M’Sharra Peters Debuts Novel, Into the Avalon Forest, is the first in Secrets in Avalon Series
Born on January 23rd and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, M’Sharra Peters is a creative Aquarian that is passionate about storytelling stemming from a wild imagination. She began writing at the age of six as a way to express herself and has been crafting stories ever since. In 2020, she moved to Texas and earned her B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and is currently working toward her Master’s in English with a certificate in Creative Writing.
Known for being kind, creative, funny, and adventurous – though a bit shy at first – she enjoys opening up through writing and many creative pursuits.
Her debut novel, Into the Avalon Forest, is the first in Secrets in Avalon, a planned 28-book series blending fantasy, mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. This children’s and young adult fantasy adventure blends mystery, magic, and coming-of-age themes, aimed at readers from 5th to 12th grade.
What led you to write your book series?
Before starting this book series, I began my journey in creative writing when I was six years old. Nostalgic shows, movies, books, and even computer and video games sparked my imagination. I dreamed of creating stories that others could connect with, just like I had growing up. After seventeen years of learning, developing, and growing as a writer, my dream finally became a reality with the creation of The Secrets in Avalon series. Writing has been my greatest comfort throughout my life. Elementary and middle school seemed like some of the toughest years in my life when it came to establishing and maintaining strong friendships. Storytelling became my escape – my safe space – where I could express myself freely and create worlds that feel like home.
When I started the Secrets in Avalon series, the creativity derived from my own deep personal journey. The specific idea for the series was sparked during my senior year of college. I took an anthropology class called Witchcraft and Magic: An Anthropological Perspective, and we had a project on how magic and witchcraft are portrayed in pop culture. My first choice was the TV show, The Secret Circle (with Britt Robertson from The Space Between Us, Shelley Hennig from Teen Wolf, and Phoebe Tonkin from H2O: Just Add Water and The Originals), but I started second-guessing myself. I was super indecisive when it came to making this choice – I love so many shows and movies. So, I decided to use one of my favorite childhood movies: Bratz: Fashion Pixiez – something no one else in class was doing to complete this class project. While working on that project, I started brainstorming ideas for my book series. I was supposed to be focusing on a different story, but I couldn’t help it – I secretly started writing chapter one in my workshop class – thanks to the advice of my creative writing professor. That’s when I realized this idea was perfect for me. I was so inspired by Bratz: Fashion Pixiez, I wanted to create my own version of fairies – but with a twist. Not just magic and fairies, but also mystery, thrill, which would also include emotional depth. And that’s how Secrets in Avalon began.
You have released the latest in your book series “Secrets in Avalon Into the Avalon Forest. Tell us about your main character, Hannah Sumpter.
Hannah Sumpter is a 16-year-old girl who moves from Chicago to the mysterious city and suburb of Avalon, Missouri, after the sudden disappearance of her older sister, Caroline. From the start, she’s friendly, warm-hearted, and deeply loyal – someone who would do anything to protect the people she loves. But she’s also strong-willed, independent, and a natural leader, which is why she becomes the leader of a group/clique called the Mystic Pact.
What makes Hannah stand out is the many layers to her personality. She’s compassionate and creative – especially when it comes to art. She copes with the grief of her sister’s disappearance by drawing fairies, sprites, and Pegasi, which reflects her deep imagination and emotional depth. Her creative spirit plays a huge part in who she is – and in how she connects to the magical world around her.
At the same time, Hannah’s not perfect – and I wanted her to feel real. She can be short-tempered, stubborn, and even bossy at times. She doesn’t like her sister Sadie touching her stuff (which is her pet peeve), and when someone bullies her or someone she loves, she’ll reveal her bold and outspoken personality – not afraid to speak up or act. She’s a bit judgmental and impulsive and sometimes lets her emotions get the best of her, but underneath it all, she has a heart of gold and a strong sense of right and wrong. And as the series unfolds, readers will learn that there’s a lot more to Hannah than meets the eye – including a hidden magical identity. Her journey becomes one of discovering who she really is, not just as a friend or sister, but as a leader, a fighter, and a protector of a world she never imagined she belonged to.
Take us through your book and share why the recurring themes are relatable to children today.
Secrets in Avalon may be set in a magical world filled with fairies, sprites, and dark secrets, but at its heart, it deals with themes that are very real and deeply relatable to today’s kids and teens.
This book series alone explores themes of grief, change, and starting over – experiences that many children face in one way or another. From adjusting to a new environment to dealing with emotional loss, Hannah’s journey mirrors what it’s like to grow up in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
As Hannah teams up with her new friends and uncovers the hidden fairy world in Avalon, Missouri, the story really leans into the theme of friendship – how it forms, how it’s tested, and how it becomes a lifeline in hard times. Hannah Sumpter, Sydney Barnes, Zoey Park, Dominique Guerra-Arias, Amber Dodge, and Nia Washington come from diverse backgrounds, but they learn to lean on each other, fight for one another, and grow together. That sense of belonging is something every child speaks about.
The series also explores courage – not just the kind needed to fight magical battles, but the quiet, everyday kind. Like standing up for a friend, facing your fears, or telling the truth when it’s easier to stay silent. The characters are far from perfect; they make mistakes, they argue, and they sometimes doubt themselves. But they keep going, and that persistence is one of the most powerful messages in the series.
And of course, the fantasy and mystery elements – the hidden fairy nightlife, the dark magic, the secrets hiding within the city, the suburb, and the school – reflect on the way many young readers see the world: full of unanswered questions, wonder, and moments where they have to rely on their instincts.
At its core, Secrets in Avalon is a coming-of-age story that uses fantasy to explore identity, self-discovery, and inner strength. It reminds readers that it’s okay to be different, to be scared, and grow at your own pace – because real magic comes from within.
What’s next?
I’m actively working on the second book in the Secrets in Avalon series, and readers can expect it soon. The next book picks up with Hannah and her friends learning how to balance their everyday lives with the magical reality they’ve stepped into. But when Hannah receives a mysterious letter from a sprite who claims to have escaped Queen Vivia’s grasp, everything changes. This sequel dives deeper into the darker side of Avalon’s fairy world as the girls face their first major mission: a dangerous rescue that will test their powers, their trust in one another, and their ability to stand united – even when conflict and doubt threaten to pull them apart. Along the way, they’ll face new villains, unlock deeper truths, and grow as magical beings and as young women navigating change, pressure, and responsibility. Like the first book, this sequel blends friendship, fantasy, mystery, and emotion – but the stakes are higher, the secrets are bigger, and the magic is more intense. I can’t wait to share what’s next for these girls! So the journey’s not over yet! There are 27 secrets planned for the girls to uncover, and there will be new allies and friends to help them along the way!
