satisfying closing to this arc.
Ghosts of Haikimi is a brutally dark fantasy written in an almost lyrical voice. The worldbuilding is intense, the world is riddled by war and hatred that's fueled by doctrines and shifting politics. Haikimi the is a war veteran, haunted by his own deeds and the generations of war-scars that the land he lives in has suffered. But even though he chose to lay down the sword, the war isn't done with him. When his daughter is born marked as heretic and sentenced for death, he chooses his family over his country and doctrines—chooses to flee with them and find a way for her to live. Needless to say, their escape isn't without friction.
What I enjoyed about this book was the atmosphere of dread and trauma, especially in the beginning. It was very well done. It felt like fever dream that then turned into a nightmare of violence and odd alliances. That was the other part I really liked: alliances made with prior enemies, prior allies turned savage antagonists... making all the conflicts complex and tangled. Just how I like it.
For a fantasy book this story gets away with very sparse magic—almost none, in fact. The only supernatural things that seem to exist are visions that only certain people can have, and an almost telepathic connection to eagles, also only specific people in the story have. While I do like stories with lots of magic, I also really appreciate fantasy that is imaginative without needing to paint everything in powers or spells. This one definitely does a great job at that. The world is foreign with its own rules and politics, its own climate and landscapes, making it clearly fantasy, but without a magic system.
What didn't work so well for me, but might work really well for others:
- The prose is very heavy on similes and repetitive descriptions of the same emotions, underlining them in varied ways. I'm sure some people will find this beautiful, but for me it's not my preference.
- The amount of foreign terms was also problematic for me. Even at the end of the book I still didn't know exactly what all the words meant. I could get the gist through context and that was ok, but it did irritate a little. I know some readers love this kind of in-depth in-world feel, and it definitely gives you that, but I just couldn't connect the words to meaning fast enough.
- Finally the world itself is steeped in religion. Everyone is incredibly inside the religion of Ilhara (the story's world), its holy books, its prayers, its God etc.. I mean that's the world the author wanted to write, and he wrote it well. It comes over as natural and very real. For someone like myself who's always been a free thinker and spirit it was just a bit much, and I couldn't really identify with any characters in the story. So while I rooted for Haikimi I didn't have a very strong emotional connection to him or any of the other characters or even the world itself.
The book is written in 3rd person limited perspective focusing on Haikimi alone, there are no POV switches AFAIR. This gives a very intimate window into to Haikimi's experience, but the other characters are less developed and as Haikimi himself is a bit of a jaded and introspective type, it can feel a bit detached from others at times. I sometimes wished to know a bit more about his wife or the other companions he's with throughout the journey, but while they're there and they're important to the story, we see very little real agency of them. This perceived distance is possibly by design though, allowing us to fully be inside of Haikimi, who certainly cares, but isn't exactly emotionally available (not that anyone can blame him for it).
Ghosts of Haikimi is not a comfortable read, and it's not an 'easy' read. It doesn't take you by the hand to lead you to a nice place, it pulls you into the life of someone who isn't at peace, who expects no peace, and who receives no peace. And it pulls you in without any help in the transition. Restless and under the constant weight of what was and what's to come, past and future hold no solace for Haikimi. Just more harshness: sun and sand and blood and steel.
All in all a read well worth reading, especially for lovers of dark and intimate fantasy that moves at a moderate but satisfying pace, has detailed worldbuilding and lyrical prose.
What is also very positive to note: while this is the first in a potential series, it works very well as a standalone too. It has a well rounded out ending that's both an opening for a sequel, and a satisfying closing to this arc.
April 28, 2026
What the hell was that?! And when can I get more?!
This thing literally came at me from the left field and knocked the breath out of me – I loved it! Every miserable, bloody, hopeless page of it. Wow!
This is the kind of story that doesn’t unfold at break-neck speed, you sort of fall into it like into quicksand. Slowly but steadily. And I could tell from the first pages that this was going to be one of those books that will kick me in the knees and keep me on the ground. To entice you with some keywords, then: war, moon, sand, politics. Plenty to deliver a layered world-building and enough to torture the soul.
