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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 book31 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 70 reviews
May 6, 2026
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(Thanks to F.P. Twyman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
Rating: 3.5 stars
'Ghosts of Hāikimi' gives an impressive start to the series, with its compelling main character and a fascinating world.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
"stories free us in ways truth rarely can."
Despite its unhurried pacing and occasional repetition, the atmospheric writing and complex main character kept me engaged throughout. Hāikimi is a both fierce and compassionate character, making him easy to root for. His personal struggles and flaws also drive meaningful character growth, deepening his character. It’s just a shame that the secondary characters aren’t given nearly the same level of depth.
"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."
Captivating layers of worldbuilding, such as a unique lunar cycle, wartime politics, religion, and foresight-based magic, create a harsh yet creative setting that stands out as another highlight. The action scenes are also well executed, growing increasingly brutal and intense as the story unfolds. On top of this, the thoughtful exploration of themes like persecution, PTSD, and the realities of war adds to the story's impact.
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog! - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
(Thanks to F.P. Twyman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
Rating: 3.5 stars
'Ghosts of Hāikimi' gives an impressive start to the series, with its compelling main character and a fascinating world.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
"stories free us in ways truth rarely can."
Despite its unhurried pacing and occasional repetition, the atmospheric writing and complex main character kept me engaged throughout. Hāikimi is a both fierce and compassionate character, making him easy to root for. His personal struggles and flaws also drive meaningful character growth, deepening his character. It’s just a shame that the secondary characters aren’t given nearly the same level of depth.
"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."
Captivating layers of worldbuilding, such as a unique lunar cycle, wartime politics, religion, and foresight-based magic, create a harsh yet creative setting that stands out as another highlight. The action scenes are also well executed, growing increasingly brutal and intense as the story unfolds. On top of this, the thoughtful exploration of themes like persecution, PTSD, and the realities of war adds to the story's impact.
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog! - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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
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.
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 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.
September 10, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi is the tale of Hāikimi ko-Harkyla, a former soldier who has won his freedom from the army. When his daughter is born, he is forced to flee with his family and place himself at odds with the very people he once fought for.
The plot of this story is slow, yet purposeful. It is not an exciting book, but it is captivating. Not to say there are no exciting moments; there are. However, I did find my attention wandering and having to re-read sections sometimes, particularly in the first half of the book. For me, the story really picked up when first Yhäni and then the Ishen arrived (the Ishen were awesome!). Action sequences are few but they are stunningly described by Twyman, and you really feel immersed in the brutality of these clashes.
If you read this book, you will be dropped into a beautifully realised, mysterious, yet very alien world. It was, in fact, completely different to what I expected! You will have to make sense of it yourself, with only the aid of a map, a glossary, and a diagram of the lunar cycle that is central to the beliefs of the characters in this story. No author holding your hand and explaining everything. This is sink or swim immersion in the tradition of Malazan. This won't be to everybody's taste, and I struggled initially, but it was worth perservering with until the understanding started to filter through.
Hāikimi himself is a brilliant character. A broken former warrior battling PTSD, alcoholism, and the dark deeds of his past, whilst trying to find his way as a husband and new father. He would be an easy character to dislike or pity. Wyman has done a perfect job of crafting a character that you care about and can even respect and admire. Hāikimi's wife Eliyä is instrumental in this. Their relationship is understated but quite beautiful; love shining through looks and gentle touches rather than raw passion. And if an intelligent, gentle woman like Eliyä can love a tortured soul like Hāikimi, then we, the reader, can too.
Finally I have to mention the prose. It is just gorgeous. Each word appears to have been selected and placed with meticulous care. I never once tired of the way that F.P. Twyman could describe something seemingly so mundane in a way I had never seen before.
The plot of this story is slow, yet purposeful. It is not an exciting book, but it is captivating. Not to say there are no exciting moments; there are. However, I did find my attention wandering and having to re-read sections sometimes, particularly in the first half of the book. For me, the story really picked up when first Yhäni and then the Ishen arrived (the Ishen were awesome!). Action sequences are few but they are stunningly described by Twyman, and you really feel immersed in the brutality of these clashes.
If you read this book, you will be dropped into a beautifully realised, mysterious, yet very alien world. It was, in fact, completely different to what I expected! You will have to make sense of it yourself, with only the aid of a map, a glossary, and a diagram of the lunar cycle that is central to the beliefs of the characters in this story. No author holding your hand and explaining everything. This is sink or swim immersion in the tradition of Malazan. This won't be to everybody's taste, and I struggled initially, but it was worth perservering with until the understanding started to filter through.
