The Sacred Tree
by R.B. Orlando

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In the summer of 1984, Kyri and his friends are looking forward to the warm, lazy days ahead. But unbeknownst to them, this so-called vacation is going to be quite the adventure. When a sacred tree gives Kyri visions of the future, he and his friends uncover a plot that will see their beloved forest destroyed to make way for a full-scale development. It’s up to the young teenagers—and possibly some magical wolves—to save the town from their crooked mayor and a shady developer. But can just a few people stand up to a big corporation with money and power? Or is this the end of the beautiful forest that’s so important to them all? The Sacred Tree is a coming-of-age story that weaves together Nordic mythology and climate activism to remind us that no matter how small we feel, we can make a difference.

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R.B. Orlando grew up running through forests as a teenager. It hurt to see the development of the city quickly take over the entire area; that formative experience became the basis for his first novella, The Sacred Tree. Roland loves the process of turning an idea into a story, no doubt inspired by his grandparents, who were both storytellers. In his free time, Roland enjoys metal work, hiking, and studying Nordic Mythology and Indigenous culture. He lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with his wife, their two boys, and the family dog, Sofia.

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R.B. Orlando