Talking of soul-torture… The main character Hāikimi… The second-hand pain I felt – feel! – for that character is enough to make me want to scream and never stop. He’s rough around the edges, carrying some heavy mistakes, very worn down. Naturally, he attempts to see the world through the bottom of the bottle, and a character that like hits close to home for me… I just instantly pay more attention to a character trying to opress the angst, I want to tell it: “I know, I see you!”… And, really, there’s something especially compelling about older male characters that are hardened, a little bitter, yet undeniably clear in their vision and wise. It just comes across realistic and bullshit free. Because when life has stripped away any sort of arrogant illusions, brutal honesty is left behind. Brutal honesty that doesn’t mince words and acts accordingly. And yet, Hāikimi’s troubles are not over the top or melodramatic. They are persistent and consistent, like any other ache and pain that comes with age. So, all emotional response from me, particularly towards the end of the book, was earned, fair and square.
Twyman writes a convincing story. The stakes are high, the losses even so much more painful for it. And there is almost a graciousness that parallels the dark and “adjacent grimdark” feel of the story. And heck, some of those fight scenes were the best I had ever come across. I’ve read some pretty awesome fight scenes over the years and with the good ones I always think: right, that’s that. It simply can’t get better than this. And then some authors come along, and are like: hold my beer! and write such a scene that makes my jaw drop. Not just for its brutality, not for the amount of blood it spills… But for the effortless dance it seems to deliver, the highest impact with fewer words. Just… Amazing!
I’ll be honest… This one is going to stay with me for a while. You know the way when life is sometimes really shit and busy and you bottle it all up and at some stage you feel like you want to explode out of your skin, because your very soul wants to just rip your meat-sack open with like hairy and gnarly Wolverine fingers and roar in rage at bloody everything? Yeah, Ghosts of Hāikimi… the literal ghosts of Hāikimi have me feeling all torn up. I am emotional. I want more. This was fucking brilliant!
This thing literally came at me from the left field and knocked the breath out of me – I loved it! Every miserable, bloody, hopeless page of it. Wow!
This is the kind of story that doesn’t unfold at break-neck speed, you sort of fall into it like into quicksand. Slowly but steadily. And I could tell from the first pages that this was going to be one of those books that will kick me in the knees and keep me on the ground. To entice you with some keywords, then: war, moon, sand, politics. Plenty to deliver a layered world-building and enough to torture the soul.
Talking of soul-torture… The main character Hāikimi… The second-hand pain I felt – feel! – for that character is enough to make me want to scream and never stop. He’s rough around the edges, carrying some heavy mistakes, very worn down. Naturally, he attempts to see the world through the bottom of the bottle, and a character that like hits close to home for me… I just instantly pay more attention to a character trying to opress the angst, I want to tell it: “I know, I see you!”… And, really, there’s something especially compelling about older male characters that are hardened, a little bitter, yet undeniably clear in their vision and wise. It just comes across realistic and bullshit free. Because when life has stripped away any sort of arrogant illusions, brutal honesty is left behind. Brutal honesty that doesn’t mince words and acts accordingly. And yet, Hāikimi’s troubles are not over the top or melodramatic. They are persistent and consistent, like any other ache and pain that comes with age. So, all emotional response from me, particularly towards the end of the book, was earned, fair and square.
Twyman writes a convincing story. The stakes are high, the losses even so much more painful for it. And there is almost a graciousness that parallels the dark and “adjacent grimdark” feel of the story. And heck, some of those fight scenes were the best I had ever come across. I’ve read some pretty awesome fight scenes over the years and with the good ones I always think: right, that’s that. It simply can’t get better than this. And then some authors come along, and are like: hold my beer! and write such a scene that makes my jaw drop. Not just for its brutality, not for the amount of blood it spills… But for the effortless dance it seems to deliver, the highest impact with fewer words. Just… Amazing!
I’ll be honest… This one is going to stay with me for a while. You know the way when life is sometimes really shit and busy and you bottle it all up and at some stage you feel like you want to explode out of your skin, because your very soul wants to just rip your meat-sack open with like hairy and gnarly Wolverine fingers and roar in rage at bloody everything? Yeah, Ghosts of Hāikimi… the literal ghosts of Hāikimi have me feeling all torn up. I am emotional. I want more. This was fucking brilliant!
May 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a slow moving beast of a book with a rich world and introspective prose that was at times quite beautiful.
This is the kind of long haul fantasy that needs to be savoured slowly; steeped as it is in lore, religion and prophecy. I could definitely appreciate the depth and detail in world building. I particularly liked that the author didn't over-explain the world and we were just immersed into it. I prefer this type of world building typically and appreciate it much more than a hand-holding exercise. The only thing that would have made this better was a glossary of terms (which has now been provided by the author). The writing and metaphors always matched the world so far as desert bleakness and blunt bloody gore and I appreciated that a lot as well as a lot of world elements that felt different and unique such as the weather patterns and the way eye colour is revealed. I could see how this depth may not be appeal to all readers.
The main character, Haikimi, also had a lot of depth to him and we spent a lot of time in his head. The only downfall to this was that some of the other characters felt like they lacked connection and some of his monologuing felt repetitive. I felt it very hard to connect to his personality and trauma and felt like I had no other characters with which to connect. I also wasn't expecting the story to centre on a family so much and that was also something that I found difficult to connect with. For someone that featured almost consistently on page through the whole book I felt myself struggling to connect to his wife and I wished she had a little more substance to her and more of a role other than mother of his children who seemed to be "cradling babes" most of the time. There were moments of a quiet respect and familiarity that came through in their interactions, but I would have liked to have seen that capitalised on some more and I felt there was some opportunity lost there.
For me there were a couple of other books/style that I was reminded of reading this. Firstly, the setting was very Dune-esque and I kept on being reminded of Arrakis and even the underlying strong ties to faith and religion. Similarly, I was reminded of any gory-style manga/anime with blood spraying across the camera and dramatic scenes where blood dribbles from everyone's mouth whenever they are injured. These were both cool associations, but I felt that the heavy world-building somewhat conflicted with overly dramatic and non-realistic gore scenes.
Overall, this was a slow paced book with rich world-building and deep single character work. So many interesting themes were touched on in this book that it's sure to resonate with a lot of people who like a more immersive read. The writing is peppered through with some beautiful prose and I would say it is a solid debut novel.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a slow moving beast of a book with a rich world and introspective prose that was at times quite beautiful.
This is the kind of long haul fantasy that needs to be savoured slowly; steeped as it is in lore, religion and prophecy. I could definitely appreciate the depth and detail in world building. I particularly liked that the author didn't over-explain the world and we were just immersed into it. I prefer this type of world building typically and appreciate it much more than a hand-holding exercise. The only thing that would have made this better was a glossary of terms (which has now been provided by the author). The writing and metaphors always matched the world so far as desert bleakness and blunt bloody gore and I appreciated that a lot as well as a lot of world elements that felt different and unique such as the weather patterns and the way eye colour is revealed. I could see how this depth may not be appeal to all readers.
The main character, Haikimi, also had a lot of depth to him and we spent a lot of time in his head. The only downfall to this was that some of the other characters felt like they lacked connection and some of his monologuing felt repetitive. I felt it very hard to connect to his personality and trauma and felt like I had no other characters with which to connect. I also wasn't expecting the story to centre on a family so much and that was also something that I found difficult to connect with. For someone that featured almost consistently on page through the whole book I felt myself struggling to connect to his wife and I wished she had a little more substance to her and more of a role other than mother of his children who seemed to be "cradling babes" most of the time. There were moments of a quiet respect and familiarity that came through in their interactions, but I would have liked to have seen that capitalised on some more and I felt there was some opportunity lost there.
For me there were a couple of other books/style that I was reminded of reading this. Firstly, the setting was very Dune-esque and I kept on being reminded of Arrakis and even the underlying strong ties to faith and religion. Similarly, I was reminded of any gory-style manga/anime with blood spraying across the camera and dramatic scenes where blood dribbles from everyone's mouth whenever they are injured. These were both cool associations, but I felt that the heavy world-building somewhat conflicted with overly dramatic and non-realistic gore scenes.
Overall, this was a slow paced book with rich world-building and deep single character work. So many interesting themes were touched on in this book that it's sure to resonate with a lot of people who like a more immersive read. The writing is peppered through with some beautiful prose and I would say it is a solid debut novel.
April 30, 2026
Ghosts of Haikimi by F. P. Twyman is one of those rare debut novels that doesn’t just impress—it connects. Deeply. Personally. Uncomfortably, at times. And ultimately, beautifully.
When F.P. first approached me with the opportunity to read an advance copy of his book, I thought it sounded like a story I would enjoy. I did not expect it to be a story that would meet me exactly where I was.
On the surface, the premise is compelling: Hāikimi, a former soldier—legendary, feared, and pardoned—attempts to build a quiet life with his family after the war. But the peace he’s been granted is fragile. His past lingers. His mind is restless. And when his newborn daughter is revealed to possess forbidden sight, that fragile peace shatters. What follows is a desperate journey across a harsh and dangerous world, as a father does whatever it takes to protect his family.
But this is not simply a fantasy adventure. At its core, this is a story about internal war.
As someone who has served in the military for 14 years (and counting), I found myself drawn to Hāikimi immediately. While my own experiences differ, there is a shared understanding in the way service can shape a person—the way it lingers, even in moments of supposed peace. But more than that, it was Hāikimi’s struggle with addiction that struck me most deeply.
His dependence on velien felt real. Honest. Painfully familiar.
There was a time in my own life when I turned to alcohol in much the same way—to dull stress, to quiet frustration, to “take the edge off.” And like Hāikimi, I came to understand that it takes far more than it ever gives.
Reading Hāikimi's journey toward something better—toward healing, toward presence, toward being the man his family needed him to be—was not just compelling. It was encouraging.
It felt true!
Twyman’s strengths as a writer are clear throughout. His prose carries a lyrical quality that elevates both the quiet and the chaotic moments. The action sequences are sharp, vivid, and immersive. And yet, it is in the quieter spaces—the conversations between husband and wife, the tenderness between father and child, the bonds between comrades—that the story truly shines.
Those moments feel lived-in. Truly earned.
What will stay with me most, however, is not the world, or even the action—it is the transformation of the characters, especially Hāikimi. The portrait of a broken man, not instantly fixed, but slowly, painfully, and faithfully becoming something more whole through love, loyalty, and the people who refuse to let him disappear into his own darkness.
That is a story worth telling. And one I won’t soon forget.
I’m already looking forward to the next Tale of Ilhara!
When F.P. first approached me with the opportunity to read an advance copy of his book, I thought it sounded like a story I would enjoy. I did not expect it to be a story that would meet me exactly where I was.
On the surface, the premise is compelling: Hāikimi, a former soldier—legendary, feared, and pardoned—attempts to build a quiet life with his family after the war. But the peace he’s been granted is fragile. His past lingers. His mind is restless. And when his newborn daughter is revealed to possess forbidden sight, that fragile peace shatters. What follows is a desperate journey across a harsh and dangerous world, as a father does whatever it takes to protect his family.
But this is not simply a fantasy adventure. At its core, this is a story about internal war.
As someone who has served in the military for 14 years (and counting), I found myself drawn to Hāikimi immediately. While my own experiences differ, there is a shared understanding in the way service can shape a person—the way it lingers, even in moments of supposed peace. But more than that, it was Hāikimi’s struggle with addiction that struck me most deeply.
His dependence on velien felt real. Honest. Painfully familiar.
There was a time in my own life when I turned to alcohol in much the same way—to dull stress, to quiet frustration, to “take the edge off.” And like Hāikimi, I came to understand that it takes far more than it ever gives.
Reading Hāikimi's journey toward something better—toward healing, toward presence, toward being the man his family needed him to be—was not just compelling. It was encouraging.
It felt true!
Twyman’s strengths as a writer are clear throughout. His prose carries a lyrical quality that elevates both the quiet and the chaotic moments. The action sequences are sharp, vivid, and immersive. And yet, it is in the quieter spaces—the conversations between husband and wife, the tenderness between father and child, the bonds between comrades—that the story truly shines.
Those moments feel lived-in. Truly earned.
What will stay with me most, however, is not the world, or even the action—it is the transformation of the characters, especially Hāikimi. The portrait of a broken man, not instantly fixed, but slowly, painfully, and faithfully becoming something more whole through love, loyalty, and the people who refuse to let him disappear into his own darkness.
