The Voice of Wild Places

The Voice of Wild Places Update

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

February is upon us, and I have some disappointing news. Unfortunately, I need to push back the release for The Voice of Wild Places.

If you’d like a full run down on why, I’ve talked about it at length on my Patreon. Here, I’ll say that in addition to the current state of things, I had many personal issues and health problems last year. I also have a full time job, am a parent, and have disabilities that, guess what, affect my daily life and abilities. This has all led to a slower pace, and I want to give this book everything I’ve got, not rush it through.

With that being said, pushing this release back affects my other planned release for this year, Mochizuki and Xlato, the third Adventures in Levena book. And so, the new release dates are as follows.

The Voice of Wild Places, October 28th, 2025.

Mochizuki and Xlato, September 29th, 2026.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding, and I hope you stick around for this adventure. It’s so dear to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it.

WIP Wednesday: Felt That Way

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

Today’s WIP Wednesday is brought you to by the gay explorers finally starting to admit their feelings.

“I didn’t know you felt that way,” Cornelius finally said.

Watt tilted his head. “I told you how I felt.”

“About men, but not … me.” He lifted a shoulder, looking away. “Not all men who enjoy men want men like me, if you get my meaning. And that’s fine, people like what they like.”

Watt guided Cornelius’ attention back to him with a gentle palm to the cheek. Cornelius’ eyes were wet, and his lips were pressed into a harsh line. “But I like you, Cornelius.”

Cornelius looked like he was fit to argue, but in the end he sighed, leaning into Watt’s touch. “God help you then.” He closed his eyes and whispered, “I’m fond of you too, Watt. You have no idea.”

Watt looked forward to finding out.

WIP Wednesday: Wizard of Gay

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

Ta-da! I’m now offering free short excerpts on my website and Pareton. Today’s excerpt is from The Voice of Wild Places, a queer historical fiction. Enjoy a brief introduction to Cornelius’ nemesis, Andrea Carmine. You can read chapter excerpts on my Patreon, and all sorts of different things.

And so Cornelius began to tell the story of where they’d been. Only then did Watt realize the man had smoothly avoided the earlier question regarding their future. He listened as Cornelius spoke of the wondrous French architecture of Rio, the industrious São Paulo and the Butantan Institute, and the growing Cuiabá.

Their encounter with Senhor Galvão, and in this Cornelius modestly admitted his wrongdoings in regards to not trusting Severino. Cornelius was subdued but informative when telling them about their stay with the Bacairy, and by the time it was all said and done the group was fully enamored with him. All except Andrea, that was.

“And tell me dear Cornelius, were you able to broaden your horizons during your journey? Adopt a love for something new besides … oh, what was it you read all the time back at Ur? Oh yes, that children’s novel, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

“Oh, I love that story!” Nair exclaimed, which brought a hesitant smile to Cornelius’ lips.

Ana looked between Nair and Cornelius. “I’m afraid I haven’t. But a Wizard? That sounds interesting.”

Cornelius nodded. “I find there’s nothing wrong with old favorites, and adults can find much to learn from children’s stories. Some of us may have missed the lessons the first time.”

The Voice of Wild Places Cover Reveal!

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment
An ebook cover of The Voice of Wild Places.

The Voice of Wild Places:

A Fabulist Historical Fiction

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.

Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.

Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.

Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.

But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.

After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

The Voice of Wild Places releases on May 6th, 2025. You can read early access chapters on my Patreon!

Cover art illustrated by the incredibly talented Thistle Arts.

WIP Wednesday – The Gay Along the Way

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

Cornelius slipped between the folds of the tent, and Watt’s hand fell to his side. Cornelius was fully dressed, sweat dampening his brow and gear upon his back. He gripped his cane in one hand and adjusted his glasses with the other. They stared at each other, steady gazes barely illuminated by the dim lantern beside Watt’s cot.

“I’m coming with you,” Cornelius whispered, barely there but firm all the same.

“You don’t have to,” Watt said, and tried very hard to mean it. “They’re doing good work here, real work. I can go on alone.”

Cornelius closed the distance between them, slow enough to give Watt time to back away. He did not.

✍️🏳️‍⚧️🧭

This week’s WIP Wednesday harkens back to the Tumblr post, and subsequently the book, that started it all. I was forwarded this post by a friend who thought it was right up my alley, and she was right.

It inspired thoughts of an adventure story with queer characters falling in love, and the story was originally set in a fantasy world. But as time went on, I realized I wanted it to be historical fiction, and eventually historical fabulism. And now the book is closer to done than not, and the cover is finished. In a little over six months, The Voice of Wild Places will be ready for the world.

Are you ready for it?

The book referenced by the Tumblr post is The Rivers Ran East by Leonard Clark.

The Voice of Wild Places

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.

Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.

Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.

Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.

But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind. After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

—

Presenting the next Noah Hawthorne book, The Voice of Wild Places. I’ve commissioned a fantastic cover artist already, Jan Falk of Thistle Arts. Jan has done covers for authors like Sebastian Nothwell and Rita Rubin, along with art for Sarah Wallace’s Dear Bartleby. Based on the cover schedule, release will be in late August or early September.

I am a sucker for historical fiction, especially ones that are queer and with a touch of magic. Taking place in 1930, Watt and Cornelius will be searching for historical figure Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for the Lost City of Z with his son Jack Fawcett and Jack’s best friend, Raleigh Rimmel. There are several theories regarding their disappearance, and this will be my take on it.

Are you ready for adventure?