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The Forge and the Flood
When history itself seems written to keep them apart, can two radically different peoples really find it in their hearts to get along?
Sienna is an Ailura. His kind live on the lonely island of Veramilia, bound under traditions forged by countless generations.
Indigo is a Lutra. His kind goes with the flow, having lived as free as the ocean waves since the beginning of time.
When a great calamity strikes and the Ailura are forced to flee their island home, the Ailura and the Lutra come face to face for the first time in known history. In these turbulent times, it is Indigo and Sienna who are chosen to find a suitable habitat for the displaced tribe. One a princess destined to rule his kind, the other the only son of a would-be chief, the pair seem like a natural choice.
But as friendship blossoms into something more, and their journey takes them further and further from known lands, the wanderers begin to uncover secrets hidden among the ruins. Secrets which suggest the two species may not be as alien to one another as previously thought.
Sienna is an Ailura. His kind live on the lonely island of Veramilia, bound under traditions forged by countless generations.
Indigo is a Lutra. His kind goes with the flow, having lived as free as the ocean waves since the beginning of time.
When a great calamity strikes and the Ailura are forced to flee their island home, the Ailura and the Lutra come face to face for the first time in known history. In these turbulent times, it is Indigo and Sienna who are chosen to find a suitable habitat for the displaced tribe. One a princess destined to rule his kind, the other the only son of a would-be chief, the pair seem like a natural choice.
But as friendship blossoms into something more, and their journey takes them further and further from known lands, the wanderers begin to uncover secrets hidden among the ruins. Secrets which suggest the two species may not be as alien to one another as previously thought.
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2022
9 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 7, 2023
A very sweet book I'd have loved to read as a xenofiction-loving kid. I'd have drawn so many pictures! Maybe I should do that anyway.
July 2, 2023
A genuinely wholesome book, thoroughly enjoed reading it!
The story may be about two different magic animal species, but it is full of human wisdom and inclusive messaging, without being heavy handed about it. Both peoples, the Ailura and the Lutra, are characterised beautifully, bringing out the best in each of them as well as not shying away from the issues that arise from their differences. The two main characters are relatable and lovely to be around, and the supporting characters, too, are well-rounded and add so much depth to the plot.
The novel effortlessly combines themes of myth, historical conflict, cultural and personal differences, climate change, social responsibility and gender fluidity into a beautiful tale that reads like a fable in a faraway world the reader is invited to marvel at, without losing touch with the real world.
A great story for readers of any age!
The story may be about two different magic animal species, but it is full of human wisdom and inclusive messaging, without being heavy handed about it. Both peoples, the Ailura and the Lutra, are characterised beautifully, bringing out the best in each of them as well as not shying away from the issues that arise from their differences. The two main characters are relatable and lovely to be around, and the supporting characters, too, are well-rounded and add so much depth to the plot.
The novel effortlessly combines themes of myth, historical conflict, cultural and personal differences, climate change, social responsibility and gender fluidity into a beautiful tale that reads like a fable in a faraway world the reader is invited to marvel at, without losing touch with the real world.
A great story for readers of any age!
August 10, 2025
Absolutely adored it, oh my gosh. This book was an impulse purchase and I had no expectations going into it, but I was head over heels from the first page. What a beautiful and warm story. I loved the characters, the world, the story, the writing (particularly all the colour). I want to see the Lutra's cavern! I want to watch a fluffy Ailura splashing in water!
My heart is full! I teared up (in a joyous way) when reading the afterword and learning where the book came from. What a lovely lovely thing.
PS. Special love to Queen Tide
My heart is full! I teared up (in a joyous way) when reading the afterword and learning where the book came from. What a lovely lovely thing.
PS. Special love to Queen Tide
February 26, 2023
4⭐️
This was one of the most wholesome books I’ve read in a while. I absolutely adored the writing and the flow of the story, and the characters were just so lovable.
The only thing I didn’t love was how quickly the book seemed to end. We spent a lot of time on the journey and not much during the aftermath and I felt like the book ended quite suddenly when I could have easily read 100 more pages of their story.
This was one of the most wholesome books I’ve read in a while. I absolutely adored the writing and the flow of the story, and the characters were just so lovable.
The only thing I didn’t love was how quickly the book seemed to end. We spent a lot of time on the journey and not much during the aftermath and I felt like the book ended quite suddenly when I could have easily read 100 more pages of their story.
April 1, 2023
This book was the cutest thing ever. It hit home with my personal stories, of acceptance and denial.
The author was there when I brought it, buying it from the silly queer bookshop in Durham, he signed it for me. I love your work, Miles :)
The author was there when I brought it, buying it from the silly queer bookshop in Durham, he signed it for me. I love your work, Miles :)
September 7, 2023
It was very good, very well written. I enjoyed it very much, and it often put me in mind of Studio Ghibli on account of the use of anthropomorphised animals and the themes of environmental destruction and living in harmony with nature. It’s very wholesome and positive, and queer as @$%!.
May 5, 2022
A wonderfully wholesome story about two strange creatures from very different homes finding love and a new home together. Very much enjoyed this one, one of Miles' best works.
January 18, 2024
Wholesome
March 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this. Great character writing, plot, and wholesome vibes all the way through. Would definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews