The first book in the Seeker's Memories cycle
Southern Tarquilion empties before packs of atrids. Eli travels to desert Erelar to learn the skills people use to defend themselves against what they don't understand. In the capital, Toma begins his service as a royal scout and, on his very first night, becomes witness to a murder tied to the royal treasury.
Two beginnings
Eli enters the karhon school. Toma enters royal service. Both soon realize the adults around them aren't telling them everything.
About the book
Eli seeks knowledge to protect others. Toma seeks the truth about a murder and his own father's death. Their stories uncover a past Tarquilion never resolved.
Path to publication
Writing
Manuscript complete
Editing
Edited and proofread
Layout
Design and typesetting complete
At the printer
Availability
“Seeker's Memories: Children of the Sfergals” is currently being prepared for publication. Leave your email address and I'll let you know when the book is available to order. Signing up commits you to nothing.
Current stage
The book is being printed
Planned formats
Print edition and e-book
Next step
Release and delivery of copies
About the book
Summary
Southern Tarquilion empties before packs of atrids, artificially created predators appearing in numbers no one can explain. After an attack on his family's estate, Eli Yahi travels to Erelar, the independent karhon city, to learn skills that might one day let him protect others. In Flora, Toma Nemias begins his service as a candidate for royal scout. His first night watch ends with the murder of the royal treasurer. At the same time, he learns that the story of his father's death is not complete. As one enters a school and the other an investigation, both draw closer to the consequences of decisions made before they were born.
Highlights
Fantasy about knowledge and responsibility
Children of the Sfergals weaves together schooling in Erelar, a criminal investigation in Flora, and the history of an invention whose consequences outlive its creators. At its centre is a question: what happens when previous generations reach for knowledge that lets them reshape nature, without considering what kind of world they leave to their descendants.
Characters
A curious boy who quickly realizes how little he can do once everything around him starts to fall apart.
A boy from the Morvelske plains
Meeting the karhon Isidor Lodi shows him that power doesn't have to be inherited or stumbled upon: it can be learned. Going to Erelar isn't an escape for him, but an attempt to make sure that next time, he won't have to wait for someone else to save him.
Enters royal service with a clear picture of his father and of the soldier he wants to become.
A young candidate for royal scout
One night watch is enough to crack both pictures. As he learns the scout's trade, he must decide how far he's willing to go for answers his family and the court don't want to give him.
Supporting Protagonists
A curious, forthright girl who chafes against the court rules that keep her apart from the world beyond the palace.
The youngest daughter of the Stenol king
A young pirate left on a tropical island by his crew to recover from a wound.
Crew member of the Pearl Spyglass
The world
The first book moves mostly through Tarquilion and Erelar: a kingdom slow to respond to crisis, and an independent city that guards its knowledge behind its own rules. Choose a location for background on the world without spoiling the plot.
Kingdom
Tarquilion is a hereditary monarchy in central Dalaria. The king rules through the Council of Diskips and six governors, while landowners administer smaller territories in their name. At the time of the story, the southern regions suffer atrid attacks, and the slow response of the central government turns a security threat into an economic and political crisis.
Author
Ivan Vladić is a fantasy author, theologian, and programmer. His writing explores built systems, history, and the moral consequences of power.
Children of the Sfergals is the first book in the Seeker's Memories cycle. The author also illustrates the book and uses this page to share updates on the world of Dalaria and the novel's path to publication.
Focus
Fantasy and introspective themes
Writes and illustrates
Text and illustrations in the book
Photo: Ivan Vladić
“Seeker's Memories: Children of the Sfergals” is currently being prepared for publication. Leave your email address and I'll let you know when the book is available to order. Signing up commits you to nothing.