Illuminating the Path: The Journey to Destiny of the Daystar

With Destiny of the Daystar releasing on January 7, 2024, I find myself reflecting on the journey—both Erikson Gray’s and my own—that led to this pivotal moment. This book represents more than the fourth installment in the Absolution of the Morning Star series; it’s a turning point in the epic tale of light, shadow, and the burdens of power.

As Erik’s story deepens, so does the series’ exploration of what it means to carry destiny’s weight. If you’ve been with me since Dawn of the Lightbearer, you’ve seen Erik grapple with loss, power, and the tantalizing call of Lightbearer—the sword that whispers promises and threats in equal measure. In Destiny of the Daystar, those struggles reach their zenith, testing Erik’s resolve in ways neither he—nor you, the reader—may expect.

What Lies Ahead

Without spoiling too much, Destiny of the Daystar thrusts Erik and his companions into the heart of Lucardia’s brewing chaos. Betrayal, bloodshed, and the clash of ancient powers will shape the land’s future. Lucardia teeters on the brink of collapse. Fragile oaths buckle under the weight of old grudges, shadows creep ever closer, and empty coffers threaten to shatter what little unity remains.

Erikson Gray, exiled prince and heir to two powerful bloodlines, holds the key to uniting these fractured lands. As the son of Thorne and Zulikaarme, he alone can bridge the rift between the Northling tribes and claim Direhill, the ancient stronghold of northern power. With a united North, he could march on Highwater, seize the Crystal Throne, and face the rising Nephilim with the strength of a truly united Lucardia. But the cost is steep, and every step drags Erik closer to losing his allies—and his soul. With Lightbearer whispering promises of glory as the road before him darkens, Erik begins to doubt the sword’s counsel. Now, he walks a knife’s edge, where failure could doom them all.

In Highwater, Emperor Ivar (Erik’s uncle) rules an empire on the brink. Rebels stir in the south, something thaws in the north, allies plot in the shadows, and his blood-stained crown grows heavier with each betrayal. As enemies close in, Ivar learns that the sharpest knives often come from those he trusts most.

Far to the west, Jezelle and her allies ride atop a great lindwyrm, her mission as dangerous as it is vital: retrieve the treasure held in the wreck of the Lion and deliver it to Erik. But as buried truths rise and impossible choices loom, Jezelle must decide if her loyalty to Erik is worth the price of her own soul.

Lastly, Princess Margret (a new point-of-view character), twisted by a curse since birth, walks a far darker path. Salvation lies in the hands of a shadowy ally, but the cost may leave her more monstrous than human.

This installment introduces formidable foes and surprising allies, deepening the moral and political intrigue that has defined the series. From Ivar’s descent into the darkness to the resurgence of the Nyth Cigfran—witches whose influence rivals even the gods—the line between ally and enemy blurs. Lucardia stands on the brink of upheaval as the ouroboros devours its tail. Destiny of the Daystar wrestles with themes of destruction paving the way for renewal, asking whether rebirth is worth the cost of obliteration.

Behind the Scenes: Writing Destiny of the Daystar

This book tested me as much as it tested Erik. Writing it meant weaving threads from Dawn of the Lightbearer, The Mourning Son, and Noonday in the North while planting seeds for the remaining two books. With the stakes higher than ever, every decision carried weight, whether it involved Erik’s inner turmoil or Lucardia’s geopolitical landscape.

The journey to Destiny was anything but straightforward. I began writing it in November 2023, immediately after finishing Koen: Tales from the Raven’s Nest, the prequel to the series. However, life intervened: a lovely vacation to Spain, the holidays, and a significant rewrite of Koen to align with my forthcoming book deal with Grendel Press. Then, as I worked through Koen, another story demanded attention: The Novice of Thanatos. This offshoot series, tied deeply to the main story, had to be written. It wouldn’t let me focus on anything else—and it proved to be a key step in understanding the broader arcs of Absolution of the Morning Star series. The Novice’s protagonist, Mishal of Gaven Hill, even appears briefly in Destiny of the Daystar, offering Erik something that will become pivotal in the series’ final two books.

When I finally returned to Destiny, I wrote it in a focused burst over two months. Editing has been my primary focus ever since, shaping the story into its final form. My wife is reading it now and, so far, loves it. Looking back, detours like Koen and The Novice of Thanatos were essential. They allowed me to solidify key themes and arcs, giving Destiny the depth and resonance it needed. Sometimes, stories take the lead, showing us the way forward even when we don’t expect it. I was concerned that I was getting distracted at the time, but somehow, my subconscious knew.

Looking Forward: Your Role in Erik’s Journey

As Destiny of the Daystar approaches, I invite you to join me in making this release special. As the forth book in a series it risks getting lost. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Catch Up or Revisit: If you’re new to the series, start with Dawn of the Lightbearer. If you’ve already traveled with Erik, revisit your favorite moments. What questions linger for you as we approach the penultimate arc? I plan to include a quick summary of Noonday in the North at the beginning of Destiny of the Daystar to help out.
2. Exclusive Content: Stay tuned for sneak peeks and other tidbits for Destiny of the Daystar. Follow me here and on my social channels to be the first to access these reveals. If you haven’t subscribed to my blog, do so here, and you will receive a gift: the Curse of Acheron, a novelette set in my Lucardian world (if you have already subscribed and want a copy, hit me up here).
3. Pre-Orders and Reviews: Pre-orders are open, and early reviews can make a world of difference in reaching new readers. If Erik’s journey has resonated with you, consider leaving a review for any of the previous books on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads. Your voice matters. I wrote a whole blog post on that here.
4. Spread the Word: Share your thoughts, favorite quotes, or fan theories about the series using #DestinyOfTheDaystar. I’d love to hear what you think Erik’s ultimate destiny might be!

A Final Note

As a writer, nothing compares to the connection I feel with readers who invest their time and emotions into the worlds I create. Erik’s journey is, in many ways, all of ours: a quest for purpose, a battle with inner demons, and the hope that light—no matter how fragile—can prevail. Thank you for walking this path with me.

I can’t wait for you to experience Destiny of the Daystar. Until then, may the light guide you… even in the darkest of times.

Cheers!