Introducing Zirkono Minado, an important location in Crystals of Ulstra


Zirkono Minado
(Photo Credits: Marek Piwnicki, Pegah Mostafavi Zadeh, Amy Baugess, Gary Yost, Jai Bakshi, and Krystal Ng)

Zirkono Minado is an ancient citadel located in the Zipo Montoj, a range of red mountains situated on the northeastern part of the continent. The fort is home to the Gardistona, a matriarchal clan of warriors known for their vibrant pink hair and armor, who safeguard Ulstra’s precious resources. Gifted seekers are tasked with finding—and conserving—the world’s healing crystals deep in the mountain mines. You will also meet a thriving arts community here, especially painters and sculptors.

In addition to their home base in the mountains, the Gardistona operate an outpost called Baldakeno, a treetop village in the dark forest of Mortarbaro, where they conduct research, lead efforts to preserve the natural environment, and maintain the natural borders between the Zipo Montoj region and the frozen wilds of Mistika.

Several key characters, including Gerda and Tondra, are citizens of Zirkono Minado.



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The book cover for Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen. It features an illustration of the main character Koralo over a backdrop of a eucalypt forest.

Crystals of Ulstra

An epic fantasy tale with a queer-normative sensibility, Crystals of Ulstra is the first book in the Ulstra trilogy.

Meet the Author

Bradley Bowen is a Colorado-based writer, digital fundraiser, and author of the queer fantasy epic Crystals of Ulstra.