Kalvin E T Bishop
From an early age, fantasy and adventure became my comfort zones. Growing up, I faced a unique challenge — loneliness. At just three years old, my mother moved us from Philadelphia to Tacoma, Washington, hoping to provide me with a peaceful environment to grow up in. While the change was beneficial in many ways, it also left me isolated. I was an only child at the time, but mentally, I wasn't alone. Batman, Darkwing Duck, and the Street Sharks were my friends. The Autobots from Beast Wars (Transformers as animals) were my older brothers. My imagination, fueled by cartoons and video games, became my refuge.
My mother played a pivotal role in shaping my early love for stories. She introduced me to games like Street Fighter and Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo — the Mario game with the yellow cape and the iconic ghost mansions. These games became more than just entertainment; they were my teachers. I was unknowingly studying the algorithms of storytelling, learning about camaraderie, sacrifice, and adventure.
Although I went outside to play with other kids, they all had siblings and cousins, making me feel like an outsider. Yet, within the walls of my mom’s apartment, surrounded by my games and cartoons, I felt at home, surrounded by a different kind of family.
As time passed and I eventually returned to Philadelphia, my passion for adventure and storytelling only grew. I excelled in school, driven by a desire to pursue an education in the medical field at the Community College of Philadelphia. However, life took an unexpected turn. I found myself in a predatory environment, and forced to protect myself. Legal matters ensued, but I quickly learned that the law isn’t always synonymous with justice — especially for someone like me: an African American, lacking wealth and political influence. Despite the facts in my defense and inadequate counsel, I was dealt a bad hand. However, I believe everything happens for a reason, that there is a divine plan beyond human understanding.
During my time in incarceration, my love for books grew. I devoured every story I could find, from The Hunger Games and Divergent to The Maze Runner saga and Evil Within. It was during this period that I discovered the works of authors who would shape my approach to storytelling.
The first was Robert Jordan with The Wheel of Time series. His world-building and intricate storytelling were mind-blowing. He expanded my understanding of what could and couldn’t be done in the world of fantasy. Next came George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones. The political intrigue, deceit, and complex characters struck me deeply. R.A. Salvatore’s The Legend of Drizzt brought me into the world of dark elves, showing me how to craft rich environments and dynamic characters. Finally, Ted Dekker’s The Circle and Chosen series left a profound impact on me, teaching me the power of detailed storytelling — from the texture of the fruit to the depth of the narrative. These four authors paved the way for my storytelling journey, but it was Stephen King who inspired me to believe in my own work. His words in The Drawing of the Three about having patience and faith in oneself resonated deeply with me.
After studying these masters of fantasy and adventure, I knew it was time to share my own story. A new voice was ready to emerge. I present to you War Chronicles: Dark Realm — a world where beauty and darkness exist side by side. A land where order is enforced with chaos, where bloodlines and kinship mean nothing to most, and where camaraderie and love are rare treasures. In this world, the odds are often insurmountable, and enemies are nearly unstoppable. Yet, in the thickest darkness, hope and beauty bloom in even the smallest flicker of light.
In War Chronicles: Dark Realm, every nation has its own armor, weapons, and war machines. Creatures, though flawed and grim, possess a beauty in their imperfection. This world is unlike any other fantasy realm you've encountered. Imagine the grandeur of Lord of the Rings, the deep world-building of Avatar, the transformations of Transformers, and the political complexity of Game of Thrones, all mixed into one epic tale.
I invite you to take the leap of faith with me. Jump out of the plane without a parachute and dive headfirst into my universe. It’s a journey like no other, and I promise, you’ll never want to leave. Welcome to War Chronicles: Dark Realm — the adventure of a lifetime.
