Journey to Anchony

A person holding a stack of four books in their hand, with a necklace featuring a red gemstone laying on top of the books. The books are titled "Annabelle of Anchovy: Burdens of the Mind," "Heart's Relief," "Kingdom's Call," and "Lasting War," all authored by Ruth Apollonia.

Annabelle of Anchony

The Annabelle of Anchony series is an award-winning, sweeping historical fantasy that follows the life of Annabelle, a young woman from a small island who finds herself at the center of a nation torn by war, betrayal, and deep moral conflict. Set against the backdrop of a medieval European-like country, the series chronicles Annabelle's journey from exile and isolation to her eventual role in the fate of the kingdom, Anchony.

In Annabelle of Anchony, readers are invited to witness a kingdom's struggle for survival, the endurance of faith amidst adversity, and the ultimate question of whether peace and justice can prevail in a world marked by division and strife. The series is an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of virtue, perseverance, and the transformative power of grace.

A person in a red shirt holding a dark mushroom in their hand, with a blurred outdoor background.

2013 Catholic Arts and Letters Award Winner

The Catholic Arts and Letters Award (CALA) for Excellence in Achievement recognizes individuals who have shown distinction in how they have furthered the growth of Catholic Arts and Letters.

Stack of four books by Ruth Apollonia titled 'Annabelle of Anchony', 'Heart's Relief', 'Kingdom's Call', and 'Lasting Word' on a wooden surface, with a glass award engraved with her name and titles nearby, and a decorative red cloth with gold embroidery partially visible.
A woman with glasses and long brown hair, smiling and crossing her arms, standing in a room with large windows and a brown sofa, wearing a denim jacket and a red floral scarf.

Burdens of the Mind

Locked in a race for survival, sustained only by her Christian faith, Annabelle of Anchony must make her way to a home she barely remembers, find a family she's largely forgotten, and deliver a mysterious package to the “king," and that's only the beginning. A girl lost and alone. A nation at war. A hidden enemy circling.

In a Europe-like kingdom during the Middle Ages, Annabelle of Anchony finds herself trapped on an island, hunted by the vicious Demolites, and forced to trust a kindly stranger. As she grows up, sustained only by her Christian faith, she must find her family, her identity, and a path to peace in a kingdom torn by civil strife.

But even when she does come home, everything is not as it seems...

View Book Trailer Here!

Book One

Book cover for Annabelle of Anchony by Ruth Apollonia featuring a woman with striking green eyes and mountains in the background, with the title and author name.

Heart’s Relief

In a country riven by rebellion, Annabelle of Anchony will soon find unlooked-for hope, heavenly assistance ... and great sorrow. A world away from her island exile, Annabelle has found her loving family and home in Aboly, capital city of Anchony, at the royal palace. But all is still not well in Anchony, for the rebel Demolites hold Prince Phillipus of Sethel. All unknowing, the royal family of Sethel is on the way to Anchony, expecting to witness a marriage, only to discover that their prince is missing.

Annabelle and her family must reckon with the consequences of years of Demolite plotting, betrayal, and violence against Anchonians of all classes. Will justice win out? Or will cruelty, greed, and lawlessness overcome Annabelle and all of Anchony? Richly imagined, this exciting new entry in the Annabelle of Anchony series will inspire and move readers of all ages.

Book Two

Book cover of 'Hearts of Relief' by Ruth Apollonia, featuring a green-eyed woman's face and a medieval castle with lush green hills in the background.

Kingdom’s Call

Only the Seal of Anchony stands between the Demolites and their goal of demolishing the monarchy, but as they gather in the forests around Gemmeny Castle, where Annabelle and her family have sheltered, a more sinister adversary is contriving her own takeover. Not wanting destruction but to claim the monarchy for herself, the queen of the Sockor Islands will prove to be a formidable foe.

Join Annabelle and her family as they strive to do what is right for Anchony and what is called of them by the Kingdom of God in the third installment of the Annabelle of Anchony series, Kingdom's Call.

Book Three

Cover of the book 'Kingdom's Call' by Ruth Apollonia, featuring a castle and a close-up of a woman's face with green eyes at the top.

