The Legacy of Festoria follows five gifted kids, each with a special connection to an element—shadows, wind, water, fire, or earth—who are called to seek out a mysterious sage who holds the key to balancing their ancestral powers with emerging AI technology. Where did the idea for this novel come from? 

The idea for The Legacy of Festoria was born out of a deep curiosity about what would happen if ancient wisdom and future technology were to collide. I’ve always been fascinated by elemental magic and the idea that nature holds secrets we’ve barely begun to understand. But I also wanted to explore how modern innovation, especially AI, might not oppose that wisdom but enhance it. The story came to me like a vision: children gifted by nature, living in harmony with the elements, who must journey to uncover not just magical truths but also the role of advanced intelligence in preserving that harmony. It’s a tale of inheritance—both spiritual and intellectual—and the power of unity in a time when the world is at a crossroads between tradition and transformation. 

The Legacy of Festoria begins in a traditional way, but then takes a turn that defies the conventional fantasy story, blending fantasy with AI technology. What was your approach to writing the story? 

I wanted the story to feel like a gentle unfolding—a familiar beginning in an enchanted village that slowly peels back layers to reveal a far more complex world. My approach was to root the reader in timeless, almost mythological elements—earth, water, wind, fire, and shadow—and then introduce the unexpected: the fusion of those elemental gifts with artificial intelligence. Instead of framing technology as an invasive force, I chose to write AI as something that could coexist and evolve alongside ancient magic. This blend creates a narrative tension that mirrors our modern world’s dilemma—do we abandon the old ways, or do we find ways to adapt and evolve them? Writing this book was about creating harmony between opposites and allowing the characters to be the bridge between them. 

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

At its core, The Legacy of Festoria explores the balance between nature and technology, past and future, and solitude and connection. One key theme is identity—each child must come to terms with their unique gift, their ancestry, and what it means to use their powers responsibly. Unity is another essential thread—though the characters are wildly different in temperament and talent, they are strongest when they come together. I also wanted to explore legacy—what we inherit from those who came before us and how we choose to carry that forward. And finally, the story delves into purpose—not just finding it but forging it, especially when the path is unclear. The fusion of AI with elemental magic became the perfect metaphor for growth: honouring the roots while reaching toward the stars. 

Where do you see your characters after the book ends? 

When the children step through the portal and meet Solon, it’s just the beginning of their actual journey. I see each of them stepping into a new chapter—not just as individuals mastering their gifts, but as Guardians of a new era. Aria will likely become a Seer of unparalleled wisdom, learning to read not only shadows but the complex moral patterns in the world. Leo might become a Messenger between realms, interpreting the shifting winds of change. Marina could become a diplomat of sorts, mediating between the old magic of nature and the logic of AI. Ember would thrive as a protector, defending their world with passion and courage. And Sage—steady and grounded—might grow into a builder of bridges, both literal and symbolic, between the elements and technologies that shape their future. Together, they’ll form the foundation of a new kind of harmony: one where magic and innovation walk hand in hand.