Belonging, Magic, and Frogs

What do you get when you mix post-apocalyptic Earth, ancient mythologies, magical demi-humans, and a frog-loving romantic? The answer is E. Anders' stunning new novel, Feathers of Trials and Truths, the third entry in her "Earthen Calamities" series, a story that's part epic romantasy, part magical exploration, and all heart.

In a recent interview, Anders gave fans an enchanting behind-the-scenes look at her world and her characters, particularly Lusa, a half-human shadowwalker who has spent most of her life invisible, literally and figuratively. With warmth, humor, and a bit of mischief, Anders paints a world that’s not just about dazzling spells and treasure-laden mazes, but also about finding your place, your people, and ultimately, yourself.

A World Reborn by Magic

Set more than two centuries after a mysterious magical event reshaped Earth, the Earthen Calamities series is Anders’ love letter to myth, imagination, and the possibilities of a world reborn.

“It’s our Earth and our mythologies,” Anders explains, “but things have had time to kind of mix and match and make a new world—but it’s ours at the same time.”

In Feathers of Trials and Truths, readers are introduced to a chaotic but wondrous Earth where gods once clashed, magic spilled into everyday life, and humanity had to adapt to a new reality. This isn’t just worldbuilding for spectacle, it’s deeply textured, with unique races, demi-humans called “dusters,” and even labyrinths filled with dragon-hoarded treasure.

Meet Lusa: An Invisible Heroine With a Lot to Say

At the heart of the story is Lusa, a “duster” who is half-human and half-Tarasque, a mythical Inuit shadow creature. Her unique lineage causes her to fade from sight when looked at directly, creating both a literal and metaphorical invisibility.

“She’s spent her life living on the fringes of society,” Anders shares, “No one can really see her, and she’s made her life as a pickpocket kind of living outside society.”

Lusa’s invisibility isn’t just a magical gimmick; it’s a lens through which readers can explore the pain and yearning of being unseen. Her journey is one of discovery, not just of identity but of connection.

“I think like she wants a place, right? Like she wants to belong somewhere,” Anders reflects. “I feel like that’s part of Lusa’s journey—finding those people. Not just your person in the romantic sense, but even just your person in terms of friends, your found family.”

Enter Res: The Illusionist Who Sees Her

Lusa’s counterpart is Res, a flamboyant, dandy illusionist with his own gift. He can see through magical illusions, including Lusa’s involuntary invisibility. He becomes her first friend, her partner in crime (and performance), and eventually, the person who helps her feel seen in every way.

“He’s the first person she meets who can see her,” Anders notes, “and they become very good friends and are traveling around having adventures.”

What starts as a heartfelt friendship gradually blossoms into romance, but not in a typical fairytale fashion.

Anders emphasizes pacing and realism in their relationship: “They’re just kind of goofy and they stay kind of goofy the whole way through.”

Unlike many high-stakes, overly dramatic fantasy romances, Res and Lusa’s love story is quiet, earned, and profoundly human.

Anders adds, “She doesn’t fall in love with the performer. She falls in love with him.”

From Frogs to Found Family: Quirks and Easter Eggs

Anders doesn’t shy away from infusing her stories and interviews with personal quirks. One of the highlights? Frogs. Lots and lots of frogs.

“I think the count is like 24 currently in my house as pets,” she says with a laugh. “Every book has a frog reference in it… and I’ve done a contest with the first two books on my social media for who can find the frog first.”

Her genuine delight in creatures, characters, and community is contagious. Even in her world’s most perilous places, like the magical maze beneath the Earth, there are rooms full of humor and wonder, including one filled with suits of armor on unicorn skeletons and dragon bones. It’s this mix of whimsy and darkness that defines Anders’s tone.

“I tried to capture some of that lighter stuff,” she explains. “Making Lusa a little more quirky helped balance out all of that weight on her.”

Themes of Truth and Identity

In a world filled with illusions, both magical and emotional, truth emerges as a central theme. For Lusa, truth isn’t about facts, it’s about authenticity. It’s about being seen, valued, and loved for who you are beneath all the masks.

“Truth is like being true to yourself,” says Anders. “That truth and putting that out in the world or giving that to people—that’s the most valuable thing to her.”

Lusa’s quiet courage and observation sharpen this theme. Having spent her life unseen, she’s learned to see others more clearly. She’s the novel's heartbeat, reminding readers that visibility isn’t always about being in the spotlight; it’s about being known.

Why This Book Matters

Feathers of Trials and Truths isn’t just another romantasy novel. It’s a meaningful meditation on identity, belonging, and the relationships that shape us. From mythological depth to emotional authenticity, E. Anders crafts a tale that invites readers not just to escape, but to reflect.

It’s also a celebration of the joy in the small things—a sandwich, a loyal friend, a beloved frog named Pickle.

So, whether you’re in it for the magical mazes, the dazzling illusions, or the slow-burn romance that feels like home, Feathers of Trials and Truths is ready to sweep you away.

Discover more about E. Anders and the Earthen Calamities series at EAndersAuthor.com