Hello everyone! I am D.J. Dempsey, long-time user of TD (I am from the River Parishes and currently reside in Lafourche). My epic fantasy novel, War of the Four: The Twin Schism, was released a little over a month ago and if it’s okay, I would like to share some details about it here.

This is Book One of an expected trilogy that follows the POV of five characters through four chapters that rotate periodically, titled Sun, Sea, Sky, and Stone (the Stone chapters rotate the POV between twins). Those who love realistic depth to their characters, a secondary world with rich lore, action-packed scenes, and political intrigue should find this fast-paced story incredibly enticing.

The ‘magic’ found in this world is elemental, but with a twist—no characters are born with supernatural abilities. Instead, four weapons called amulons are the source, allowing their wielders to control one of the four principal elements, which creates a rich environment for the struggle for power across the Plane. The narrative follows the journeys of two primary protagonists whose paths (and beliefs) are destined to collide. Without revealing any major spoilers, here is a brief introduction to each tale:

• SUN: Cleo Scordisci is the son of the Consolar General of Sacrim, from the sun-scorching Southern Plane, who is thrust to the forefront of action when calamity strikes his home, family, and friends at the hands of a corrupt republic.
• SEA: Dane hails from the despotic, seafaring islands of the Northern Plane called Marredom. After being unduly imprisoned and sentenced to a lifetime of service as an oarsman, he happens upon a fleet of rebellious ships of sail, which rescues him from his perpetual despair and gives him hope for a life filled with friendship and purpose.
• SKY: Vanna becomes initiated as a new member of the Sisters of the Silo, a mystical and covert cult of women from the mountains of the matriarchal Western Plane, who fly on the backs of large king birds called rooks. After completing an undercover mission in a foreign region of the Plane, Vanna is confronted by a reality-altering incident that leaves her vulnerable and alone.
• STONE: Roth and Ruth Fendorse are twins from the largest and most historic land of them all, the Regent in the Eastern Plane—a feudal but free land rich with resources and remnants of past kings, queens, and knights. Roth is thrust from a humble ranger’s life into one of glory, and the two must deal with the aftermath of his fateful mistake.

The central conflict of the story arises when the King of Marredom discovers a fleet of sailed ships being constructed by the rulers of the Southern and Western Planes, which threatens his control of trade across the seas. The northern King’s act of preemptive vengeance, by abducting the Southern ruler’s daughter, who is also Cleo’s love interest, sets the chain of disorder in motion, threatening a War of the Four across the Plane.

Thanks for your attention! If you have any questions about me or the book, I’d be happy to answer them. Here's the Amazon link for anyone who'd like to check it out: Amazon Link

Cover art: