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A Hare in the Wilderness (Kingdom of Durundal - Age of Heroes.) Paperback – December 29, 2017
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Prepare to enter the magnificent Kingdom of Durundal with the first novel in the series - A Hare in the Wilderness.
When a child is born into the House of Gnaeus, death marks her from her very first breath; and the Emperor banishes his heir, Ajeya, and her mother from the palace in Ataxata. Now, mother and child are forced to flee to the edge of the world in a race against time to find salvation in the clans.
For it is said that when war threatens the kingdom, one individual will be selected by prophecy to lead the people out of the land of darkness and reclaim the freedom which has been stolen.
An ancient evil is stirring, and its servants are becoming more cunning and manipulative as they scour the kingdom for the chosen one.
For centuries, humans, dwarves, dragons and elves lived side by side in peace. But when the Dark Lord massacred the Elven world and vowed to plunge the kingdom into eternal darkness, the Fates made a prophecy - the coming of a chosen one; whom, once of age, would have the power to defeat the Dark Lord and his Disciples of Death.
But this child of prophecy will need more than a sword and a supreme set of skills to survive this challenge - she will have to find her place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. Only then will she discover her destiny is connected to an ancient past and the future of the kingdom depends on her.
Set in a high fantasy world where magic exists but only some can access it, the Kingdom of Durundal saga is comprised of 12 award-winning novels that follow the principles of the prophecy and the life-changing, often perilous journey the chosen one and their followers are forced to take.
A Hare in the Wilderness is Book 1.
Inspired by ancient civilisations, scriptures, myths and legends, this series takes you on a journey of hope, despair, forgiveness and courage with relatable characters in a fantasy setting.
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ This was so real I could almost feel the bitter cold wind on my cheeks and the harsh winter snow hindering the clans. Such rawness and yet so beautiful.
★★★★★ The pacing, the character development and the world building are excellent.
★★★★★ True to life characters in a bygone age. Wonderful escapism and a riveting read.
★★★★★ S E Turner has created a living breathing world with this epic series and I urge every fantasy lover to read it.
Start reading this page-turner today! Join Ajeya as she fights for survival while discovering love, friendship and a greater purpose connected to an ancient past.
A Hare in the Wilderness is the thrilling Book 1 in the Kingdom of Durundal epic fantasy series. Fast-paced and action-packed, full of twists and turns, romance and mystery, and just the right amount of battles and sorcery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Print length317 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateDecember 29, 2017
- Reading age13 years and up
- Dimensions5 x 0.8 x 8 inches
- ISBN-10197675822X
- ISBN-13978-1976758225
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From the Publisher


HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM
There are none who can say with certain knowledge when the Kingdom of Durundal began, yet this has not stopped the dragons, the kings, the sorcerers and other wise-ones from seeking the answer. What we do know is that dragons ruled supreme and considered by many to be the Dawn of Time.
This was a time when Elves, Dragons, Humans and Forest Folk were all at peace and lived in harmony—but in time, something changed.
Power and Ambition.
The Fates stepped in with a prophecy; a prophecy that proclaimed a 'chosen one' would rule the kingdoms with knowledge and wisdom and bring peace to the realm. However, the Dark Lord in his rage and eternal damnation vowed he would do everything in his power to stop it.
And so it was—the Dark Lord became unstoppable as his Disciples of Death searched out the chosen one. Barbaric! Uncivilised! Numerous! It is said that the earth cried blood and the barren soil left behind bore no fruit. The dragons disappeared, the Elves retreated, the Forest Folk went underground. Hearts were broken, loved-ones were lost, thrones were burned, and the kingdoms were in turmoil. Many said that darkness would prevail and man would never be understanding of acceptance and remain beyond all evil.
Yet—there was hope. The Prophecy was beginning to unfold; and with it came the Age of Heroes.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Durundal.


Editorial Reviews
Review
B Allen Thobois. Writers House. ★★★★★
'An epic adventure that merely brushes the genre of fantasy.'Ellie C - Indie Publishers. ★★★★★
'This is probably one of the best-written books I've ever read, the descriptions were so beautiful, the words were poetic. The author really has an amazing way with world building. What is more, the plot is also as captivating. The story begins with her telling her tale of strength, love, and courage as she fights the prejudices of the people. Characters were well developed, so likable, from Dainn to Hagen and Keao and many others. Such a heartwarming beautiful story that should appeal to all ages. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.'
Seden Akcinaroglu - Assistant Professor at Bilkent University. ★★★★★
'When the characters and the locations become as real as the valleys and fields next door all through the magical writing skills of this fine author, there lies the secret of an enjoyable book. True to life characters, whose passions, fears, and dreams are felt by the readership brought to the forefront by the writing skills of S. E. Turner.' Literary Companion ★★★★★
★★★★★ IHIBRP Award for Excellence in Writing ★★★★★
From the Author
Inspired by the Celts, driven by folklore, roused by mythology . . . I bring you the Kingdom of Durundal. Weaved with threads of magic, mystery and romance, this 12-part, award-winning series, will have something for everyone. We start the journey with A Hare in the Wilderness, where Ajeya is the cursed child of an ancient prophecy, and it's her life and destiny that is explored over the course of 12 books.
Each book brings in a new character with his or her own tale but they are all pivotal to the plot. As the books evolve you will discover more about the main characters: the good and the bad, the protagonists and the antagonists - particularly who they really are; or, perhaps more interestingly, who they become. I can guarantee a plethora of shock twists for everyone.
The books should be read in order; and it is only by reading all 12 in the series you will see how each of the characters are connected and how they are part of the prophecy.
From the Inside Flap
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Independently published (December 29, 2017)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 317 pages
- ISBN-10 : 197675822X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1976758225
- Reading age : 13 years and up
- Item Weight : 14.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #9,019 in Folklore (Books)
- #88,628 in Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

The magnificent Kingdom of Durundal ~
Series Information:
The Kingdom of Durundal is an award-winning epic 12-part fantasy/adventure/drama that boasts a wealth of researched history, mythology and folklore.
Book 1 is 'A Hare in the Wilderness' where the child of prophecy has been chosen by the Fates. Her task is to prove she is worthy of leading her people out of the darkness and into the light. The next 10 books follow the journey of those who cross her path - directly and indirectly.
The animals used in the titles of the first five books are totems; symbols of courage and strength, guides and talismans.
Books 6, 7, 8 introduce the Sorceress of the Sapphire and how the prophecy is finally fulfilled.
Books 9, 10, 11 expose the back story behind several of the key characters. Who they really are and what changed them; for the greater good . . . or for the worse.
The Prophecy is book 12 and a prequel to the series. This book details the origins of the prophecy amid the dawn of time - when dragons, dwarves and elves ruled the kingdoms and the Dark Lord vowed to plunge the kingdoms into eternal darkness and rule with fear.
Inspiration comes from my interest in the past; in ancient civilisations and dynasties; the kings, emperors, dictators, leaders and religious ambassadors. The Kingdom of Durundal is an epic 12-part-saga, steeped in layers of blood-feuds, warring deities, and at the centre of it all - the common people fighting their own battles in order to survive.
Books in the series are:
1) A Hare in the Wilderness
2) A Wolf in the Dark
3) A Leopard in the Mist
4) A Stag in the Shadows
5) A Moth in the Flames
6, 7, 8) Sorceress of the Sapphire parts 1,2,3
9) Severn
10) Sable
11) Sagitta
12/Prequel) The Prophecy
I had a specific reason for writing 12 books, as the number 12 carries religious and universal data in addition to mythological and magical symbolism. It represents perfection, completeness and holds a significant value in astrology. Notably, all my dragons in Sagitta ( Book 11) are named after the constellations.
When people read these books, I hope they enter a world that they will never want to leave behind - a story that, when retold, reveals even more than the first time around.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise this fantasy adventure for its great world-building and deep cultural elements, with one review noting how the culture feels so real. Moreover, the book features well-developed characters, and customers appreciate its poetic writing style. They find it an entertaining read that teaches powerful lessons about human nature, with one review highlighting its strong female leads.
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Customers praise the fantasy story for its great world building and adventure elements.
"...I loved her relationship with Hagen and despised the emperor. A great story of love, struggle, and perseverance." Read more
"...If you like deep world building, strong female characters, a story of survival, challenge, conflict and confrontations, but also one of friendships,..." Read more
"...What is more, the plot is also as captivating. Ajeya is cast aside by her father, the Emperor because she has a disfigurement by birth...." Read more
"...pulled into the story immediately, while the intricate interweavings of the storyline kept me there...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it richly descriptive and beautifully written, with one customer noting how the author vividly portrays the landscape.
