Stormborn: The Battle for Chantara
To the rest of the world, Caroline McKinney is just another awkward middle-schooler but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ever since discovering her powers, she’s spent her life in the shadows, hiding the parts of herself that don’t fit in and constantly fearing what might happen if anyone learns the truth.
Then one day, she receives an acceptance letter in the mail – an invitation to a prestigious boarding school. There, she discovers other people with abilities just as unpredictable as her own. For the first time, Caroline knows what it’s like to belong.
But before she can settle in, she receives an unusual assignment from her mysterious principal. Caroline and her new friends find themselves in a hidden realm, searching for a way home. But the journey is far more complicated – and dangerous – than they imagined.
Along the way, unsettling secrets come to light and Caroline is forced to confront an important question: Is she truly extraordinary or just a pawn in someone else’s game?
Meet the Heroes (and Villains)
CAROLINE MCKINNEY: A “normal” middle school girl with hidden powers. When circumstances leave her no choice, she is forced to break through her self-doubt and take command. Through this journey, Caroline learns what it means to be a good leader and uncovers the remarkable potential within herself.
VANESSA MORGAN: The truest friend that Caroline has ever had. Vanessa has a way of making people feel understood and valued. Her power highlights her empathy and her natural ability to connect with others. HINT: Vanessa was named after a genus of butterfly.
ANABEL CASTILLO: The brutally honest “big sis” of the friend group. Anabel is very outgoing and always speaks her mind, no matter the occasion. A natural leader, she often keeps her guard up to avoid worrying others. Her power comes with a price, reflecting her selflessness and instinct to protect.
Why You’ll Feel Good Supporting This Book (Parents, Teachers, Librarians, and Sponsors)
Stormborn offers young readers a wealth of themes to discover and reflect on:
Belonging: Her whole life, Caroline has tried to blend in, even though what she hides makes her remarkable. Fundamentally, Stormborn is about a girl seeking acceptance on a journey to belong and face the world without fear.
The Nuance Between Good and Evil: Is there truly such a thing as clear-cut good and evil or just shades of gray? Even those with noble intentions can make harmful choices, and people labeled as villains may have understandable motives. The narrative explores moral ambiguity and challenges readers to question what truly defines right and wrong.
Learned Hatred and Breaking the Cycle: Hatred and discrimination are often passed down through generations. They are taught by family, culture, or society and reinforced with fear. However, individuals have the power to break the cycle by choosing to be empathetic, even toward someone they don’t fully understand. Stormborn explores the impact of fear-based division on society, and how even one person can change the course of a kingdom.
Inequality and Classism: In the kingdom of Chantara, limited opportunities deepen social divides, leaving many in poverty while the privileged flaunt their wealth. The narrative highlights these stark differences, offering young readers a chance to reflect on how economic disparity shapes lives.
Order your copy now and step into a world full of wonder!
FANTASY FAN TIERS
STAND-ALONE ENTRY TIER – $45
A great way to get the book and join the community celebration. For supporters who just want the book and to join the celebration.
Includes:
- A signed physical copy + eBook
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
$45
FAN LEVEL – $60
The creative fan who wants to be involved.
All-Inclusive Fan Package:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
$60
STORY SHAPER – $85
The creative fan who wants to be involved.
All-Inclusive Fan Package:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
Exclusive Tier Perk:
- Co-design Illustrations/Map. Collaborate on early designs for characters, key scenes, or the world map. Help bring the visual world to life.
$85
WORLD-BUILDER – $105
For the fan who wants to leave a permanent mark on the story’s world.
All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
New Exclusive Perk:
- Name a Minor Location. Name an inn, village, forest, or other minor setting the characters visit. Your imagination becomes part of the canon.
$105
CHARACTER PATRON – $125
The reader seeking a deep, personal connection to the story.
All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
New Exclusive Perk:
- Name a Minor Character. Name a background character (a guard, merchant, council member). See your namesake walk the pages of the book.
$125
LORE KEEPER – $145
The dedicated superfan who must have every piece of the story.
All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
New Exclusive Perk:
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
$145
APPRENTICE AUTHOR – $165
The aspiring writer and ultimate fan.
All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
New Exclusive Perk:
- Writing Camp Access. Attend a multi-day virtual camp led by the author. Learn the craft and business of writing and publishing firsthand.
$165
SUPERFAN LEVEL – $350
All the following Perks:
- 2 Signed Copies + 2 eBooks
- Special Acknowledgement in the book & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
All Exclusive Perks:
- Co-design Illustrations/Map. Collaborate on early designs for characters, key scenes, or the world map. Help bring the visual world to life.
