HEROES OF THE REALM
From the depths of demonic invasions to the unfathomable power of the Outer Gods, these warriors, mages, and rulers must battle forces far beyond mortal comprehension.
WRITER NOTE
This was my first time writing a book with a female lead—a strong, powerful protagonist at the heart of it all.
The story began as what I like to call a “fun project.” After finishing Highest Society, I needed a breather—something lighter, something different. This book was meant to be a short escape from the grim and heavy world I had just built. It was supposed to be a standalone, a one-off adventure to clear my head before diving back into the darkness.
But something strange happened. I couldn’t leave it behind. The world still had more to say. The journey wasn’t done. And the characters—especially Thalia—refused to fade away. What began as a standalone has now evolved into a planned five-book series.
I never saw it coming. Hence why the second book, The Devourer’s Path, serves as a kind of soft reset—expanding the universe while staying true to the heart of the original.
As for the title? It rhymes with Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish—and that just felt right. It such a good song too, give it a listen!
Favorite Scene?
One of my favorite moments to write was the build-up to Thalia unleashing her Supernova. The anticipation, the tension, the sheer weight of the moment—it was so satisfying. She’s such a compelling character, and that scene still gives me chills.
WRITER NOTE
I never planned to write a sequel to Fate of the Marked, but the story refused to let me go. My mind kept circling back to it, the characters wouldn’t stay quiet, and before I knew it, The Devourer’s Path was born—a continuation that demanded to exist.
At one point, I almost turned Erik into a full-on Sung Jin-Woo copycat—yes, Solo Leveling was that much of an influence (and seriously, go watch it). The similarities were too close at first. Shadow powers, brooding presence, that overwhelming strength… But thankfully, I pulled back and made a deliberate shift. And I’m glad I did. Erik grew into something else entirely—one of the most distinct characters in the Heroes of the Realm universe. Not just in terms of power, but in personality, path, and purpose.
This book marked a major turning point. If Fate of the Marked lit the match, The Devourer’s Path was the explosion. New characters. New threats. A whole new direction. It pivoted the series from a self-contained tale to something far more ambitious.
That said, I’ll be the first to admit—it’s rougher around the edges. Compared to its predecessor, the worldbuilding feels thinner, the pacing a bit rushed. I was in a hurry to get it out, and that haste came at a cost. Even now, when I reread it, I find myself thinking, “Damn, I should’ve added this. Or expanded that.” It’s a lesson I took to heart for the books that followed.
Note to self: Don’t rush things, kid.
Favorite Scene?
That battle. You know the one. I was watching Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End while working on it, and the emotion, intensity, and quiet brilliance of that anime bled into the fight choreography. It inspired not only that moment in this book but laid the foundation for what’s to come in its sequel. Still one of my favorite things I’ve written.
WRITER NOTE
We’ve officially reached the end of the first trilogy. What started as a standalone story somehow evolved into a full-blown series—and Prodigy marks the third chapter in this unexpected journey. Honestly? It wouldn’t have happened without you. (Okay, maybe a little bit of me, too.)
Fun fact: this book was delayed by about two months due to a kidney issue. Nothing too serious—just my body telling me that high-protein diets aren’t always the flex they sound like. I’m doing great now, no worries. In fact, this book ended up changing more than just the series—it changed me. Since then, I’ve been living a bit healthier (or at least trying to).
During that downtime, I got hooked on Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. One particular battle scene left such an impression that it lit the creative spark behind Prodigy’s core. The magic system in Frieren deeply inspired this book—it gave me the chance to finally expand the arcane mechanics of this world, something I didn’t fully explore back in Fate of the Marked.
And if you’re picking up some Harry Potter vibes—yes, I grew up with it. That world definitely cast a shadow here.
Funny thing, though: Breon wasn’t even supposed to be the main character. Originally, that spotlight was meant for Sir Cedric Valenforth, the Perfect Knight. But the more I wrote, the more Breon just… fit. His story felt more personal, more necessary—not just for him, but for the series as a whole.
Favorite Scene?
Not a battle this time. My favorite part to write was Breon doing his research. No spells flying, no swords clashing—just a guy digging through books and piecing things together. It felt like writing a journal instead of a fantasy novel, and honestly? That scene is probably the most “me” I’ve ever put on the page.
WRITER NOTE
We’ve finally reached Book Four — the second “chapter” in the greater arc of Heroes of the Realm. Not just in terms of plot progression, but in the way the story deepens. With this book (and the one that follows), I began approaching the world and its characters with more intention. The earlier books, I’ll admit, leaned heavily into the protagonist killing their way through problems — fun, but not always layered. This book marks a shift.
The world-building is richer, the characters more grounded, and the stakes more personal. And at the heart of it all is Kael — the fan favorite, the mustachioed hype machine, the chaos gremlin of destruction. Writing him has always been easy… mostly because he farmed enough aura to write the book himself, lol.
Favorite scene?
No contest — Kael vs. the Dragon King.
WRITER NOTE
And just like that—we’ve reached the end.
Not just of a book, but of the entire series. What a journey it’s been, and I’m incredibly grateful to have spent it with all of you. From the very first pages to the final chapter, this story has grown far beyond what I ever imagined. And the fact that you came along for the ride? That means the world.
This final book brings everything full circle. I know some of you might think Roderick had it “easy” this time around—but if you’ve been paying attention since the beginning, you know he’s always been strong. He just never needed to go all out. Until now.
The epilogue holds a special place in my heart. It plants a seed. And if that seed ever starts to grow—if it calls me back—I’ll be there to continue the story without hesitation.
Favorite scene?
When Roderick let go of everything. No filter. No holding back. Just raw, unfiltered power. He earned that moment.