Dylan Dover: Into the Vortex follows a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is adopted and his biological parents were not human when he finds an enchanted realm. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?

As a parent and teacher, I want to write books that not only entertain but also inspire readers to think about issues that are important in their lives.  I, therefore, hope to create characters that readers can connect with and root for as they encounter challenges throughout the novels.  In Dylan Dover, I wanted the protagonists to be open-minded and accepting towards others, especially those who may be different from themselves.  In an immortal world full of diversity, this was an extremely important factor that was always at the forefront of my writing. In addition, I wanted the characters to display other traits that I believe are morally essential in today’s modern world including compassion, kindness and the willingness to take risks, face adversity and work co-operatively towards a common goal. 

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

There are many themes that are explored in this book, which I hope are relatable to readers.  Family, friendships, and developing one’s identity are some of the themes that the characters grapple with as they face challenges throughout the novel.  Facing adversity is also a prevalent theme throughout all six of the Dylan Dover novels.  My youngest son, Dylan (no coincidence that the main character in the book shares the same name!) is currently 15 years old.  He was 12 when I wrote Dylan Dover: Into The Vortex.  When I created the character of Dylan Dover, it was based very much on my son except the real Dylan obviously does not have any magical powers!  When I am writing, it is my son’s voice in my head and with his permission, I use many of the experiences he has had in my novels.  For example, when I was writing book 5 in the series, we were right in the middle of the Covid pandemic.  My son, like so many other young people, was suffering from mental health issues caused by social isolation.  Dylan was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and I used his lived experiences in the novel. Dylan Dover had to face his own mental health issues in that book. I am so proud of my son for courageously talking about his challenges and working to dispel the stigmas that are often associated with mental health issues.  In addition to these themes, ideas about effective leadership and social justice issues are also important in the Dylan Dover series and I hope that readers will be thinking about these concepts as they read my novels. 

Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?

Book 2 titled Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest, has Dylan, his newly discovered identical brothers Remy and Seth, along with their friends Thea (a wizard), Halle and Oliver (shapeshifters) and Via (a fireball) desperate to discover the secrets of the prophecy which foretold of four siblings, born on the same day, who would be blessed with extraordinary powers.  They understand that if they are the ones referred to in the prophecy, then it will be their actions that shall determine the fate of the immortal realm.  But if they are the siblings of the prophecy, then there must be a fourth child, a sister, still missing who has yet to be found. 

In Book 2, the search for the missing sister and more clues to reveal the truths about the ancient prophecy lead Dylan, his brothers and friends on numerous adventures, crossing between the human and immortal worlds.  Greek mythology becomes an important element in book 2, as Orion, the mythological Greek hunter, joins the story.  New allies are revealed and alliances formed, but there are also new dangers that threaten the siblings and the existence of all immortals in both dimensions.  As the siblings discover their hidden powers, they also uncover secret agendas and threats that have remained concealed until now. 

Books 3 – 6 are all written and continue the saga of Dylan, his family and friends.  New characters, both friends and villains, will add excitement and adventure. Greek mythology, including the characters of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon become even more prevalent as the novels progress.  The characters will be aged by several years in the last three novels, as the siblings continue to discover the depths of their extraordinary powers, including their ability to time travel, and their role in the immortal realm.  New challenges and dangers will arise and the protagonists will have to learn how to harness their powers to save both the human and immortal dimensions.

The books in the Dylan Dover series are:

Book 1: Dylan Dover: Into The Vortex

Book 2: Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest

Book 3: Dylan Dover: Players Of The Prophecy

Book 4: Dylan Dover: New Order Rising

Book 5: Dylan Dover: Awakenings

Book 6: Dylan Dover: Collateral Damage

I am hopeful that they will all find a home with a publisher very soon!

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