- Name a Minor Location. Name an inn, village, forest, or other minor setting the characters visit. Your imagination becomes part of the canon.
- Name a Minor Character. Name a background character (a guard, merchant, council member). See your namesake walk the pages of the book.
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
- Writing Camp Access. Attend a multi-day virtual camp led by the author. Learn the craft and business of writing and publishing first-hand.
$350
PATRON AND SPONSOR TIERS
BRONZE LIBRARY PATRON – $400
For those who wish to champion literacy. As sponsor you receive all perks from the Lore Keeper ($145) plus a prominent Library Patron Ackowledgement in the book (separate section).
Lore Level Benefits. All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
Donation Impact & Recognition: Donate 5 books to a library of your choice. Receive a prominent “Library Patron” acknowledgement in the book and a personal thank-you note.
$400
SILVER LIBRARY PATRON – $800
For those who wish to champion literacy. As sponsor you receive all perks from the Lore Keeper ($145) plus a prominent Library Patron Ackowledgement in the book (separate section).
Lore Level Benefits. All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
Donation Impact & Recognition: Donate 10 books to libraries of your choice. Receive a prominent “Library Patron” acknowledgement in the book and a personal thank-you note.
$800
GOLD LIBRARY PATRON – $1.600
For those who wish to champion literacy. As sponsor you receive all perks from the Lore Keeper ($145) plus a prominent Library Patron Ackowledgement in the book (separate section).
Lore Level Benefits. All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
Donation Impact & Recognition: Donate 25 books to libraries of your choice. Receive a prominent “Library Patron” acknowledgement in the book and a personal thank-you note.
$1,600
PLATINUM LIBRARY PATRON – $3.200
For those who wish to champion literacy. As sponsor you receive all perks from the Lore Keeper ($145) plus a prominent Library Patron Ackowledgement in the book (separate section).
Lore Level Benefits. All the following Perks:
- Signed Copy + eBook
- Special Acknowledgement & Thank-You Note
- Invitation to the Launch Party (In person or online)
- Secret Chapter. Receive an exclusive, never-published chapter (villain origin or sequel teaser). Access hidden lore no other readers will see.
Donation Impact & Recognition: Donate 50 books to libraries of your choice. Receive a dedicated, top-listed “Platinum Library Patron” acknowledgement in he book and a heartfelt personal thank-you note.
$3,200
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you crowdfunding this book?
I’m choosing to crowdfund to build a supportive reader community from day one — your support helps fund editing, design, printing, and much more!
What do I receive when I support your presale?
Depending on the reward tier you choose, you’ll receive signed copies, bonus resources, live session access, or personal acknowledgments in the book.
What will appear on my credit card statement?
You will see ‘MANUSCRIPT’ reflected on your credit card statement.
When will I get my Perks and Packages?
Books (Ebook, Paperback, Hardback) will be delivered in Spring 2026.
Other perks, depending on what you ordered, could be released before the book is printed and published. I will reach out to you when each perk is ready for delivery. I will be regularly communicating with you after the campaign to keep you updated.
What are the Risks and Challenges?
I’ve already written the first draft of my manuscript. I have a publishing timeline in place and a team lined up to support editing, design, and distribution.
The main risks are:
- Timeline shifts during production or printing (I’ll communicate transparently!)
- Supply chain or shipping delays (especially with printed copies)
During revisions, I will engage with you regularly to keep you up to date on my progress.
Can I purchase multiple times?
Yes, you can order multiple times.
Are preorders refundable?
Preorders are non-refundable. However, you may transfer to another individual at no charge.
When is the deadline to support your presale?
See my social media posts for timeline information.
PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sumangat Kahlon | $45.00 | December 17, 2025 1:39 am |
| Tara Johnsom | $60.00 | December 16, 2025 5:33 pm |
| Pamela Sohal | $45.00 | December 15, 2025 9:22 pm |
| Kris Torres | $45.00 | December 14, 2025 10:15 pm |
| Yukeba Smith | $45.00 | December 12, 2025 3:20 pm |
| Navdeep Kumar | $200.00 | December 11, 2025 8:40 pm |
| Mandeep Chatha Homer | $350.00 | December 11, 2025 1:14 pm |
| George Stephan | $105.00 | December 9, 2025 3:57 pm |
| Mona Schreiber | $45.00 | December 9, 2025 3:36 pm |
| Sarbjit Kahlon | $45.00 | December 9, 2025 2:54 pm |