Hāikimi himself is a brilliant character. A broken former warrior battling PTSD, alcoholism, and the dark deeds of his past, whilst trying to find his way as a husband and new father. He would be an easy character to dislike or pity. Wyman has done a perfect job of crafting a character that you care about and can even respect and admire. Hāikimi's wife Eliyä is instrumental in this. Their relationship is understated but quite beautiful; love shining through looks and gentle touches rather than raw passion. And if an intelligent, gentle woman like Eliyä can love a tortured soul like Hāikimi, then we, the reader, can too.
Finally I have to mention the prose. It is just gorgeous. Each word appears to have been selected and placed with meticulous care. I never once tired of the way that F.P. Twyman could describe something seemingly so mundane in a way I had never seen before.
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
August 18, 2026
Guess I should leave this here for everyone that isn't across my socials (I am barely across them myself).
Writing Ghosts of Hāikimi was an incredibly personal journey for me, and seeing the response to my novel has been an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience. I needn't dive too much into my motivations for writing this story, but I did write it in the wake of my mother dying unexpectedly in 2024.
Ghosts is my exploration of love, trauma, and the scary lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their children. This was as much a thought experiment to me as anything, as I don't actually have children myself. What I do know, is what my mother would have done for me.
I hope you love it as much as me.
Writing Ghosts of Hāikimi was an incredibly personal journey for me, and seeing the response to my novel has been an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience. I needn't dive too much into my motivations for writing this story, but I did write it in the wake of my mother dying unexpectedly in 2024.
Ghosts is my exploration of love, trauma, and the scary lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their children. This was as much a thought experiment to me as anything, as I don't actually have children myself. What I do know, is what my mother would have done for me.
I hope you love it as much as me.
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 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.
June 21, 2026
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, gore, war, torture, mass murder, suicide, death, ptsd, mention of child abuse, child birth/pregnancy, alcohol/alcoholism, drug use/addiction, confinement, grief
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This is one hell of a dark book and while on the slower side it really sucks you right in.
Ghosts of Hāikimi is the story of a veteran soldier with many ghosts and secrets from his time as part of the Thrennan Front whose pardon has allowed him the chance to finally be with his family. However, upon discovering a new missive spreading across the nation of Ilhara stating that individuals showcasing prophetic abilities, the Zinheer, are heretical and must be turned in, Hāikimi finds himself having to risk everything to save his family when his daughter is born with the Zinheer's distinctive green eyes.
Straight up Twyman’s writing is thick with atmosphere and emotion – immersing you right into the setting and truly making you feel the weight of the past and all the struggle to get back into normality that is on Hāikimi's shoulders.
The narrative overall has this pensive and reflective vibe to it that embodies Hāikimi’s personality perfectly, one of an observant soldier calculating every move and always on the lookout for lurking adversaries. We learn so much about him through his actions in the present, revisiting places heavy with memories and ghosts as well as the various flashbacks to his time in the Threnan Front that are sprinkled throughout the story. His character arc over the course of the book is truly fantastic. The supporting characters get somewhat less attention so weren’t as fleshed out but I still found myself caring for the little group he was travelling with.
The sombre tone does feed into the more ambling pace and with how the plot is predominantly following the group back and forth across the country as they try to find safety there is a slight repetitive feel at times. However, there is this palpable anxious and foreboding tension that keeps building and locks you in plus this undercurrent of mystery with regards to Hāikimi’s pardon as well as the wider war and political situation.
The worldbuilding is vast and is also revealed slowly as you progress through the book, nothing is rushed here. It was really interesting to see how the culture and lifestyle of the characters was dictated by celestial bodies, particularly the moon and the themes with regards to war – the mental toll and how people in positions of power manipulate control and indoctrination during times of conflict – were really well explored.
The moments of action are excellently written and while minimal, the magic side of things had me super intrigued too. The book did close off in a way that sort of made it feel like a prequel story that has opened the doors for the primary storyline but I still very much enjoyed this introduction to the Tales of Ilhara and look forward to reading more.
Grimdark fantasy fans you’ll want to check this one out for sure!
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, gore, war, torture, mass murder, suicide, death, ptsd, mention of child abuse, child birth/pregnancy, alcohol/alcoholism, drug use/addiction, confinement, grief
--
This is one hell of a dark book and while on the slower side it really sucks you right in.
Ghosts of Hāikimi is the story of a veteran soldier with many ghosts and secrets from his time as part of the Thrennan Front whose pardon has allowed him the chance to finally be with his family. However, upon discovering a new missive spreading across the nation of Ilhara stating that individuals showcasing prophetic abilities, the Zinheer, are heretical and must be turned in, Hāikimi finds himself having to risk everything to save his family when his daughter is born with the Zinheer's distinctive green eyes.
