ALEX STILES
Creator of fantastic worlds and their stories...
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Alone in an unfamiliar world, fourteen-year-old Peran is suffering from amnesia. With society still consumed by decades-old war and the ancient sorcery of the Stoneborn warriors, he finds refuge in an academy of combat and survival. But Peran struggles to fit in, and when he defeats opponents beyond his skill, fellow students suspect his extraordinary abilities, leaving even his friends to wonder who — or what — he really is.
When out testing their skills, his dorm-mate falls victim to a coffin-mouth viper and only the Elin Shard can save him. Peran sets out to find the magical artifact, but to succeed against the legendary predators he encounters, he must first confront his true identity.
"This is a great story, would give it 10 stars!!!!! I could not put it down, very well written, one of the best books I have read & I read a lot of books."
"Hard to be new or novel these days but this checks the boxes."
"Peran and his friends are a delightful mix of awkward and brave personalities."
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Fearing Peran may trigger another Quarter War, the Opposers want him gone, and even in the confines of Amicas Academy he fears each day may be his last. After an attempt on his life sees a friend almost killed, Peran leaves for Rifton to seek out the secret that could stop the next war.
With his close friends and a ghoster for company, he fights to survive the perilous journey. But when they arrive in Rifton, all is not as it seems in the outer settlement, and Peran must risk his life to find out the truth.
Together they discover Vahuka, the enemy Stoneborn, is already gathering her army to conquer their lands. But will they find out how to stop her in time?
E-book & paperback
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"Once again Mr. Stiles has provided a book that I can't put down from the minute I open it until I've finished."
"If you are looking for a new series with a twist, you should read this one."
"I love the world that Alex Stiles has created! The story is captivating."
In the oppressed society of Phaerox, callous Premier Braytree reigns in denial while Vahuka's dark hordes gather at the border. Trapped in the failing military, Peran and his friends must convince the stubborn Braytree to mobilise the army before it’s too late. When his efforts lead to his dishonourable discharge, Peran is taken in by the defiant community of the dustlanes, where he discovers a people willing to fight for New Haven.
Despite his developing skills, Peran nearly dies at the hands of Vahuka, and doubts his ability to defeat her. But knows he must.
Will the people come together in time? Can Peran harness his newfound magical abilities and lead them to victory? Will anything be enough to save their world?
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about alex
I was born in Bromley, England in 1979. As a child I was a daydreamer, always away in my own world. It used to drive my teachers crazy and my parents too, especially on parents evenings.
I always read books I could get lost in - fantasy, sci-fi, adventure - anything that would transport me to another world, time or place. I loved the escape, not that I needed to escape anymore than the next child, but being transported to another place, another world, that was magical.
As an adult I still love books that deliver that escapism and decided to write my own. Squeezing writing in amongst a full time job and a busy home life, it has been a real challenge but I am delighted to have completed my trilogy. I have escaped into another world writing them and I hope that you can reading them as well.
Holidays for me are all about escape too and there’s nothing like climbing a mountain to achieve that. The Lake District, England is my destination of choice. It’s an amazing place and I’ve no doubt inspires and influences my writing.
I now live in Somerset with my partner and am enjoying embarking on a new novel, often accompanied by our three feline companions.
how it all began
I’ve always felt that I had a novel in me and harboured a secret desire to write one for years. I don’t know what triggered me into action, but when packing for a week in Kefalonia I decided to take a small notebook and pen with me.
I jotted down a bunch of ideas and when I got back to England started thinking about writing a story. Only I had no idea how to write a book back then. I read a load of online articles, a couple of books on writing and made a start.
As the book developed, so did I. Hours of YouTube lectures, blogs, articles on the internet as well as dozens of podcasts - most on the commute. I levelled up and as I did, so did my writing.
a new world
When I came to writing the Book of Legends series I wanted to create a whole new world for my characters and readers to explore. All the plants and creatures in that world would be new as well, to create new experiences for you, my readers.
I didn't want to write another take on the classic fantasy tropes. Don't get me wrong, dragons are awesome and I love a well-written story with a dragon but it's been done a thousand times before. I wanted to write about something new, with creatures equally exciting and awe inspiring. I hope I've done that in the Books of Legends trilogy but there's plenty more to come. I can't wait to show you this new world, I love it, and I think you will too.
the full experience
If you'd like me to send you Chapter Zero, just fill in your email below and I'll get it over to you straight away.
This super-sized chapter is the start of the Books of Legends Full Experience. It's a fun insight into the start of Legends Awake from Sarrien's perspective. After that, I'll keep you updated on how I'm progressing with my writing challenges, and you'll have access to immersive world-building content developing readers' favourite characters, creatures or places from the books. Just let me know what you'd like to explore - I always love to hear from readers.
