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Tales of Hibaria: The Awakening
The twelve stories contained in this volume introduce the reader to the world of Hibaria and the Islands. It is a world of magic and mystery, of dragons and sea serpents, a world where the Sky Lords - the Constellations - can take physical form and walk the land. It is a world in which an ancient evil, long imprisoned, threatens to break free.
The central characters in these stories are children and young adults who grapple with fear and sorrow, loss and longing, and who are given the opportunity to choose courage and hope. Their individual stories weave together to begin to tell a larger narrative.
The central characters in these stories are children and young adults who grapple with fear and sorrow, loss and longing, and who are given the opportunity to choose courage and hope. Their individual stories weave together to begin to tell a larger narrative.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 9, 2020
Wonderfully imaginative world. The writing is evocative and draws you into the stories and the world the author has created. The stories are filled with courage, self-sacrifice, loyalty, and mystery. Highly recommend.
January 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories! My only complaint is that they were too short and left me wanting so much more! Indeed, a few actually felt incomplete to me. I'm definitely interested in reading more of this world and what happens.
February 16, 2021
Highly recommended book of beautiful art and short fantasy stories! We all loved it and can't wait for more stories set in Hibaria!
July 13, 2023
I loved this so much. Finished it last year and still think about it often. I think the short stories in this collection would make really good bedtime stories for middle grade or younger. Intense and suspenseful at moments, but on the whole, so very cozy. I listened to the audio book, which was delightful, but I bet the art in this book is amazing. It's one of those I want to buy a copy, just to have on the shelf.
November 1, 2024
Would you rather lose yourself in a painting or lose yourself in a story? In 𝑇𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑖𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, Jamin Still offers the rare opportunity to do both. Step into a rich fantasy world embodied in twelve short stories, each featuring a print of an intricate painting by the author himself.
Although I was originally drawn to this book by the artwork, I was surprised by how readily the stories drew me in. It’s rare to find a book that sets such a wistful and enchanting tone. The themes are more profound than normally seen in children’s literature, including motifs of loss and hope, and a sense of being caught up in something larger than oneself. Wonder and mystery are infused seamlessly throughout.
Each short story tells of a child facing a daunting struggle in some portion of Hibaria and its surrounding islands. One of twelve magical Star Lords, animal embodiments of constellations from the night sky, visits and guides the child in each tale. As the overarching story unfolds, it becomes clear that an ancient evil is stirring whom the children and constellations must oppose to protect Hibaria.
The detail in the book is remarkable. A reference map of Hibaria and its islands is available within the first few pages. Each story includes a small outline of the map with a highlighted area showing where that particular tale occurs. A timeline is included at the start of each story as well. In addition to the paintings, small sketches are included throughout. Appendices include star charts, notes that elaborate on the history and culture of each region, and additional sketches. I would recommend this book for middle grade readers, teens and adults.
Although I was originally drawn to this book by the artwork, I was surprised by how readily the stories drew me in. It’s rare to find a book that sets such a wistful and enchanting tone. The themes are more profound than normally seen in children’s literature, including motifs of loss and hope, and a sense of being caught up in something larger than oneself. Wonder and mystery are infused seamlessly throughout.
Each short story tells of a child facing a daunting struggle in some portion of Hibaria and its surrounding islands. One of twelve magical Star Lords, animal embodiments of constellations from the night sky, visits and guides the child in each tale. As the overarching story unfolds, it becomes clear that an ancient evil is stirring whom the children and constellations must oppose to protect Hibaria.
The detail in the book is remarkable. A reference map of Hibaria and its islands is available within the first few pages. Each story includes a small outline of the map with a highlighted area showing where that particular tale occurs. A timeline is included at the start of each story as well. In addition to the paintings, small sketches are included throughout. Appendices include star charts, notes that elaborate on the history and culture of each region, and additional sketches. I would recommend this book for middle grade readers, teens and adults.
