Oriane Livingston Shares Her Love for the Natural World with Her New Novel
Oriane Livingston stands among a rare group of authors capable of creating extraordinary worlds that are both immersive and deeply relatable. Her evocative writing style transports readers into an alternate, Miyazaki-esque reality with striking visuals, where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly.
With The Guardians of Earth: Oona and the Luminous Beings, Livingston crafts a middle-grade fantasy novel brimming with creativity and heart. The story follows Oona, a young girl who discovers her ability to communicate with animals on her eleventh birthday. Summoned by Eterna, the spirit of Earth, Oona embarks on a sacred mission to restore the planet’s connection with humanity. This enthralling tale is filled with adventure, mystery, and powerful messages about environmental stewardship.
Livingston drew inspiration from her experiences as an environmental advocate and vegan to write this story. “I chose to personify Earth because I wanted her to appear as a miraculous living being, in all her splendor and fragility. Eterna was born in my imagination, with her ever-changing flowery hair, her eyes rimmed with lime-green lashes, and her translucent cape dotted with stars,” Livingston shares. The novel entertains while inspiring young readers to fall in love with nature and adopt eco-conscious behaviors.
A Celebration of Empowerment and Beauty
The Guardians of Earth: Oona and the Luminous Beings celebrates hope, beauty, and empowerment. This novel is a beacon of light for children and adults alike, reminding them that strength and solace often come from unexpected places—within ourselves and the world around us.
A Message of Hope and Healing
Livingston’s novel shines a compassionate light on children who face challenging home environments. Oona’s story resonates with readers who may feel unheard or marginalized, portraying her struggles against familial discord with sensitivity and depth. Yet rather than dwelling on despair, the book uplifts. Oona’s journey is one of self-discovery and transformation, offering readers a powerful reminder that change and growth are always possible.
In Livingston’s world, nature is an ally, a healer, and a source of immense beauty. For Oona, the natural world provides comfort and empowerment. Her connection with animals and plants—messengers from Eterna’s mystical realm—symbolizes life’s inherent magic and possibilities.
Oona: A Heroine for All Ages
Oona represents every child who has ever felt out of place or unsure of their worth. Her journey, though fantastical, is deeply relatable. As she embraces her abilities and destiny as one of the Guardians of Earth, Oona inspires readers to believe in their potential, no matter how hidden.
While the novel is tailored for young readers, adults will also connect with its themes and emotional depth. Oona’s quest to find the three keys to saving the planet involves overcoming personal fears and trusting her instincts—a universal journey of growth and resilience.
Climate Change and Eco-Conscious Empowerment
Livingston weaves an urgent environmental message into an enthralling tale. As Oona witnesses the damage inflicted on Earth, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own roles in preserving the planet.
What sets the story apart is its approach: it doesn’t preach—it inspires. Oona’s journey demonstrates that even small acts of stewardship can make a difference. Her evolving connection with nature emphasizes empathy, action, and hope.
Discovering Inner Power
The novel emphasizes the value of discipline, mindfulness, and balance. Under the guidance of mystical teachers like the majestic white eagle Thothan and Master Wada, Oona learns martial arts and meditation—tools that allow her to master her fears and emotions. As Livingston explains, “I believe meditation is a solution for a peaceful and sustainable world.”
Epic Adventures Filled with Action and Heart
Livingston’s world-building captivates with its vivid imagery and engaging pace. As readers follow Oona on her epic journey, the story’s cinematic quality draws them deeper into its immersive world. Asura is a haunting villain who lends himself to surreal visuals, making him a mesmerizing foe that will fascinate readers.
Action-packed sequences—encounters with imaginative animals, mythical creatures and suspenseful battles against dark forces—are balanced by introspection and emotional resonance.
Livingston’s writing evokes vivid imagery, making it easy to envision this tale unfolding on the silver screen.
The novel also honors cultural diversity by introducing characters like Aqiwo, the Guardian of the Forests with Chumash heritage, and Nawal, the Sudanese Guardian of the Waters. Their rich cultural backgrounds add depth and highlight the importance of respecting indigenous wisdom.
For Livingston, storytelling has always been a medium for exploring larger truths. According to her, “I want readers to see the story, to feel as if they’re flying with Oona on Thothan, above the lush landscapes and snowcapped mountains of Eterna’s kingdom, and to marvel at Earth’s miraculous beauty,” the author shares.
Livingston’s latest work highlights the dangers of ecological neglect. By blending allegory with tangible issues such as climate change, The Guardians of Earth calls for humanity’s role as stewards of Earth, making it both an entertaining and educational read for audiences of all ages.
When asked about the balance between fantasy and realism in her work, Livingston says, “Fantasy allows us to unleash our boundless imagination and reimagine our world with clarity. By distancing ourselves, we see our flaws and potential more sharply. Through Oona’s eyes, readers are reminded of the beauty and magic we risk losing forever.“
In a time when ecological concerns dominate global conversations, The Guardians of Earth stands out for its imaginative scope and urgent relevance. Oriane Livingston’s new novel reaffirms her role as a storyteller who bridges the gap between art and activism, inviting readers to look inward and upward—to the stars and their responsibilities on Earth.
