An author born and raised on a Mid Wales farm has used the rural surroundings of his upbringing as inspiration for a magical new children’s book.

T.O. Griffiths, who was brought up on a farm overlooking Hay-on-Wye, has written children’s fantasy book, Tales of Splendania: A Golden Wish.

The book, aimed at seven-year-olds and above, is an exciting, magical journey about a young and valiant Princess, Vanadae, who is forced on a ‘Royal Golden Hunt’ for the one and only Golden Unicorn in the Kingdom of Splendania. Vanadae wishes to protect all magical creatures but her father, the High-King of Splendania, as well as most of Splendania’s population, are hell-bent on killing ferocious monsters and magical creatures for glory and fame.

The book explores themes of love, magic, pain and the beauty of magical animals and wondrous locations throughout Splendania. Griffiths has gone to great lengths in self-publishing it all himself, from the cover design, formatting, web design, hiring an editor and a spectacular artist for the Golden Unicorn art.

Born and raised on a beautiful farm overlooking the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons on the border of Wales and England, Griffiths grew up fascinated by animals, and sharks most of all.

He was lucky enough to be surrounded by farm animals - including the magnificent peacocks - and a stunning view. As a boy, he used to write short stories and poems, somewhat inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

With a large collection of swords, axes, and armour himself, his fascination with weaponry has helped inspire certain characters Griffiths has created in Splendania.

With a busy job and life moving forward, time to focus and complete the book became a labour of love for Griffiths, but something he was determined to accomplish.

The story coming into existence was completely spontaneous - he was asked to make up a bedtime story for his girlfriend to help her sleep. It was not helpful, however, as he was then up all night, writing it down instead of finishing the story for her, until now.

Tales of Splendania had been rattling around Griffiths’ head for many years and the story evolved and swayed this way and that, and now, he is extremely excited to share it with you and hopes you enjoy it as much as he has enjoyed creating the World of Splendania.

T.O. Griffiths’ Tales of Splendania: A Golden Wish is now available on Amazon and many other retailers. www.talesofsplendania.com