We’re incredibly blessed to have Hollis Barkhaus, the brilliant author of the fantasy book series The Bridge, as one of our talented writers for Rest. Hollis has an unmatched gift for world-building that instantly draws readers in and makes them fall in love with the stories he creates. His immersive, enchanting style is a perfect fit for those seeking calm and comfort, and I’m beyond thrilled that he has lent his talent to help all of us find rest and relaxation through his magical words.
The Missing Volume, the first installment in Hollis’ Ember Isles Collection, introduces us to a fantasy realm. As the islands’ landscapes of misty valleys, ancient forests, and soaring mountains unfold, we’re invited to drift between a world of royal intrigue and enchanting secrets - all with the softness that’s required for a warm bedtime story.
Entering the World of Ember Isles
The Ember Isles themselves are an immersive, dreamy collection of enchanted islands. At the core of The Missing Volume is Mila, a young princess with a restless spirit and an insatiable curiosity.
The Unique Blend of Fantasy and Relaxation
Unlike many epic fantasy series, The Ember Isles Collection isn’t about fast-paced battles or dramatic cliffhangers. Instead, it’s a world carefully crafted by Barkhaus for listeners who want to escape the noise of everyday life and unwind.
What makes The Missing Volume special is its combination of rich world-building with a narrative voice that is peaceful and calming. Every word is chosen to soothe, creating a perfect balance between engaging your imagination and guiding you toward sleep.
Discovering Hollis' Creative Process
What inspired you to create the Ember Isles, a world that feels both magical and calming?
So the Ember Isles came out of a desire to explore the “softer” sides of fantasy. I love beautiful descriptions of scenery; more playful, innocent types of magic; and adventures that aren’t quite so high-stakes. I love and use sleep stories quite often and have written a few set directly in the world I created for The Bridge Book Series. It lets me give the characters much happier moments that would otherwise be left out as excessive filler. The Ember Isles lets me tell those more pleasant tales without the weight that the characters from my other series carry on their shoulders.
Mila, the young princess, has a sense of wonder and curiosity. What was the process of developing her character, and how do you see her growing throughout the collection?
Mila, like many of the other characters in the Ember Isles, started as one who just didn’t quite fit into my other work. She’s clever and playful and quick-witted, but also caring and empathetic. She tends to find herself getting into a bit of mischief, but that’s all part of the fun. I’m certain she will grow up to become an even greater Queen than her mother, and we’ll see that side of her grow throughout the stories while also allowing her to enjoy her childhood in a land filled with magic and mystery.
The Ember Isles’ landscapes, “from soaring mountains to mist-shrouded waterfalls”, are vividly described. How do you strike the balance between building an intriguing world and keeping the tone relaxing?
That can be tough sometimes. I can get lost in the lore and it starts to become too complicated which can shift from peaceful to boring really fast. I try to read everything out loud in a soft, gentle voice and if it would soothe me to sleep, I keep it.
Nature and scenery is the easiest with which to strike that balance, so I describe that in detail and keep everything else that makes the world too complicated as simple as possible. Ideally you should be able to listen to each story individually without needing to have heard the rest to make sense of it.
How do you weave in these moments of discovery while maintaining the tranquil tone of the series?
I find it’s easiest if things are kept as low stakes as possible, or at least focus on the lighter aspects. Mila’s perspective also helps. Seeing the world through her eyes gives it a more innocent tone. That’s not to say there isn’t conflict or a touch of suspense, but it’s avoiding tension that really makes the difference. I want the listener to feel curious about the world of the Ember Isles, not anxious.
How do you hope listeners feel after experiencing The Missing Volume and the world of Ember Isles?
Hopefully well-rested. I hope they never make it farther than five minutes into the story and that they drift into a restful sleep and wake up feeling restored. But I also hope they feel excited to listen and want more! There are some stories that make me excited to go to bed because the story is intriguing and I want to know what happens next. Somehow, stories that engage the imagination like that and make you picture something vivid and tranquil, make you want to stay up, and yet lull you right to sleep.
Why This World Eases You Into Sleep
The Ember Isles Collection isn't just another fantasy series, it's a comforting escape. The slow, deliberate pacing, the vibrant-yet-soothing descriptions, and Mila’s personal journey all serve to wrap you in a cosy narrative cocoon.
For those who love fantasy but crave something a little more soothing, The Missing Volume offers an ideal escape. Whether you're here for the beautiful landscapes, the quiet mysteries, or simply to lose yourself in a world far away from reality, The Ember Isles promises a magical journey that soothes the mind.
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