S.J. Sotavento - Fantasy Author of Aubrey Aurelio and the Mishmar's Loom
Explore the mystical world of Avôr'Mundô with S.J. Sotavento, a Jewish Latino fantasy author. Discover books, the sacred Tel'Ôrim hymn Hem'Ano'Isabella, and merchandise from the TTel'Ôrim series featuring Ali, a Tel'Ôrim priest.
Fantasy novels with themes of belonging, identity, mysticism, and urban fantasy. Experience the sacred song Ali sings in the novel - Hem'Ano'Isabella, "The Ode to Isabella," sung in the lost art of Kant'Ari'A. Comparable to works by Anne Rice and Clive Barker.
Available in hardcover and paperback formats. Fantasy literature for readers who enjoy immersive world-building and diverse characters.
Welcome to the World of Avôr'Mundô
Discover the epic tale of Ali, the Tel'Ôrim priest, and immerse yourself in a fusion of fantasy, mysticism, and urban noir.
The Threads of Destiny
Welcome to Avôr'Mundô
Greetings, dear traveler. Welcome to the world of Avôr'Mundô, a place that is just as real as your own but filled with magic that is as natural and close as one's heartbeat. .
In Avôr'Mundô, reality is literally woven on Avoregâr's sacred loom—not as a metaphor, but as the actual mechanism of creation. The Tel'Ôrim priests maintain this cosmic balance, with the Navârî Brothers of the Loom holding particularly revered positions.
Twenty-three is the sacred number of rebirth, and structures develop consciousness over time in this world where faith powers magic and destinies intertwine like threads in a tapestry.
Meet S.J. Sotavento
bout S.J. Sotavento: Stephen J. Sotavento is a self-taught storyteller whose imagination flows "like water in a desert." A gay Jewish Latino man raised in the Midwest, Stephen began formally when encouraged by his partner Tony—the love of his life and his muse—to share his gift with the world. "I wanted Ali to be the voice of a generation," Stephen explains about his protagonist. "I wanted him to have a voice to speak to all those who felt left out—the boys and girls abandoned. I wanted to reclaim that magic that the world tells us to hide." Stephen's own experiences being thrown out at 17 deeply inform his work. "What I've learned is this: G-d brings people into our lives for a time to guide us. Our light is so bright whether gay, straight, black, or white—we are humans and thus all worthy of love and dignity." When not weaving the intricate world of the Tel'Ôrim, Stephen can be found crocheting (taught by his Abuela at age 5) or cooking elaborate meals (a skill inherited from his chef father). A self-described "armchair anthropologist," he draws inspiration from his studies of various religions, cosmologies, and mythologies.
World of Avôr'Mundô
Journey through the mystical realm where reality itself is woven on Avoregâr's sacred loom, and where the Tel'Ôrim priests maintain the delicate balance of existence.
Spain: Seat of the Romá Empire
The powerful Romá rule from this ancient capital, where ornate cathedrals house both political power and divine connection.
Northern Territories of the Barbarian Wolves
Lands of the Northern Wolves: a frigid realm of pagan modern Vikings—rejecting Tel'Ôrim monotheism—who sacked the Tel'Ôrim, imposed a brutal, Nazi-like rule over Argentina.
Lands of Yisarael
The eastern region with deep connections to Tel'Ôrim heritage, where ancient traditions are preserved and sacred knowledge is meticulously maintained through generations.
Shikaakwa Island
Once a prison colony in the early days of the Confederacy, this massive metropolitan island was built on the backs of Italian slave labor. where Ali's journey begins.
United States of Aracnus
United States of Aracnus: central realm named for the great Weaver Avoregâr, where faith is wielded as a weapon; the empire's New World crown jewel at a crossroads—will it welcome the Tel'Ôrim refugees?
Argentina's Silver Shores
Southern Realm: once a nexus of Tel'Ôrim traditions woven with Avoregâr's mystical loom, now a desolate tomb—vacant silver shores and vanished crystal spires.
The Lands of the Loa
Lands of the Loa: a vast western continent beyond the Romá empire, ruled by soul-eating Zimboko priests and steeped in ancestral spirit worship.
Tel'Ôrim Settlements
The spiritual class of Avôr'Mundô, where men serve as priests and creators while women stand as warriors and protectors. The Navârî(gay Tel'Ôrim men) are considered especially holy, serving as Brothers of the Loom.
Italian Presence
Considered "cursed" by many, Italians face discrimination within the Romá Empire, creating tensions that mirror Ali's struggle against cultural barriers.
Get Your Copy
Witness, dear children, the sacred caligraphy of Avoregâr as the runes dance.
Sing unto the Weaver, all you Navârî.
"And lo though my precious children be dashed upon the rocks of northern wolves, yet still do I bless my tithe. -- Avoregâr The Weaver."
Behold, dear children, the sigils of Tel'Hâ'Obar
Witness the sacred ceremony of the mystical runes as they dance to the ancient melody. This song you hear is the Hêm'Anô'Îsabêlla, "The Ode to Isabella," the most sacred of Tel'Ôrim hymns.
It is sung in the lost art of Kânt'Ârî'Â, once the religious style of all Navârî before the purge of their people by the northern wolves. Should you wish to listen you will be transported back to Argentina's past glory.
Discover the Magic Within
Click the wardrobe to be teleported to the marketplace. Each mystical item is your key.... or click this link if you are peering through a scrying stone.
Literary Influences
tephen cites Anne Rice, who helped him through difficult times during his mother's struggles with schizophrenia, and Clive Barker, who "weaves beauty and terror," as his primary literary influences. Like Charles Dickens, Stephen develops his characters as though they were his children—dreaming of them, talking with them, bringing their stories to life.