Leisl Kaberry, the Kitimat author of the The Titanian Chronicles, is returning to the literary world with a much-awaited follow-up, Shadows of Darkness. This first installment in a new trilogy immerses readers into a fantastical world set two decades into the future of her debut Titanian series, where familiar characters have matured and are embarking on journeys of their own.
Kaberry, originally from Australia, now lives in Kitimat with her husband and four children. When not writing she uses her degree in criminology and criminal justice to work with the Kitimat RCMP in victim services.
“I never would have thought I would write fantasy. I mean, I loved the genre as a kid but as an adult if I was actually choosing to become a writer I would have gone into crime mystery writing because I absolutely love it,” Kaberry said. “As it happens I had been reading Dragonlance books a lot before I got married and so the combination of that big green moon and my enjoyment of Dragonlance led me in a fantasy direction.”
Kaberry’s books are set in mythical realms but highlight the characters’ real-world flaws and the value of learning from mistakes.
“People have always fascinated me. I really like to understand a person’s motivations, good and bad, and the more you understand about people the easier it is to write characters that are believable as they are motivated by believable emotions and influences.”
The new novel follows the journey of Afeclin, a human who was raised by elves and has spent his entire life within the protective bounds of Titania. Driven by a pursuit of his destiny, Afeclin embarks on an quest into unknown lands. Accompanied by brave companions, his voyage is laden with encounters with mythical creatures, magical shells, and dark mages.
Kabbery hopes her books differ from other fantasy adventure novels by focusing on the story line and the characters rather than the fantasy aspects alone.
“What I have written is a story that could exist in any world about love, devotion, adventure, heartache, hardships, crimes — but it also happens in a world of my creation and contains mythical animals and magic.”
Kaberry’s examination of human nature within the realms of magical realism aims to showcase how imperfection contributes to personal growth.
“I hope that people will see themselves in one of the characters, that they have imperfections and even though they may try hard, sometimes they fail,” Kaberry said. “I would really like people who read the books to accept that nobody is perfect and everyone can change and grow, that its really not so important about the mistakes — because we all make them — as what you do after.”
This first installment of the new trilogy is scheduled for release on Oct. 10.