Tag: middle years

Book 3 Update – Title Reveal and First Draft Complete

September 23rd, 2025
Hello everyone,

It’s been a while! I’m popping into your inbox with a long-awaited (and very exciting) update.

The first draft of Book 3 is officially complete!

Right now, it’s sitting at just under 90,000 words making it the largest book in the series so far (just barely). There are still a few more scenes and chapters I need to weave in to make sure every beat lands perfectly. So it’ll likely land around the 90,000 word mark by the end of all the editing.

I have to say, I’m incredibly excited about this one. It feels… grand. Epic in scope, but also raw and deeply personal for the characters you’ve been following. Whether your favourite is Ti, Slayer, Haro, Fero, or perhaps even Riksta (she was pretty minor in Book 2, I can forgive you if she wasn’t a favourite!) I think you’ll be pretty happy!

And speaking of mood, I can finally reveal the official subtitle. I hope it gives you a hint of what’s to come:

The Phoenix and the Ant: Ashes of the Anthill

Foreboding, eh?

If you haven’t had a chance to begin the journey yet, now is the perfect time to catch up before this next chapter arrives. You can find the first two books, The Phoenix and the Ant and The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries, at any online retailer.

After this, there will be one more main novel to conclude the series. (And perhaps a little “sidequel” novella, if you’re lucky!)

Thank you, as always, for your incredible support. It truly means the world.

Stay cool,

SMVL Trudeau
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First Major Review for Ancestral Cries

July 2nd, 2025
I’m just going to post the review below, I think it really hits the head of my sequel! Review Link: The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries

If you haven’t had a chance to order your copy yet check it out here:
https://a.co/d/7qAvAOm

Young adults who appreciated the blend of magic, quest, and heroism in SMVL Trudeau’s prior book about the world of Ptansia will love the power and allure of this sequel, The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries.

Fantasy and mystery combine in a situation where murder leads Ti, Slayer, Fero, and ant companion Haro to investigate, guided by the much more experienced Val SilverHan. What they discover underlying forces of magic, politics, and special interests threatens not just their lives, but the world as a whole.

It’s rare to see fantasy intersect so engrossingly with a murder investigation, much less for teen audiences. Trudeau spins a vivid yarn as the kids follow mercurial clues into dangerous territory that many an adult would find daunting.

Another strength of this story lies in how Trudeau outlines the psyches and individual concerns of each character. As the story begins, Wizard Ti dreams of stopping Admiral Lors from rearming and starting new conflicts, accompanied by Haro. How can ants defy something huge? Through sheer numbers.

But, numbers don’t always translate to power or success, they discover as the saga unfolds. Ti’s education on controlling her magic and working with animals takes a huge leap as her involvements in bigger-picture situations build not just her abilities and ideals, but her education.

Since meeting Aghat, her life had reached unexpected places.

Many of these situations can kill. Others reveal new insights about the Source, the nature of human/beast interactions, and the impact of magic and ancient ties that both constrict and are threatened by new adversity.

At each stage of the investigation, Trudeau unfolds new opportunities for understanding (and, ultimately, transformation) as characters confront their biggest nightmares and greatest dreams.

Issues of trust, safety, and connections among the major players in conflict come to life as drama creates astute social and psychological connections between characters.

Libraries seeking a young adult leisure choice that blends fantasy, intrigue, and relationship-building situations will want to recommend The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries—especially to those attracted to tales of magic and discovery.

Filled with action, realizations, and new relationship considerations, The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries is a vivid journey that will attract a wide audience, especially young readers who have enjoyed the prior The Phoenix and the Ant story.

– – D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
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Proofs are in! And, a Call-out for ARCs

February 27th, 2025
That’s about it for now!

The proofs are in, and they look absolutely amazing. I’ve already spotted a few tiny printing errors, so I’m really glad I decided to order proofs. I want Ancestral Cries to be the best it can possibly be for my readers, and taking the time to go through these proofs carefully is a must. It’s all about catching those little mistakes now so the final version is as polished as it can be.

