Dead Things Came To Life

Forgive my impatient hand, good sir and
friend, but I'm afraid the dead have come
back to life, and your assistance is
dearly needed.

King Asthan

Progress

CURRENT WRITING STAGE:

Development phase - some scenes drafted

CURRENT PRODUCTION STAGE:

Cover artist commissioned. Character art delivered.

PRODUCTION STAGES:

  • Website

  • Book Cover (in progress)

  • Outlining (in progress)

  • Drafting (in progress)

  • Revisions

  • Copyediting

  • Proofreading

  • Formatting

  • Character Art

Your Questions Answered

You can submit your questions here.
No solicitation, please. Cold emails will be deleted.

DOES THIS BOOK HAVE LGBTQ+ REP?

Yes. I only write books with LGBTQ+ rep anyway. In this novel, the mage Iskariot is openly bisexual. Victor is a clueless young man who's only known hardship and is not ready for the addition of a drunken flirt in his life.

IS IT A ROMANCE?

Yes and no. The protagonists get closer as the story goes. There IS romance, but they're busy saving the world, so it will be a slow burn. Still, I believe there should be enough of it to keep you well satisfied!

IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR TEENS?

Because there will be monsters, violence and the presence of Master Iskariot — 12th of his name — overall, the starting reading age of this book is advertised as 18+.The book also contains copious amounts of blood, wine and profanity, as well as sex workers.

WHAT ARE THE TROPES? WHAT ABOUT COMPARATIVE WORKS?

I'm particularly bad at guessing tropes, sorry. I'll find out as I write and keep you posted.As for comparative works, I also suck at this. The best I can offer is: In terms of atmosphere and tone, it's Diablo (game) meets The Mummy.

WHAT GENRES DOES THIS NOVEL COMBINE?

1. FANTASY
Iskariot and Victor live in fictional kingdoms at a time without modern technology, and where the supernatural plays a vital role. It's important to remember this isn't our world and the people aren't stand-ins for particular cultures or countries, although I'm obviously influenced by my personal interests and tastes.2. GOTHIC/ HORROR
The story features animated skeletons and zombies and blood-thirsty demons, as well as some pretty unhinged antagonists. If you don't like violence at all, maybe steer away from my fantasy works in general. But is the novel scary? I wouldn't say so. If you like films such as The Mummy, you should like this one.3. COMEDY
I personally see this book as a dark comedy with some serious elements. Or perhaps it's the opposite? Who knows... Some situations and characters are intentionally ridiculous.4. MYSTERY
Iskariot and Victor band together to discover the source of the curse that threatens to drown the world. In a way, they become reluctant detectives. A bit like the rookie/grumpy old timer trope, but different. In this one, the old timer is a riot, and the rookie's the grump.

IS THE BOOK DIVERSE?

If you mean in terms of skin colour, then yes. The novel features many characters who are explicitly not white: mainly Iskariot, Helena and Amilyah. However this novel isn't meant to take anything away from BIPOC authors, whose work I would prefer you read instead of turning to mine for representation. The characters in this book are not representative of any real life culture, nor are they tokens of diversity. A world without different-looking people doesn't make any sense to me, so the characters in this book tend to look different. If you want an example, think of the recent tv show Andor. But in short: I won't be advertising this book as diverse as I don't want to distract readers from finding better books from diverse authors.The world of DTCTL includes all kinds of people, including trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent and disabled people, but not as the main focus. Although it must be said that Iskariot may be considered disabled by some.

Story

When the dead rise from their graves, a washed-up mage is appointed by the king himself to destroy the threat. At the same time, a lonesome demon slayer will stop at nothing to find the source of the curse and use it to resurrect his twin sister. After the two of them meet and clash, a disturbing truth soon reveals itself to them: No one can be trusted, except perhaps each other.Together they will march toward their fate, encounter allies and enemies, and learn how to let someone in again.Together they will fuck shit up, in the name of their king — sort of.

Characters

Iskariot

Few know Iskariot's given name, as his family is ancient and revered — and lets him get away with anything.A long time ago, he was one of the most powerful mages in the region. But he disappeared many years ago, and when he resurfaced, his powers were depleted. Despite numerous speculations, nobody knows the reason why.Nowadays Iskariot is a mage for hire who uses his wages to indulge in food, drink, and people. When the king asks him to save his kingdom in exchange for more riches than he can count, he’s quick to accept, for his wine supply is running low.The common people like the nobles are shocked by this sudden appointment: everyone knows Iskariot was never serious about anything but his magic, and it is all but gone.How can a man who couldn't even save himself save the world?

Victor

Victor would describe himself as Lisbeth’s twin brother. When the dead rose many years ago, the two of them were the only survivors of the massacre that destroyed their village. Rescued by the mysterious chieftain of the shadow gatherers, the twins were trained to join their ranks.Dark wanderers who can sense and harness darkness to fight evil, the shadow gatherers usually work alone, roaming the countryside to aid the small folk, where the fancier mages don’t go. Victor and Lisbeth saved many lives at the cost of their own, until Lisbeth fell, leaving Victor in ruins.When the gates between the worlds open and the dead rise once more, Victor discovers he can trace the source of the dark magic that animates them. Rumor has it the same magic can resurrect the dead, and Victor needs his sister back. Drawn to the power of the curse, he finds Iskariot instead.He will never trust the man, but it doesn't mean they can't travel together. Share meals. Wine. Conversations.
...
And maybe have a good time.
...
All in the name of saving the world.

Helena

Leader of a revered secret order, Helena and her coven know how to harvest the light — and protect it. Under her calm demeanor, she’s a skilled warrior feared by demons and men alike.After meeting many years ago under dark circumstances, she and Iskariot share a strong friendship. In fact, she’s the only person he trusts. She knows who he truly is, because she’s witnessed his light, or the remnants of it.Helena is also blessed with some clairvoyance skills. Because she has access to the light, she must conceal her eyes.The legend says if Helena uncovers the top half of her face, her eyes are the last thing you will ever see.

Amilyah

Amilyah is the mysterious shadow darkening Iskariot's past.Although he refuses to speak about her, when asked if she had been lucky enough to steal his heart, Iskariot did once admit that she had.

Bird

Bird is the pesky raven following Victor around ever since he wiped out the undead at the place she called home.She has some powers of her own and seems smarter than the average raven.Because he doesn't know her name, and because he's afraid of forming too much of an attachment, Victor calls her "Bird".Iskariot suspect her of being more than she lets on.