Birth of the Anima: Ancient Language of the Earth (Book One)

FINALIST FOR THE 2021 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD IN FANTASY

Over millennia, across the seven seterras of Aligaea, twelve women―the Anima―develop powers akin to apex predators. Along with their bestial strength and speed, they inherit the Task to restore ecological Order to the world. Yet fulfilling the Task seems improbable as the Imperium spreads a plague of ecocide and despotism across the land, ushering in the apocalypse with its infectious Disorder.

Stout and smart Freda Johansson leaves behind a promising career, love, and community to seek the red-capped mushroom capable of turning her into the final Anima. Whether it's plant magic or free will guiding her from emerald forests to austere peaks, she doesn't care. She only needs to find the mushroom before the Imperial Forces can seal the catastrophic fate of the planet.

The sacred balance of Life depends on the birth of the Anima but even then, she must choose to own her powers as both woman and wild beast.

KELSEY K. SATHER lives in Montana. Her stories explore the complexities of human-nature interconnections. While an author of nonfiction essays for over a decade, fantasy remains her first and true love.

She received an MA in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah. At the University of Montana, she received the Davidson Honors College Scholar Distinction in Creative Writing and Environmental Studies.

After teaching at the university level, Kelsey co-managed a writers' collective for four years, where she facilitated creative writing workshops for all ages. She's also worked as a skiing and climbing instructor, as well as a baker. When she's not writing, she enjoys mountain sports and spending time with friends and family.