Welcome to the
World of Rave
The Vanguards series
arrives with its first story
Enter an expansive and diverse world with
characters of all different backgrounds, identities, colors, and creeds, where their resolve
decides the future.
Beyond the borders of the united lands of Rave, danger and mystery lie in wait for the
Vanguards. They are an organization dedicated to humanity’s survival, unity, and knowledge,
who bravely explore the unknown with strong bodies and powerful magic. Dina Carroll’s only
desire is to join their ranks, but while her mind is sharp, years of dealing with depression and
anxiety have left her body frail and magic skills lacking. Still, she has been accepted into the
Chorus Vanguards Academy, and only one obstacle remains — a five-day trial of combat and
survival, where failure would put an end to Dina’s dream. In desperation, she finds allies in two
other competitors — the carefree, energetic athlete Tala, and the prideful, stoic swordswoman
Najida. Dina must fight to keep up with friend and rival alike, racing to learn magic and
outsmart her enemies, but the more she learns about the Vanguards and herself, the further
she is entangled in the greatest secrets of her world.
MEET THE TEAM
Dina Carroll — Our story’s heroine, though she would not call herself as much. After a life of dealing with depression and anxiety, Dina’s body is frail and her skill with magic is unpracticed. Still, her studious mind has brought her within reach of joining a famous Vanguard academy. Now, she must rely on new friends and quick wits to take hold her dream of becoming a Vanguard.
Talaria “Tala” Herma — Wild and strong-willed, she is Dina’s first teammate. Tala is an athletic, headstrong girl from the port city of Aqualong. She’s quick to make friends, make enemies, start an adventure, start a battle — all with magic that boosts her swiftness even higher. To her, a Vanguard’s life is an endless party, filled with amazing sights and hot-blooded fights, and she wants an invitation.
Najida Zaiba — This quiet, serious girl finishes our main trio, though not without plenty of convincing to join them at all. Najida holds her veiled head high, confident in both magic and sword skill, and is only unsure on whether she needs allies at all. Hailing from the desert land of Mizraim, she harnesses the arid sands with her rare elemental magic.
THE WORLD OF RAVE
A united land built on 278 years of hard work. This once-nameless world of warring territories was forever changed by five heroes of history. Leon Blackmore, later known as the First Vanguard, joined hands with the Four Founders — Rabiah Abbas of Mizraim, Arthur Augustus Pendragon of Ebury, Victorio Valvanera of Espia, and Eri Fuyukawa of Hinode. These four monarchs forged a mighty alliance, and over a decade of hard work, they transformed a deadly wilderness into the territory of Neutral Ground, where anyone could live freely. To steward the territories of Rave and extend hands of friendship, the Vanguards Association was birthed in Year 1 A.U., the same year of Rave’s founding. Now, nearly three centuries later, 42 territories are unified as one world dedicated to knowledge and prosperity.
Vanguards is a story that has lived within me for years. Throughout school, jobs, people who
come and go in life, Dina Carroll and the world called Rave have been there, waiting for their
chance to shine. I write to keep my head from bursting with too many ideas stored up, but also
to bring people closer.
This fantasy world is diverse, filled with cultures, races, identities,
sexualities, disabilities, and more, all of which mirror our own world. I want Vanguards to be an
open door to all readers. Imagine yourself in this world, with your own magical powers, on
your own adventures. Bring your friends and family too, while you’re at it. I will always make
space for you, and if it feels like I haven’t, make your own space. This story is a sandbox, so
let’s all play together.