December 3, 2023
Open this book, and you will enter a world of whispered legends, glittering constellations, haunted and wild spaces, Sky Lords who walk the earth as huge and wise animals, and child characters whose questions and longings lead them on a series of adventures. Jamin Still's clear, crisp prose, lovable characters, and fantastic world-building are a delight. His illustrations are mesmerizing; the maps and pictures made Hibaria into a real, beautiful, and perilous place, full of secrets.
The book is constructed of short stories, each featuring a child who faces a quest, adventure, battle, or mystery. "The Guardians," in which an island city is besieged; "The Hourglass," in which orphans are called to pass a sinister test, and "The Summoning," in which a boy begins remembering things outside his ordinary life, were my favorites. I am very excited to read the next book.
The book is constructed of short stories, each featuring a child who faces a quest, adventure, battle, or mystery. "The Guardians," in which an island city is besieged; "The Hourglass," in which orphans are called to pass a sinister test, and "The Summoning," in which a boy begins remembering things outside his ordinary life, were my favorites. I am very excited to read the next book.
February 2, 2021
I received my copy after a frustrating day, and it was a joy to get a cup of tea and sit down to look at this work. It is so immersive; the artwork is absolutely gorgeous and the stories are intriguing and mysterious. There are so many details that fit together, and every time I revisit it I am able to connect a few more things. I'm really hoping that calling this "The Awakening" means that it is only the first in a collection of Tales of Hibaria.
December 24, 2021
Y’all, this book is a work of beauty and delight. Partially for children, partially for adults, this anthology of intertwined stories paints a poignant picture of childhood fear, courage, and power. Each tale stands on its own, and yet woven throughout is a thread of place and purpose that binds them all together, building toward something we cannot yet see, but glimpse the shadows of. Each child in the stories meets with danger, fear, grief, and with guidance are given a decision on how to face them, whether to trust, have faith, and move forward or succumb to the growing darkness – a vibrant picture of the challenges we face in our own world, even as children. The illustrations are evocative, both charming and mysterious with an almost whimsical air that draws you in with a sense of wonderment. They are not just pictures. They tell stories, too, and ask questions that spark the imagination.
November 1, 2023
I read this because the group Reshelving Alexandria recommended it and we’re excited about the sequel. I got to be honest, doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s a series of stories. They weren’t particularly exciting or anything. Maybe these are written for adults? Because kids wouldn’t like it. No issues.
March 25, 2024
I am a long-time fan of Jamin Still's art and am ecstatic that he is writing the stories of his magical paintings. The Awakening is a series of wonderful stories created alongside Jamin's paintings set in Hibaria. Each story is like climbing into its corresponding painting and becoming the character in the adventure portrayed.
December 15, 2020
I read this as a PDF featuring the lovely illustrations the author did himself. Can't wait to get my hands on the hard copies! These are really rich short stories that weave together to tell one large story worthy of more books and exploring into the world of Hibaria.
January 16, 2021
A book with maps always draws me in and this one has beautiful illustrations. It took me just a bit to orient myself to the idea behind the book and then I enjoyed it thoroughly. My only disappointment was that I wanted more. I would love a sequel!
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October 13, 2022Beautiful tales rich with meaning. Each left me pondering. I hope to see more.
I will be reading this to my children and I look forward to the discussions afterwards.
I will be reading this to my children and I look forward to the discussions afterwards.
March 25, 2024
Such a great short stories book. Read with my book-love ring 4 year old and he enjoyed as well.
January 16, 2025
Beautiful artwork and a fun way to dip into the world of Hibaria
February 4, 2026
Had I not read the other book in this world, I don’t think I would have liked this book. But since I decided I like that world and want more material, these (very) short stories were fun.
January 18, 2024
Shame its so obscure and hard to track down. Wonderful, balancing good believable worldbuilding with a sense of folklore style mystery that is far to rare in modern fantasy. Gorgeous paintings. Barring the lame prologue, these short stories are fantastic, and I will definitely pick up his other books some time. Seriously, go pick this up!
November 11, 2021
This has been our bedtime read-aloud for the past 1-2 weeks. It is beautiful and thoughtful, and I’m so happy to have been able to share Jamin’s art with my sons. We are hopeful for more stories to come.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews