Welcome to the Land of Ethonia—a world where magic flows through ancient traditions, epic landscapes hold untold mysteries, and one brave girl dares to follow her dream against all odds.
What started as a simple writing exercise—character journals to explore another story—grew into my first book series, where Anyia’s journey came to life in ways I never expected.
Before I began writing the Anyia series, I worked on another fantasy story set in the same world, the Land of Ethonia, centered around a group of friends on a quest. But no matter how much I worked on it, something wasn’t clicking. I started writing character journals to break through my writer's block, and that’s when Anyia's character emerged. She was different—a young girl determined to forge her own path despite everyone around her telling her what her future should be. And that became the theme of the series.
At its heart, the Anyia series is a story of breaking limitations, discovering courage, and finding the strength within to follow your dreams.
In Anyia - Dream of a Warrior, Anyia dreams of becoming a warrior, something in her culture is forbidden. Her father, the chief of Nagoran Village, wants to keep her safe within the confines of the village and only sees her following the traditions, but Anyia knows she's a warrior. So, she defies his orders and crosses into the forest, seeking Amoonda, the only female warrior in history. The one person she knew would understand.
"It is for the young to learn the value of tradition and the not so young to learn the value of change." - Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
As Anyia ventures into the forest, she encounters Thor’s warriors for the first time, facing the kind of magic she has only heard about, and it makes her realize just how dangerous the world beyond her village truly is. The threats her father warned her about are real, but her determination pushes her onward. This journey is full of peril and the realization that to become who she is meant to be, she must challenge everything she has ever known. She must challenge who she is. She must challenge who she is meant to become. She must challenge the world that tells her she can't, and the doubts within that say she shouldn't.
The adventure continues in the second book, Anyia - It Begins, where Anyia faces even greater challenges. She must discover what truly gives her strength, navigate a world full of new obstacles, and learn to balance her dreams with the traditions she once resisted. It is a journey of growth, courage, and finding her place in a world that is far more complex than she imagined.
On her journey, Anyia finds allies and mentors who help her discover her own strength and wisdom.
Anyia is determined to break away from her village's expectations and follow her own path as a warrior. Her courage drives the series. Amoonda, the only female warrior in Ethonia’s history, mentors Anyia and guides her to true strength. Nakara, Anyia’s mother, is quietly supportive. The Treelins are mystical beings whose ancient wisdom and magic intrigue Anyia.
The sketches below by Toujour Byrd beautifully capture the essence of Anyia, Amoonda, Nakara, and the Treelins. Working with Toujour was a wonderful experience, as she truly brought Ethonia to life through her expressive character designs, especially the female characters, who she portrayed with depth and personality.
Early Sketches by Toujour Byrd
Character Designs by Maurice Novembre
Just as I had a great experience working with Toujour, I also had an equally wonderful time working with Maurice Novembre. We’ve collaborated on various projects, and I was thrilled when he brought his creative flair to the male characters in the series, adding even more depth and personality to them.
The Anyia series takes place in various key locations, including Nagoran Village, where Anyia's journey begins amid deep-rooted traditions; The Forest, a vast and mysterious place full of danger and magic that Anyia must navigate to prove herself; Thor City, the home of Empress Zarina and the Thor's warriors, where Anyia faces powerful adversaries; and Tremis, a mystical forest inhabited by the Treelins, rich in ancient magic and secrets. Each location adds depth to Anyia's journey, highlighting both the external challenges and the inner growth she experiences.
Anyia - Dream of a Warrior
(Book 1)
by: Jacquitta A. McManus
(ISBN: 9780982802762)
Experience the thrilling adventure of Anyia, a feisty young girl determined to follow her dream of becoming a warrior and embodying the true essence of girl power, in Jacquitta A. McManus’ epic fantasy series. In “Anyia - Dream of a Warrior,” Anyia must defy tradition and venture into a forbidden land to find the only female warrior, Amoonda, who can help her fulfill her destiny. But her actions will have consequences that threaten the safety of her village and its magical protection. This book is perfect for young readers aged 8-12 who enjoy stories of determination and community, as well as magic and adventure. Don’t miss out on this captivating and empowering tale!
Anyia - It Begins
(Book 2)
by: Jacquitta A. McManus
(ISBN: 9781954015074)
Join Anyia on her thrilling adventure in Jacquitta A. McManus’ “Anyia - It Begins,” the second book in her epic fantasy series, and witness the embodiment of girl power. Anyia, a young girl who grew up unaware of her own magical abilities, must venture into the dangerous heart of Thor City to rescue her mother from Empress Zarina and her Thor Warriors. To succeed, she must give up her identity, trust a stranger, and rely on new friends. This exciting book explores themes of identity, self-trust, and traditions while introducing new enemies and challenges for Anyia to face. Perfect for young readers aged 8-12 who enjoy stories of bravery, magic, and adventure, “Anyia - It Begins” is a must-read addition to any fantasy collection, showcasing the strength and resilience of girl power.