It’s simultaneously a pleasure and an honor to see a dream realized. And it doesn’t always have to be my own dream coming to realization.
I first came across The Rema Chronicles as a webcomic and fell in love instantly. I waited for every update and read the thing all the way through at least half a dozen times before it left the internet for a quiet limbo where the author and artist Amy Kim Kibuishi continued to work away on polishing her story.
Over the last decade, I’ve thought about this story often, the art, the timbre and cadence of the story sticking with me through thick and thin. To have made such a powerful impression is amazing to me. I kept up with the news and updates over the years and when the release date was finally announced I nearly jumped out of my shoes!
I got the first book on release day and over the last week have been reading it slowly, savoring and delighting all over again at the way Amy tells her story. A quote by Neil Gaiman comes to mind “A book is a dream you hold in your hands” and I realize that not only am I holding my own dream (of reading this story again) but of Amy’s dream. There is obviously so much heart and weight to this story. Meeting Tabby and Philip again is like seeing long-lost friends again and I’m overwhelmed with how much is still love this story. I can’t wait to read the next installment, I can’t wait to read this one again and again and again.
I applaud Amy for sticking with her story and sticking with us readers too. There’s something so delightfully heartening about following her progress over the years, rooting for her from my corner of the world, and seeing just how much she cared for this story to make it a reality. I think there’s something to be said for all authors and artists and creatives that stick to those dreams. That drive and dedication is often lovely to see, because as creatives we are often plagued with doubt, imposter syndrome, life that won’t quit living, struggles outside of our control. Seeing and experiencing the success of someone who obviously stuck to her story is delightful. It really makes me believe anything is possible!
The Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist is just the beginning, and it feels like the beginning of something very profound. The characters are solid and feel like people and the universe created here is just as real as any mythological story or fairytale. There’s a presence to the world-building that matches, and outright, rivals many popular fantasy universes. We are given a taste of what’s behind the scenes and I hunger for so much more.
After waiting for years for this, I am not disappointed in the slightest. I will hold a torch for this story and for Amy Kim Kibuishi for as long as I live.
If you would like to purchase a copy of Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist, may I recommend Indiebound to find a local bookseller near you!
Book trailer below!
Arbor Winter Barrow 
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