The Guardian Chronicles
Mike Prior and the Gargoyle Guardians (The Guardian Chronicles: Book One)Life is about to change for twelve-year-old Mike Prior.He’s slated to attend Windham Manor, a school for descendants of an order of Guardians, who protect a clan of gargoyles during the daytime. With all the promise of sorcery, kinetic powers, and magical-dueling, the new gig sounds awesome, for sure.Except for the war that’s apparently been brewing.A cult of sorcerers called the Black Brethren seem to think Mike’s own power is the best way to touch off an inter-species Armageddon, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Mike’s been dropped into a web of assassins, spies, and necromancers, and no one’s even told him the rules. And as much as he’d like to sit back and hone his flamethrowing, he’s got to figure things out, and quick.Because if the Brethren don’t get to him, his closest friends just might.
Liam Brick and the Ghost of Blackridge Castle - a Novella
(The Guardian Chronicles: Book 1.5)18-year-old Liam Brick is the chosen one.Son of the Headmage at Blackridge Castle, and the most powerful Guardian in his graduating class, Liam has just been promoted to Head of Surveillance for the Blackrock clan of Gargoyles. And for his first big operation, he needs to catch a ghost.Except, this is not your run-of-the-mill specter. As Liam chases the intruder around the castle grounds, he will chance upon a secret that's been kept from him his entire life. Something that threatens the entire student body at Blackridge, and maybe even the world...
Mike Prior and the Gargalian Stone (The Guardian Chronicles: Book Two)Three months after Dementae’s War, twelve-year-old Mike Prior should feel safe at Windham Manor. His Skyfire brothers have accepted him at last, despite his tainted lineage and the dangerous power that comes with it.But the Guardian world hasn't forgotten what Mike is, or what he could become.To some, he is a weapon to be wielded. To others, a threat to be eliminated. And as political tensions rise, a long-forgotten enemy watches from the shadows. Dark forces are using Mike's possessed best friend, Aaron, to lure him in - and unleash something that has been imprisoned for centuries.As alliances fracture and factions close in, Mike faces an agonizing choice: master his deadly power within an impossible timeframe, or destroy it before it costs him everything.
Hey, nice to meet you! Thanks so much for being here. Feel free to reach out, and tell me how much you enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) my stories! I'm always looking for feedback, and who knows? Maybe I'll put one of your suggestions into a future story.Now, a little bit about me, myself, and I:I grew up in Queens, New York, and root for the Mets in order to damage my long-term mental health.In terms of literary influences, I grew up reading a strange combination of Clancy, Crichton, Tolkien, and Rowling. So if my novels seem to be a weird mix of YA, fantasy, thriller, and sci-fi, now you know why.When I'm not writing, I'm studying religious texts, training for my next marathon, listening to stand-up routines (the purest form of comedy), or reading anything I can get my hands on. Oh, and hanging with the kids. Family first, y'all.To learn more about me and my writing, sign up for my newsletter by clicking below. I won't send you much more than an email a month, with news about releases or book recommendations. If you'd like, follow me on social media, or via my author page on Amazon.Take care, and speak soon!
Dearest Reader,So. You may have noticed that my bio and tagline says "author of clean fantasy." What exactly does that mean? And why is it important?Well, as an avid reader (and lover) of fantastical stories, as well as a deeply religious person (we can talk about which religion at a later date, but it's not relevant to this discussion), I can't help but notice that more modern fantasy has moved away from the family-friendly likes of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis's Narnia series and started to favor, shall we say, a more exotic definition of the word "fantasy." Indeed, as I write this, the best-selling fantasy form nowadays is Romantasy. While there are some sweet mashups of the genres, other novels blur the lines between the speculative and the erotic. Without calling out names, I have been consistently disappointed by many of the great fantasy authors of our day, who have put out MG and YA content that contains overly mature themes, social rights "issues," or nearly outright erotica.Fantasy has long been a genre built on wonder, courage, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. It has forever been an example of stories to learn model behavior, life lessons, and societal morals. Some of the most beloved fantasy works in history have captivated readers through rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, and meaningful adventures, rather than vulgar words or sexual imagery. Fantasy thrives on imagination, something that adult content does not have a monopoly on. Sadly, a prevailing aspect of modern culture has dictated that fantasy stories must include romantic or even explicit content. That expectation is neither necessary nor essential.Of course, readers are entitled to indulge whatever thrill they prefer. But I would argue that keeping fantasy stories clean allows for a greater experience, as well as for them to be accessible to a wider audience. Children, families, classrooms, and readers from diverse backgrounds can enjoy the same story without parents or educators worrying about content that may be age-inappropriate. As a parent myself, I know that I try to be very careful about the influences that my kids are exposed to, and I'd imagine many parents feel the same.Furthermore, I would argue that the presence of explicit content does not automatically make a story more realistic, mature, or meaningful. True maturity in storytelling comes from exploring complex emotions, difficult choices, and personal growth. A character confronting fear, making sacrifices for others, or learning responsibility can be just as powerful—and often more memorable—than scenes centered on romantic or sexual relationships. Fantasy has the unique ability to elevate noble ideals and inspire readers without resorting to inappropriate imagery.Ultimately, I would prefer to keep my stories family-friendly, without including the content that has ruined many of the best fantasy novels. As such, I have carefully written my stories to celebrate wonder, adventure, heroism, friendship, and hope. Such stories prove that imagination is strongest when it lifts readers toward something greater, rather than merely reflecting the lowest expectations of the culture around them. Such stories improve a child's character, rather than corrupt it.If this seems judgy, that's because it is, and I own that. But I'd imagine that if you're still reading, a large part of you agrees with me. I believe that humanity is better served when we're encouraged to become better people, rather than debasing ourselves with our wildest fantasies. And so, I would urge you to share this message with your friends, your family, and perhaps your children, if you are blessed enough to have them. Consider the messages your children are getting from the media they consume, and whether it is a healthy experience for them or not, before allowing them to partake.Finally, words of blessing: keep growing, keep striving, never settle. And accomplish great things with your life.With much love and respect,
