Local author sets debut fantasy novel in Sarumbourne, which is inspired by Salisbury

Tuesday, 22 October 2024 06:00

Wiltshire-based author Ryan J Hamshaw is set to release his debut young adult fantasy novel Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars on 5th November 2024.

The novel, inspired by Salisbury, is set in the fictional city of Sarumbourne, where a group of teens must protect the world from the sinister Dark Friars. Combining local history, magic, and a modern, inclusive narrative, the book is described as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Heartstopper.

Hamshaw, a longtime Salisbury resident, said: "Salisbury and Wiltshire’s rich history and folklore have always inspired me. I wanted to bring that sense of wonder into Sarumbourne, where good and evil clash in the shadows."

At the heart of the story is seventeen-year-old Liam O’Connor, one of six Keepers destined to defend Sarumbourne. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including strong LGBTQ+ representation, Liam faces both supernatural threats and personal challenges in this thrilling coming-of-age adventure.

Ryan’s debut novel, The Dark Friars, is the first book in the Keepers of the Crossing series, an idea he conceived in 2009 but began writing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite being dyslexic, Ryan has always been determined to tell the stories he’s passionate about. A fan of horror, fantasy, and adventure, he is committed to creating inclusive narratives where LGBTQ+ characters take centre stage and are fully represented.

Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars is available to pre-order in paperback online from The Great British Bookshop, Waterstones, Foyles, and Hatchards, with the Kindle edition available to pre-order on Amazon. It will be released on 5^th November 2024.

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