R. L. Mesler writes cinematic YA sci-fi fantasy that is easy to step into, vivid like a movie, and full of strange worlds, impossible choices, found family, danger, humor, and heart.
His debut series, Kailum Boone, follows a boy raised in the dust of a forgotten world who discovers he may be connected to something far bigger — and far more dangerous — than he ever imagined.
At the heart of Mesler’s stories are young people trying to survive, understand who they are, and decide what kind of person they want to become when everything around them is falling apart.
Built on friendship, hope, courage, and transformation, his stories remind readers that even in the harshest places, light can still survive.
BEHIND THE SIGNAL
The story behind Kailum Boone — and the quiet courage that started it.
Questions About This Story
“What is Hallows of the Forgotten about?”
It’s a coming-of-age sci-fi fantasy about three teens on a distant desert world who stumble into an ancient mystery — and discover they may be the only ones who can stop what’s waking beneath the dust, while also finding courage, friendship, and unexpected love along the way.
It has a desert world, ancient secrets, and danger beneath the surface, but it’s more of a YA coming-of-age adventure than a political epic.
“So, is it like Dune?”
“Is it dystopian?”
Not really. It has class divisions and danger, but it is not a bleak dystopia. It’s more mythic, adventurous, and character-driven.
“Is this book for teens or adults?”
Hallows of the Forgotten is written for upper YA readers, but adults who enjoy character-driven sci-fi fantasy, ancient mysteries, and coming-of-age adventure may find plenty to step into as well.
“Is this hard science fiction?”
Not exactly. The story has advanced technology, alien landscapes, and a distant world, but it leans more toward sci-fi fantasy than technical hard science fiction. The heart of the book is adventure, friendship, mystery, and identity.
“Is there romance?”
Yes, but it’s a slow-burn part of the journey rather than the center of the story. The romance grows quietly through trust, loyalty, and the complicated courage of being seen.
Yes. Hallows of the Forgotten begins the larger story of Kailum Boone, Zorhros, and the ancient forces waking beneath the dust.
“Is this the first book in a series?”
Yes. The second book in the Kailum Boone series has already been written and is planned for release in 2027. Subscribe to The Signal to be among the first to learn the title, follow launch updates, and receive early glimpses of what rises next from Zorhros.
“Are more books planned?”
“Do I need to understand sci-fi to enjoy it?”
No. The story is built around characters first. Readers do not need to know spaceships, physics, or science fiction rules to follow the journey. If you enjoy mystery, friendship, danger, and hidden worlds, you can enter Zorhros easily.
“Is the story dark?”
There is danger, loss, and mystery, but the story is not bleak. It carries wonder, humor, loyalty, first love, and the quiet belief that overlooked people can matter more than anyone expects.
“What makes this story different?”
At its center, the story is about three teens from an overlooked place who are pulled into something ancient and enormous — but the real journey is watching them discover their own courage, their bonds with each other, and the truth hidden beneath the world they thought they knew.