Straight up Twyman’s writing is thick with atmosphere and emotion – immersing you right into the setting and truly making you feel the weight of the past and all the struggle to get back into normality that is on Hāikimi's shoulders.
The narrative overall has this pensive and reflective vibe to it that embodies Hāikimi’s personality perfectly, one of an observant soldier calculating every move and always on the lookout for lurking adversaries. We learn so much about him through his actions in the present, revisiting places heavy with memories and ghosts as well as the various flashbacks to his time in the Threnan Front that are sprinkled throughout the story. His character arc over the course of the book is truly fantastic. The supporting characters get somewhat less attention so weren’t as fleshed out but I still found myself caring for the little group he was travelling with.
The sombre tone does feed into the more ambling pace and with how the plot is predominantly following the group back and forth across the country as they try to find safety there is a slight repetitive feel at times. However, there is this palpable anxious and foreboding tension that keeps building and locks you in plus this undercurrent of mystery with regards to Hāikimi’s pardon as well as the wider war and political situation.
The worldbuilding is vast and is also revealed slowly as you progress through the book, nothing is rushed here. It was really interesting to see how the culture and lifestyle of the characters was dictated by celestial bodies, particularly the moon and the themes with regards to war – the mental toll and how people in positions of power manipulate control and indoctrination during times of conflict – were really well explored.
The moments of action are excellently written and while minimal, the magic side of things had me super intrigued too. The book did close off in a way that sort of made it feel like a prequel story that has opened the doors for the primary storyline but I still very much enjoyed this introduction to the Tales of Ilhara and look forward to reading more.
Grimdark fantasy fans you’ll want to check this one out for sure!
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.
July 30, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi: A Tale of Ilhara by F.P. Twyman is a dark fantasy that puts the emotional cost of war ahead of constant action. Hāikimi returns home carrying the weight of every soldier he sent to die, hoping for peace, only to find his family pulled into danger when his daughter is born with the gift of prophecy.
What stood out most to me was the way Twyman explores trauma, guilt, honor, family, and survival. The Japanese-influenced world feels rich and built, with a bleak atmosphere and lyrical writing that gives the story real weight. Which was soo cool.
This is a slower, more demanding read, especially early on, and the glossary is worth keeping nearby. Still, the patient build allows the emotional moments to land hard, while the action feels sharp when it arrives. I do think this was very thought-out and the build is fantastic.
A strong indie debut for readers who enjoy introspective grimdark and low fantasy. Thank you, F.P. Twyman, for sending me a copy. It was a pleasure to read.
What stood out most to me was the way Twyman explores trauma, guilt, honor, family, and survival. The Japanese-influenced world feels rich and built, with a bleak atmosphere and lyrical writing that gives the story real weight. Which was soo cool.
This is a slower, more demanding read, especially early on, and the glossary is worth keeping nearby. Still, the patient build allows the emotional moments to land hard, while the action feels sharp when it arrives. I do think this was very thought-out and the build is fantastic.
A strong indie debut for readers who enjoy introspective grimdark and low fantasy. Thank you, F.P. Twyman, for sending me a copy. It was a pleasure to read.
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 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.
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
July 16, 2026
If you want a main character who struggles with war, similar to Darrow of Lykos, then this book is for you. If you want a book about how politics and religion work together to serve the oppressor, then this book is for you. If you want a main character who struggles with PTSD and his role in a war that furthered the interest of his enemy, similar to Darrow or Farda from the Bound in the Broken series, then this book is for you. If you want a book that deals with themes of morality, pain, grief, religion, oppression, war, and hope, then this book is for you. This is perfect for fans of The Poppy War and similar works from Guy Gavriel Kay.
Let me introduce you to Ghosts of Haikimi by FP Taiwomen. This is his debut novel, and I was blessed enough to get a copy to review. I have to tell you guys, this book shocked me to my core by how much I learned from this cast of characters and from the environment elucidated upon in this book.
This book is a dark fantasy centered around prophecy, war, faith, and fatherhood. It follows an exiled soldier whose daughter is born with a gift of foresight that shouldn’t exist, and as such she is persecuted by both religious leaders and the military. Haikimi has to protect his family while wrestling with his role in the system that's coming for his daughter. I don’t even want to get too much into the book because I don’t want to spoil everything, but I’m telling you guys, this book is well worth the read.
At its surface, Ghosts of Haikimi is about a father trying to protect his daughter from a world that wants to destroy her — but underneath that, there’s something more ambitious going on. It’s in essence about complicity. Haikimi is not an innocent man caught in an unjust system; he made the system possible because of his role in the war you’ll learn about in the book.
