What is the title of your latest release?
LEGACY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
LEGACY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW is the world-shaking conclusion to my epic fantasy series following a pair of siblings over the course of generations. The war they’ve been fighting their whole lives is coming to a conclusion, leaving the fate of their family and their world at stake.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
This book had several primary settings, mostly inspired by my travels. The home of the enemy in this story was inspired by my time in the Egyptian desert, and the lands wandered by my protagonists was inspired by the midwestern prairie I grew up in.
Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Some of them! I think I’d really have a good time with Elian and Samora if I met them in person.
What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Strong, wounded, and hopeful.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
More than most books, I had a hard time ensuring that what I saw in my head was making it onto the page. Given the scope and power of the magic in this world, there were times where what I envisioned was difficult to describe, and I’m grateful my editing team was there to help keep me on track.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Normally I edit as I draft, but this one required both. It was a difficult book to get to cross the finish line.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Sushi! Every day if I could.
Describe your writing space/office!
I tend to move around quite a bit. I have a desk that I built myself which is my primary workspace, but I’ll often take the notebook down to the river and do some writing there.
Who is an author you admire?
Janny Wurts! I’ve been blown away by her books lately. She has such an incredible command of language and such a clear vision of her story, it’s incredible to experience.
Is there a book that changed your life?
I don’t know about changed my life, but I’ve definitely been strongly influenced by a few books. One worth mentioning is the $100 startup, which was the first book that made me think I could run my own business.
Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I’ve been writing full time for ten years now, and I got my start in independent publishing. I’d been writing stories for a while and decided it was time to get one edited and out in the world. I haven’t looked back since.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
So many. Fantasy, of course, but I’ve been really enjoying more thrillers and “classic” literature as of late.
What’s your favorite movie?
That’s a tough call. Arrival might be up there, but my usual answer is the Matrix, as it came out when I was younger and completely redefined what I thought was possible with movies.
What is your favorite season?
Autumn. I love seeing the trees turning color and the cooler weather.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I used to throw big parties, but these days I just like having some quiet family time. We’ll usually go camping, grill, and play some games together.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Lancelot by Giles Kristian. I thought I was done with Arthurian retellings, but this book was a masterpiece, and I’ve been recommending it to everyone.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
All of them? Anything homemade is great, but I’ll confess I’ve been on a grilling kick as of late. Burgers, brats, and beer. Nothing better in the summer months.
What do you do when you have free time?
Mostly I spend time with my family. If they’re otherwise occupied, I’ll do some woodworking or some bookbinding or just sit down and read.
What can readers expect from you next?
I’m working on the conclusion of my other series Song of the Fallen Swords which should be finished sometime in the autumn of 2025!
Legend of Adani #5
Following their defeat at the hands of the wandering clans, the emissaries of Void descend upon a rebellious world, seeking to harvest the essence of life itself: corrupted hearts, vital to their master’s eternal war. They encounter a land of untapped power, its young people standing defiantly against the force they cannot defeat.
Leading the resistance is Bael, an ascended warrior whose mastery of adani rivals the emissaries’ control of their esoteric powers. His decisive actions shatter the emissaries’ plans but ignite a larger conflict that will test the fragile alliances of humanity.
Meanwhile, Elyn, torn between her ties to Void and the family she betrayed, embarks on a perilous journey to prove her worth as a servant of destruction—only to find her fractured heart wavering between loyalty and redemption.
As Void’s shadow deepens, warriors, outcasts, and ascended beings must choose: embrace their slow decline or fight for a future where light and life may yet endure.
Fiction Adventure | Fantasy Epic | Coming of Age [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: June 3, 2025, e-Book, / ]
Ryan Kirk is an author and entrepreneur based out of Minnesota. He is the author of the Nightblade series of fantasy novels and the founder of Waterstone Media.
He was an English Teacher and non-profit consultant before diving into writing full time in 2015.
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