Apadora Rising follows a young prince thrust into impossible battles and choices, wrestling with magic, loss, and the burden of leadership. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My inspiration stemmed from a blend of mythology, real-world history, and the profound emotional complexities of growing up under pressure. I have always been drawn to stories where young leaders are forced to grow up too quickly. In this case, it is where the weight of the crown is more curse than a gift.

I tried to explore what would happen if a teen were suddenly responsible for many lives, a kingdom, and the fate of magic itself. The story grew out of that tension: the clash between destiny and personal choice, the cost of leadership, and the emotional toll of loss at a young age. Magic in this world became a metaphor for potential—beautiful, dangerous, and unpredictable—just like the prince’s journey

In many coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?

Authors always leave pieces of themselves in their stories, and Apadora Rising is no different. For me, it was the group of friends. Barrett and his friends reflect the bond I shared with my own friends during my youth. The way they support each other, challenge one another, and stay loyal even when everything around them is falling apart—it all came from real experiences. We faced our own battles, not with swords or magic, but with life, and that kind of friendship leaves a mark. Writing their dynamic was one of the most natural and heartfelt parts of the book, because it came from something very real.

Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?

Book #3, The King’s Ascent, takes a darker turn as the series moves toward its climax. With the stakes higher than ever, Barrett and his friends will face overwhelming odds, uncover a traitor hidden in plain sight, and fight to prevent their city from collapsing into despair under the Bureau’s tightening grip. Every lingering question will finally be answered.

As with the previous books, the friends’ lives are filled with tough choices that will test their loyalties. The journey concludes with heart, sacrifice, and an emotional farewell that will hopefully stay with readers long after the final page.

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