“Remember why you started and don’t give up.”

This is a week I’ve been anticipating since I started writing my young adult fantasy novel in late 2020. Starsun Defiance, book 1 of my Bridge Across Worlds series, is launching this week on April 29, 2026, and I’m eager to introduce readers to my Starsun world!

My keywords throughout the writing and publishing process have been resilience, persistence, flexibility, and momentum. This saying kept me going, “Remember why you started and don’t give up.”

When writing the book, editors, writers-in-residence, critique groups, fellow writers, and friends all read it. They all liked the story, finding it well-written, with a great premise and a message that is needed today.

Starsun Defiance is a young adult (YA) novel. Many readers don’t feel of an age or ‘aren’t into’ young adult books. I read and enjoy YA novels. Some are innocent, yet edgy, with good action. They have shorter chapters, powerful hooks, and emotional stakes that pull a reader in.

YA readers (18–35 and 35–55) are stable, engaged, and growing. This excites me as a YA author. Starsun Defiance is a good starting point for anyone interested in YA books, though I admit I might be biased.

Rooted in stars, sun, and moon lore, and the mythic power of the Guardian Protector animals, Starsun Defiance is about courage, identity, and the strength it takes to defy the destiny others choose for you, and to make your own life’s path despite the consequences.

It’s perfect for those who love:

• Runaway heroines​

• Forbidden bridges and hidden worlds​

• Animal‑bond magic

• Ancient myths woven into modern settings

• High‑stakes choices and fierce self-determination

Pre-Orders Available here:​
Amazon eBook
Amazon Paperback available for purchase on April 29. 2026
Kobo eBook

Starsun Defiance Guardian Protector Great Bear

Born with the mark of the Guardian Protector Great Bear, seventeen-year-old Ahriee (main character) has an instinctive, loving bond with all animals. In her Starsun Colony, Guardian Protectors are animals of any kind who watch over the Starsun people. Everyone in The Colony reveres them. Ahriee explains, “It is our custom to follow the Guardian’s teachings. We grow up learning to interpret the messages and signs of Guardian sightings.”

To reshape her future, Ahriee must heed the great bear’s message and embark on a journey of courage and defiance.

On Starstone Isle, Ahriee and Haakon’s birthing story is told. Both babies are born on Midsummer’s Eve with a Honey Moon gracing the sky. The legend of the Kiss of the Guardian Protector, as told by Ahriee’s grandmother, Eira, tells the tale of The Bridge appearing and disappearing over time, and about how the Guardian Protector animals veil Starstone Isle, forever locking it in time from the surrounding world.

To learn more about Guardian Protector animals, download the free short story: Kiss of the Guardian Protector, a prequel to Starsun Defiance. Thank you in advance for signing up for my newsletter (see below for information about my new newsletter).

I will continue to use Substack as a blog, sharing stories and practices that help children, teens, and adults find courage, identity, and self-belief with my inspirational, children’s, and young adult writing. I find the platform easy to use, and there are readers here.

I’m creating a newsletter on a separate platform. Consider joining my newsletter for simple, comforting updates from my creative world—small behind‑the‑scenes moments, early peeks at what I’m working on, and little sparks of inspiration to brighten your life.

Sign up here: Patricia L. Atchison, author newsletter. (Be sure to check your spam folder on the first confirmation email, as sometimes I’ve found they go there.)

As you can probably tell by my Substack posts, I’m not a pro at sending weekly newsletters. No worries that I’ll be over-sending to your inbox. (Insert big grin here).

One more ask. If you know of anyone who may be interested in Starsun Defiance, please share this email.

In closing, I thank you for being here.

Smile, share the kindness you wish to receive.

Wishing you joy, Patricia