Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired A Tale of Hayara?
A Tale of Hayara was born from my love of ancient myths and the spaces where history and legend blur into one another. I draw heavily from the myths of the Armenian Highlands and the ancient Near East (Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, etc.), reimagining them through a Bronze Age lens. I’m fascinated by stories where gods are capable of love, cruelty, and long-lasting consequences.
What kind of fantasy do you write?
I write mythic, historical fantasy (in the realm of epic) with a strong emotional core. My stories focus on divine conflict, political upheaval, and the personal cost of prophecy, power, and sacrifice. If you enjoy lyrical prose, tragic myths, and characters who are forced to make impossible choices, my work will likely speak to you.
Are your books based on real mythology?
They are inspired by real myths, but not retellings. I weave original stories into a world shaped by ancient belief systems, regional legends, and historical textures. Familiar echoes may appear, but Hayara is its own myth. However, Armenian mythology is heavily leaned on, with actual accounts from Assyrian, Babylonian, Sumerian, Hittite, Urartian, Egyptian, Phoenician, and other cultural heritages from the time period.
In what order should I read the series?
For the fullest experience, I recommend starting with Blood of the Phoenix, the prequel, and then continuing with the main trilogy:
- Blood of the Phoenix
- Rise of the Phoenix
- Child of the Phoenix
- Fall of the Phoenix
Each book builds emotionally and mythically on the last. Mark of the Phoenix is an alternative reality and not fully cannon, though it may be read before or after Book 1 of the series.
Is this series romance-focused?
While love plays an important role, this is not a romance-first series. Relationships in A Tale of Hayara are shaped by loyalty, grief, duty, and sacrifice, often unfolding slowly and tragically rather than following conventional romantic arcs. Multiple characters fall in love, get married, have children, lose their partners, etc.
Is this a dark or violent series?
The series deals with war, loss, divine cruelty, and sacrifice, but it is not written for shock value. Darkness exists to give weight to choices and consequences, not to glorify brutality. Assaults are made, but they are presented as exactly that. Dark fantasy lovers will enjoy the themes; but be warned: some scenes are rather graphic.
Who would enjoy these books the most?
Readers who love mythic fantasy, emotionally resonant stories, and ancient-world settings tend to connect most strongly with Hayara. If you enjoy authors like Madeline Miller or Guy Gavriel Kay, and stories that stay with you long after the final page, you may feel at home here.
Will there be more stories set in this world?
Yes. While A Tale of Hayara's main trilogy tells a complete arc, the world itself holds many untold myths, histories, and voices. Some stories are already waiting to be written.