So far, the handful of people reading this second-to-last draft are diving right in and loving it. The feedback has been so encouraging, and it’s such a great feeling to see all the hard work I’ve put into this story resonate with others. Writing in the Upper Middle Grade genre isn’t easy—it’s a tough crowd to crack into—but I know my series will find its audience eventually. That thought keeps me going. I truly believe that once readers discover the characters and the world I’ve built, they’ll fall in love with it just like I have.

Every revision, every tweak, every decision I’ve made has been about making the story sharper, more engaging, and more immersive. It’s all about creating that magical connection between the reader and the world on the page. As I keep moving forward, I’m reminding myself to stay patient and persistent. The road to publication isn’t always smooth, but every step—no matter how small—brings me closer to sharing Ancestral Cries with the world. And honestly? I can’t wait.

ARCS – Looking for ARCS soon. Upside, you’ll get a free digital copy. Ideally you’d have read the first book first, but it’s not necessary. Shoot me an email if you’re interested: smvltrudeau@gmail.com

Stay awesome,

SMVL Trudeau
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The Phoenix and the Ant: Editing Update

January 9th, 2025
That’s right—it’s official! Editing for The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries is DONE!

Next on the list is formatting everything to perfection before sending it off to the printer. Of course, I’ll probably end up doing another round of editing, haha.

I’m genuinely thrilled with how this sequel has shaped up. It feels like the perfect continuation of the story, and I can’t wait to hear what you think when it’s finally in your hands.

Also, my commissioned artwork arrived today! Huge shoutout to floofaeth for bringing my vision to life. The piece turned out absolutely stunning—it’s always a surreal moment seeing your story brought to life through art. It’s like the book takes on a new dimension, becoming even more real.

The artwork pictures two familiar faces if you’ve read even a little bit of the first book, with Ti in the middle and Slayer on her left. On Ti’s right is Fero, a character that is introduced late in the first novel. And on her shoulder, her ant friend, Haro.

That’s all for now—just wanted to share a quick update with you all.

—

SMVL
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Ancestral Cries – Second Round of Major Updates Done

July 11th, 2024
Exciting News: Major Edits Completed!

Woohoo! The second round of major edits is finally complete, and let me tell you, it’s been both painstaking and incredibly satisfying. Of course, there have been countless smaller edits along the way, but this milestone feels especially significant.

Call for Beta Readers

At this stage, I’m eagerly looking for Beta Readers. Your insights on the whole story before the final line edit would be invaluable. If you’re interested in being a Beta Reader, please email me at: smvltrudeau@gmail.com.

About My First Book

In the meantime, don’t forget that my first book, The Phoenix and the Ant, is still available! This Upper Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure novel is packed with suspense, dynamic characters, and significant growth. Though I debated labeling it as Young Adult (YA), I ultimately decided it fits best as Upper Middle Grade.

You can find The Phoenix and the Ant in physical copies, e-books, and even an audiobook. Just search for it through your favorite retailer.

Connect With Me

I appreciate all the support and feedback from my readers. Your thoughts and opinions help shape my work, and I can’t wait to hear from you!

Best regards,
SMVL Trudeau
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Update on Book 2: Ancestral Cries and Available Audiobook

May 15th, 2024
Yeesh. I am awful at keeping up-to-date with this blog. I’m sorry. Life has been incredibly hectically busy. From work, to home, to family, to friends, to life. Nothing majorly bad, thankfully, but busy. You know?

Anyway, no major updates. I am currently chipping away at major edits for Book 2 – Ancestral Cries. Both going really hard on edits and making it read well, but also implementing some thoughts and opinions of my Beta-Readers (still looking for more).

Book 3 has taken a bit of a back step so I can ensure Book 2 gets out at a decent time.

Sorry I don’t have much else to give right now. Book 2 is coming.

In the meantime, if you haven’t read Book 1, it’s still out there (pretty much on every site in existence) . If you prefer to listen there is also an awesome Audiobook.
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First Editorial Review

March 2nd, 2024
This is definitely something I should have tried to get done before the book released. But with this being my first book – you live and you learn.

Anyway, here’s a small snippet, and below that a link to the full review.

These deeper-level inspections of motivation, purpose, ethical behavior and evolving odd friendships may feel unusual for a middle-grade story, but nothing about The Phoenix and the Ant is typical. Its focus on shifting relationships, new realizations, and a physical phoenix challenged with also transforming mentally creates an action-packed tale with an underlay of thoughtful dilemmas that readers will find thoroughly engrossing.

