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A peek at my fantasy office. No, really! There's a delightful misconception in the literary world, a near-legendary tale that authors are fueled purely by coffee—cup after cup of that intoxicating brew, our muse for every page turned and every tale spun. But here's a little secret from my corner of the fantasy realm: while most authors are downing espressos and lattes, I'm sipping on apple cider. Yes, you read that right. Sparkling apple juice is my potion of choice, the golden elixir that fuels my tales of enchanting worlds and passionate shifters.

Chronicles of Zaloria: The Varul

A Black werewolf stands before a lightning storm

I'm nearly finished with a fantasy adventure trilogy of stories that features heavy romance elements. This series is a tad different from the fantasy adventures I often write about as they involve wolf-like humanoids set in a world where fairy tales and cultural legends collide.


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Though I'm grabbing inspiration from a few fairy tale characters, the majority of my characters are inspired from Irish and Aztec mythology. I'm sure there are some characters that will be instantly recognizable such as Acalia with her ruby mantle and Mira with her flock of sheep. It'll be fun to see which reader catches the Easter eggs within the story.

So let's talk a little about the Varul, the main race that inhabits the realm of Zaloria.

What are the Varul?

The male Varul are wolf-like humanoids. Proportion wise they are far larger, taller, and some have quite the massive muscular bulk. While females are oddly enough, very human-like. Female Varul do not have the elongated muzzles, tails, or the full-bodied fur of the males. However, females do have sharp canines and sharp claws.


There are two exceptions. Two female Varul were born with wolf-ears, tail, and light fur that partially covers their arms and legs. These two are the exception for a reason that I can't go into as it would spoil one of the main points of the novel.

Animated text that says, Do you believe in Magic, a young brunette with wolf ears in the forest
Acalia Itzchel - Wind Wolf of the Zephyr Clan

Religion: The Varul are guided by the Ancients. Mystical beasts that have control over certain elements. Each Ancient has given their blessing to the 3 clans though there are caveats the blessings. Despite their godlike status, even the Ancients are lorded by another called, the Great One.

Clans: There are 3 clans that exist within the realm of Zaloria. When a Varul is born, he/she is then blessed by the appropriate Ancient. The following clans are: The Zephyr, whom command the wind. The Banehounds, whom dwell in the shadows. And the Fenrir, whom weld lightning.

The blessings vary for each gender. For males, they are able to weld a minor element but females were given the ability to heal wounds from the most minor to grievous. Of course this ability to heal is fueled by the female's own life force therefore it's not used without merit.

Culture: Alike wolves, a Valrul chooses his/her mate for life. However, when it comes time to cement their relationship the male is able to shed his true form for one that resembles a male human. This ability was given by the Ancients so that the two may copulate without fear of pain.


And then there are the Alpha and Luna of the clans. But I'll go into those chosen few for another entry. Until then, happy reading!

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