It’s also about the mechanics of erasure. Every institution in this novel works to eliminate anything that threatens the religious and political leaders of this society — there is no limit to what they will do to those they deem a threat.
And ultimately, it’s a book about inherited violence across generations, asking whether people can break their cycles even when the world keeps spinning the same way. This book is so relevant considering the way oppression works today and throughout history. It's a must read and earns a 4.5 ⭐️ rating.
Let me introduce you to Ghosts of Haikimi by FP Taiwomen. This is his debut novel, and I was blessed enough to get a copy to review. I have to tell you guys, this book shocked me to my core by how much I learned from this cast of characters and from the environment elucidated upon in this book.
This book is a dark fantasy centered around prophecy, war, faith, and fatherhood. It follows an exiled soldier whose daughter is born with a gift of foresight that shouldn’t exist, and as such she is persecuted by both religious leaders and the military. Haikimi has to protect his family while wrestling with his role in the system that's coming for his daughter. I don’t even want to get too much into the book because I don’t want to spoil everything, but I’m telling you guys, this book is well worth the read.
At its surface, Ghosts of Haikimi is about a father trying to protect his daughter from a world that wants to destroy her — but underneath that, there’s something more ambitious going on. It’s in essence about complicity. Haikimi is not an innocent man caught in an unjust system; he made the system possible because of his role in the war you’ll learn about in the book.
It’s also about the mechanics of erasure. Every institution in this novel works to eliminate anything that threatens the religious and political leaders of this society — there is no limit to what they will do to those they deem a threat.
And ultimately, it’s a book about inherited violence across generations, asking whether people can break their cycles even when the world keeps spinning the same way. This book is so relevant considering the way oppression works today and throughout history. It's a must read and earns a 4.5 ⭐️ rating.
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.
September 8, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi is the story of a former soldier who comes home to his wife and growing family. After his children are born, they realise his newborn daughter has the gift of foresight, which brands her as a heretic in Ilhara and forces them to flee from their home to save her.
On the surface, the story then follows their journey and struggles, but it also takes an intimately close look at the trauma and grief that Hāikimi carries within him. Hāikimi's PTSD and the way it affects him is brilliantly written and probably the strongest aspect of this book. His past follows him everywhere they go, as no one can run away from themselves, and the details are slowly revealed to the reader, though I will avoid elaborating further to avoid spoilers.
This feeling of "slow" also embodies the rest of the book: it's slow-paced and you get to take your time with the characters and the world itself, learning more about its history, cultures, current political state, and the terminology (be prepared to learn what Kāmaar, Almajāh and Nāya Aï mean, for example).
On the one hand, this slow approach strongly fuels the atmosphere and the tension running underneath the story from start to end. Yet on the other, it almost felt a bit too slow at times by staying in one place for a beat too long or through moments of mild repetitions. But this doesn't mean that there is absolutely no action to be found here. The core group has various encounters, some bloodier and more horrific than others. It's a grimdark fantasy, so expect to find a certain level of cruelty and brutality, at least from some of the characters.
Despite the lack of momentum I had at times with this book, I enjoyed the overall story and I'll be looking forward to seeing how Hāikimi's story continues in the future.
Thank you to F. P. Twyman for the review copy.
On the surface, the story then follows their journey and struggles, but it also takes an intimately close look at the trauma and grief that Hāikimi carries within him. Hāikimi's PTSD and the way it affects him is brilliantly written and probably the strongest aspect of this book. His past follows him everywhere they go, as no one can run away from themselves, and the details are slowly revealed to the reader, though I will avoid elaborating further to avoid spoilers.
This feeling of "slow" also embodies the rest of the book: it's slow-paced and you get to take your time with the characters and the world itself, learning more about its history, cultures, current political state, and the terminology (be prepared to learn what Kāmaar, Almajāh and Nāya Aï mean, for example).
On the one hand, this slow approach strongly fuels the atmosphere and the tension running underneath the story from start to end. Yet on the other, it almost felt a bit too slow at times by staying in one place for a beat too long or through moments of mild repetitions. But this doesn't mean that there is absolutely no action to be found here. The core group has various encounters, some bloodier and more horrific than others. It's a grimdark fantasy, so expect to find a certain level of cruelty and brutality, at least from some of the characters.
Despite the lack of momentum I had at times with this book, I enjoyed the overall story and I'll be looking forward to seeing how Hāikimi's story continues in the future.
Thank you to F. P. Twyman for the review copy.
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.
September 24, 2026
I really enjoyed Ghosts of Haikimi. The world building was mysterious and sometimes a little confusing because I didn’t always completely understand how the world operated or some of the terminology, but it never kept me from being invested in the story.
