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Fear Of Mortality
A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld follows the last akiko on his quest for retribution that is filled with unexpected challenges. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To be honest, I had a few different variations at the start of the writing process, but I knew I wanted to bring back the Mistress of Quietus from the first book Benign Dystopia in one form or another, and so, I began there. Since she was designed to strongly resemble Baba Jaga from Slavic folklore, I, naturally, delved into the fables which incorporated the supernatural being as well as others linked to the creature
in some way. It was in this pursuit, that I eventually stumbled across Koschei the Deathless, and after a bit of research into the immortal wizard, I decided to model my setup around the Russian fairy tale, The Death of Koschei the Deathless, since it did include the likes of Baba Jaga. It was actually this very tale which heavily influenced the story’s plot and through it, I formed the initial theme of my work: the fear of mortality and the search for a cure. This, of course, evolved over time, but through it all, the fear of death remained an intricate part of A Fool’s Tragedy and was undeniably vital during its early stages.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I would have to say the jinni, Will. He was by far my favorite character to write and develop; and although others were enjoyable in their own right, I found the jinni was the most entertaining. I will add, Will only came about because of the main character’s flaws, which although do make him unique, they also serve to make him a bit difficult at times. I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was creating a companion for Jadecan to quest through the whole of Neldar with. On the surface may not seem like too big a task, but given the main character’s hostile nature, and how intimate he is with death itself, I needed one that both Jadecan couldn’t kill, nor just simply depart the company of. And yes, the story does open with Sophis, the tinkerer, as his companion, which the first book set up, but the issue I felt came in the form of Jadecan needing him more so than actually caring for him. This regretfully, in the long run, wouldn’t bode well for dear Sophis, and so, mainly because of readers’ fondness for the character, I admit, I removed him until such time I felt comfortable enough to reinstate him as Jadecan’s primary companion. The last thing I wanted to have happen was for Sophis to die, which does happen more often than not in my writings, and Will, well… he was not only a phenomenal character to write, but also pivotal in the evolution of Jadecan, which in the end, I believe strengthened his relationship with Sophis as well as everyone else around him.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I am most definitely a pantser through and through, which probably comes as no surprise. Everything which happens within the work develops organically whilst writing it. There are very few aspects I plan, and the most I do in the plotting department is brainstorming as I research topics associated with the chapter I’m currently building. I couldn’t write my stories any other way, I think. The twists and turns are just as surprising to me, the author, as they are to the main character, Jadecan. This is genuinely reflected within the narrative as well, which I personally believe strengthens the overall reading experience, and from those I’ve spoken to who have read the work (of which I can count on one hand, mind you) they tend to agree. And yes, this writing style is likely the culprit behind the rapid shifts in setting and the frequent departure of side characters in the novel the review had made note of. I, myself, do not find it an issue, but I can see how some may find it challenges the clarity of the plot progression and the depth of connection with supporting characters, this is true. My primary focus during the writing of Tellurian Otherworld, as a whole, though, (tome one and tome two) I admit, was the development of its setting and the Elder’s Vault series’ main character, Jadecan, and not much else. To that end, however, plot progression and depth of connection with all characters are among the many parts of my writing I am tirelessly working to improve.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
The second tome, A Hero’s Comedy, will take readers back to the world of Neldar where the characters, Jadecan and Sophis, will continue their quest for the fabled Agari stone in hopes of using it to recover the lich’s death. This, of course, is all in search of the Queen’s ark, which Benign Dystopia set up with its new ending (which is not a part of the published work, mind you). As of writing this, I have all but one chapter left to complete the manuscript, so I have a pretty good idea as to where the characters will be in the next book, you could say. To not spoil anything, I will only add that most, if not all, of the supporting characters from tome one, A Fool’s Tragedy, will come back in a big way. It is full of twists and turns, no different than the first tome of Tellurian Otherworld, but I do think it is a bit more clear in its plot progression and will help a great deal in rounding out the entirety of the work as a whole. I am hopeful to have A Hero’s Comedy: Tome II of Tellurian Otherworld concluded within the next few weeks, but as is often the case with writing feats such as these, I cannot guarantee it, but nevertheless, it is nearly complete. With that, I bid you farewell for now, and may you all have a legendary day. Thank you.
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Reoccurring Dreams From My Past
Benign Dystopia: Elder’s Vault follows a high priest and warrior who sets out on a mission to unlock the vault in an attempt to save his species from alien invaders. What was the inspiration for your story?
When I was much younger, I was plagued by reoccurring dreams, and this is where the plot for the tale came from. At that time, I was bouncing between foster homes and felt as if I had little to no value, so these dreams were kind of a saving grace if you will. At first it was a bit unnerving, for they were not ordinary, or usual by any means. I had no idea why they were happening, and to this day, I still don’t. It wasn’t until I was adopted that they gradually subsided and were replaced by the much more mundane of night visions, which as a side note, don’t occur as frequently. In the roughly thirty or so years since their disappearance, they have yet to return, and I don’t have hope of them ever doing so. With that being said, I suppose the strange dreams I had as a youngling are the inspiration behind the overall concept of the story at large, for without them, I fear the tale wouldn’t exist.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The setting of the moon, Niushki, which plays a vital part within the story, in many ways is a reflection of how I felt during my early years. A barren wasteland with little to no order where trust and family are largely nonexistent. As I wrote however, the world quickly developed traits that were much more reminiscent of my twenties as a whole, where friends became adversaries and death was nothing more than a normality of life. But I found, in all of that chaos, somehow, that I had created a unique world of serenity that’s hostile by nature, which although alien, mirrors our own in many ways. It was actually this very concept of peaceful violence which brought about the novel’s title Benign Dystopia. All that said, the setting of the tale was mostly crafted from my very real experience of the one which shaped my own life, for better or for worse. And yes, although it’s unpredictable, dangerous, and chaotic at times; it’s also full of wonder, joy, and brimming with endless possibilities.
