The Sagas of Vaelora

Frequently Asked Questions

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ABOUT THE BOOK

• What is The Burrow and the Blade?

  • The Burrow and the Blade is the first book in The Sagas of Vaelora series, an epic fantasy novel set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic peoples—animal-folk with rich civilizations, complex politics, and ancient legends. It follows Babax Merrifur, a young Lopari (rabbitfolk) merchant who volunteers for a westward trading expedition, hoping to discover what happened to his missing brother Stumper, who vanished five years ago on a simple trade route.

• What genre is this book?

  • The Burrow and the Blade is adult anthropomorphic fantasy with elements of epic adventure, mystery, and cosmic horror. It's often described as "Redwall for adults" or "Redwall meets Game of Thrones"—featuring the warmth and charm of animal-folk civilizations alongside mature themes including political intrigue, personal moral struggle, and ancient darkness awakening.

• Is this book appropriate for younger readers?

  • The book targets readers aged 10-12 through adults, positioning itself as mature anthropomorphic fantasy that treats animal-folk with sophistication. While younger readers who enjoyed series like Redwall or Warriors can appreciate the adventure, the book contains more mature themes, violence, and moral complexity than typical children's animal fantasy.

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ABOUT THE WORLD

• What is Vaelora?

  • Vaelora is the world in which the story takes place—a richly developed fantasy realm where numerous anthropomorphic races have built civilizations across multiple continents. The main continent where the story unfolds is called Kalidoria.

• What kinds of peoples inhabit this world?

  • Vaelora is home to a vast array of anthropomorphic races, each with distinct cultures shaped by their animal natures. Major peoples include the Burrowfolk (Lopari rabbitfolk, Quivren hamsterfolk, and Dimplekin mousefolk) who dwell in the United Burrowlands; the mighty Borvann (bearfolk) of the frozen north; the Aeryn (birdfolk) who rule from the sky; the Felkrin and Vel'Kari (feline peoples) of the southern jungles and savannahs; the Thralvok (wolfkin); the Canidar (dogfolk); the Slinkari (ferret and weaselfolk); the Veyrin (otter and beaverfolk); and humans, who are found across every continent.

• What is the United Burrowlands?

  • The United Burrowlands is a vast subterranean kingdom that spans rolling plains, dense forests, and hidden valleys in eastern Kalidoria. What appears to be a landscape of untouched wilderness is actually a thriving empire beneath the surface, where the Lopari, Quivren, and Dimplekin have built an intricate network of burrows, underground cities, and trade highways. The capital city, Fleetfoot Hollow, is hidden beneath the Verdant Glade. The nation is governed by the Council of 24, representing various warren-cities in a democratic confederation.

• Is there magic in this world?

  • Yes! Vaelora features three primary branches of magic. Essence Magic is drawn from nature itself—the lifeblood of the land, the rhythm of the elements, and the whispers of spirits, used by druids, healers, shamans, and elementalists. Aether Magic is the magic of willpower, intellect, and celestial forces, allowing practitioners to reshape reality through sheer mental discipline. Finally, Abyssal Magic draws from entropy, madness, and the unknowable void—powerful but deeply corrupting. Unlike many fantasy settings where magic is simply a tool, magic in Vaelora is alive and demands balance and respect.

• Who is Merris Brightpaw?

  • Merris Brightpaw is the legendary founder of the United Burrowlands and the greatest hero in Burrowfolk history. Over fifteen centuries ago, she united the scattered burrowfolk against the Skul'Vren (plague-festered ratfolk) during the Plague War. Wielding the legendary sword Burrowfang, she slew Vermak the Plague-Sworn in single combat beneath Hollowdeep and established the unified nation that endures to this day. Her blade, Burrowfang, is enshrined in the Sanctum of the Hollow Sun, and each year on the Day of the Ember Veil, Burrowfolk make pilgrimage to honor her memory.

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ABOUT THE STORY

• Who is the main character?

  • The protagonist is Babax Merrifur, an 18-year-old Lopari (rabbitfolk) and heir to the Merrifur Trading Dynasty. He's a Merchant Prince of the Burrowcouncil—charming, quick-witted, and ambitious, with a silver tongue and sharp business sense. Despite being trained for a life of ledgers and trade negotiations, Babax is skilled in illusion magic and has received combat training. When he volunteers for a trading expedition to discover the truth about his missing brother Stumper, he's thrust into adventures far beyond anything he imagined.

• What is the central conflict?

  • Babax's search for his brother leads him into a world coming apart at its seams—caravans vanishing without trace, mercenary companies turning feral, and whispers of a hunger that devoured civilizations before the first kingdoms drew breath. When bloodline secrets claw their way from his family's buried past and powers long dormant crack the world's foundation, Babax must transform from merchant's son to something greater. The legendary Merris Brightpaw herself haunts his dreams with warnings, as ancient darkness stirs in the deep places where light fears to tread.

• Does Babax travel alone?

  • No! Babax gathers a fellowship of unlikely companions—warriors bearing scars from forgotten battles, wanderers who speak with the voices of the dead, and allies whose very souls burn with otherworldly fire. His adventuring party includes humans, other beastfolk, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who together navigate Kalidoria's dangers, politics, and mysteries.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Who is Desmond Robertson?