One of the strongest parts of the book was the writing and imagery. The author did a great job of creating a picture in my mind of what was happening, especially during the battles and action scenes. Some of those scenes were extremely violent, but they were also very well written. The final conflict in particular was fantastic and was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.
I also really connected with Haikimi and his journey. Watching everything he went through while trying to protect his family and get them somewhere safe gave the story a strong emotional center. By the end, I felt invested in him and what happened to his family.
The pacing could be a little slow at times, and that is probably what keeps it from being a five-star read for me. But the slower buildup usually paid off when the action finally came.
Overall, this was a really good story with strong world building, memorable characters, excellent imagery, and some fantastic action sequences.4.25 ⭐️
One of the strongest parts of the book was the writing and imagery. The author did a great job of creating a picture in my mind of what was happening, especially during the battles and action scenes. Some of those scenes were extremely violent, but they were also very well written. The final conflict in particular was fantastic and was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.
I also really connected with Haikimi and his journey. Watching everything he went through while trying to protect his family and get them somewhere safe gave the story a strong emotional center. By the end, I felt invested in him and what happened to his family.
The pacing could be a little slow at times, and that is probably what keeps it from being a five-star read for me. But the slower buildup usually paid off when the action finally came.
Overall, this was a really good story with strong world building, memorable characters, excellent imagery, and some fantastic action sequences.4.25 ⭐️
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.
July 9, 2026
Ghosts of Hāikimi by F.P. Twyman
A troubled veteran is forced to flee with his family after his daughter is born with abilities that make her a target of the regime.
I really enjoyed this book. What hooked me wasn’t the action, and in my opinion it isn’t a particularly fast-paced story. Instead, it’s deeply atmospheric. From the very first page, I could feel the weight of the protagonist’s conscience almost like a physical presence.
The author does an excellent job of creating a character I genuinely cared about. Hāikimi is a man haunted by his past actions, trying to make peace with his past while protecting his family, and for me, that emotional journey is what makes the story so compelling. He felt like a real person rather than just a protagonist, and that’s one of my favorite things to find in a book.
The world-building is well thought out with an interesting structure, the prose is immersive, and there’s enough action to satisfy readers who crave it.
I would highly recommend giving this book a try 😊
A troubled veteran is forced to flee with his family after his daughter is born with abilities that make her a target of the regime.
I really enjoyed this book. What hooked me wasn’t the action, and in my opinion it isn’t a particularly fast-paced story. Instead, it’s deeply atmospheric. From the very first page, I could feel the weight of the protagonist’s conscience almost like a physical presence.
The author does an excellent job of creating a character I genuinely cared about. Hāikimi is a man haunted by his past actions, trying to make peace with his past while protecting his family, and for me, that emotional journey is what makes the story so compelling. He felt like a real person rather than just a protagonist, and that’s one of my favorite things to find in a book.
The world-building is well thought out with an interesting structure, the prose is immersive, and there’s enough action to satisfy readers who crave it.
I would highly recommend giving this book a try 😊
July 20, 2026
This is a dark, gritty story following a haunted warrior who has just become a father. He must take his family on a dangerous journey across war-torn lands in the hope that his daughter, born with forbidden sight, might survive.
The world-building is not spoon-fed to you; you gain insight through context and conversations. It is expansive, atmospheric, and brutal. You can tell that a lot of time and care went into every detail. It did take me a little while to understand the terminology, but it didn't take away from the story.
The plot felt deliberately slow-paced, like it was meant to be provoking and ruminated upon. Some parts of this book took me a while to get through. Do not expect fast-paced action. However, the action scenes were intense when they occurred.
This was overall very beautifully written. The imagery was lovely and detailed, and the heart of the story was emotional and philosophical. I did struggle with the slow pacing, but enjoyed Hāikimi's story nonetheless. I recommend it if you enjoy rich world-building and thought-provoking storytelling.
The world-building is not spoon-fed to you; you gain insight through context and conversations. It is expansive, atmospheric, and brutal. You can tell that a lot of time and care went into every detail. It did take me a little while to understand the terminology, but it didn't take away from the story.
The plot felt deliberately slow-paced, like it was meant to be provoking and ruminated upon. Some parts of this book took me a while to get through. Do not expect fast-paced action. However, the action scenes were intense when they occurred.
This was overall very beautifully written. The imagery was lovely and detailed, and the heart of the story was emotional and philosophical. I did struggle with the slow pacing, but enjoyed Hāikimi's story nonetheless. I recommend it if you enjoy rich world-building and thought-provoking storytelling.
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!
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