Awakening

A magical world. A boy with no way home. A journey through grief, healing, and hidden strength. When twelve-year-old Danny Finnegan loses everything in a single terrifying moment, he is pulled into the mysterious realm of Thistalyn. This new world is filled with talking creatures, ancient magic, and ruins that hint at a forgotten war. But nothing prepares him for the way grief follows him, no matter where he goes. As Danny tries to make sense of what happened to his family, he meets Grundle, a strange gnome who refuses to call him by his real name. Together, they travel through enchanted forests and abandoned villages, uncovering clues about a power that could change everything. At its heart, Awakening is more than a fantasy adventure. It is a story for kids navigating deep emotions. It offers space for reflection, connection, and hope without talking down to its readers. Ideal for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Amari and the Night Brothers, and The Girl Who Drank the Moon, The Winberie Journals: Awakening blends rich world-building and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable coming-of-age journey.