  • Desmond Robertson is the author of The Sagas of Vaelora series. He has spent over 35 years developing the world of Vaelora, which began as bedtime stories told by his mother during his childhood. What started as imaginative tales has evolved into a comprehensive fantasy universe spanning multiple continents, dozens of distinct cultures, and thousands of years of history.

• Is this his first book?

  • The Burrow and the Blade is Desmond's debut novel and the first entry in The Sagas of Vaelora series. The book represents decades of worldbuilding finally brought to narrative life.

• How can I follow the author's work?

  • You can find Desmond Robertson and The Sagas of Vaelora at:​

    • Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media — search for The Sagas of Vaelora

    • Substack for newsletter updates and lore drops

    • Link hub: thesagasofvaelora.start.page

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INSPIRATIONS & INFLUENCES

• What inspired The Sagas of Vaelora?

  • The world of Vaelora has its roots in bedtime stories the author's mother told him as a child, which sparked a lifelong love of fantasy and adventure. Over 35 years, countless influences shaped this world. Brian Jacques' Redwall series was foundational—those tales of brave mice, heroic badgers, and abbey feasts planted seeds that grew into something new. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings inspired the epic scope, deep history, and the belief that small folk can change the fate of the world. C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia demonstrated how fantasy can explore profound truths through wonder and imagination.​

  • Classic legends also left their mark: the heroism and sacrifice of Joan of Arc, the nobility and fellowship of King Arthur's knights, and the daring justice of Robin Hood all echo through Vaelora's heroes. Even George Lucas' Star Wars influenced the saga—its sweeping battles between light and darkness, its ragtag bands of unlikely heroes, and its belief that redemption is always possible.

• How is this similar to Redwall?

  • While Redwall inspired this work, The Burrow and the Blade takes a more mature approach. The world features complex political conflicts across multiple nations and consequences that linger. Magic has real costs. Heroes can fall. The tone appeals to readers who grew up with Redwall but now crave something more sophisticated—the same heart, but with sharper teeth.

• Is this a "grimdark" or morally relative story?

  • No. Vaelora has a clearly defined objective morality—there is real good and real evil in this world. The darkness is genuinely dark, and the light is worth fighting for. What makes the story compelling is watching characters navigate that morality for themselves. They struggle with temptation, wrestle with difficult choices, and sometimes fail to live up to what they know is right. The moral stakes are real precisely because the standards are clear. Evil can be seductive, corruption spreads, and choosing the right path often costs everything—but that path exists, and heroes are defined by their willingness to walk it.

• Does faith play a role in the story?

  • The author's Christian faith serves as a crucial foundation for the universe of Vaelora, though its influence is woven subtly throughout rather than presented overtly. Like Tolkien and Lewis before him, Desmond Robertson drew upon his faith to shape the moral architecture of the world—the reality of good and evil, the weight of sacrifice, the possibility of redemption, and the hope that light endures even in the deepest darkness. Readers of faith may recognize these threads; others will simply experience a world where choices matter and heroism means something. The story never preaches, but it stands on solid ground.

• What makes the animal-folk feel authentic?

  • In Vaelora, animal natures genuinely inform how each race develops their civilization. Burrowfolk didn't just happen to build underground—their rabbit, hamster, and mouse instincts shaped their architecture, society, and spirituality. The Borvann bear-folk aren't simply large warriors; their hibernation patterns, territorial instincts, and clan structures all emerge from their bearish nature. This approach creates cultures that feel authentic rather than superficially applied.

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PUBLICATION & AVAILABILITY

• When is the book releasing?

  • The Burrow and the Blade is scheduled for release in late 2025, with timing aimed for the Christmas season.

• Where can I purchase the book?

  • The book will be available through Amazon and major retailers following release. Check the author's website and social media for the latest availability updates.

• Is this a standalone book or part of a series?

  • The Burrow and the Blade is the first book in The Sagas of Vaelora series. The author is already working on Book 2, titled The Root and the Flame, and has extensive plans for future installments exploring different corners of this vast world.​

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LIBRARY ACCESS

• Will I be able to read this book at my local library?

  • Yes! Following the book's release, The Burrow and the Blade will be available through the Indie Missouri: Discover Books From Local Authors collection in late January 2026. This collection is available exclusively through the BiblioBoard Library mobile app and web platform, allowing patrons of participating libraries across Missouri to access the book digitally with just one click—completely free with a library card.

  • The author is also actively working to expand library access nationwide. Check back for updates on additional library programs and availability in other states.

• How will I access the book through BiblioBoard?

  • Once it becomes available in late January, visit your local library's digital resources or go directly to BiblioBoard's platform. Search for "The Sagas of Vaelora" or "The Burrow and the Blade" within the Indie Missouri collection. If your library doesn't currently offer access to Indie Missouri, ask your librarian about adopting the program to support local authors!

• What if I'm not in Missouri?

  • The author is currently pursuing partnerships to bring The Burrow and the Blade to library systems across the country. If you'd like to see the book in your local library, consider requesting it through your library's acquisition program—reader requests make a real difference! Follow the author's social media and website for announcements about expanded library availability.

• Why is library access important to the author?

  • Desmond Robertson is a Missouri native, and having The Burrow and the Blade available to readers across his home state through local libraries is a dream come true. But his vision extends beyond Missouri—he believes libraries are gateways to adventure, places where readers discover new worlds without barriers. Expanding library access nationwide is a personal mission, ensuring that anyone who wants to experience Vaelora can do so.

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Welcome to Vaelora. The blade rises again.