At the heart of the series is Fjona Sarsen, a young woman whose quiet life on the island of Marrow Myre is turned upside down when she crosses paths with the charming sage Perciville Harper. As Fjona learns the Art of Manipulation, a structured and scientific approach to what some might call magic, she is drawn into a race against time to prevent the resurgence of the Eight Afflictions, an apocalyptic curse threatening the realm.
While the Sarsen series is deeply rooted in classic fantasy elements, mystery, adventure, and larger-than-life threats, Batsman sets his work apart with a world that feels lived-in and meticulously crafted. He attributes this authenticity to his background in archaeology:
“Creating and developing a whole new world in the Sarsen series was all about nuance. The small details and subtext which went beyond shaping The Arvum to breathing some life into it, pooling together scraps of knowledge with a wild imagination to build something original.”
Batsman’s attention to detail is evident in everything from the series’ title, drawn from the iconic sarsen stones of Stonehenge to the subtle historical and cultural references scattered throughout The Arvum. His work strays from fantasy clichés, instead The Arvum is a world shaped by knowledge, politics, and the remnants of lost civilizations.
Batsman’s inspirations stem from a variety of media.
“In a way, the organic process of writing isn’t far removed from typing a few commands into an AI platform and seeing what comes out. For me, whether consciously or subconsciously, I know that many of my ideas were influenced by the various media to which I am exposed, be it other books, TV and film, podcasts, games, and the real world.”
The first book, The Curiosities of Perciville Harper, serves as a thrilling introduction to The Arvum, while In the Heart of a Soulless Vessel expands the world’s mythology and pushes its characters to new limits. A must-read for fans of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate, and high fantasy with an intellectual edge, the Sarsen series is an epic tale that brings fresh life to the genre. As Fjona’s journey continues, readers can expect more mysteries, challenges, and discoveries in the books to come.
Both The Curiosities of Perciville Harper and In the Heart of a Soulless Vessel are available to order from Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith and all other major retailers now!
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