ALL ARTWORK by Roberto Campus
For the past decade, I’ve been crafting a world that bridges myth and magic, ancestry and destiny—a world where the forgotten tales of Old Europe and the secrets of family bloodlines collide. Today, I’m thrilled to share this epic journey with you.
Dreams of Ýdalir is a three-part fantasy series inspired by European mythology, folklore, and my own personal quest to connect with my ancestry. The series explores ancient gods, hidden realms, and the profound power of lineage, weaving together the stories of heroines whose destinies are tied to forgotten deities and the intricate balance of their worlds.
About Etchings in the Blood
What if your bloodline held the power to shape not just one life but many? What if the ancient gods whispered your name across time, calling you to reclaim a destiny steeped in magic and sacrifice?
Juniper Johnstone’s biggest challenge seems to be saving her family’s Vermont forest from unscrupulous developers. But when a cryptic page from a journal tied to her ancestor falls into her hands, her life spirals into a labyrinth of ancient secrets and mythic power. Marked by something in her blood that hums with old magic, Juniper is drawn into a world where the Old Gods still walk, and the boundaries between realms blur.
Guided by Wuldor, god of the hunt and protector of the ways between worlds, and Elen of the Ways, the ancient guardian of her family’s secrets, Juniper begins to uncover the truth about her bloodline. Her ancestor, Fawn, once defied a dark queen, but her actions ripple through time, leaving Juniper to bear the weight of a prophecy that could shatter everything she thought she knew— and everything she holds dear.
Mabel Kennedy, exiled to the human world and burning with vengeance, is determined to reclaim what was stolen from her. Her connection to the blackthorn tree—the heart of the Unseelie—binds her to a lineage of shadow and strength, even in exile. With schemes that weave through both mortal and fae realms, Mabel’s ambitions are as sharp as the thorns of her heritage. Yet beneath her bid for power lies a deeper need: keeping the worlds safe from those who wish to tear it asunder.
Every alliance is fragile, every truth is a weapon, and her choices will determine the fate of both her world and the realms beyond.
Etchings in the Blood is a spellbinding tale set against the backdrop of the 1990s, where myths collide with modernity, and the echoes of the past shape the future. As she pieces together her family’s story, Juniper must decide how far she’s willing to go to embrace her own destiny.
The Heart Behind the Stories
The inspiration for Dreams of Ýdalir comes from my own journey to uncover my ancestral roots as an adopted person. For years, I’ve worked to connect with the gifts, wounds, and wisdom held within the stories of my bloodlines. Along this path, I developed a deep relationship with the lesser-known gods Wuldor (Ullr) and Elen of the Ways.
Their stories have guided me, whispered through the land, and spoken truths that inspired the foundation of this series. Dreams of Ýdalir is not autobiographical, but it holds pieces of my soul—woven into the heroines’ struggles, triumphs, and discoveries. Through their journeys, I hope to explore themes of survival, ancestral healing, and the timeless connection between humanity and the divine.
An Invitation to Beta Readers
Etchings in the Blood is scheduled for release in October 2025, but I’m offering an exclusive opportunity for readers to get a sneak peek before it hits the shelves. As a beta reader, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this story and provide feedback that will help shape its final form.
Here’s how you can join:
1. Become a subscriber to my Old Ways for Modern Days Library on Patreon.
2. Gain access to Etchings in the Blood and a community of readers diving into the world of Dreams of Ýdalir.
3. Share your thoughts on the story to help me ensure it’s as immersive and impactful as possible.
Beta reading will remain open until the end of March 2025, so if you’ve ever wanted to be part of the creative process, now’s your chance!
Looking Ahead
While Etchings in the Blood marks the beginning of Juniper’s journey, the series will expand with a prequel set in 18th-century Scotland. This installment will follow Fawn, a young woman whose encounters with the Old Gods and an ancient prophecy ripple across time.
The third and final book is already in the works, bringing together the threads of Juniper, Mabel, and Fawn’s stories in an epic conclusion.
I can’t wait to share more with you as the series unfolds. For now, I invite you to join me in Vermont with Juniper—and step into the world of Dreams of Ýdalir. Click here>>
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