Found Family in The Scholars of Elandria series

I always say that The Scholars of Elandria books are character- and theme-driven more than plot-driven. I cover many major themes, and most of them were intentional from the beginning. Some of these are reverence for nature, critiques of patriarchy, the dangers of religious zealotry, and self-acceptance and growth. But one theme in particular forced its way into Quinn’s story, and later Amarice and Raymond’s: found family.

“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”

This proverb is usually misquoted as “blood is thicker than water.” But in its original meaning, the people who you fight beside (literally, in the Crusades), the people who chose the same destiny as you have a thicker bond than those you are blood-related to. 

Found family has been integral in my own life. See, I have many relatives who do not or would not accept me as I am. When it comes to family time, I either have to hide the biggest parts of myself or pretend they don’t exist. Because God forbid, my identity that doesn’t fit someone’s mold makes people uncomfortable.

But the friends in my closest circle—those are my family. These are the friends who drop everything to come sit with you in a panic attack. These are the friends who have cupcakes delivered on a terrible week and check in to make sure you’ve eaten. These are the friends who crawl into the hospital bed next to you and hold you while you cry. (Yes, these are all examples from my real life.)

Among my found family, I don’t have to pretend to be anything I’m not. I don’t have to be “on” on the bad days. I can say anything without judgment, only love. My found family checks in on me, and I check in on them. We say “I love you” like it’s going out of style.

It’s no surprise that the idea of found family weaved itself into my novels. For the first time in his life, Quinn finds a place full of people who accept and love him exactly as he is. Through that, he is able to learn to love himself and, quite literally, embrace his inner magic.

It’s all fine and dandy to say that we shouldn’t derive our self-worth from other people. But it’s a hell of a lot easier to find it when you’re surrounded by people who see your value and tell you so often. 

Need a good series about found family? Click here to buy my books.

~Krystal