Sarah Legh-Jones’ Starseeds of Rhyn blends fantasy, humour, and resilience
STITTSVILLE — Local tattoo artist and illustrator Sarah Legh-Jones has poured years of heart, healing and work into her debut graphic novel, Starseeds of Rhyn.
This large-format, full-colour graphic novel (8.5 x 11, about 156 pages) is part cosmic adventure, part spiritual journey, and part exploration of trauma and resilience. The art-book size gives Legh-Jones’ hand-drawn illustrations space to shine, making Starseeds of Rhyn feel as much like a piece to display as it is a story to read.
Through the young wicket Leela, readers are invited to walk alongside a character whose struggles reflect deep human truths, learning that healing, transformation and humour can exist even in the face of darkness.
Legh-Jones says the idea has been with her since childhood.
“Creating a graphic novel has been a life-long dream. I started making comic books when I was about six years old, and then off and on into young adulthood,” she said. “It’s just taken until now for me to be at a place in my life where I had a story to tell, and the time and inspiration to really give it my all.”
The journey from idea to finished book was anything but quick.
“Starseeds of Rhyn has taken many years to come into being. I did the first third of it during the COVID lockdowns, and when I wanted to keep going, I realized I was going to need a huge chunk of time to dedicate to the cause. I chipped away at it until I was ready to take a full year off to complete it in 2023.”
Like the story itself, the creative process demanded both patience and self-compassion.
“When I booked a year off to complete the book, I made a rough schedule of how much I wanted to get done each week, each month. I learned quickly that I had to be gentle with myself with my expectations. Creativity doesn’t turn on and off like a faucet,” she said.
“Sometimes you’ll turn it on and get only drips, and everything seems sluggish and difficult. Sometimes it’s like you’re hooked up to a fire hose and you’re just trying to keep up with the intensity of the inspiration and the flow of ideas. Either way, you need the time and space to endure the feasts and the famines, and faith in yourself that it will all come together in the end.”
The result is a richly layered narrative that blends fantasy, humour and emotional honesty. It is not, as Legh-Jones notes, a children’s book. Instead, it’s aimed at anyone on a path of personal or spiritual growth.
At the heart of Starseeds of Rhyn is Leela, a young wicket carrying an invisible wound. By the end of Volume 1, she stands at a threshold: choosing courage, preparing for a pilgrimage to seek the wisdom of the elders, and setting out on a path that mirrors the inner healing so many of us long for.
Legh-Jones leaves us on the cusp of that journey, with the promise of more to come.
A reader’s reflection
I’ve known Legh-Jones for several years, first through her work as a tattoo artist. I was on the hunt for a portrait tattoo of my German shepherd when I found her work. It was the eyes of the animals she created that brought tears to my own. I knew I had to have her create the piece I had in mind. Three portraits later, I learned about this graphic novel she was creating.
Her gift of art shines through in Starseeds of Rhyn. The characters’ emotions carry the depth of the story. You feel their humour, their pain and their determination. Sarah’s ability to translate such complex emotions into her art is what makes this book a healing journey on the page.
The panels swing between light-hearted silliness (space mishaps, humorous asides) and profound wisdom about trauma, healing and resilience. From the book: “It is as simple as being present and authentic in the moment. You’d be surprised just how powerful your genuine presence can be.”
This is a story for anyone who has ever faced inner wounds, carried shadows or sought transformation.
Legh-Jones also has close ties to Lanark County. Through her tattoo studio, she has hosted flash tattoo days to raise thousands of dollars for local animal rescues, including Furry Tales Cat Rescue in Smiths Falls. Proceeds from those events have gone toward helping vulnerable animals find safe homes.
Where to buy and upcoming events
Readers can find Starseeds of Rhyn in both e-book and print editions.
E-books are available through Friesenpress, Kindle, Google Books and iTunes Bookstore. Physical copies (hard and softcover) can be ordered through Friesenpress, Indigo and Barnes and Noble.
“I’m hoping to get it into local bookstores over the coming months,” she said.
For those who want to meet the artist behind the work, Legh-Jones will be appearing at upcoming events.
“I’ll have a booth at Ottawa Can-Con Oct. 17 to 19, and at the Small Press Book Fair Nov. 22. I’m looking forward to creating and attending more events where I can meet readers and other creative souls.”
To order a copy directly from the author, email info@sarahleghjones.com . Follow her journey on Instagram: @sarah_leghjones; Facebook: Sarah Legh-Jones Custom Tattoos/Astral Tiger Studio; or at www.sarahleghjones.com
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