Lasting Word

After a shipwreck, Annabelle of Anchony, again separated from her family, finds herself on a distant land inhabited by pillaging pagans who sacrifice children to their gods: the Seafurs. Pregnant with twins when arriving, she must survive in the harshest environment in which she has ever lived, while dodging the pagans as she hopes her husband, Sir Nicholaus Hunts, will come for her soon. But how will he make it to a land he doesn’t know exists?

View the trailer here!

Book Four

A book cover for "Deasting Word," part of the Annabelle of Anchony series by Ruth Apollonia, featuring a snowy landscape with snow-covered rocks and trees, and a large face of a woman with striking green eyes in the background.

New Release

New Release

Reviews

  • Ericafoferica

    GOODREADS

    “I received this book as part of my Christmas present from my mother and I must admit, I was a little skeptical. However, that was quickly turned around after reading the very first chapter.

    I absolutely fell in love with how the author was able to explain the 7 sacraments in a a subtle manner while telling this beautiful tale. Annabelle is such a strong and likeable character. Heck, she was my favorite! And even though she was faced with many obstacles during her life, she not once gave up her belief in God and all that he would provide for her. This only makes her the classic example of what a Catholic should be, what we should all be. It really was inspirational to see how she looked at life. Sometimes, you just have to step back and let the big man upstairs handle everything for you. And I think in today's society, we sometimes forget that. I also loved how the author was able to mix in a love story, but it was told in such a "clean" way. Not too much, but not too little if you know what I mean. In the end, I really loved everything about this book, but we cannot forget the main point: God is always good, you just have to put your trust in him.”

  • Sandralena Hanley

    GOODREADS

    “Exciting story of a kidnapped girl who is raised on the Forbidden Island by a hermit. Full of Catholic teaching and hair-raising adventures, teens are sure to love it. In the latter part of the book, the twists and turns kept coming, keeping my interest to the end. Highly recommend it for confirmands.”

  • Amanda Lauer

    GOODREADS

    “I love stories set in Medieval times and this book appealed to me the moment I started reading it. It's close to 400 pages but it's actually a much quicker read than it appears. Our heroine Annabelle is intriguing to watch as she is trained by a surrogate father on a deserted island after he helped her escape from kidnappers. For the most part, the writing is very well done but could have used stronger copy editing. There were numerous anachronisms, including words such as aspirin and awesome that brought you out of that timeframe and into the modern world. As I was reading, I continually pictured this book being made as a movie. Hopefully that comes to pass someday!”

  • Leslea Wahl

    GOODREADS

    “Heart’s Relief is the second book in the Annabelle of Anchony series by Ruth Apollonio. What a joy to reconnect with the memorable characters from the first book. I also enjoyed getting to know Annabelle’s family as this new, intriguing adventure unfolded. While the story is thoroughly engaging, what truly sets this fantasy series apart is Apollonio’s poetic writing style. I was thoroughly swept away by the story as the skillfully written small scenes, like brush strokes of a painting, created a beautiful work of art.”

  • Taffy

    GOODREADS

    “I love this series! The story and the characters are so engaging. It is an inspiring, encouraging, motivating and uplifting story. So clean and truly good. Needed a bit more editing, but considering that it was initially self-published, it doesn't change my rating. I highly recommend it. Actually, I would challenge people to give it a chance and see if they don't become "hooked"!”

  • Macrina

    SHOP MERCY

    “Without a doubt, Ruth Apollonia’s ‘Annabelle of Anchony’ series is my favorite book series ever! Annabelle’s story is so original and yet inspiring. Reading about the characters’ journeys on a physical as well as a spiritual level, gives an aspect to Ruth

    The entire “Annabelle of Anchony” series is wonderfully written. The third book “Kingdom’s Call” is a perfect continuation of Annabelle’s story. It was so amazing that I could hardly put it down! I have recommended it to a lot of my friends, and the ones who have read it have absolutely loved it as well. It is truly a wonderful and well-written story!”

  • Fr. Matt

    SHOP MERCY

    “‘Kingdom's Call’ is another great book following Annabelle and her family through personal suffering and the deep conviction of the Goodness of God at the same time. My goddaughter and I love sharing this series together!”

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