Blog Archives
Inspired By the Void
Rise of the Phantom follows two divine feline protectors who, while visiting the mortal world, discover a supernatural force wreaking havoc on the towns and causing mass destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea first came from bedtime stories my dad used to tell me. I loved the idea of a world filled with magical creatures and guardians who protect it. As an avid reader, I also wanted to read books like the stories I had been told, but I couldn’t find any like them. Inspired by the void, I decided to create the world I wanted to visit. My mother was a huge part of helping me brainstorm this world and its depth over the last three years.
Rise of the Phantom features some very interesting characters who have their flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I had general personality ideas for each character, but I quickly discovered that at some point, they begin to write their own story. They take on a life of their own, and as an author, you merely reflect how those characters react and go about their world more than creating it yourself. Some characters, such as Birch, suddenly come into the story and don’t leave like you thought they would.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Humor as armor, friendship, courage, and forgiveness were all really important to me. The story has serious moments, but I wanted to show that laughter and kindness can still exist even in dark times. The characters use humor and connection to get through pain, which I think makes them stronger and more human (even though most of them aren’t technically human). Tierra’s character really developed the humor as armor trope, and I feel it’s an aspect that isn’t always explored for its depth as much as it could be. I’ve found that there’s equal depth for characters who use this trope as an emotional safeguard as characters who are blatantly unhappy and miserable, or quiet and keep to themselves.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is book one in a series of six books. Book 2, titled Guardians of Felina: The Lost Lair, is set to launch in December 2026, with each new book coming out every December. The Lost Lair goes deeper into the Guardians’ world and shows how the Phantom’s influence is spreading. Readers can expect bigger adventures, new characters, and more discoveries about the Guardians’ pasts—and how they’ll have to work together to face what’s coming next. And yes – readers are finally introduced to the Phantom.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Before they can deliver their warning, the fire encircles the village, and glitching Beasts emerge, wreaking havoc. The Beasts vanish as mysteriously as they appeared, leaving behind injuries and a cryptic message: “You are now under the command of the Phantom.” Determined to act, Alada and Tierra set off to warn other villages, accompanied by Birch, an unassuming mortal unaware of their divine nature.
The journey takes them through the perilous Lost Labyrinth, where Birch becomes separated and must confront illusions and deceptive voices. With the help of an unlikely ally, and the bitter tree Gnarla, Birch learns the labyrinth’s secret: stop wishing and find strength within. Reunited with Alada and Tierra, they press on to Birch’s hometown, Stone Creek. There, Birch reveals the village’s tragic secret-its residents, including his family, are spirits in denial of their deaths. Despite the eerie setting, Birch reconnects with his father, rekindling lost bonds.
Next, the trio hurries to TierraTown, a village devoted entirely to celebrating Tierra. While Tierra revels in the attention, Alada uncovers a brewing rebellion among the villagers. Chaos erupts as traitors unleash a trap and glitching Beasts attack once more, setting the forest ablaze. Alada saves the town in her full goddess form, but the experience leaves Tierra shaken. Tierra resolves to stay and help rebuild, renaming the village to symbolize her newfound sense of responsibility.
Alada and Birch continue to the Pyrite Peaks, using Levi Lifts to traverse the mountainous terrain. In her domain’s technologically advanced Nya Network, Alada meets with the Nya council to discuss the growing threat of the Phantom. Tierra arrives to support the urgency of their warnings. After rallying the Nyas, the trio sets off again, this time toward Lotus Bay, home of Guardian Coral.
Passing over the Moto Desert, they encounter a group of fleeing Aras, Guardian Ember’s subjects, who reveal that he has abandoned them. Beasts now roam the desert unchecked. The Aras seek refuge in Coral’s domain while the trio head off to find Coral herself. Upon arrival at the bay, the trio finds it eerily deserted-until a mysterious voice calls out, “Don’t ask her, ask me!”
Birch stands out as a fervent advocate for justice, initially a mere citizen who refuses to accept divine complacency. His persistent moral outrage and readiness to act lend the story immediacy; readers will cheer as he challenges immortals to live up to their titles.
Alada’s journey is more contemplative-an immortal Guardian who realizes that omniscience is not the same as omnipresence. She grapples with the limits of her power and influence, growing humbler and more accessible as she dares to admit that she needs allies and cannot save everyone alone.
Tierra’s arc may be the most poignant: from a carefree lover of festivals to a guilt-stricken protector desperate to atone for past negligence, her transformation is a testament to how catastrophic events and honest self-reflection can stir even the most self-indulgent soul into greater purpose.
Guardians of Felina: Rise of the Phantom
Rise of the Phantom sweeps the reader into the land of Felina, a world of Guardians chosen by prophecy, magic, and responsibility. At its heart are Alada and Tierra, divine feline protectors, who cross paths with Birch, a mortal Meu, as they warn villages of the Phantom’s threat. The book brims with battles, supernatural beasts, playful humor, and quiet moments of longing. Sofia builds a lush world of glowing forests, sacred prophecies, and mysterious enemies that feel both mythical and immediate.
