In this Author POV, we highlight The Naida Saga, Lisa K. Stephenson's five-book fantasy series beginning with The Snows of Khione. Blending mythology, epic fantasy, music, and performance, the series follows an expansive journey across two opposing worlds while exploring identity, belonging, family, resilience, and hope.
Designed as a multimedia storytelling experience, The Naida Saga is accompanied by Stephenson's original Author-Owned Book Score™, featuring original songs and ballet compositions that extend the world beyond the page. With The Snows of Khione serving as readers' introduction to the saga, the series offers adult fantasy fans an immersive story shaped by interconnected characters, mythological world-building, and questions of destiny, leadership, loyalty, and what it means to find home.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
Thank you for taking the time to request this information. It is an honor to be considered for this opportunity.
The Snows of Khione is Book 1 of 5 in The Naida Saga. I would describe this fantasy/mythological series as being written for readers who enjoy immersive worlds rich in mythology and in-depth character storytelling. I believe readers who loved the A Song of Ice and Fire series would also enjoy this series.
The Naida Saga follows a larger epic journey while exploring themes of courage, identity, family, both under the sea and on land, and the hope of bringing two opposing worlds together. What sets the project apart is that the story is supported by an original Author-Owned Book Score™, allowing readers to engage with the world through music as well as literature. My goal has always been to create stories that stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
I've written across multiple genres, but I had never explored fantasy before. For me, it was less about checking off a box and more about challenging myself with a genre that would allow for greater creative freedom.
When I wrote my debut novel, my editor at the time told me she had to stop editing after about 25% because she could no longer "suspend her disbelief." At the time, that was difficult to hear, but she was right. I was taking a fictional story and shaping scenarios in ways that felt impossible, but I pushed through and continued to grow from that feedback.
This fantasy series became my way of giving myself permission to be fully free creatively. I hope readers enjoy the story and appreciate the time and effort that went into creating these characters and building this world. Ultimately, I believe we have to learn to live peacefully with one another and avoid disturbing people or things that are not causing harm.
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
The series is intended for readers 18 and older who are interested in music, books, cinema, and mythological storytelling. I think adding the soundtrack is something that will particularly help draw the attention of a college-level audience.
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
For many young adults right now, mental health is an important topic of conversation, and throughout the series there is a strong focus on belonging and being "home." With that in mind, I hope librarians will highlight themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and self-discovery when recommending The Naida Saga.
While the series is set in a fantasy world, many of the challenges the characters face are deeply human. Readers are invited to consider questions about destiny versus choice, the responsibilities that come with leadership, and how individuals navigate loyalty, family expectations, and personal growth.
I also hope the series encourages discussions about the power of storytelling itself. Through the integration of literature, music, and ballet, The Naida Saga explores how stories can be experienced through multiple artistic forms and how different mediums can deepen our understanding of characters and emotions.
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
I would pair the series with A Song of Ice and Fire and Percy Jackson.
Are there companion resources librarians or educators should know about?
The Naida Saga (Author-Owned Book Score™) is a literary format created by Lisa K. Stephenson (née Jevasia) that pairs a novel with an original music album or single owned by the author.
The saga includes The Snows of Khione, The Shadows of the Grey, The Embers of the Ice, Naida and the Two Worlds, and Naida and the Two Worlds: Dawn of the Iris. The official Author-Owned Book Score™ features eight original songs performed by various artists, ten original ballet movements, and a winter performance that weaves music, movement, and storytelling into a unified artistic experience.
The official album will be available to stream on all streaming platforms beginning August 11. In the meantime, three recent singles are available on YouTube.
Which formats are currently available?
Right now, the books are available only in paperback. My wish is for Cynthia Erivo to narrate the audiobook one day. A girl can dream!
I am also happy to send complimentary copies to libraries. One of my books, Late Bloomer, was acquired by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and they were able to obtain it through one of their partners. If there is no specific partner that works with Video Librarian, I am happy to supply copies directly to the institution.
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
I think Black History Month is one occasion when this book, and the series as a whole, could be incorporated into community events. As an African American author and the first to integrate an Author-Owned Book Score™ into her novels, I believe that is something worth highlighting and discussing.
I am also a disabled United States veteran, so funding this project required me to work through my injury while also finding time to write and sit in sessions with producers, writers, and engineers. In a few weeks, I'll be holding auditions for The Snows of Khione: Winter Kingdom, which is taking place in December.
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
Absolutely, and I would welcome the opportunity. Over the years, I've gained a great deal of experience and knowledge, and I am always happy to share what I've learned. I especially enjoy encouraging and supporting younger writers as they begin navigating their own writing journeys.
Writing can be both rewarding and challenging, and if my experiences can help someone feel more confident, inspired, or prepared along the way, then I am more than happy to contribute.
Is there anything else you would like librarians, teachers, or educators to know about your work?
I am truly appreciative of this opportunity. As an independent author, I've declined opportunities to be published by major publishing houses, and it has taken me some time to find a path that truly makes me happy. For many years, I feared there was a possibility that the world would never get to read my stories or experience my work. Still, I remained optimistic because creativity can be difficult to sustain when working under strict deadlines or rigid rules that others expect you to follow.
I am fortunate to have an incredible team behind me, including my editors, Robin and James, as well as a talented group of graphic designers whom I deeply appreciate. I want to make sure I acknowledge them here.
I would also like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to all of the musicians who worked with me on the music side of this project. They poured so much time, talent, and dedication into this album. We all did. I am deeply grateful for their contributions and for helping bring this vision to life.
To learn more about Lisa K. Stephenson's work, The Naida Saga, and the Khione Ballet Academy's programs and initiatives, visit https://www.khioneballetacademy.org/pages/military-initiative.
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