Elisabeth Berglund
Elisabeth Berglund is of Sámi heritage but grew up in the south of Sweden. As a child with multiple allergies to both pollen and furry animals, her days were spent indoors, reading exciting books from all over the world. With determination and medical treatment, she has overcome most of these allergies and now lives in the countryside, surrounded by her family and an assortment of animals — sheep, horses, a tiny dog, and a terribly useless but utterly charming cat.
Her passion for storytelling has set her on a new life path, leading to an award-winning literary career.
Her first novel, The Fire Child, was awarded the prestigious Selma Prize 2023 and voted Best Fantasy Debut of the Year in Sweden.
The second book, Heart of Time, received the Swedish Arts Council’s Literature Grant for high-quality literature.
In the third chapter of the saga, The Starry Crown, Elisabeth delves even deeper into adventure and drama, leaving readers eager for the next part of the series.
Selma Prize 2023 and voted Best Fantasy Debut of the year in Sweden.
Instagram: Elisabeth.berglund.author
The Fire Child
Back cover text:
Vivya is on the run. Her world has been destroyed. Once wild and carefree, she's now forced to draw on every ounce of her magical power and training to escape relentless soldiers and track down the one thing that could change everything: a child with extraordinary abilities. Her only ally? A nitpicking High Judge with less magic than you could fit on a toenail clipping.
Ylmar finds himself stranded, alone, in a foreign land where no one values order and rules mean nothing. Against his will, he's dragged into a perilous journey by a young and reckless Merry Rider. But as they race across land and sea, something ancient and powerful stirs deep within him.
Who is this mysterious child? And will they find her before time runs out?
Motivation for Selma Prize:
The Fire Child (Eldbarnet) is an impressive fantasy novel that combines classic elements of the genre with innovative perspectives. Elisabeth Berglund creates a vivid world filled with unique cultures, where matriarchal structures and reversed gender roles add a fascinating dynamic.
With language that is both accessible and captivating, she skillfully balances suspense, relationships, and social themes in a way that feels natural and original. Her characters are multidimensional, and readers are quickly drawn into their destinies and conflicts.
The strong momentum that drives the story keeps the reader engaged, while the supernatural elements blend seamlessly into the plot. The protagonist Vivya is an unexpected hero, “the wrong person in the wrong place,” which makes her struggle and development all the more compelling.
With The Fire Child, Elisabeth Berglund demonstrates a craftsmanship that stands out, both in her imaginative storytelling and her keen eye for detail. A debut that deserves praise and sets a new standard for published Swedish fantasy.
Original title: Eldbarnet
Publication: Possibilia förlag 2022
Pages: 256
Rights sold: All rights available
Reading material: Full translation by Annie Prime.
The Heart of Time
The adventure continues!
Vivya, the last Merry Rider, High Judge Ylmar, and the magical child Minndora have finally found safety on Ylmar's homeworld after escaping Broughan's soldiers. But all is not as it seems, and soon the trio is pulled into a power struggle that threatens the future of Pompodia and the Ten Worlds.
Against them stand shadowy conspirators, a corrupt police force, greedy rulers, and ancient lies. Their only means of fighting back are Vivya's determination, Minndora's newly awakened magical powers, and Ylmar's unique sense of time...
Who's really pulling the strings? And why is magic forbidden?
Original title: Tidens hjärta
Publication: Possibilia förlag 2023
Pages: 300
Rights sold: All rights available
Reading material: Sample translation
The Starry Crown
Does beauty and peace come at a cost?
Mélliope is the cradle of the Ten Worlds and the realm of fine arts. But that's not why Vivya, the last Merry Rider, seeks refuge here. This is where the Queen and the Supreme Council reside—the ones who can help her in the fight against Broughan and his soldiers. But Vivya, High Judge Ylmar, and the young priestess Minndora aren't the only ones arriving.
The time has come for the Starry Crown Ceremony, where a new queen will be chosen to rule the Ten Worlds. Mélliope overflows with delegates and guests from every free world, and the three soon find themselves surrounded by intrigue and rivalries. Old and new threats draw ever closer. Is there more at stake than the throne?
Mélliope gives, and Mélliope takes.
Original title: Stjärnekronan
Publication: Possibilia förlag 2024
Pages: 300
Rights sold: All rights available
Reading material: Sample translation
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