Soon to be released first novel
ETA: Paperback and E-Book on Amazon: 4th July 2025
THE FRACTURED LAKE
BOOK 1 from THE DEAD TREE SCROLLS
CONTACT: info@pjwarne.com
About P.J.Warne
Writer - Mythtorian - Adventurer
Born to itinerant parents in Suffolk, England. My formative years were spent mainly in the south of England, where my brothers, sister and I ran wild over the countryside. Those were simple days back then, so long as we were back for tea all was good. We often brought home trophies like newts and tadpoles from the ditches beside the railway tracks.
Summer holidays usually meant a week we would stay with my Grandmother (Blue Nanna) near Framlingham Castle. We would get up early and take our airguns or fishing rods to the meres beside the castle. It's hard to believe the freedom we had in those days. During the days we would go picking black currants for pocket money then go to the beach or auctions in country towns. The auction houses were veritable treasure troves and a voyage of discovery into a bygone age.
My family travelled extensively throughout the world, and we were schooled in many countries, though with little consistency. Our primary education was based more on the life and experiences we lived.
The travelling developed my love for history, culture, and adventure. I have many friends all over the world, but the close ones owing to the extensive travelling of our youth meant my brothers and sister and cousins became the valued friendships that lasted with time. I currently live where the wind takes me, so long as there’s a place to recharge my laptop, I’m happy.
4DDD Radio inerview with PJ Warne
The Dead Tree Scrolls
​I was contacted by a farmer, Felix Stowe back in 2012 after an unseasonal storm blew over The Ancient Tree that was located at the back corner of his property. The tree was heritage listed and was adjacent to the remains of a stone cottage thought to have been built approx. 400AD. Originally these would have stood just inside a large evergreen forest that was cleared in approx. 1600AD. The remnants of the forest still surround a lake about five miles distant.
When the tree blew over it split the trunk open revealing a hollow that extended up to where the tree had lost one of its lower branches along time ago. Inside the hollow were several glazed terracotta jars, the lids sealed tight with wax. A couple of these had shattered when the tree came down revealing some very old scrolls within. Some of these were rather water damaged after the storm. These are popularly known as The Dead Tree Scrolls. (Not to be mistaken for the more well-known Dead Sea Scrolls)
I worked with the storm damaged scrolls first before they deteriorated even further. I have called this volume 1, though there are older scrolls. These marked a transitional time within the colony of their origin.
Volume 2, which I am currently working on continues from the period at the end of Volume 1.
There are several maps that were included with the scrolls, two of which were included in the first volume. During the translating of Volume 2, I have discovered a couple more maps, one seems to lead to the location of further documents. This I will have to follow up and see if I can relate it to our current geography.
The scrolls certainly shed light upon the period of time just post the roman occupation that so little is known about, and show that aliens have been amongst us in an unexpected form for a long, long time.
Featured Books
The Fractured Lake
Endorsements for The Fractured Lake
The Fractured Lake is such a quirky and fun book, bursting with an incredible mix of
characters and settings. Cat, especially, is a real gem! The writing transported me into so
many different worlds, each one unique and deeply layered. I think it is a must read for all
ages and I can’t wait to see what PJ Warne creates next.
Emma D, age 44
An imaginative and engaging author, PJ Warne invites readers to immerse themselves in a
land of magical creatures, mystery and adventure. With its cast of vibrant and compelling
characters, a spellbinding and unique storyworld and Warne’s sophisticated writing, The
Fractured Lake is an enchanting fantasy story for readers of all ages.
Sophie C, age 22
Loved it – couldn’t stop reading.
Fiona P, age 59
The thrilling action sequences kept me on the edge of my seat and the pacing was masterful. I
loved how the story was separated yet beautifully linked, giving it a rhythm that felt like the
ebb and flow of real life. It drew me in, making each chapter both a standalone delight and a
crucial piece of the overall puzzle.
Peter G, age 9
Loved this book! Fast paced, funny and fantastical, transporting the reader between an
autocratic bird colony and Olde England – complete with knights, dragons, princesses,
peasants and talking animals. The sense of place in both landscapes is tangible and the
characters are well drawn and hilarious, even when not particularly lovable. Read and be
teleported!
Maria O’Brien, age 63
The Fractured Lake is an exciting fantasy–sci-fi crossover that takes the reader on a fast-
paced adventure – complete with dragons, treasure and advanced AI. I can’t wait for the next
instalment to learn more about this world!
Alison, age 34
An enjoyable, unique take on fantasy.
Rebecca A, age 19
A fantastic read – so original. What an incredible world PJ Warne has created. I loved the
way he intertwined elements of familiar medieval history into a story about talking
teleporting crows. A really fun and unexpected mix! I also enjoyed that so many of the
characters had a strong moral compass (very uplifting), and I loved the scarecrows’
mysterious powers. I’m really looking forward to book two, so I hope PJ has started it!
Kate W, age 42​
The Fractured Lake is different and compelling, a good read. I enjoyed how it tapped into my
imagination and allowed me to lose myself in a fantasy, make-believe world.
Gail S, age 70
​
Universal appeal.
Derek P, age 67
