The world of Valandor didn’t start with kingdoms or timelines — it began with a single question:

“What does a dream look like when it becomes a weapon?”

In the early drafts of Shadows of Valandor, I didn’t yet know where the story would lead — only that it would take place in a world both mythic and deeply flawed. A place where magic isn’t just power, but burden. Where kings wage war not over borders, but over belief.

The first scene I ever wrote? A cloaked figure standing on the edge of a cliff in Myranthia, watching a storm roll in over the black pines. That image still haunts me — and became the visual seed for Darian Blackthorn’s journey.

Since then, the world of Valandor has grown like a living tapestry:

• Forests that breathe with magic
• Kingdoms scarred by ancient wars
• Dreamwalkers, assassins, and noble impostors (yes, Alistair fans, I see you)

I’ll be sharing more character deep-dives, location breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes lore here on the blog. If you’re interested in:

• My writing process
• The origins of the kingdoms
• What didn’t make it into the book
• Or how the Redbrands almost weren’t called Redbrands…

…you’re in the right place.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Shadows are rising — and Valandor is only beginning to wake.

Until next time,
— B