The Prince of Shadows

'The Prince of Shadows' is the longest work of fiction that I have created to date other than fan fiction which cannot be published for copyright reasons.  This work is by far the most substantial as my first full length novel.

I chose to revisit the themes of self discovery and exploration through the story of Arcadis Visser, a young gay man half in the closet half out of it, who wanted nothing more than to escape.  The story explores what it would be like if you really did get what you wanted, in every way.

The theme of existential doubt is revisited here in a story that is by its nature an epic fantasy with predominantly LGBT characters.  The use of framing is also revisited by creating a layered narrative.  The final chapter of 'The Prince of Shadows' ends with a cryptic poem for the reader to contemplate.  Those who are astute will realise the message contained within and be able to see the second story that is buried between the lines of what is written, the story that is untold but becomes evermore obvious when the realisation is finally made.

On the surface this work focuses on the themes of fantasy and fairy tales, whilst touching lightly on issues of segregation, prejudice and discrimination all within a narrative that frames these issues in a way that allows those who have not experienced these first hand to empathise with the characters.

This book is no longer available for purchase.