Hello and Welcome!
I’m H. J. Harding. If you’ve found this website, you probably know a little bit about me, but possibly not much. Maybe you read one of my books, maybe you saw my blog, or Facebook, or picked up some merchandise from me at Marscon or Ravencon. Maybe some stranger (probably me) handed you a business card. And maybe you ended up here by accident. In any case, welcome.
You can find out a bit about my history and philosophy of writing on the About me page. I’m hoping that you are at least slightly interested in my books. I have pages that include links to the first chapters and how you can find the books. Before you expend that energy perhaps you would like to know more about the books in question. Both series have webpages that need to be touched up a bit. Hopefully soon.
My Books:
Fiction:
The ‘Hyde Chronicles‘ currently has three books (I’m projecting six or seven for the complete series). If Hogwarts was where you wanted to go to school, Hyde is where you want to go to college. Built on a nexus point between dimensions, the inhabitants make up almost every type of being you can think of and a few you haven’t. But they currently have a slight dearth of humans, much to Violet Peters’ dismay. Particularly since it wasn’t until she got there that she found out that she was their only human. Or that there were sentient non-humans at all. Fantasy with a dash of humor, and a little bit of what it means to be human even if those around you aren’t. While technically ‘New Adult’ I would rate this book safe for anyone who can handle the first three ‘Harry Potter’ books. Now there’s even a trailer!
The ‘Moonlit Memories‘ series (two books so far), is a little darker. Not ‘Game of Thrones’ dark, but more Grimm‘s fairy tale than Perrault. Also, rated ‘New Adult’ I would recommend the reader be at least thirteen, particularly for the sequel, Nightmare’s Revenge. Unlike the ‘Hyde Chronicles’ which can be picked up out of order (though I strongly recommend reading them in chronological order), the ‘Moonlit Memories’ series must be read in order. They primarily follow Liska, a ninja Werefox of a clan that works to keep the peace between humans and non-humans, as well as keeping humans from finding out about the non-humans. Her current attempts at a sabbatical and getting a college education are foiled by too perceptive friends, getting arrested for attempted murder, and the resurrection of an assassin that Liska knows she killed already. But some pasts refuse to stay buried, and Liska has to avoid being buried herself. Watch the trailer!
The Quest for the Jewel of Ishni is a standalone epic fantasy novel. Coming out in October, this book follows Lakara, a scholar who has never left the capital city; Davorin, a necromancer who is afraid of his own power; Sir Jors, a knight who is on his last chance; and Kita, a thief who is conscripted under penalty of death, to find a jewel that may or may not exist. If you enjoy long stories with lots of world building, slowburn found family, and a quest with twists of humor, this is the book for you. Sample coming soon.
Nonfiction:
I am now the author of Holly’s Guides to the Natural World. First one available is Lavender: An Essential Guide, which contains information on the history, uses, and how to grow lavender.
Where to find me:
Online, I can be found several places.
Here, of course.
My blog, where I primarily give advice on writing, especially writing speculative fiction.
Pinterest, where I have random quotes, other book or writing related pins, and some personal
Facebook, where I share writing announcements, sometimes other things
Tumblr, where I have some extra-canonical stuff, information about how things are going, and adorable animal pictures.
Teespring where I have a store front of both book merchandise, and other fun stuff!
My email is listed at the top of the page, and I promise that I read every email I’m sent. (Edit: Thank you, Lydia, for pointing out that the link was slightly off. it has been fixed.
Other things I’m working on or hoping to work on:
A new series, a fantasy detective series (Swift Action) featuring a dragon and fairy as detectives in Philadelphia
A short story collection
T-shirts and other merchandise, for my books and other projects (New!!! Now available)
A youtube series of observations and perhaps recitations
Audiobooks
If you are particularly interested in any of the above, drop a note and let me know.
Current News:
September 2024:
The Quest for the Jewel of Ishni is finished and almost ready to launch! Final date given soon. Also, Ring of Blood, the third book in the Moonlit Memories series will be available in the winter. Release date to be determined. Both will be available in time for Marscon 2025.
August 2022:
After some shake-ups in health and my personal life, I am back, now with a new Nonfiction series. I also have a few more fiction books written. More information to follow.
September 2020:
What makes a Were? Currently only contains information on Moonlit Memories, but that should change soon. Find it here. (Later edit: Finished)
July 2018:
Links to how you can find my book in any available format is now on this page. It will be updated as changes are made.
June 2018:
Third book in the ‘Hyde Chronicles’, The Bishop’s Decoy is now available! First chapter is available here. To celebrate, the first book in the ‘Hyde Chronicles’, The Pawn’s Play, is available free in Kindle format for five days, starting June 28th.
April 2018:
All current books are being re-released as second editions. Partially to fix minor editing mistakes, and partially to make them more standard book sized. First edition is no longer available.
January 2018:
To aid in navigation, all the first chapter links are now found on one page. This page, creatively enough, is called ‘First Chapter Links‘. Enjoy.
January 2018:
Nightmare’s Revenge was released for Halloween, but I cannot post the first chapter, because it gives away too much of the plot of Secrets of the Moon Fox. No, this one cannot be read without reading the prequel first. So you know. In addition to Facebook, I do have a Pinterest account where I post various things, mainly quotes from the books.
I will be a panelist at Marscon again, January 12-14, and would love to see you there. I will also be a panelist at Ravencon in April.
This year, there will be something special every full moon. Each time will be different but links can be found here. This time, we have the history of the Werewolf. Come check it out.
September 2017:
Delayed even more than I thought. Book Two of the Hyde Chronicles, Knightfall comes out September 30th in honor of Violet’s birthday. First chapter is available for free. Observant readers may notice that link goes through Facebook. That’s right, I now have a Facebook fan page. Come like me on Facebook, please.
Nightmare’s Revenge is currently planned for Halloween.
January 2017:
I’m sorry, but the second book in the Moonlight Memories, Nightmare’s Revenge is not ready, like I had hoped. New goal is for it to be ready by March. On the plus side, I will be at Marscon January 13-15. I can’t wait!
November 2016:
Well, there were unexpected complications, but the first book of the Hyde Chronicles, The Pawn’s Play is now available. Check that page for the link to where you can read the first chapter.
September 2016:
Secrets of the Moon Fox, the first book in the Moonlit Memories series is available September 9. First chapter can be read for free here. I apologize for any formatting issues, I’m still new to google docs.
The Pawn’s Play, the first book in the Hyde Chronicles is due in November. More details to follow.
I have also been accepted as a guest at Marscon 2017. Year of the Dragon. Considering my obsession with dragons, this should be fun.