The Brilliance of Author Ashley Burgess: How ‘Hawthorne Hale Mercy’ Redefines Epic Sagas

Ashley Burgess introduces readers to a thrilling fantasy adventure with The Incredible Journey series, a captivating tale of immortality, brotherhood, and the quest for redemption. Hawthorne Hale Mercy, the first book in this three-part series, takes readers on an epic journey through time, following the life of Prince Hawthorne Hale Mercy. As the eldest son of the kingdom of Belta, Hawthorne must come to terms with his father’s legacy, confront the chaos caused by his younger brother, McGlaire, and ultimately fight for the survival of his kingdom.

 

Set in a unique world that blends medieval lore with futuristic technology, The Incredible Journey is a masterful tale that weaves together themes of family, destiny, and the clash between tradition and innovation. Across three books, Burgess crafts a story rich in character development, conflict, and imagination, making this series a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Book 1: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – The Awakening of a Prince

The story begins with Prince Hawthorne Hale Mercy in Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 1), where the reader is introduced to a complex and intriguing world. Hawthorne, the eldest son of the ruling family of Belta, is an immortal prince who has lived through countless battles, wars, and mythical encounters. However, despite his longevity, Hawthorne is plagued by the loss of his memories, which are crucial to understanding his family’s legacy and his role in the kingdom’s future.

The first book in the series focuses on Hawthorne’s journey to recover his lost memories and protect the myths and legends that make Belta unique. Along the way, he is accompanied by mythical creatures that serve as protectors and guides, helping him navigate the dangers that lie ahead. His greatest challenge comes from his brother McGlaire, who has aligned himself with dark forces and seeks to dismantle the kingdom in a quest for power.

Burgess skillfully sets up a narrative where the internal and external struggles of Hawthorne take center stage. He must not only fight against the growing chaos caused by McGlaire but also piece together the fragmented memories of his past, which hold the key to preserving the kingdom’s future. Hawthorne Hale Mercy sets the tone for an epic fantasy saga that combines elements of medieval culture with futuristic technology, creating a truly immersive experience for readers.

Book 2: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – The Battle for Knowledge

As Hawthorne’s journey continues in Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 2), the stakes rise even higher. With some of his memories restored, Hawthorne now has a clearer understanding of the immense power and responsibility that comes with his immortality. However, he is still far from achieving his ultimate goal of reclaiming Belta’s lost heritage and protecting it from his brother’s destructive ambitions.

In this second installment, Hawthorne must gather new allies to help him in his quest. While McGlaire’s influence continues to grow, Hawthorne finds himself in a world that is rapidly changing, blending the ancient traditions of Belta with the modern challenges of a more technologically advanced society. His struggle to balance the past with the present is one of the central themes of the book, as he strives to maintain the integrity of his father’s legacy while adapting to the realities of a modern world.

New characters and creatures are introduced in this book, each playing a significant role in helping Hawthorne on his journey. The relationships he forms with these new allies add emotional depth to the story, as he learns that he cannot achieve his goals alone. With each new battle and encounter, Hawthorne grows as both a leader and a warrior, determined to protect Belta from the forces that threaten to tear it apart.

Book 3: Hawthorne Hale Mercy – The Homecoming

The third book in The Incredible Journey series, Hawthorne Hale Mercy (Book 3), brings Hawthorne to a defining moment in his life. After battling the forces of darkness and recovering much of his lost knowledge, Hawthorne faces a difficult decision: return to his homeland to confront McGlaire and reclaim his rightful place, or continue his journey in search of greater power to defeat his brother.

The themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the burden of legacy are central to this installment. Hawthorne’s journey has always been about more than just defeating his brother—it’s about becoming the kind of king who can lead his people through any age, whether it be one of peace or turmoil. Throughout the third book, readers witness the internal struggle that Hawthorne endures as he contemplates the future of Belta and the role he will play in shaping it.

At its core, this book is about choices and the consequences they bring. Hawthorne knows that whatever path he chooses will have lasting implications for both his people and his kingdom. His battle with McGlaire becomes a symbolic representation of the broader conflict between tradition and progress, and the decisions Hawthorne makes will define not only his legacy but the future of Belta as well.

Conclusion: A Fantasy Epic for the Ages

Ashley Burgess has crafted an unforgettable saga in The Incredible Journey series. With its richly developed characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, the story of Hawthorne Hale Mercy stands out as a unique and compelling entry in the fantasy genre. From the medieval kingdom of Belta to the futuristic challenges of a changing world, the series offers readers a captivating blend of action, emotion, and philosophical reflection.

Hawthorne’s journey from prince to king is one marked by loss, growth, and redemption. As he battles the forces of darkness and confronts the ghosts of his past, Hawthorne emerges as a hero worthy of his father’s legacy. Whether you are a fan of epic fantasy, character-driven storytelling, or immersive world-building, The Incredible Journey is a series that delivers on all fronts, offering readers a truly remarkable experience from start to finish.

We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

Hello, my name is Ashley Marie Burgess. I go by Ashley M. B. or Ashley Allen. I have been an artist since childhood and dreamt of being a well known author.

Please tell us about your Book Series: Hawthorne Hale Mercy.

Hawthorne Hale Mercy is a whimsical adventure about two brothers, forged against one another in the embers of time, battling for the kingdom of Belta. Hawthorne, the eldest, with a steely, blue-eyed gaze, searches for peace. Yet, McGlaire and the brethren of shadows sought to burn it all. However, neither beast nor man could overcome the magnitude of power that lies beneath the surface. The grand machines of seraphine warriors drove an irrefutable wedge between them. As time endures, suffering and despair befalls the land. It is now up to Hawthorne to grow beyond the chaos of a fallen kingdom. With his cherished legendary creatures, he looks to rebuild, but first, he must relive his past horrors and dictate a new path.

All the art inside the book and the borders are hand-drawn by me. I also have a DeviantArt account where I share more inside character designs. They are available on paperback and Kindle.

Please tell us about your journey.

My journey for success is an ongoing process. I originally started this journey in 2018, and the covers were bland and far from successful. I began the adventure once more in 2024. I plan to release a second edition called ‘The Collection’. I hope that this story will not only be a fun one, but that help will connect to readers. I include in my process; a three truths chapter. This is where I, the author, attempt to make a connection to real-life problems; Depression, Pride, Etc.

Thank you so much, Ashley, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!