Every hero needs a secret identity.

"After touching the warped post, Aisling tried to wipe her skin clean of the black smudges. Little streaks of white shone through the charred-black wood that had once comprised the walls, the floor, the ceiling. In hair, white streaks indicate age, but in this burned-out one-story building, they were a reminder of a time before fire and ruin."

While a scarred world rebuilds, Aisling gave up globetrotting to embrace the destiny she long rejected. But in a forgotten corner of Ireland, rain squenching Aisling's red curls into corkscrews, this hero in training also has to figure out her secret identity.

Banter. Travel. A short jaunt into the heart of meaning and purpose. If you like decisive women and yearn for a new type of hero, then get ready for a trip to "The Eighth Wonder of the World."

The Rucksack Universe series combines alternate history, speculative fiction, myth, adventure, globetrotting, and intrigue—all with well-poured pints of beer. Library Journal says Anthony St. Clair's storytelling has "universe building reminiscent of Terry Pratchett," and readers say they love the Rucksack Universe's unique combination of "quirk, wit, travel, and magic."

Praise for Anthony St. Clair and the Rucksack Universe

"Does not follow any fantasy formula. St. Clair has created a delightfully fresh saga of a world in which nothing is as it seems." – Reedsy Discovery

"Left me completely gobsmacked. Great concept, fun characters, and beautiful writing… High-stakes story, told with wit and compassion." – Nth Degree

"Brings the reader into the story and holds them there with every sight, smell, sound, and feeling…. St. Clair is now one of my favorite authors and I truly cannot wait to read more." – Online Book Club

"Fans of travel, fantasy, and beer will circle around this story. Matching Indian lore with universe building reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, St. Clair's tale will make readers reconsider fate." – Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal's Self-Published Ebook Awards

What Readers Say

"Cheeky and sophisticated."

"Pulls you in fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat."

"The characters and story swept me into their grasp and whisked me into their world."

"A page turner for sure."

"Fascinating new universe."

"Modern fantasy writing with very real characters and situations."

"Easy to read, wildly entertaining, and full of imagination."

"St. Clair is a fine storyteller who will keep you reading to the end and still wanting more."

"Anthony seamlessly combines quirk, wit, travel, and magic."

"Grabs your attention and doesn't let go."

"Entertaining fantasy full of twists and turns."

"Challenges and trials that will keep you fully engaged as you read St. Clair's beautiful prose."

"Delightful and artful adventure into an intriguing world."

"A wonderful read for all levels, St. Clair uses humor, his love for travel, and his love of beer to create a fascinating universe that draws you in and doesn't let go."

"Sharp writing and dialogue."

"A variety of amazing characters that have been masterfully brought to literary life."

"Beautiful prose, smart humor and a slanted take on reality."

"If you love strong characters, witty repartee, beer, and occasional sword-play, this book and series is for you."

"Anticipation of what's to happen next kept me turning the pages."

"A great familiar setting for those of us living on earth, with a nice twist of fantasy splashed throughout. Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman."

"I am curious as to what happens next."

"A delightful read, especially for those who love to travel—even if only in their armchairs."

"Intriguing, magical underbelly!"

"Lots of exciti...