Marian Istrate

Hi, I’m Marian, creator of The Crystal Guardian series.

I’ve always loved stories that take children somewhere extraordinary while leaving them with something meaningful to carry back into their own world. Inspired by ideas from positive psychology and child development, I created the Heartlands, a place where magic and adventure meet hope, courage, resilience and the challenges of growing up.

The journey begins with Book One: Hope, where Max discovers the Heartlands and learns that even when the path ahead seems uncertain, there is always another way forward.

But The Crystal Guardian was also created to be shared. I hope Max’s adventures spark curiosity, questions and meaningful conversations between children and the adults who read alongside them, creating moments of connection that continue after the book is closed.

Above all, I want children to enjoy the adventure, fall in love with the Heartlands and look forward to discovering where Max’s journey takes them next.

Welcome to the Heartlands. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey.