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The River Keeper and Other Tales
A PRE-RELEASE POST (Updated January 31, 2025)

Illustrated by Andrea Alemanno
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While each of these seven tales might be considered to be a fable, like all good fables, each addresses a theme relevant to our lives today. Themes of sacrificing of one's own life for the greater good, to the power of truth to break through hurtful intentions, to how wishing for things designed to help others can have disastrous results, to what an afterlife might be like and choices we might still have to make.
This collection of tales introduces the reader to the imaginary Kingdom of Imlay, a world still filled magic, mythical creatures great and small, some good and some bad. Characters, both young and old, face making decisions which will affect those they hold dear. Original and thought-provoking, these stories will stimulate the intellect and engage the imagination.
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Published by Subplot, an imprint of Amplify Publishing Group.
The release date is February 18, 2025. Click here to view the Electronic Press Kit.
Click here to view front cover. Click here to view illustrations. Click here to view back cover. |
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One can pre-order the book on either Mascot Books or Amazon. |
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"A dreamy assortment of tales that contain Kernels of worldly Truth."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS, click here to read the entire review.
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"Nancy Joie Wilkie's stories capture the simple language and romantic ethos of fables, and many of her tales could entertain children at bedtime.
Yet she has grounded her fantastical Kingdom of Imlay with very human lessons that will resonate with adults as well—tales about the power of love
and goodness as well as the dangers of hubris and darker emotions. In The River Keeper, she drew a spark from a Wake Forest Magazine story of a magical day on the Yadkin River with its former keeper, Brian Fannon, a man she rightly perceived as well-suited to magic and inspiration."
—CAROL HANNER,
Managing Editor, Wake Forest Magazine
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"The River Keeper and Other Tales is a fantasy short story collection set in the Kingdom of Imlay. The book contains seven stories exploring well known but profound themes explored through a magical narrative. The collection offers original tales that feel familiar but still manage to engage the imagination (with lovely sketches sprinkled throughout). Each story guides characters through making difficult choices, sacrifice, telling the truth, the consequences of our actions, pure love. and using magic to help others.
"The stories all have a magical quality that blends fantastical elements with moral lessons, creating a timeless fairy tale feel that you won’t want to miss! This is a great option for a short story to read with children of any age before bed."
Story Highlights:
Set in the imaginary Kingdom of Imlay; features characters like the inquisitive child Ya, an ambitious king, and a mischievous dog; and explores themes of personal sacrifice and moral decision-making"
—ANDREA EDE, NetGalley Reviewer
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"I really enjoyed each story in the book. I was able to read it within one sitting. Loved each short story and was transported into each story with every page."
—EMMA JOHNSTON, NetGalley Reviewer
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