The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 follows a warrior-king whose mystical powers strengthen each time he dies and returns to life as he stands alone against a sorcerer capable of dark magic. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Back in high school, I was a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, who inspired me to write my own epic fantasy series. I envisioned a magical world called Triken with a main character named Torg, a powerful wizard who was ruler of an army of desert warriors called Tugars. I called him a Death Wizard because of his ability to die, enrich himself with death energy, and then return to life. I ruminated over this before I fell asleep at night, while driving alone in my car, even when taking a shower. Characters developed, plot lines thickened, and settings took on new depth. I grew more and more excited about it, but I couldn’t seem to write it no matter how hard and often I tried. Life kept getting in the way. This went on for 25 years. I finally decided enough was enough and took a big risk, stepping away from the rat race for three years and living off savings. Freed from the restraints of my day job, I was able to write and revise 750,000 words in 34 months. My dream finally came true, not in high school but in middle age.
Writing about fantastical worlds isn’t easy for everyone, but for me it’s a piece of cake. My larger-than-life imagination was seared into my brain during my childhood growing up in Florida during a time when kids ran as far and wild as their imaginations would take them. All we needed was a Pop-Tart for breakfast and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (on Wonder Bread) for lunch, and we were good to go. We’d throw on T-shirts and shorts and rush out our front doors into a world of wonders. Some of the things we did—climbing towering trees, swimming in surging seas, riding our bikes to faraway places—were downright dangerous. We didn’t care. We were the rulers of our domain.
I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. I wouldn’t trade my imagination, either.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
This isn’t an idea unique to me, but in my series most of the magical characters derive their powers from something specific. In Torg’s case, it is death energy. In the evil sorcerer’s case, it is sunlight. Torg’s love interest, Laylah, derives her powers from moonlight. Another example is a monster called a Stone-Eater, who literally devours obsidian to obtain his powers. There are many more examples of this in the series. As for balancing the use of supernatural powers, I did this in two ways. First, I made it clear to my readers that Triken is a world ablaze with magic, so it’s not unusual to encounter a magical being. Second, my magical system has a hierarchy, as in some magical beings are far more powerful than others. This helps to create tension and unpredictability.
Do you have a favorite scene in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
My favorite scene in Volume 1 is when Torg emerges from the mouth of a cave and reaches the surface of the world after being trapped deep underground in claustrophobic conditions for more than a week. There’s a lot going on between the lines in that scene, and it is quite powerful, IMO. I cried when I wrote it, with Sade’s extraordinary song Pearls blaring in my headphones to help set the appropriate mood.
Can you give us a peek inside Volume 2 in this series? Where will it take readers?
The series is composed of three volumes, with each volume containing two books (LOTR was also set up this way). In Volume 1, Torg and Laylah are imprisoned by the evil sorcerer (in separate locations) and finally escape. Fate brings them together and they fall in love. In Volume 2, Torg and Laylah spend much of their time on the run while being hounded by the sorcerer’s monstrous minions. Meanwhile, three great wars begin to take shape that will alter the course of the world.
FYI: Volume 2 will debut in July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.
Enter a world where death is not final—it’s a magical fuel.
In the desert kingdom of Triken, sorcery is feared, power is brutal, and one man defies the laws of life itself. Torg, a Death Wizard, draws strength from the moment of his own death, returning again and again to protect a realm teetering on the edge of annihilation. But his greatest battle lies ahead—not just against armies and dark sorcerers, but against a monstrous evil that feeds on suffering and threatens to consume everything he loves.
As war ignites and ancient powers awaken, Torg must confront a destiny soaked in blood, bound by sacrifice, and forged in a darkness deeper than death.
Perfect for fans of The Witcher, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and The First Law series, The Death Wizard Chronicles delivers relentless action, rich world-building, sexual tension, and a haunting exploration of power, mortality, and what it means to be truly alive.
From award-winning fantasy author Jim Melvin comes a new three-volume edition of his dark fantasy series, The Death Wizard Chronicles. Volumes 2 and 3 will debut in July and October 2025. If you’re ready for fantasy that doesn’t hold back—this is your next obsession.
