I’m going to die and I couldn’t be happier

Strictly speaking, I expect to die at least 20 times or more when I receive my copy of Dark Souls 3 this Tuesday. I’ve always liked a video game or two but I’ve never encountered any that have captured my interest and imagination as much as From Software’s Souls series. They’re obscure, punishing and engrossing. Death is expected... over and over again.

I’m a massive fan and won’t deny they've had an influence on my writing here and there. My forthcoming novel Valley of the Shadow has a few nods to Souls and my favourite Souls Youtuber, Sunlight Blade.

You'll recognize the classic theme; a character retains the memories of past lives in order to complete their quest. There have been many stories on this subject going back to the dawn of storytelling itself.

In fact, the idea that spawned Valley of the Shadow was seeded over 2,500 years ago by the Ancient Greek orator, Hesiod. Hesiod mentions in his epic poem Works and Days, the thirty thousand immortal spirits who watch over men. He names these spirits: The Khryseoi. But that’s as far as Hesiod takes their story, so I’ve grabbed the idea with both hands and am writing a trilogy that I hope you’ll enjoy reading.

I’ll write more about the book as it nears publication. In the meantime, I have some dying to do. Praise the sun!

Valley of the Shadow is now available on kindle.