What I liked most was the emotional texture beneath the adventure. Alada’s solitude, her aching need for connection, felt raw and real to me. I also loved the contrast with Tierra’s spirited energy and wacky humor, which often lightened otherwise heavy moments. At times, the banter felt almost too playful for the stakes, but I think that was the point, it reminded me how humor can be armor when facing despair. The writing style was easy to sink into. Sometimes the pacing slowed in long descriptive passages, yet I found myself appreciating the detail when I leaned into it.
The ideas, though, are what lingered. The story asks what it means to guard others while remaining unseen, how much one should intervene in the lives of those they protect, and how loneliness carves itself into even the strongest. I admired the way the book balanced spectacle with intimacy, giving as much weight to kittens begging for fish as to battles against glitching monsters. The villains intrigued me too. They’re shadowy, strange, almost playful in their cruelty. It made the danger unpredictable, and I liked that.
In the end, I closed the book feeling both satisfied and hungry for more. I’d recommend Guardians of Felina: Rise of the Phantom to readers who enjoy epic fantasy with a softer heart, fans of animal-centered worlds, and anyone who wants a mix of whimsy and darkness. It would be perfect for young adults who crave adventure, but older readers who remember the ache of loneliness and the balm of friendship will find just as much to hold onto here.
Pages: 256 | ISBN : 1735495867
I Created the Books I Wanted to Read
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom follows the guardians entrusted with protecting the realm of Felina, who must take action to protect it from a new dark enemy that has unleashed destruction and chaos on the peaceful world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As an avid reader, I began noticing how there weren’t any specific books available in the niche genre I wanted, so I created one. I first began writing this book when I was 12, and I didn’t fully know where to go with it. My mom and I have brainstormed for hours every day since then to create this entire world. So, I guess my mom was partly the inspiration, and the other inspiration was my own curiosity and excitement about the world my characters would live in.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
My inspiration actually came from another story, a novella that I had dictated to my mother when I was nine. That story had a setup where there were these cat people who needed to protect the world from ruthless dogs. Writing this book, I decided to take the its concept and evolve it to meet with my target audience.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Being 12, 13, and now 14, I truly didn’t care about themes. I wanted to write an exciting book people couldn’t put down. Over these few years, my mom and I talked about all the ways in which each character’s life could play out. Moral dilemmas, hard choices, and taking sadness in stride became common topics where we would explore characterization from a deep level. As I got to know my characters, since they kind of became their own being at one point, I could see they had things to learn and experience for themselves, and that is the origination of this book’s themes.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story in the next book introduces the much-anticipated Phantom and the Guardian Coralees, along with her underwater dwelling Mizus. Together with her help, Alada, Tierra, and Birch are able to gather new intel on the beast’s glitching abilities, and the Phantom’s lair. Meanwhile, the Phantom continues to prepare for the start of war. Readers will be transported to his lair and what comes of that is the unfurling of a history long forgotten.
There are six books in the series. One book will be published and released every December. More books may be added to the series.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Yet, the attack was only the beginning. As the smoke cleared, a chilling message appeared on a large boulder: You are now under the command of the Phantom. With this dark threat looming over the land, Alada and Tierra knew they had to protect Felina. Rallying their courage, Alada and Tierra prepared to warn the other villages… until Birch, a trophy-toting nobody with more enthusiasm than skill, insisted on tagging along. Fantastic. Because that’s exactly what they needed.
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom is a fantasy tale set in the vibrant and mythical world of Felina. The story follows Alada and Tierra, Guardians with immense responsibility, who team up with a mortal named Birch to face the looming threat of the Phantom. Through magical forests, underwater realms, and thrilling battles, the characters weave through a story filled with mysticism, danger, and camaraderie.
The world-building in this novel is a standout feature. The author’s vivid descriptions bring the bioluminescent forests and the ethereal Mizu villages to life. The lore of Guardians, especially their duties and the myths surrounding them, feels rich and immersive.
The character dynamics are a highlight. Alada’s stoic resolve contrasts sharply with Tierra’s playful and quirky personality. I found their relationship endearing, with moments of genuine warmth, like when Tierra introduces Alada to the whimsical tree-traveling technique. Birch adds a touch of humanity and naivety to the mix, which grounds the Guardians’ celestial grandeur. While I enjoyed the story, I would have loved to have seen the supporting characters developed further. They appeared briefly but they were intriguing enough for me to want to know more about them.
The themes of loneliness and duty resonated deeply. Alada’s internal conflict about maintaining her Guardian oath while yearning for companionship was particularly poignant. Scenes where she interacts with the Mizu kittens were heartwarming, showing her nurturing side despite her isolation.
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom is a tale of adventure and heart. Its lush world-building and endearing characters make it a compelling read for fans of fantasy, particularly those who enjoy stories with mystical creatures and elemental powers. I’d recommend it to young adults and anyone who delights in whimsical yet heartfelt journeys.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DQJWV3KB
LITERARY TITAN 