Preston Coyote Vargas – Author Spotlight
I am so excited to tell you about this author and their amazing book that I am currently reading! It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and I think you’re really going to love it, too.
Cala F’ Iya, Book One: Initiation: Part 1 (Cala F’ Iya: Queen of Cala F’orn Iya)
From the shadows, the immortal Mothers of the Night watch over the magical island of Cala F’orn Iya. For generations, powerful Black women have governed Cala F’orn Iya. The wisdom of priestesses and the fierceness of warriors created a sovereign civilization. Until… the Ancient Mothers receive prophecies that the world will change for the mortals they love. Visions of a world of enslavement, environmental destruction and spiritual oppression threaten All.
The Mothers must summon the long-slumbering spirit of Cala F’ Iya to fight for survival of Life itself. Cala F’ Iya, the Great Queen Reborn, protects the fate of many worlds. L’iah, one of the few women born under the conditions of prophecy, must plunge through the planet’s gateways to claim her power. Is it L’iah’s destiny to become the Cala F’ Iya?
As L’iah travels through the otherworld realm of Faenos, her home world simmers with the treachery of those who thirst for power. Will a powerful and unexpected lover help guide L’iah to the completion of her initiation? Or will L’iah fall prey to the monstrous creatures summoned to kill her? As evil forces rise both in Cala F’orn Iya and Faenos, L’iah must race against time to turn back the tide.
Author Interview
What do you love most about writing?
What I love most about writing is the process of creating worlds and bringing an imaginal universe to life. It’s an incredible adventure to watch characters evolve and stories unfold organically as I write. I also value the opportunity to weave in lessons and experiences from my work as a counselor, teacher of transformative education, and my own personal journey. By processing my joys and pains through fiction, I aim to inspire readers, offer paths toward healing, or introduce fresh perspectives on thinking and feeling.
What do you think readers will love about your books?
I think readers will be drawn to my book because it captures the sense of transformation and initiation that resonates with the pivotal times we’re living in. The story begins at a ceremonial initiation, mirroring our collective journey through a profound inflection point—a moment ripe for creativity and life-affirming narratives that foster resilience and celebration. The book opens a portal into a world that feels both strikingly familiar and intriguingly otherworldly. Spiritual beings take on physical form, intertwining their destinies with humans. There’s adventure, passion, romance, magic, and thrilling martial conflicts. It’s a tale that enchants with its richly imagined universe while offering inspiration and hope for the present.
Are you currently working on any new books or writing projects?
I’m currently working on parts two and three of this series, with plans to release them in spring and summer 2025. I’m excited to continue expanding the story and deepening the world for readers.
Where can people follow you online to learn more?
IG @prestoncoyote
Do you have a favorite book or author?
Some of my favorite authors include Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin (The Fifth Season), Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), and K.D. Edwards, and Nazri Noor. Their ability to craft deeply immersive worlds and explore complex themes has had a profound impact on my own storytelling. I’m also deeply inspired by storytellers in animation, such as Spirited Away and other Studio Ghibli films, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Arcane League of Legends, and The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos. These works have a magical way of blending compelling narratives with stunning visuals, which influence the way I think about world-building and character dynamics.