That is a story worth telling. And one I won’t soon forget.
I’m already looking forward to the next Tale of Ilhara!
Review of advance copy received from Author
F.P. Twyman offers a story of a war veteran with PTSD who must protect his wife and twin babies when his daughter has emerald eyes. Emerald eyes indicate Zinheer, women who can see the future. They’ve become targets of the administration.
Ghosts of Hāikimi interested me when the first chapter opens on Hāikimi stating he’d be a father soon. That premise still stands out to me because there’s more fantasy with young adults as protagonists than not. To start the story here, then layering it with trauma and addiction sets the foundations for high emotional stakes, more so when his wife, Eliyä has a difficult birth. The tension builds at an even pace before bursting.
Hāikimi’s characterization is solemn, dreary, haunted. As I read, his voice undercut joy of childbirth. Granted, the way the twins are born causes concern of his wife’s fate. Atop this, the revelation that his daughter is Zinheer comes with the troubling awareness that his addiction gets in the way of protecting three vulnerable people when they need to escape only a few days after Eliyä gives birth. I became very invested in those early chapters, waiting for what felt like an impending, short-term tragedy.
When the characters journey to safety, tragedies are consistent. It’s here that we experience the depth and unraveling of Hāikimi’s trauma. Despite the situation, the narrative really illustrates a subdued intake of the events around him. The sharpness of tones comes in how his wife perceives him. Excellent use of language and atmosphere.
There isn’t heavy exposition, nor is there anchoring of concepts, names, or anything else. Only Hāikimi’s thoughts. In consideration of interiority, this tracks because when writing in limited third person, authors can often slip and tell us something the character either wouldn’t think or experience. This might seem minor, but for anyone who depends on visuals for an immersed experience, if you’re reading in eBook format, it’s best to use a smaller screen because of how the manuscript is formatted.
Overall, this novel is not for low-resilience readers. It’s grim, gritty, and deals with extremely sensitive topics. The world is in war, and as expected, war crimes are abundant. The reason I rate this 4/5 stars is the sheer volume of world events and names in the first few chapters. For me, Chapter 4 became pivotal since the first three confused me a bit.
I recommend this book for fantasy fans for the unique perspective. A father overcoming his PTSD and regaining the trust of his vulnerable wife during warfare does a lot for the genre.
Ghosts of Hāikimi interested me when the first chapter opens on Hāikimi stating he’d be a father soon. That premise still stands out to me because there’s more fantasy with young adults as protagonists than not. To start the story here, then layering it with trauma and addiction sets the foundations for high emotional stakes, more so when his wife, Eliyä has a difficult birth. The tension builds at an even pace before bursting.
Hāikimi’s characterization is solemn, dreary, haunted. As I read, his voice undercut joy of childbirth. Granted, the way the twins are born causes concern of his wife’s fate. Atop this, the revelation that his daughter is Zinheer comes with the troubling awareness that his addiction gets in the way of protecting three vulnerable people when they need to escape only a few days after Eliyä gives birth. I became very invested in those early chapters, waiting for what felt like an impending, short-term tragedy.
When the characters journey to safety, tragedies are consistent. It’s here that we experience the depth and unraveling of Hāikimi’s trauma. Despite the situation, the narrative really illustrates a subdued intake of the events around him. The sharpness of tones comes in how his wife perceives him. Excellent use of language and atmosphere.
There isn’t heavy exposition, nor is there anchoring of concepts, names, or anything else. Only Hāikimi’s thoughts. In consideration of interiority, this tracks because when writing in limited third person, authors can often slip and tell us something the character either wouldn’t think or experience. This might seem minor, but for anyone who depends on visuals for an immersed experience, if you’re reading in eBook format, it’s best to use a smaller screen because of how the manuscript is formatted.
Overall, this novel is not for low-resilience readers. It’s grim, gritty, and deals with extremely sensitive topics. The world is in war, and as expected, war crimes are abundant. The reason I rate this 4/5 stars is the sheer volume of world events and names in the first few chapters. For me, Chapter 4 became pivotal since the first three confused me a bit.
I recommend this book for fantasy fans for the unique perspective. A father overcoming his PTSD and regaining the trust of his vulnerable wife during warfare does a lot for the genre.
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