Libraries seeking attractive leisure reads that can translate well to young reader book club discussion groups about all manner of behaviors and struggles will find The Phoenix and the Ant a powerful story of growth, acceptance, and revitalization that embraces both individual and social change.

– Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services

http://donovansliteraryservices.com/march-2024-issue.html#tpa
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Audiobook Release

February 10th, 2024
The Phoenix and the Ant‘s audiobook is now officially released on Amazon and (I believe) iTunes. I am currently in the process of getting it uploaded to various other sites as well through Author’s Republic.

The producer of the audiobook, Ali Hoghoughi did an absolutely wonderful job. After reading through, and editing, and reading, and editing the book what feels like 80 times, he made me fall back in love with it. Truly marvelous work.

If you’re interested here are some links! If you do end up listening, let me know how you feel. Here is an audio sample from Chapter 10 you can listen to that is spoiler-free:

US: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0CV5YSD69/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-385182&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_385182_rh_us

Canada: https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0CV5ZJG6D/?source_code=AMNORWS022318003G-BK-ACX0-385182&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_385182_rh_ca

Book 2 (Ancestral Cries) is nearly ready for Beta-Readers (if you’re interested please email me). As well, Book 3 is a few chapters in. Things are going to great places, slowly, but surely.

—

SMVL Trudeau
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The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries – Cover Reveal

January 27th, 2024
Hello!

It’s here, the sequel’s cover is now done. I am aiming for an early 2025 release as I want to ensure top notch editing quality before releasing the book to the world. I am so excited though.

The audiobook for Book 1 is on its way soon. Right now its just being reviewed to ensure its of the highest quality. I’ve listened to the entire thing and it sounds GOOD.

Anyway, here’s some pictures of book 2’s cover art:

If you haven’t had the chance to check out my first novel, The Phoenix and the Ant, you can find it here:
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B0CFYR5ZZV&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_SPB8VN3N9X1Y8355TWV0

I’m so happy with how everything is turning out and I’m sure you’ll enjoy and love the entire series (and its great for young readers as well)!

—

S.M.V.L. Trudeau
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The Phoenix and the Ant is up for pre-order

August 17th, 2023
Well, we’ve go to this point. It’s up for pre-order. I may have bit a bit under-ambitious with the release date of November 26th, but I want to ensure the book is the best it can be before I let it out into the world.

Check it out/Pre-order here. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited for the first 90 days of its life. I’m hoping the physical copies will come out not too long after, but I’ll want to make sure the quality is great before letting those go out into the world.

If anyone is interested in a PDF copy of the story (it still has final edits to go through, but you’ll get the idea) let me know.

Thanks for reading!

Book Blurb:

In the kingdom of Djat, Were Magic is forbidden, its mere existence a crime punishable by the highest degree. But when a young girl named Ti discovers her ability to transform into a majestic phoenix, her life takes a drastic and perilous turn. Haunted by the memory of the royal family’s assassination by Were Wizards, Ti’s father, a valiant general in the Djat army, makes a desperate decision to ensure her safety. He sends her to the prestigious Yaudi School, where she can learn to harness her unique powers.

Guided by Captain Arence and his eclectic crew from the Calydronian ship, Tubby Whale, Ti embarks on a treacherous journey across the vast oceans of Ptansia, a shattered continent. Along this perilous path, she crosses paths with Slayer, a gifted Wind Wizard whose immense talent is rivaled only by his ego. Together, Ti, Slayer, and her loyal Animal Partner, Priot—a silver-tipped falcon—confront ancient beasts, unravel hidden magic, and unwittingly become pawns in a kingdom’s insatiable thirst for war.

Ti’s adventure is more than a quest to master her newfound powers; it’s a journey of self-discovery and belonging. In a world where she feels like an outsider, Ti must forge new friendships and navigate the intricate balance between loyalty, identity, and the yearning for a true home. As she faces extraordinary challenges and embraces unforeseen alliances, Ti’s path becomes an enthralling tale that seamlessly weaves magic, adventure, and the timeless pursuit of finding oneself.
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