To Leave a Warrior Behind: The Life and Stories of Charles R. Saunders, the Man Who Rewrote Fantasy by Jon Tattrie

This is much more than The Life and Stories of Charles R. Saunders, though it is the biography of the writer who moved to Nova Scotia and worked hard to make a name for himself in field that was not overly welcoming to Black writers. In this tale, Tattrie brings the reader on a journey of media, Nova Scotia, and our Black history beyond the pages by sharing stories of the people and their obstacles.

Almost immediately, the reader learns of the heartbreaking loss of Saunders through isolating times of Covid when many just decided Charles, a well-known recluse, was fine. Many, too, thought they were his only friend as he would much prefer to write a letter to an acquaintance than meet in person. Born in the US, he attended Lincoln University. When working to avoid being enlisted, Saunders made his way to Ontario and eventually to Nova Scotia, which he called home.

It is clear from his writing that Tattrie was both a friend and co-worker to Saunders, as well as a researcher, as he revealed the storyline through letters of correspondence collected from friends from around the world. Each eloquently written and wonderfully quoted to bring heart and wisdom to the story.

From the introduction by Sheree Renee Thomas, proclaiming the story of Saunders and his indelible mark on the literary world, including science fiction, to the very hopeful conclusion of the book, the pages illuminate the power of faith.

Even the jacket of the book tells a magnificent story of power and insight, along with the perfect title that appears so often through the tale of a superhero who proves a pen is mightier, and more soulful, than a sword. This biography speaks to the constant challenges of a writer, and the perseverance of a man who simply would not let the idea of not fitting in defeat him. Saunders’ continued to carve paths with his sword of choice, connecting lovers of fantasy with worlds that would always welcome them, apart from Tarzan.

Tattrie dug, and dug, and made evident his own personal journey while honouring his mentor, friend and co-worker throughout each aptly named chapter. Like Saunders, Tattrie didn’t give up in telling the story that so desperately needed to be told as he worked to commemorate a fellow literary legend who chose to call Nova Scotia home. As Tattrie mentions how he realized many aspects of Saunders’ hero, Imaro, take after the author, the similarities between Tattrie and Saunders are, too, revealed.

Only there are a lot of differences, too.

The imagination Saunders revealed through his love of fiction, while paying bills for some time with non-fiction, Tattrie secures his mastery of non-fiction while diving into the fictional stories he admires.

There is much to say throughout this book about growth, perspective and re-writes when the life of the writer changes. Equally, this is the story of the Halifax Daily News, and media in general as the idea of local reporting continues to shift.

“Upon reflection, he connected his writer’s block to a chain reaction of thoughts, fears, and doubts that wore him down to the point where he could not write.” Yet Saunders knew stories had to be told, and would not admit defeat, especially after Imaro saved him years before.

This is more than the story of one Black man with a fondness for fantasy fiction.

This is more than the story of racism, then and now, in Nova Scotia and how one Black man worked to show that Sword and Sorcery is made beautiful with a touch of soul.

To Leave a Warrior Behind is a tale of community, the literary world, and the determination of one man to ensure no warriors would be left with their story untold.

This is the story of Charles R. Saunders, of faith and fiction, family and friends, and the shadows and light we can all learn from.

Jon Tattrie is the author of eight books, including the best-seller Peace by Chocolate, as well as The Hermit of Africville, Redemption Songs: How Bob Marley’s Nova Scotia Song Lights The Way Past Racism, and Daniel Paul: Mi’kmaw Elder. After working as a journalist for more than twenty years, he now operates Write Now! with Jon Tattrie to help other people write their books. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with his wife Giselle, son Xavier, and daughter Roslyn.

Publisher: McClelland & Stewart (January 20, 2026)
Hardcover 9″ x 6″ | 336 pages
ISBN: 9780771004216

Sarah Butland

Website

I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.