Blog Archives
Adapt and Persevere
The King’s Ascent follows the rightful ruler of a kingdom that has been taken over by an insane man craving power and control, who, with his loyal friends, must find a way to regain his throne. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story, and how did that help you create the ending?
I believe people are drawn to the timeless clash of good versus evil. While it is a familiar trope, its enduring appeal lies in its reflection of real life—where both good and bad exist. The battle between Barrett and his friends against evil mirrors the struggles we face in the world today.
As for the ending, I wanted to convey that life is never a straight path. Like Barrett and his friends, we are often guided by unpredictable twists and turns, many of which are beyond our control. Yet, to survive, we must adapt and persevere. While this lesson is difficult and sometimes painful to learn, Barrett’s journey reflects the challenges we all face in life.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Do you think this is intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
The theme of transformation is intentional. Every moment, we are changing—shifting in ways both big and small. We are never the same person we were yesterday, last week, or even last month. Barrett and his friends undergo a similar evolution, growing before our eyes. They make countless mistakes, but it’s through these trials and tribulations that they ultimately become stronger and better equipped to reach their goal
What is your background and experience in writing and how did it help you write The Ruinous Curse series?
I have been writing since I was a child, creating short pieces of fiction as early as nine years old. Over the years, I have honed my craft as an outdoor columnist, taken writing courses, and learned the art of editing and storytelling. I have never looked back. My time in the military, where I had the opportunity to travel the world, deepened my understanding of diverse cultures and people. I strive to weave those experiences—the sights, beliefs, and emotions—into my writing, enriching my stories with a global perspective.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
That’s a great question, and honestly, I’m not sure there’s a clear answer just yet. I’ve been toying with the idea of extending the series into another trilogy, featuring a more mature and wiser cast of characters. However, I haven’t taken that step yet, as I’m currently immersed in a new project titled The Library Between Worlds. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed my work. I truly appreciate each one of you.
Author Links: Website | LinkedIn
To save their home, the friends must remove the tyrants. But the task will be harder than imagined as their plans fail at every attempt. Making things worse, the wizard Elimar is nowhere to be found and the sorceress, Trishar, is confined to her house under the watchful eyes of Bureau Agents.
Now, Barrett must use all his cunning and powers to free Westmore from the vile grasp of the Bureau, regain his throne, and rebuild the city. Standing in his way are an evil wizard, armies of hired killers, Mystical Affairs, and Grimes himself, who has more secrets than anyone could have guessed.
The Ruinous Curse: The King’s Ascent
The King’s Ascent is the third book in The Ruinous Curse series and brings Barrett’s long and bruising journey to its peak. With his friends by his side, he faces the final push against Apadora’s curse, the treachery of those he once loved, and the crushing weight of decisions that could end or save entire worlds. The story picks up where the last book left off and wastes no time plunging the companions into the Outerworld, where trust splinters, love is tested, and the line between sacrifice and survival grows thin.
What struck me most while reading was how much darker and heavier this installment felt. The writing carried more bite, more despair, and yet more raw urgency than before. Sometimes that worked brilliantly, especially when Barrett’s doubts mirrored my own unease. I loved how the story kept its momentum, never letting up for long, and the constant clashes and arguments gave the book an energy that pulled me through without pause. I was hooked by the constant turmoil between the characters, particularly the fraught tension with Zanora. Those confrontations sparked with real venom, and I found myself torn between pity and fury every time she opened her mouth.
At the same time, there were moments of beauty that kept me grounded. Gaia’s voice of calm and her warmth gave the book its balance, and the loyalty between the companions, frayed as it was, always pulled me back into caring. I can’t deny the sheer emotion McClain poured into this tale. I caught myself smiling in places and even shaking my head in frustration when Barrett stumbled into old mistakes. That mix of reactions is what made the book feel alive.
The King’s Ascent is a grim, emotional, and fitting conclusion to the saga. It’s a book for readers who crave fantasy that doesn’t shy away from sorrow, who enjoy characters wrestling with their worst selves as much as their enemies, and who want the messy, tangled finish to a story about love, loyalty, and the high cost of leadership. If you’ve made it this far in the series, you’ll be more than pleased with this third entry in the coming-of-age fantasy series.
Pages: 351 | ASIN : B0FC6YKL3C
LITERARY TITAN 