Jim Melvin’s The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 is a sweeping and gritty epic fantasy novel that plunges the reader into the war-torn world of Triken, where magic, violence, and fate collide. The story centers on Torg, a Death-Knower—a warrior-king who dies and resurrects repeatedly, gaining mystical powers with each return. As the leader of the desert-dwelling Tugars, he stands alone against Invictus, a rising sorcerer whose dark magic and monstrous allies threaten the very balance of existence. When Torg trades his freedom to save a peaceful race known as the Noble Ones, the tale shifts into a tense meditation on sacrifice, loyalty, and power. The plot is fast-paced and cinematic, with vivid world-building and sharp dialogue.
Reading this book was like stepping into a dream soaked in blood and moonlight. I found myself torn between awe and discomfort. Melvin’s writing is intense. Every sentence is packed with texture and movement. He doesn’t shy away from the raw stuff: pain, rage, lust, and death are all front and center. Some of it is genuinely brutal, but it fits the world he’s built. What impressed me most wasn’t the action (though it’s stellar), but the psychological depth of Torg. He’s not your average sword-swinging hero. There’s a stoic grief to him. A strange tenderness even when he’s cracking skulls. That complexity kept me emotionally hooked, even when the violence became overwhelming.
Melvin’s prose is lush and immersive, often leaning into a rich, almost poetic style that brings the world of Triken to vivid life. He isn’t afraid to slow things down with detailed exposition and bold philosophical themes, giving the story a thoughtful, almost meditative weight. The villains are unapologetically dark, embodying evil in a way that feels mythic and larger-than-life. While the lines between good and evil are stark, it adds to the high-stakes drama and classical tone of the tale. What truly stands out is Melvin’s fearless storytelling. He dives deep into spiritual allegory without losing the grit and guts that define epic fantasy.
This isn’t casual fantasy fare. It’s a deep dive into the violent, mystic, and strangely poetic mind of a world at war with itself. If you’re someone who loves dark fantasy with spiritual weight, who doesn’t flinch from graphic content, and who wants more from their fantasy than just dragons and quests, this one’s for you. I wouldn’t hand it to a casual reader, but for the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, it hits like thunder.
Do You Believe in Miracles? follows a once shy teenage boy who discovers a hidden realm where he is a powerful wizard and now must decide to remain in that world or return to his mortal life.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two things stand out. My previous epic fantasy saga is titled The Death Wizard Chronicles, and it contains adult content that makes it appropriate for 18 and older. But I have five daughters, and the youngest one — who is a voracious reader — couldn’t bring herself to read DW. The ol’ you can’t picture one of your parents even thinking such things. So she asked me if I could write something appropriate for the 13+ age group. Hence, my teen fantasy adventure series Dark Circles was born. Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3. The second thing that stands out is that the setting for Dark Circles is based on a small town in rural Upstate South Carolina that is near to where I currently live.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
The short answer is yes. The long answer would go on forever. So I’ll give you the middle-length answer. 😀 I went to great effort to give each of my major characters real and recognizable traits such as their physical appearances, emotional responses, personality quirks, and their values, beliefs, and morals. For example, Charlie’s growth from a timid teen to a powerful wizard built slowly throughout the narrative. If you read carefully, you’ll be able to see this growth step by step, almost like walking up a long set of stairs.
What was the initial idea behind the Dark Circles Trilogy, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
The initial idea came from the title. The trilogy is called Dark Circles for a specific reason. When teens from the real world enter the fantasy world, they are unable to sleep because an evil being haunts their dreams and is intent on killing them. Therefore, when they return to the real world, they have dark circles beneath their eyes from lack of sleep. I carried this theme throughout the series, though it became less important as the story picked up speed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on two books: a novel and a memoir. The novel is titled Bhayatupa the Great: The Dragon Wars and is a prequel to my six-book adult epic fantasy titled The Death Wizard Chronicles. It should be available by June 2025. The memoir is titled The Adventures of a Florida boy and it chronicles what it was like to grow up in the 1960s on the west coast of Florida, a time when kids roamed wild and free. I’ll be shopping this to publishers and agents soon, so I’m at their mercy as to when it will be available.
