Meet the main romantic pairing from Crystals of Ulstra
Crystals of Ulstra, my upcoming debut fantasy novel, is not a “romantasy.” But like many epic fantasy stories, love and romance still play an important role in the book. And because it is a queer fantasy, the main romantic pairing is a gay relationship. As a gay man myself, it was deeply important to me to depict this kind of love in my story.
* I promise to reveal only mild spoilers below… read on if you dare! *
Koralo is a humble forest guardian from Arbardio’s Grove. When he was at school, he fell in love with a fellow Mago named Vertovinto—but the other boy broke his heart. He dated other men as he grew older, but no one ever captivated him in the same way. Whether he would admit it or not, Koralo all but given up on finding true love by the time the book begins. He worries opening his heart leaves it vulnerable to breaking.
When he is thrust into a war started by a mad king half a continent away, Koralo meets a dashing Kavaliro soldier and highly trained Silver Swordsman named Roko. Roko’s confident charisma quickly wins Koralo over, and their attachment grows. Koralo slowly realizes that he may still have room in his heart for romance and love after all.
Art by Amanda Webb
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