"...Turner takes great care to describe the lives and rituals of this ancient time...." Read more
"...books I've ever read, the descriptions were so beautiful, the words were poetic. The author really has an amazing way with words...." Read more
"...The story is set against the backdrop of a beautifully described country where dwell tightly woven, gentle clans...." Read more
"...S.E. Turner has such a beautiful writing style, so poetic and flowing...." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer specifically noting the strong female characters.
"...From the powerful relationships between the characters to the intricate descriptions of the ceremonies and traditions of these ancient people...." Read more
"...If you like deep world building, strong female characters, a story of survival, challenge, conflict and confrontations, but also one of friendships,..." Read more
"...Characters were well developed, so likable, from Dainn to Hagen and Keao and many others...." Read more
"...That, along with powerfully developed characters with strength, heart, and a true sense of what is right, makes for a wonderful fantasy adventure...." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, praising its deep world building and powerful lessons about human nature, with one customer noting how the story is told from the depths of the heart and soul.
"...The culture felt so real that I couldn’t distinguish whether it was pure fantasy or based off of real world traditions, and that’s a hallmark of..." Read more
"Hare in the wilderness by S.E. Turner If you like deep world building, strong female characters, a story of survival, challenge, conflict..." Read more
"...Such a heartwarming beautiful story that should appeal to all ages. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series." Read more
"...That, along with powerfully developed characters with strength, heart, and a true sense of what is right, makes for a wonderful fantasy adventure...." Read more
Customers find the book entertaining and wonderful to read, with one customer appreciating its length of over 300 pages.
"This is probably one of the best-written books I've ever read, the descriptions were so beautiful, the words were poetic...." Read more
"A Hare in the Wilderness is one of my new favorite books in all the world...." Read more
"...and challenges the people face highly relatable and involving for the reader, especially as they get to know the characters and communities better..." Read more
"...The story itself is one worth reading, too. All around, an enjoyable experience." Read more
Customers appreciate the poetry in the book, describing it as evocative and unique.
"...imperfect enough to be loveable and so unique and endearing that I was..." Read more
"...S.E. Turner has such a beautiful writing style, so poetic and flowing...." Read more
"An historical fiction tale with a poetic flare. Although it took a while to pick up pace, the story developed with intrigue...." Read more
"...It carries a great message too: beauty is within. I already bought the second in he series!" Read more
Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one highlighting the strong female leads.
"...one such book: on one level, it is a powerful story of overcoming, of strength, and of love that will not let go...." Read more
"...As she ages and adapts to her environment, she becomes strong and righteous...." Read more
"...I recommend this book to readers who enjoy high fantasy with strong female leads." Read more
"...This is about the strength to carry on and courage to step up. The story has a great world building and characters...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025I thoroughly enjoyed “A Hare in the Wilderness.” From the powerful relationships between the characters to the intricate descriptions of the ceremonies and traditions of these ancient people. The culture felt so real that I couldn’t distinguish whether it was pure fantasy or based off of real world traditions, and that’s a hallmark of excellent world building.
Eujena was strong and sympathetic character throughout the book. I loved her relationship with Hagen and despised the emperor.
A great story of love, struggle, and perseverance.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2020Hare in the wilderness by S.E. Turner
If you like deep world building, strong female characters, a story of survival, challenge, conflict and confrontations, but also one of friendships, love and loyalty, you will enjoy S.E. Turner’s Hare in the Wilderness, book one in her five part The Kingdom of Durundal Series. Ms. Turner’s descriptive powers are a great strength as also is her ability to create an entire culture. Between the two you are immersed in the Kingdom of Durundal, the Empire of Ataxita. It is a world that is Medieval in feel, with an evil king and many clans. Turner takes great care to describe the lives and rituals of this ancient time. You participate in their ceremonies, learn what they worship, what they eat and how they live their everyday lives. These details bring this ancient world to life and the characters who dwell there.