Dark Circles is the winner of ten prestigious international awards. From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes an award-winning adventure suitable for teens and adults.Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3 of Dark Circles, a fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 23, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 21, 2024)
Synopsis: When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
Magical realms in literature captivate the imagination by offering boundless possibilities, and Charlie Magus is the hero who brings this novel to life. Do You Believe in Miracles? by Jim Melvin is the third book of the Dark Circles trilogy. It follows 13-year-old Charlie Magus, who stumbles into a hidden realm within the forest, changing his world forever. Once a shy boy, Charlie becomes a mighty wizard with extraordinary abilities. While life continues normally in his everyday world, the fantasy realm is on the brink of a colossal war. Charlie’s magic could decide the outcome, but he faces a tough choice: remain in the world of mortals or reside forever in his newly discovered world.
Melvin’s talent for creating vivid, immersive descriptions pulls you into the magical world he’s crafted. Each scene is rich with detail, making the fantastical elements feel real and immediate. From the intricate spell work to the majestic landscapes, the book’s visual splendor is truly impressive. The way Melvin paints these images with words makes the fantasy realm come alive. You can almost see the shimmering magic and feel the atmosphere of each setting. This ability to create such a vivid world adds a layer of depth to the story, enhancing both the action and emotional moments. The book is a visual feast that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the adventure. Melvin’s writing style ensures that the fantastical elements are not just decorative but essential to the story. The detailed imagery helps to build a rich, immersive experience that draws you into every aspect of the narrative. The magic and settings are described with such clarity that they become an integral part of the story, making each moment feel both epic and personal.
Do You Believe in Miracles? captured my heart with its exceptional visual and narrative artistry, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Do You Believe in Monsters? follows a thirteen-year-old boy who discovers a magical world hidden in the forest, where he transforms into a powerful wizard, leading him to question what world he belongs in. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The series is titled Dark Circles for a variety of reasons, some obvious and some more subtle. One of the obvious reasons is that in the fantasy world, it is dangerous for Charlie (the 13-year-old mentioned in your question) and his friends to succumb to sleep because the evil being who haunts the fantasy world attacks them in their dreams. Therefore, they are marked with dark circles under their eyes from going several days without sleep.
Charlie starts out as a timid boy, often bullied, who starts to gain some confidence after discovering his magical abilities. What trials did you feel were important to highlight the character’s development?
This question cuts to the core of Dark Circles. In the “real” world, Charlie is skinny and relatively weak and therefore has to rely on a healthy dose of pragmatism to survive. In the “fantasy” world, Charlie has been gifted extraordinary powers and therefore has to temper his pragmatism in order to truly believe that his new powers are real. Only then can he unleash their full potential. Seeing is believing.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Fantasy novelists balance this in several different ways: 1) The main characters’ powers emerge slowly, often taking half the series or more to master them. 2) The MCs’ powers emerge quickly, but the characters don’t trust them or understand how to wield them until deep into the series. 3) The MCs quickly master their powers but discover they are dwarfed by the powers wielded by the evil beings they are destined to encounter.
Many readers might disagree with me on this, but I’m not a big fan of number 1. As a reader, I find it frustrating. Therefore, my series is a combination of numbers 2 and 3.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Charlie Magus and the direction of the third book?
The quick answer is that you can find out for yourself because book 3 (Do You Believe in Miracles?) debuted April 21, 2024. 😀 But here is a breakdown of how the series unfolds:
Book 1 (Do You Believe in Magic?) focuses heavily on the real world, enhancing character development but also drawing a stark contrast between the real and fantasy worlds. This contrast is what motivates the characters and drives the narrative. Book 2 (Do You Believe in Monsters?) is more action-packed and war-driven, especially in the last few chapters. As a reader, you will fly through the last 50 pages for sure. Book 3 (Do You Believe in Miracles?) is the most introspective of the three and focuses on a long and arduous quest through plains, forests, and towering mountains. This sets up an epic climax filled with thrills and chills.
