In this Author POV, we highlight Bond and Song, Mera Akiana's literary fantasy romance that blends lush prose, epic romance, and metaphysical storytelling. Set between our world and a hidden realm of energy-weaving witches and their protectors, the novel follows a highly sensitive young woman whose search for love, belonging, and truth may determine the fate of two worlds.
Exploring themes of sensitivity as strength, feminine empowerment, self-acceptance, and humanity's connection to nature, Bond and Song offers a distinctive take on fantasy romance for new adult and adult readers. With its emotionally resonant storytelling and literary style, the novel will appeal to readers seeking character-driven fantasy, spiritual themes, and unforgettable love stories.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
"Bond and Song" is a literary fantasy romance told in lush prose. Set both in our world and amongst a sensual, nature-connected people of energy-weaving witches and their fierce protectors, it tells the story of a highly sensitive young woman who, when faced with an impossible choice – saving her world at the cost of sacrificing her love and the risk of shattering her sanity – has to learn that true belonging and freedom are found in fully accepting ourselves and embracing our truth. It’s the deeply beautiful, heart-wrenching story of an epic love – and an epic homecoming.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
As an HSP myself, I wanted to write a story that would express that experience, and help the reader reframe and embrace sensitivity as powerful. A story that reminds us that in order to belong, we first have to come home to ourselves. I also wanted to write a vision of a world where people were in harmony with nature as well as each other, specifically the mutually reverent dance of feminine and masculine, including portraying sexuality and sexual union as sacred. Finally, I wanted to write a delicious, heart-wrenching and beautiful story of epic love that included some tropes we love, but did so while offering depth and substance. The result was this literary fantasy romance that reviewers describe as incredibly moving, a spiritual experience, and unlike anything they’ve read before.
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
New adult through adult, fans of literary fantasy romance.
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
- Narrative and dramatised exploration of what it is like to go through the world as a highly sensitive person.
- Climate change & humanity’s impact on nature as well as our potential for deep connection and unity with nature.
- Sexuality is explored as sacred and through a spiritual (not religious) lens. Mutual respect and reverence between feminine and masculine energies.
- Feminine empowerment & embodiment, the ‘soft strength’ of sensitivity, vulnerability, open-heartedness
- Self-determination (choice) in the face of destiny (fate)
- Coming home to yourself in order to find belonging, accepting and owning your truth & power, recognising the strengths in your uniqueness; self-ownership = freedom
- A literary-leaning fantasy romance with lush prose and powerful ideas running through its marrow
Are there any sensitive topics or content considerations librarians should be aware of?
Sexuality occurs but is non-explicit on the page. LGBTQ+ and non-traditional relationships in side characters (main couple is M/F).
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
- Literary fantasy romance
- Epic love stories HSPs/highly sensitive persons
- Witches & queens Female empowerment
- Nature Connection Metaphysical & visionary Multicultural Tearjerker / will make you sob
- Star-crossed lovers, soulbonded
- Fate & choice
- Female coming of age / claiming your power
Which formats are currently available?
Hardcover (dust jacket), paperback, ebook, audiobook. Hardcover & paperback available through Ingram Spark. eBook: ISBN 979-8-9885142-2-0 Paperback: ISBN 979-8-9885142-1-3 Hardcover: ISBN 979-8-9885142-0-6 Audiobook: ASIN B0CQ32FGT9
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
(Mental Health Awareness Month (May) / World Sensitivity Day (January 13) Earth Day (April 22) & World Ocean Day (June 8) Beltane (May 1) / Samhain (Oct 31) / Pagan holidays / Earth-based spirituality International Women's Day (March 8)
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
Yes, happy to! Please feel free to contact me at books@meraakiana.com.
To learn more about Mera Akiana, Bond and Song, available formats, and author event opportunities, visit https://meraakiana.com/.
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