Peace is Nine Worlds Away by Hanako Hiroma d’Aronville is shortlisted for the 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award, 12-15 Category. 

Peace is Nine Worlds Away: When a portal shatters, creatures from nine mythological worlds spill into Earth, igniting chaos and war. Castilia, daughter of Ares, must lead her fractured team to restore the balance before all realms—and Earth—are lost. But as gods grow greedy and alliances break, a parallel world shows what peace could look like. After the loss of Thaddeus, Castilia’s fight becomes personal—unaware he is a version of herself from another reality. With time running out, she must unite enemies, face ancient forces, and learn that greed alone won’t save the worlds—only courage, sacrifice, and unity can. Peace begins with her.

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An interview with Hanako: 

WNSF: What is your favourite book? 

Hanako: I have many favourites, but the first book I liked was Percy Jackson and the Last Olympians by Rick Riordan. It inspired me to start writing and I started to think that maybe one day I’ll be able to publish my own book series too. 

WNSF: Who is your favourite author? Or one who has inspired you and why? 

Hanako: Lauren Roberts is my favourite author, and one who has inspired me. After publishing four books in five years – the first one at only 18 – she became a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She made me realise age doesn’t matter and that I can start writing books now. 

WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school? 

Hanako: I have not one, but two favourite subjects: art and maths! Art is an important part of who I am. I can let my creativity flow and express my feelings through colours and shapes, which is something words alone can’t do. In maths, I find the process of problem solving incredibly fun. I particularly enjoy tackling difficult problems and exploring different strategies to solve them. 

WNSF: What does ‘adventure writing’ mean to you? Why did you choose to try your hand at an adventure story? 

Hanako: To me, adventure writing is about building entirely new worlds - places where no one has ever been. I like worldbuilding, where I have to describe every detail in depth to make my story feel real. Another part I really enjoy is figuring out the emotions of my characters and writing those small moments in between the action. 

WNSF: If you could ask an author anything, what would you want to know? 

Hanako: I would love to interview the authors of all the books I’ve read in the past and ask them “How many times have you scrapped ideas or found yourself unable to finish a book, and what do you do with those wasted ideas?” 

WNSF: Who would you consider one of your heroes and why? 

Hanako: There are many people I can call my hero, but if I were to pick one, it would be my family. My parents encourage me and give me opportunities. My brothers are always there to protect me and they always teach me something new every day. I look up to them all.

WNSF: What is the most adventurous thing you would like to do, or place you would like to visit and why? 

Hanako: Tokyo has high levels of light pollution, so I don’t get much of a chance to look at the stars with my telescope. I would love to go to Iceland and stargaze, maybe even see the northern lights. 

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? 

Hanako: I’m greatly inspired by nature and mythology from different countries. Even though there’s so many different cultures around the world, there always is a myth. Their chaotic and almost funny logic captivates me in ways I can’t explain! With nature, I particularly like looking at stars and learning about them. For example, in my writing, some characters are named after stars or have a passion for stars and space. 

WNSF: If you could time travel, where would you go and why? 

Hanako: I would love to travel back to 26 December 1898, the day Marie Curie discovered Polonium and Radium. I read about her when I was seven years old, and I’ve aspired to become a Woman in STEM ever since! 

WNSF: What three words would you use to describe your story? 

Hanako: Fantastical, escapade, heartfelt.

WNSF: We couldn't agree more! Congratulations once again, and good luck with the next stage of the competition!