The Book of Thieves and the Joker’s Game follows a young man who discovers a magical new world after his father dies and is faced with the decision to follow his father’s legacy. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

There were actually two versions of the book. One version there was only “Earth,” or one world, and the second version had Earth and Mysthia. I decided to setup the story with two worlds to help isolate Abell from the norm further. Plus, it helped the reader learn and experience the new world together. With two worlds, it is more liberal freedom to be expanded upon, which makes for a better setting for a fantasy novel.

Abell is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Abell, as seen in the book, is destined for change. And not a good change. His character starts out very idealistic and passive, almost innocent. By the end of the book, you can see his character hit a wall. A switch is clicked.

Book of Thieves and the Joker’s Game is just the first book of the series. And in this book, you can see Abell’s childhood innocence. As the story continues, the reader will be able to see Abell change, and perhaps not for the best.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

There are multiple themes at play. Nature vs nurture easily, but also coming of age and good vs evil.

Abell’s natural character is quite noble and moralistic, partly because of how his father and Sally raised him. He was a good student, great kid, and well-rounded, always meaning well for others until his world changed. Even though Abell’s father did his best to shelter from the truth, and raised him as any loving family could, Abell is suddenly thrown into a world that his father left a stigma behind. A world scorched with the hatred of their family name, and it burned Abell’s innocence to ash. Even though Abell was bullied on Earth, it was never targeted at his identity, his family, and his entire existence.

The past of Abell’s father shifted the idea of good vs evil. Who is exactly evil in this story? Was it Abell’s father, and is it Abell now?

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

The second book of the series, “Heirs,” will be released soon. Exact date? Not sure. I am quite excited to release it, the story follows Abell’s “clicked” personality.

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