When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
In Do You Believe in Monsters? Dark Circles book 2, Jim Melvin crafts a vivid continuation of his fantasy series, plunging readers into the lives of Charlie, Gord, Virgil, and Zola as they navigate the treacherous paths between their mundane world and the magical realm of Pacchann. The novel combines elements of fantasy and coming-of-age drama, exploring the characters’ struggles against both mythical threats and personal demons. This second installment deepens the lore and heightens the stakes, making for a gripping read.
Melvin’s writing excels in its character development. Gord’s transformation from a mean bully to someone grappling with internal conflicts is particularly compelling. The early chapters, where Gord interacts with a mysterious ring of light, effectively set the stage for his character arc. The tension between his tough exterior and the vulnerabilities he slowly reveals is handled with a deft touch. I found Gord’s moments of introspection and his complex relationship with his mother to be some of the most poignant parts of the book.
One particularly compelling scene near the end occurs when Gord confronts the devil who granted him new teeth. This moment is pivotal as it encapsulates Gord’s internal struggle and transformation throughout the novel. After enduring a life marked by hardship and neglect, Gord is offered a sinister form of salvation by the devil—a magical solution that tempts him with more than just physical repair but also a potential escape from his harsh reality. The intensity of this scene is heightened by the moral dilemma it presents. Gord, who has been a character shaped by his environment’s brutality and his own survival instincts, faces a critical choice. The devil’s offer is not just about accepting supernatural help; it’s about the price of this help and what it signifies about Gord’s own values and future path. The dialogue here is charged with urgency and reveals the depth of Gord’s desperation and his resilience.
The interplay between the real world and the fantastical land of Pacchann adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative. This duality is a brilliant narrative device that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. The scenes in Pacchann are full of vivid descriptions and imaginative creatures, capturing the essence of a world teetering on the brink of war. Yet, the emotional resonance of their real-world experiences, like Virgil’s strained relationship with his parents, grounds the story and makes their escapism to Pacchann feel both necessary and fraught with tension.
The book seamlessly transitions between the everyday struggles of Charlie, Gord, Virgil, and Zola and the enchanting elements of Pacchann, adding a dynamic and multifaceted layer to the story. The thrilling action sequences are particularly engaging and offer an exciting contrast to the more introspective moments. This blend of high-stakes drama and quieter, character-driven explorations creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers on their toes, making for a compelling and immersive experience.
Do You Believe in Monsters? Dark Circles book 2 is a fantastic read for teens and young adults who enjoy a mix of fantasy adventure and real-world drama. Fans of series like “Percy Jackson” or “The Chronicles of Narnia” will appreciate the blend of magical escapism and relatable character dilemmas.
Do You Believe in Magic? follows a bullied 13-year-old boy who discovers a magical waterfall and embarks on an epic adventure as a wizard. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up on the shores of western Florida and spent much of my childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie Jaws put a scare into everyone. At the time, I was too skinny to attract a shark’s attention. About ten other boys my age lived on my same street, and we hung out morning, noon, and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, “kill the carrier,” etc. — but as a group, we also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters, and superheroes. It was in this setting that my imagination as a writer of magical fantasy was born and nurtured.
I moved from Florida to Upstate South Carolina about twenty years ago and drove from Tampa-St. Pete to the Clemson area on Interstate 75 many times. It’s about a 10-hour drive, which is quite wearisome. And the traffic around Atlanta can be horrendous. I’ve always found the rest stops to be a bit spooky, especially at night. My MC Charlie Magus also found them to be spooky. If you read Do You Believe in Magic?, you’ll get the picture.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
My first home in SC was on forty wooded acres that included a creek that wound through a forest to a waterfall. It wasn’t as magnificent as described in the book 😀, but it did serve as the inspiration for the story.
