On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Hollow Vale, a queer-led fantasy novel by Alexander Paul Burton, weaves a haunting tale of loss, chosen family, and ancient magic in a crumbling empire, rooted in Somerset’s myths.
The Hollow Vale
In the mist-laden marshes of a crumbling empire, where memory falters and silence speaks, Alexander Paul Burton’s The Hollow Vale emerges as a quietly radical addition to queer-led fantasy. Independently published and released during Pride Month, this debut novel—Book One of The Tharion Cycle—weaves a tapestry of loss, exile, and chosen family, set against the haunting landscapes of Somerset, England. Rooted in the myths and mists of Glastonbury, Burton’s story is both a sweeping epic and an introspective elegy, crafted with lyrical prose and an unwavering commitment to voices often left on the margins.
A Mythic World Born from Somerset’s Soul
The Hollow Vale transports readers to Tharion, a land where Rome’s fading grip mirrors the unraveling of time itself. In the village of Elderglen, Caelwyn, a hidden girl with starlit blood, dreams of a Bell that tolls not in sound but in memory. Raised by a silent seer, she is thrust into a world where rune-stones hum, roads shift, and names vanish. Alongside her, a disillusioned legionnaire searches for meaning in a godless land, while a nameless child guides travelers through the eerie Wyrd. As an ancient force stirs in the mountains, a fractured fellowship must find the last Bell—a relic that could either save or doom the Hollow.
Drawing inspiration from Somerset’s ancient ruins and Glastonbury’s legendary aura, Burton infuses the novel with a sense of place that feels alive. The South West’s fog-drenched fens and whispering hills become more than a backdrop; they are characters in their own right, steeped in folklore and the quiet magic of forgotten things. For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Tamsyn Muir, The Hollow Vale offers a mythic saga where memory is sacred, silence is perilous, and language is the fragile thread holding the world together.
A Queer Voice in Fantasy’s Oldest Traditions
What sets The Hollow Vale apart is its unapologetic queerness, woven into the heart of a genre often dominated by traditional narratives. Burton, a queer British-Canadian author originally from Somerset and now based in Toronto, writes from the edge—both geographically and emotionally. The novel is not a loud declaration but a subtle act of reclamation, placing queer characters and perspectives at the center of a mythic tale. Themes of exile and chosen family resonate deeply, reflecting the experiences of those who have had to carve out their own belonging in a world that doesn’t always make room for them.
Burton’s independence as an author adds to the novel’s radical spirit. Self-published without the backing of literary agents or marketing teams, The Hollow Vale is a testament to persistence and belief in the power of marginalized voices. Accompanying the book are hand-drawn maps, lore documents, and original music inspired by the story, creating an immersive world for readers and musicians alike. A hardcover collector’s edition is slated for release later this year, promising a tangible piece of Tharion’s magic.
A Broader Vision: The Tharion Cycle and Beyond
The Hollow Vale is the first of seven planned books in The Tharion Cycle: Memory Is the Last Magic. Silence Is the First Language. Burton’s work spans genres—fantasy, memoir, queer romance, and classical music—often blending nostalgia with philosophical reflection. His message to aspiring writers is one of quiet encouragement: create from the heart, even when the path is solitary. With a 5.0-star rating from early readers, the novel has already struck a chord for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
Set for release on April 7, 2025, The Hollow Vale invites readers into a world where the past haunts the present, and the future hinges on what we choose to remember. For those drawn to stories of quiet rebellion, mythic landscapes, and the power of chosen kin, Burton’s debut is a journey worth taking.
Find more from Alexander Paul Burton now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4lxwhM1
Kindle: https://amzn.to/44lQFZx
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3GcNXh2
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4lv2vrl
Audible: https://amzn.to/3Ij4L6w
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!