Eujena, the queen, and her young daughter, Ajeya, are abandoned by the Emperor because the king claims that Ajeya is not his. Ajeya has a scar on part of her face and he insists that her disfigurement makes it impossible for her to be his daughter. They are thrown out into the wilderness at threat of death if they remain. How Ajeya actually obtained her scar and what the king and his conspirators are really up to, are the mystery to be solved as the story unfolds. Even Ajeya’s true identity and heritage are kept from her by her mother, who wants to protect her from the fury of the emperor, her father. The story begins with Ajeya grown, ready to fight for what is rightfully hers, and then the rest of the book is a flashback of her life and everything that led her to that moment: all the sufferings, their experiences with two different clans, and the people they come to befriend and deeply love. Attacks by the emperor and his army on clans’ people is the impetus for Ajeya to train as a warrior as she enter adolescence. The book ends with her once again an adult and ready to take whatever action is necessary to fight for her kingdom. This brings the reader full circle a ready for the action and adventure of book two: A Wolf in the Dark.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018This is probably one of the best-written books I've ever read, the descriptions were so beautiful, the words were poetic. The author really has an amazing way with words. What is more, the plot is also as captivating. Ajeya is cast aside by her father, the Emperor because she has a disfigurement by birth. The story begins with her telling her tale of strength, love, and courage as she fights the prejudices of the people and slowly realizes who she is, the heir to the Empire of Ataxata. Characters were well developed, so likable, from Dainn to Hagen and Keao and many others. Such a heartwarming beautiful story that should appeal to all ages. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019Just couldn't get invested in the girl enough to keep reading.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2018A Hare in the Wilderness is one of my new favorite books in all the world.
The characters of Eujena (Jena), Ajeya, Hagen, Keao, and Dainn are just
imperfect enough to be loveable and so unique and endearing that I was
pulled into the story immediately, while the intricate interweavings of
the storyline kept me there. The story is set against the backdrop of a
beautifully described country where dwell tightly woven, gentle clans.
When the caring secondary characters' lives are interrupted and torn apart
by the despicable Emperor and his General, it is truly heartbreaking. The
delicate balance of happily ever after and tragedy kept me on the edge of
my seat. I am a firm admirer of Turner's work and the resiliency of spirit
that she has ingrained in her characters. This was the first of her books
that I've read and I can't wait to read the others.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018I read A Wolf in the Dark first, which is the second book in this series, and absolutely loved it. So when I saw this one, A Hare in the Wilderness, the first in the Kingdom of Durundal series, I had to get it. S.E. Turner has such a beautiful writing style, so poetic and flowing. That, along with powerfully developed characters with strength, heart, and a true sense of what is right, makes for a wonderful fantasy adventure. This could easily be the next fantasy television series. Fantasy lovers, don’t miss this one. I highly recommend.
Top reviews from other countries
- Reader ReviewReviewed in Australia on June 16, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner - A Hare in the Wilderness
A Hare in the Wilderness is an enjoyable read by a talented author. The story kept me turning the page. But, it also tugged at the heartstrings and reached for the tissues.
Evil versus good. The sad truth is that old rules destroy families, and a father refuses to love his daughter. Read the book to discover what happens and how they survive.
Brilliant characters and storyline.
I cannot wait to read the next book to discover what Ajeya is waiting to learn.
- King MacachorReviewed in Spain on December 22, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Well done .
This novel is so well-written that when I first started reading it, I could not put it down and did not stop until Unit 9. The scenes and events were fascinating and full of wonderful descriptions. Ajeya's facial disfigurement upon birth caused her to be cast from the palace by his father, the emperor. She grew up without knowing her royal lineage until she became a fine woman and learned to be superior in using the bow and arrow. I advise you to read and find out the continuation by yourself.
- KraftgurlReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars A Clever Title
I think I expected a sci-fi type book but what I got was better. I believe this is written for young adults and adults who like a pleasant read with realistic challenges.
It is a story of life's challenges and growth of a family through those challenges. I liked the clan idea. It reminded me of how I expected the natives of USA., to live; although, many cultures even in the UK., set out as clans. I enjoyed the story, the descriptions, vocabulary and dialogue are all good. 300 pages approx. This is a good read.
- Chris ForsythReviewed in Canada on November 18, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read.
with great characters and a well thought out and wonderfully detailed story, I look forward to reading this entire epic series.
- Amazon KundeReviewed in Germany on October 20, 2019
1.0 out of 5 stars Kitschy
It's incredible kitschy. I gave one star because I could'nt give less.