About Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook
There’s a story in the story
Like a wheel within the wheel
Spiraling forever
Through the world we see and feel.
There’s a tale within the fable
Like a gear within the gear
Marking time forever
Until the secret is revealed.
The Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook series introduces the audience to the Folktellers Universe, a place where stories are the source of all power. As this storytelling realm unfolds, the audience comes to learn about the essential stories that must be told in order for people to learn, grow, and fulfill their own destinies… motivating the forces of darkness to want to suppress, subvert, and destroy at every opportunity.
In every age, across time and space, there have been Folktellers, those who protect and share the stories that need to be told. Although each Folkteller tells stories that are specific to their world, at their heart, the stories are universal tales of adventure, courage, bravery, and love that inspire those who hear them, while driving back the shadow realm.
The Folktellers series follows the adventures of newly-minted Folkteller, Aaron, and his companions, Wendy, a Traveler (who can shift them through time, space, and dimension) his pal, Jake, a Guardian (Protectors of the Folkteller Universe), and Eddie Little Bear (a powerful Guardian in his own right).
In each episode, as they are alerted to stories in jeopardy throughout the dimensions, Aaron, Jake, Wendy, and Eddie embark on missions to save these vital stories and protect the other Folktellers they encounter. But The Shadows, creatures from an anti-universe whose prime desire is to snuff out warmth, light, and love, are clever and ruthless. Sometimes they manage to achieve their goals and we see first-hand the damage the loss of a fundamental story does to the inhabitants of the affected world.
Early on, Aaron learns that he is a Seer, a rare kind of Folkteller who actually can see and draw out the stories that reside all around him. Eventually, he will have to learn how to harness this power, both to guide and inspire those who need to hear them, but also to mystically affect physical objects through the spells these stories weave.
What Aaron, Wendy, Jake, Eddie, and the rest of their allies will come to understand is that there is somewhere, a Master Guidebook (the Book of Books) filled with all the essential stories from which all other stories originate. The only problem is that the Shadows find this out too. Aaron and the others will find themselves in a race against time and an army of Shadowy wraiths to piece together puzzle maps, book excerpts, and the Master Guidebook itself… Even if it means pitting themselves against the powerful Council of Folktellers and the entire Shadow Realm!
Whoever holds the story wields the power!
Guidebook Series
- Phases of the Moon (Book 1)
- Cave in the Rock (Book 2)
- Shadows on the Silver Strings (Book 3)
- The Great American Fairy Hoax (Book 4)
- The Boy That Never Was (Book 5)
- A Clockwork Thief (Book 6)
- The Matryoshka Doll (Book 7)
The Folkteller Universe
In Josef Bastian's world, stories shape everything. They build realities, mend breaks and guide wanderers home. The Folkteller Universe unfolds like an ancient tale full of beginnings, stumbles, promises, rescues and fresh starts, all told through everyday adventures.
I. HOW IT ALL BEGINS
It starts with the ONLY, a single source that speaks things into being. One word and light appears. But people twist this gift, using words to control instead of create. Shadows rise from those twisted tales, dark figures born of lies. To stop the harm, the ONLY scatters the power of direct speech, like tongues mixed at a tower long ago. From then on, true making happens through stories, not commands. It is a quiet agreement: imagine together and the world heals.
II. TWO PATHS OF TALES
The universe splits into two series, like old scrolls and new letters, one about rules and journeys, the other about mercy and endings.
Series I: Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook follow Aaron Anderson and his friends Wendy, Jake and Eddie Little Bear. They find hidden doors in Phases of the Moon, face the Shadow Lord Apscind in Shadows on the Silver Strings. Along the way, groups like the Folktellers (keepers of lore), Travelers (messengers) and Guardians (watchers) hold pieces of a lost guidebook. It is a story of growing up, losing your way and finding bits of truth in the scatter. (Seven Books and a Compendium)
Series II: The 13 Tomes follows Zinnia Melville as she steps in with her own crew, linking back to Aaron's group across years. Books like Snip-Snapdragon, Curse of the Captured Spectre and The Gapgatherer build to a big gathering. They reclaim Ariadne’s Thread, piece together the full guidebook and let its words sink into the earth's hidden lines. Old hurts fade; new ties form through unlikely friends, surprises and second chances. (Seven Books and a Compendium)
III. WHAT STORIES REALLY DO
At the heart: Words create. Stories save. Light endures. The full cycle, sixteen books, loops back on itself, inviting anyone to jump in and retell. People join the making, turning shadows with honest tales.
The Folkteller Universe feels like a fireside yarn for children, but it lingers like Lewis's Narnia or Tolkien's Middle-earth, subtle echoes of deeper truths wrapped in folklore and wonder.
Author Josef Bastian
Josef Bastian is a Midwestern storyteller with sharp humor and deep spirit. His poetry and prose connect with all ages. He has over a dozen books in print, centered on storytelling’s power.
Stories are core to human life. They communicate, teach, and drive growth. Untold stories trap people and block progress. Whoever shapes a story holds influence to build trust, fight lies, or inspire change. Bastian urges owning your narrative, learning its lessons, and “trust but verify” in a biased world. A strong story shifts views and transforms lives, blending myth with modern needs to boost connection and action.
He holds an English Literature degree from the University of Oxford and an MA in Technology Communication from Oakland University. At Oxford, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis influenced him deeply through discussions on myths as echoes of truth, fantasy’s value, and ties between imagination, faith, and philosophy.
Bastian wrote poetry in junior high to process emotions, then shared as others connected. History and mythology drew him, seeing legends as living truths. This mix of reflection, faith, and curiosity revives old tales today.
Works include Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook series, The Nain Rouge Trilogy: A Crimson Three, The Silver Jack series, The 13 Tomes series, and Hero’s Journey The Series reviving global myths, legends, and faith.