I Am Still Alive (Second Draft)45%
Fangs of Sekhmet (First Draft)50%Adventures of Setna (First Draft)4%The Jinn Next Door (First Draft)8%Why do certain video game stories grip us long after we put down the controller? Even a decade after release, The Last of Us continues to so beloved by fans because its ruined world feels painfully real. Set 20 years after a fungal outbreak, the game follows the smuggler Joel Miller and snarky teenager Ellie Williams as they cross what remains of the United States. The game’s timeless pull rests on three pillars: a world that tells its own story, a bond that feels real, and themes that challenge how we see love, loss, and choice. In this essay, we will explore how the shattered environment speaks to us, how Joel and Ellie’s relationship shifts from transaction to family, and how the game’s themes outlive any console cycle.
Ancient myths and modern fantasy epics alike are often enriched by the presence of a benevolent guide—someone whose profound wisdom, unwavering kindness, and steady hand steer the hero toward victory. This wise old master archetype has its roots in storytelling traditions from across the globe, appearing in legends, folktales, and contemporary fictional works. From Merlin guiding King Arthur to Uncle Ben and his famous words, the role of this figure is to both shape the protagonist’s inner compass and provide valuable lessons for survival in challenging worlds.
I am very excited to announce that Kirkus Reviews liked my YA fantasy debut, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.
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Fantasy stories have a special way of transporting people to amazing worlds where almost anything can happen. These worlds capture our imagination because they act like huge stages where regular characters can turn into heroes, villains, legends, or even…