Hello Lovely Readers.

Today on the blog, we have Ryan Kirk! He’s here to tell us all about writing his newest novel Legacy of Light and Shadow. This is his fifth and final book written in the world of The Legend of the Adani.

What’s Legacy of Light and Shadow about?

Legacy of Light and Shadow is the conclusion to the five part Adani series I’ve been writing for several years now. Generations of warriors have passed through these stories, but it all comes to what, I hope, is a satisfying ending. It’s about a group of nomadic warriors faced with an existential threat, an entity far more powerful than they’ve fought before. More than that, though, it’s a story about family and legacy, and fighting for the future you want, even when it seems hopeless.

Where did the idea for this story come from?

The original idea for the story came from my desire to write about a brother and sister, each with unique gifts, confronting a force that had threatened their family for as long as they’d been alive. The story and the cast have expanded considerably since then, but I’ve tried to always keep the siblings at the heart of the tale.

Did you always know how the book was going to end, or did it surprise you along the way?

No, and this one surprised me more than most. I don’t plan out my novels, although I usually have a decent idea of what will happen. This one proved challenging and required several rewrites before I was satisfied.

Which character in the book was the most difficult to write?

Elyn, hands down. Most of the time I find it fairly easy to get into the head of a character, but Elyn challenged me because she doesn’t think or act anything like I do. I’m happy with how her character developed, but it was a struggle to get her there.

If Legacy of Light and Shadow had a theme song—or a soundtrack—what would be on it?

It would have to be the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans, which was playing while I wrote many, many chapters.

What’s your typical writing process like? Are you more of a planner or a “see what happens” type?

I’m absolutely a “see what happens” type. My favorite part of the day is sitting around and thinking about what will happen next, and I love to see the ways that the characters surprise me. It’s absolutely one of my favorite parts of writing.

What’s your go-to writing snack or drink?

Fun fact: I’ve actually never had coffee in my life. It’s green tea for me, almost every morning. Otherwise, just water.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

That’s a good question, and one I’m a bit hesitant to answer because I think that it’s more powerful when readers make their own meaning. If I had to answer, I’d say something about the importance of family and forgiveness, and of the work and sacrifice needed to make the future better than today.

What are you working on next?

I’ve been working on two series concurrently, so now that this one is wrapped up, I’m hoping to finish my Song of the Fallen Swords series.

Want to learn more about Legacy of Light and Shadow?

Following their defeat at the hands of the wandering clans, the emissaries of Void descend upon a rebellious world, seeking to harvest the essence of life itself: corrupted hearts, vital to their master’s eternal war. They encounter a land of untapped power, its young people standing defiantly against the force they cannot defeat.

Leading the resistance is Bael, an ascended warrior whose mastery of adani rivals the emissaries’ control of their esoteric powers. His decisive actions shatter the emissaries’ plans but ignite a larger conflict that will test the fragile alliances of humanity.

Meanwhile, Elyn, torn between her ties to Void and the family she betrayed, embarks on a perilous journey to prove her worth as a servant of destruction—only to find her fractured heart wavering between loyalty and redemption.

As Void’s shadow deepens, warriors, outcasts, and ascended beings must choose: embrace their slow decline or fight for a future where light and life may yet endure.

Meet Ryan Kirk:

Ryan Kirk is the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of over thirty fantasy novels spanning nearly a dozen worlds. He lives in Minnesota with his family, where he enjoys long, meandering walks outside even when the snow is high enough to cover his legs. When he isn’t glued to his keyboard, he’s usually in the woods, either on foot or on bike.

You can find Ryan on his website, as well as Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and X.