A Q&A with Author H.R. Hess
Discover your next great read in Christian fantasy fiction with The Poet of the Leawold by H.R. Hess. This powerful new novel combines lyrical storytelling, imaginative world building, and deep themes of faith, hope, and perseverance. In this exclusive Q&A, H.R. Hess shares the inspiration behind The Poet of the Leawold, how her Christian worldview shapes her writing, and what makes this story stand out in today’s world of faith-based fiction. If you’re searching for a Christian novel that inspires while entertaining, or a book that will spark meaningful conversations in your reading group or church community, this interview will give you a glimpse into the heart of a story that is already resonating with many readers.
1. What inspired you to write The Poet of the Leawold?
Mostly my own enjoyment of books – I wanted to recreate what I experienced from other authors, especially C. S. Lewis. There was something beautiful and vivid about Narnia, and I wanted to try to capture that myself.
But secondly, as my own kids got older, I found there were less and less books for them, especially in the Christian market. Most Christian bookshops have hundreds of resources for under-12s, and then there’s a marked drop-off above that age range. Of course, I’m happy for them to read books by authors of all faith backgrounds, and they do, but I wanted them also to have access to books that had truth running through them. It was Narnia that brought my faith to life as a child – I wanted more books that did that, and so that’s what I aim for.
2. What is The Poet of the Leawold about?
The Poet of the Leawold is about a brother and sister, twins, who have grown up in a stark world of division and prejudice, where violence is taken for granted. Leif and Aderyn are 17, and both feel out of place in their society. Leif is supposed to become a warrior, but he is a poet at heart. Aderyn was born with a misshapen leg, which means she lives in a sort of limbo, not quite accepted by her own people. Both are suffering from the constraints of their culture’s values and expectations and are seeking some kind of release, or something more than their life can offer.
One night, they see lights falling from the sky, and Leif sets out on a dangerous expedition to find out what the lights were and what they meant. Left behind, Aderyn struggles to learn to live without her brother. Meanwhile, a new threat arises, an enemy bent on conquering the whole of Callenlas, and the twins are caught up in that conflict.
3. Who is the book for?
I had older readers in mind for this book – age 14 and above, though a younger, advanced reader would be able to enjoy the story. As always, the age-range is not restrictive – I’m a firm believer, with C. S. Lewis, that if a story is any good it can be read at any age. I also hope non-Christians would enjoy Poet – I write for everyone, whether they have a Christian faith or not.
4. How does The Poet of the Leawold fit into the rest of the books in the Callenlas Chronicles?
Poet is the first book chronologically; I originally wrote it as a prequel to the series, providing some of the back-story to the other books. There is a timeline at the front of the book, helping readers to place it among the others.
5. How does your Christian faith shape your writing?
Our faith shapes us, whether we like it or not – our values and beliefs about the world will affect everything we do. But I do mirror our reality into my writing and bring out truth that is relevant to people in this world. There are themes of good and evil, redemption and grace, that underpin the world of Callenlas, just as they do our own world. I try to avoid preaching, or shoe-horning morals into the story, but rather let the truth shine for itself in a story that can be enjoyed simply for its own sake.
6. What do you hope readers take away from The Poet of the Leawold?
I hope firstly that they would simply enjoy it as a good story and come away with their imaginations fuelled. I hope they feel they’ve had an adventure with some good friends. But I also hope, like all the best books I’ve read, that they would come away reflecting on themselves a bit, and on who God is, and how the world works.
7. Why should someone buy this book from 10ofthose.com?
If you’re looking to bless a young adult in your life, then this would make a great gift. If you enjoy a good story, especially one that reflects on some deeper truths, then you’d enjoy The Poet of the Leawold – don’t be put off by the age-range! It’s for adults too.
