Chapter 1 of the 9th Book is Written

...but it was a beast and presumably the hardest part

The first chapter of the main story in the next book (9th overall) is also the first chapter of the final story arc in the Barbarians of the Storm saga. Granted, if this is the main story of an anthology, it won’t be presented first. Still, this is where the stage isn’t just set for this sole story but it is set for the final phase of the larger epic.

As of right now, it may be the biggest chapter I have written in the entirety of the Barbarians of the Storm series, thus far. This has to do with the very unique and bizarre setting that the two main heroes (Erzulyn & Vasilia) must travel to. Basically, this tale takes place on an entirely different world but it is a concept I have had in my head for years. It just fit this story really damn well, and this tale is an amalgamation of three different things: this concept, as well as two separate Side Quest books for Erzulyn and Vasilia that I have merged into one because it makes sense and overall, it’s more impactful this way.

Update: Okay, now two chapters are written. I took a break from this 9th book progress report to keep going and I blew through another chapter rather quickly. I also spent considerable time over the weekend researching and developing the deeper lore ahead.

For those who have only read books from the first arc, the tone of the series is now significantly different, which was always the long-term plan. I wanted a fun world to play in that wasn’t specifically grimdark-esque. However, as stakes rise, worse threats emerge, and the heroes traverse through layers of escalating pain, things must get very, very dark before the light can come in and purify.

As much fun as the fun stories have been to write, I think that where I am at is where I excel the most as a writer. With that, I think that I am writing the best stuff I ever have. I am creating villains that I want to kill and I feel myself riding the line between light and dark, as Fenrik has begun to as well. Where is that edge? How far is too far? If one crosses over, can they come back? Lines have begun to blur and boundaries don’t seem to be where they once were. And yes, I mean that literally and metaphorically.