Hollow-Boned Universe

On an alternate Earth lies the country of Tar, a small continent occupied by humans and winged people known as hollow-boned. The government controls many aspects of its citizen's lives, including the media they consume and where they can and cannot travel. Magic powers crop up randomly in many families and those that show potential are often recruited by the Sentinels of Light, a private organization that fights crime and maintains peace in the cities. But all is not as the government would like its citizens to believe. There are secrets that, if exposed, could shatter the fragile peace that holds this country together.

Greetings, dear readers. I will use this space to answer some common questions about the world of the Hollow-Boned Trilogy that are not fully explained in the books, but can be inferred little by little throughout the trilogy. This story is like an urban fantasy romance…but not. The world this story takes place in is very similar to our Earth, but it evolved in different ways. Therefore, there are some similarities but also vast differences.

Why are there cars and computers but no cellular phones?
Imagine that you are looking back at history and noting every invention or discovery man made. Now imagine scooping a few out. What if plastic was never invented? Concrete? Airplanes? How would we live in our modern society without such conveniences? We would use what resources we have to move technology forward, of course. Which is what the people of this world have done.

Why are there no power lines but houses have lights?

This is explained by magic gems. Various types of rock formations, gems, are mined and imbued with power to be used as a vessel for energy. Gems are such an abundant resource that citizens can use them for everyday trivial things, like powering coffee makers and overhead lights in rooms. When the energy is depleted, they can be recycled; reimbursed with magical energy. Since The Box and computers are powered by gems, and transmission towers are used to relay messages, powerlines, electrical sockets, wall light switches, etc. are unnecessary.

Why is pale skin uncommon in Tar?

Long ago, before the War of the Continents, people traveled freely between countries. Society at this time was more open-minded as far as accepting cultures, religions, and traditions different from one’s own. Therefore, simple differences like skin color or the possession of wings was never questioned. The co-mingling of different peoples from different countries is why, once the current government of Tar was established after the War, you could find citizens with paler skin and different hair and eye hues in a country that was once predominantly occupied by a people with far more melanin. You may find darker skinned citizens with bright blue eyes or shades of red in their hair. Or all white hair. It is also why there are varying wing types for hollow-boned.