Benign Dystopia has some very interesting characters that have their character flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
To build character, I mostly observe and listen to the vast array of people around me. I’ve always been intrigued with what makes an individual different from the next, and as such, I do conduct a bit of people watching from time to time. I’m blessed though, for I’m surrounded by a variety of different cultures and age groups, which helps a great deal in the overall depth of the characters in my works. From their names, to the way they speak, think, and carry themselves, I have in a big part, the countless diverse individuals I’ve met throughout my life. I, of course, also put in a great deal of research into every aspect of the writing process, no matter what it may be, so I’m sure this plays heavy into the subject as well. Outside of that, I find myself delving into subjects such as psychology and the theory of personality on a daily basis. The teachings of philosophers such as Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche, Confucius, Carl Jung, and Aristotle are just some of the few I look to when evolving the psyche of any character, especially those of strong importance. Character as well as world-building are what matters most to me as a writer, and to that end, I spend a good bit of effort in making them as relatable as I can. This in tandem with authentic and engaging personalities, is what I believe make even the most flawed and, dare I say, vile characters, one of which readers would not only connect with on a personal level, but also enjoy.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The second book in the Elder’s Vault series, Tellurian Otherworld, is actually split into two parts, of which I call tomes. The first tome is titled: A Fool’s Tragedy, and has already been reviewed by Literary Titan. As to when it will be officially published, I am not entirely sure, but will certainly keep you up to date. The work will take readers to the world of Neldar, which unlike Benign Dystopia, is more of a fantasy than it is a science fiction. The story follows the same characters and picks up where Benign Dystopia ended, though it focuses heavily on the supernatural elements established within Benign Dystopia’s third part, which may upset those hopeful of immersing themselves in the space opera aspect built in the first book, but worry not, there is a method to the madness. But overall, Tellurian Otherworld, both tomes, will feature some fantasy in the form of wizards, dragons, fairies, and mermaids, as well as others; but it will also include otherworldly entities such as ghosts, genies, zombies, and nagas. When all is said and done though, my hope is that I’ve weaved a meaningful and unforgettable tale that’ll survive the test of time that all can enjoy. I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere too, but I digress, thank you and I wish you all a legendary day.
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Mercilessly, Jadecan wanders the moon unrelenting, ill-disposed and alone. Being possibly the last of his kind, there is no room for failure. But as betrayal breeds murder, his life is forever changed. The fate of his species and the universe hangs in the balance.
A thrilling space odyssey that’s like no other. A gripping sci-fi fantasy that’s packed with twists and turns. From its gut-wrenching opening to its shocking end, it’ll have you questioning the true meaning of science fiction.
A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome One of Tellurian Otherworld
In A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld, author Kody Killam invites readers on an interstellar journey steeped in both science fiction and fantasy elements. The narrative follows the last akiko, Jadecan, as he embarks on a relentless quest for retribution. From the desolate moon Niushki, Jadecan navigates an array of obstacles and adversaries, including sirens, automatons, jinn, and enigmatic aliens, all in his pursuit of the immortal sorcerer, Savaro.
The protagonist, Jadecan, operates as an enduring fulcrum of the narrative, holding readers’ attention with his unwavering determination and commitment to avenging his people. The diverse and captivating company he keeps along his journey further enriches the narrative landscape, crafting an immersive reader experience.
The richness of the novel’s landscape is evident, yet it is marked by rapid shifts in setting and the frequent departures of side characters. Some readers may find that this narrative complexity creates a dynamic and layered reading experience, while others may find it challenges the clarity of the plot progression and the depth of connection with the supporting characters.
The novel’s ambitious reach and potential for greatness are unequivocally evident. Killam has successfully constructed an expansive universe within a relatively concise format. His ability to weave such a comprehensive world teeters on overwhelmingly but remains an impressive feat, marking his unique contribution to the genre.
A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld will likely appeal most to die-hard enthusiasts of sci-fi and fantasy. The novel leaves an indelible mark of intrigue, prompting anticipation for future works from Kody Killam. The raw potential within Killam’s narrative world is undeniable and a cause for eager anticipation.
Pages: 365
Benign Dystopia
Benign Dystopia, written by Kody Killam, is an outstanding novel with an engaging narrative that should captivate the imagination of dark fantasy and cyberpunk science fiction enthusiasts. The tale introduces us to Jadecan, an adept warrior, possibly the last of his race, the Akiko. Propelled into a mission to retrieve an “item” for his companion, Stet, Jadecan quickly reveals a personal agenda. Joining forces with Amelia, a liberated convict, the duo embarks on a quest to locate a vault, with the future of Jadecan’s species hinging on their success. The narrative is densely populated with futuristic and extraterrestrial themes and features a diverse array of races from various planets.
The storyline is exquisitely crafted with a diverse array of characters that enrich the narrative. The overarching concept carries echoes of Star Wars, mirroring its thrilling energy and high stakes. Despite being penned in the third person, the narrative maintains an intimate connection with the protagonist. Readers gain profound insights into Jadecan’s psyche, his motivations, and his approach to challenges from the very outset. An early, surprising act of betrayal from Jadecan towards Stet effectively establishes his character’s traits, conveying his urgent need to save his race and the lengths to which he is prepared to go.
While the book is titled Benign Dystopia, it offers an intriguing narrative steeped in the engaging elements of science fiction. As the start of a series, the story stands as an exceptional novel. This story truly sets itself apart. The pacing is well-balanced, making this dark fantasy novel a riveting read that will offer much to any reader fond of such fiction.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B09SVXTJBX
LITERARY TITAN 