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An Age-Old Dilemma
Emergence: The Orbit Stone Saga follows a young man recruited into an ancient order of protectors who must learn how to navigate a world of ancient magic, political intrigue, and try to prevent a genocide. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ottix’ arc was mostly inspired by my own journey into law enforcement. Much as I did, Ottix has a desire to help others, protect the innocent, and make Orbis a better place. His story is not a rags-to-riches tale though. Other characters like Glacea and Armin follow this classic trope. Ottix however, was born into a good family that cared about him and gave him opportunities. I wanted to emphasize that bad situations or upbringings do not always create good characters. Ottix came from an upper-middle class situation and through hard work, ascended further beyond that station. The elements surrounding Ottix such as magic, politics, and genocide were inspired by classic fantasy stories and real history.
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?
My settings were inspired by a variety of things and places, as Orbis is a large world. I’ll start with Palagr, since it was the first region I developed. Palagr is based on my home, the southeast U.S. I wanted to share the beauty of this area with my readers. The towering pine forests and bountiful marshes are a sight few get to see and one I thought was worth sharing. Next came Mwantamba. At the time I began writing Emergence, my sister was traveling to Africa to study elephants for a college project. I researched the country’s wildlife, cultures, and history. Mwantamba is home to many fantasy creatures based on real ones. The Watu were inspired by Zulu, Maasai, and Swahili. Next came the icy homeland of the Visoibri, Vorigheim. This nation was developed with Iceland in mind. Many ancient Visoibri words are based on old Norse, such as Vorigheim which means “origin home.” I imagine the structures of Towerton to be norse inspired, though the culture relies more on magic than sea raiding as the vikings did. Every story needs a villain, and Emergence’s live in Metusol. The central land of the Azeri has a varied climate. On the west it is arid but has access to the ocean and plenty of trade routes. On the east side it is more temperate with most of the country’s agriculture. I wanted to reflect the Azeri’s split ideologies with this difference. Many of the people in Metusol just want to live a fair and happy life. But the rulers use the citizens for their own gains. My next creation was the Jah’kuls of The Paw. As I created the map, I ended up drawing an island in the southeast that kind of looked like a paw. Later on, I added an entire race, the Jah’kul, to the island. This race was inspired by the Khajit from the Elder Scrolls series. I figured if there are cat-people, why not make dog-people! Next came my favorite group of characters, the Marinites. These creatures were inspired by many things including the Zora from Zelda, Kitt Fisto from Star Wars, and Abe Sapien from Hellboy. I wanted Orbis to be connected by a large ocean, and the Marinites helped complete that goal. The other thing that connects the world is of course, the Orbit Stone ring. The magic ring of stones is the source of all magic on Orbis.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Throughout history there have been many examples of religion or politics creating opposing groups that are pitted against one another. I wanted to incorporate this age-old dilemma into Emergence. I also wanted to explore the themes of duty and loyalty. Characters are often torn between their loyalties to their family or nation and the greater good. I also wanted to explore how magic could be used other than in the traditional sense. The prevalence of magic and Azeri technology makes for a unique setting in which ancient magic and modern technology collide. Finally, I wanted to write about war and peace. Emergence delves into the fragility of peace and the brutal consequences of war, contrasting the ideals of unity and cooperation with the destructive nature of hatred and ambition.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The second book, Convergence, will continue the story, focusing more on Razi as the new leader of the paladins. An ancient secret is revealed which changes everything. The truth about what happened to the ancient Visoibri comes to light. And the war against the Azeri rages on and eventually concludes. The second book dives deeper into the relationships between characters and even some romances. The third book, Transcendence, will take place 15 orbits after Convergence, and will focus on the paladin’s new mission after the war.
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The Paladins, an ancient order of protectors, rise up to counter the Azeri threat. Among them is Ottix, a young man recruited into their ranks, determined to fight for his world’s survival. As war erupts across Orbis, the Paladins lose their greatest weapon, and the future of the Republic hangs in the balance.
In the face of impending chaos, the heroes of Orbis must navigate a world of shifting allegiances, ancient magic, and political intrigue. With the stakes higher than ever, it’s unclear who will emerge victorious—and who will be lost forever.
The Orbit Stone Saga 1: Emergence is a high-stakes adult fantasy filled with complex characters, dangerous magic, and a world on the brink of war. Will Ottix rise to the challenge, or will Orbis fall into ruin?
The Orbit Stone Saga 1: Emergence
Emergence is the first entry in The Orbit Stone Saga, a sweeping fantasy tale set in the fractured world of Orbis. The story follows a host of characters, mercenaries, paladins, merchants, warriors, prophets, and rulers, who are all caught up in the struggle for powerful Orbit Stones, magical fragments that shape the balance of nations. The novel moves from shadowy deals in taverns to bloody tournaments in coliseums, from visions of looming wars to quiet moments of doubt and reflection. The backdrop is one of political tension, cultural clashes, and moral compromise, where every choice carries consequences that ripple far beyond the characters themselves.
Reading this book, I found myself pulled in two directions. On one hand, the worldbuilding is rich and textured, with a sense of history and myth that feels lived in. The Orbit Stones themselves are a fascinating magical device, both a source of wonder and a catalyst for corruption. Daughtrey has a knack for making small details matter: the way a Marinite’s speech rolls like seawater, the tension of a paladin hiding his true identity, the quiet fear of a warrior before stepping into the arena. On the other hand, the writing can be heavy at times. The pacing sometimes lingers, and I occasionally wished for less explanation. Still, the story kept me turning the pages, eager to see how the tangled threads of power, betrayal, and prophecy would tighten.
Emotionally, the book left me intrigued. There are moments of wit and charm, yet the undercurrent is one of looming dread. I admired how flawed the characters are, heroes with secrets, leaders with frailty, villains with conviction. The paladin Razi in particular made me feel a mix of admiration and frustration. He is noble, yet deceptive, and I couldn’t decide if I liked him or pitied him. Ottix’s trials in the coliseum gave me goosebumps; his battles were brutal, yet they carried a strange beauty. The prophetic visions of Aeryka, layered with fear and urgency, reminded me of the weight of foresight in a world stumbling toward war. I often found myself pausing, caught between excitement and a quiet sadness, because the book carries the sense that things will only get darker from here.
By the time I closed the final pages, I felt that Emergence is less about victory and more about survival in a world that is both wondrous and cruel. It is not a light read. Daughtrey aims for depth, and the ambition shines through. I’d recommend this book to readers who crave sprawling fantasy worlds, those who like the grit of moral ambiguity, and anyone who enjoys seeing political maneuvering and mystical forces collide. If you’re ready to lose yourself in a world that feels both harsh and alive, Emergence is worth your time.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0FDQKW65M
LITERARY TITAN 