FAQ

Naiya and the Foxdragon and Anira and the Spirit of Magic are upper middle-grade / young adult fantasy novels written for readers 10 and up—but truly meant for anyone who loves immersive storytelling, adventure, and beautiful worldbuilding.

You’ll love these books if you:

• Enjoy fantasy adventures with rich storytelling and folklore-inspired magic.

• Love my art and want to see it in a longer narrative form.

• Want to explore a lush, tropical fantasy world—a setting rarely seen in traditional fantasy.

• Are drawn to illustrated novels that blend text with stunning visuals.

• Appreciate unique magical creatures, spirit guardians, and deep worldbuilding.

Both main characters, Anira and Naiya, are 14, making this a perfect read for those who love upper middle-grade and YA fantasy. Many readers are drawn to my books for the worldbuilding and art alone, making them great for both fantasy lovers and visual readers alike!

An illustrated novel is a full-length chapter book that includes illustrations throughout, but it is not a graphic novel.

Unlike graphic novels, which use comic-book-style panels to tell the story visually, an illustrated novel presents the story primarily through text, with accompanying artwork that enhances the world and characters.

Anira and the Spirit of Magic features over 48 original illustrations woven into the storytelling experience.

No spice—these are older middle-grade / young adult fantasy novel that focus on adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.

Naiya and the Foxdragon

The story follows Naiya, an orphaned teen living as a servant in a spice merchant’s household. There are moments of tension when Naiya is hit by her abusive captor before fleeing.

Anira and the Spirit of Magic

The story follows Anira and Naiya as they navigate their relationships with family, friends, and spirit-like beings. That said, there are a few moments of tension:

• Anira has a brief encounter with a woman who dies (though no graphic details are shown).

• Naiya witnesses what appears to be a murder by magic (again, without graphic detail).

• Naiya is captured, tied up, and placed in a cage to be transported elsewhere.

While these moments add stakes to the story, they are handled with care and remain appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Anira and the Spirit of Magic is the first in a two-part series.

My first illustrated novel, Naiya and the Foxdragon, serves as a sort of prequel—a teaser into this larger world of stories. While both books share some locations and characters, Anira and the Spirit of Magic introduces a new main character, fresh locations, and deeper layers of magic.

So whether you’re returning to my world or discovering it for the first time, this is the perfect place to start!

I’m Naomi VanDoren, an author and artist based in Arcata, California.

My work is deeply inspired by my experiences in Indonesia, Japan, and the US, and I love exploring diverse cultures and weaving them into fantastical, inclusive worlds that celebrate courage, identity, and community.

At this time, I’m focusing solely on the full-color print editions for this series. While I haven’t ruled out an ebook version in the future, I currently have no plans to release one.

Yes! I enjoy connecting with readers through virtual readings, interviews, and in-person appearances whenever possible.

Check the “Events” section on naomivandoren.com for upcoming dates and details. You can also subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates on events and announcements.

Right now the book has only been written in English. I have hopes for a native Indonesian translation, but we shall have to wait and see where the tide takes us.