Heroine perseveres in action-packed tale, Kat in Harm’s Way by HA Russel

In his first foray into adult fiction, Mulmur artist Hugh Russel has released a new book, Kat in Harm’s Way.
As he retired from sculpture, about five years ago, he decided that what he really wanted to do was write.
“I’ve had a great time doing it, too. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, actually,” said Russel, a renowned sculptor.
Locals will know his tribute to Mary Barrie – the bronze sculpture of a little girl on roller skates outside the Creemore branch of Clearview Public Library. His work can be found in collections all over the world, including the Vatican City.
Throughout his artistic life, Russel has focused on storytelling. Kat in Harm’s Way is about Cpl. Katrina Fernando, a character he had been thinking about for 30 years or so, toying with the idea of what to do with her.
From page one, the first in a four-book series reads like the script of a Hollywood action film, with explosions and pithy repartee.
“When I write, I write as if I’m writing a movie. I see these things in my mind,” he said. “It’s visual. I’m a visual three-dimensional artist so that’s how I see the world.”
The story begins with the Gulf War, where Kat takes part in historical battles.
In developing the character, Russel saw a woman who has everything – looks, brains, athleticism … “All of things would make one assume that she had it made,” he said, “and yet everything in her life goes wrong.”
In losing her parents at a young age, Kat is left with a sense of longing for family and acceptance. She joins the army but finds the men are hostile towards women.
“I wanted to put her in that situation where there’s this built in hostility that has nothing to do with her and everything to do with the organization,” said Russel.
He said he was very interested in exploring this character, who has this innate need to succeed.
“She’s a good person and she finds herself doing things that are very difficult emotionally and morally, and they’re not necessarily what she wants. What she wants is family, what she never had,” said Russel.
Unbeknownst to Kat, she is part of a larger scheme and there are people who have big plans for her. Russel has continued Kat’s story with three sequels and then picks up with her daughter for another four-book series. The first book was published in February but the pandemic got in the way of a proper launch. The second book is set to be released in the coming months.
Kat in Harm’s Way, by HA Russel is available through Amazon and at BooLore, at 121 First St., Orangeville.