Plus, I am the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles, a six-book epic fantasy for mature audiences. I did a ton of hands-on research and world-building for that series, which came in handy for this one.
Finally, I am at home in the mountains. It’s where I now live, and I do long hikes at least three days per week. Characters in fantasy novels tend to wander around a lot in the wilderness, so I feel comfortable writing about natural surroundings.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I have written Dark Circles with young teens in mind. I tell potential readers that it is appropriate for 13 and older, though readers as young as 10 and as old as 80 have enjoyed it. When I say appropriate, I mean that there are no sex scenes and only very limited profanity. But like most epic fantasies, the series has its violent moments — sort of like the later Harry Potter books.
But just because a series is appropriate for young teens doesn’t mean that it has to be sophomoric. To the contrary, Dark Circles is a sophisticated work with a lot going on between the lines in terms of themes, allegorical elements, symbolism, foreshadowing, literary tropes, etc. My newsletter (Jim Melvin’s Realms of Fantasy) goes into extensive depth about this.
Some of the themes in my series are obvious: bullying, good vs. evil, coming of age, heroism. But in the end, the most important theme of all is the idea that only the best among us are willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good — the literary equivalent of a soldier throwing himself on a hand grenade.
All this said, if you only read books for pure pleasure and don’t really care about the literary stuff, my series still fits the bill. It’s a lot of fun!
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book Two (Do You Believe in Monsters?) debuted in late October 2023. Your excellent review of Book One mentioned that the early portions of Do You Believe in Magic? contain some deliberately slow pacing, and that was well said. In contrast, the pacing of Book Two is deliberately faster. To describe the second book as action-packed would be accurate, IMO.
The third book of the trilogy (Do You Believe in Miracles?) will debut on April 22, 2024. This concludes the series.
From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes a new adventure suitable for teens and adults. Do You Believe in Magic? is book 1 of Dark Circles, a teen adventure fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 30, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 2024)
Book 1 synopsis: After discovering a magical waterfall deep in the forest, a boy and his dog embark on an epic adventure in a fantastical world filled with monsters and magic. In the real world, Charlie is a 13-year-old nerd picked on by bullies. But in the fantasy world, he becomes a wizard wielding formidable powers. Standing in his way is a vile monster bent on destruction. Only those with a hero’s heart will have the courage to stand at Charlie’s side when the war begins.
In Do You Believe in Magic?, the first book of Jim Melvin’s The Dark Circles Trilogy, young readers are introduced to Charlie Magus, a 13-year-old boy who stumbles upon a mystical waterfall in South Carolina that serves as a portal to the enchanting realm of Pacchann. This discovery launches Charlie and his friends into a world where magic and danger are intricately intertwined, and a prophecy highlights Charlie’s significance in this new world.
Melvin’s narrative style is a standout feature of the novel. His rich, descriptive language paints vivid scenes, making it easy for readers, especially tweens, to immerse themselves in the story. This clarity is crucial for younger audiences to navigate the plot’s complexities. Some might initially find the pace slow, but this deliberateness is a testament to Melvin’s thorough world-building, ensuring every detail contributes to the story’s overall progression. As the plot unfolds, it transforms into an absorbing journey that maintains reader engagement through to the end. Though aimed at a younger demographic, Do You Believe in Magic? Has a universal appeal. As an adult reader, I found the narrative’s depth engaging. The characters, including Charlie, Virgil, Zola, and Garrick, are crafted with relatable and likable qualities, anchoring the fantastical elements in a relatable human experience. The novel’s use of pop culture references and occasional authorial asides may divide opinion, but they add to the authenticity of a genuine young adult reading experience.
This first installment sets a high bar for the trilogy with its captivating storytelling and promise of adventure and enchantment. Melvin captures the quintessential experiences of tween life, from self-discovery to social challenges, making it relevant and enjoyable for its target audience. Do You Believe in Magic? is an engaging entry into fantasy for middle-grade readers and those who appreciate immersive, magical worlds.
LITERARY TITAN 