Of all his fiction, Sigmund Brouwer has found that his Winds of Light series has resonated most with readers. So he wanted to go back and fill in much of the story that happened “off the pages.”
He begins that journey with The Orphan King (WaterBrook Press), the first novel in the Merlin’s Immortals series. Raised in an oppressive monastery, young Thomas has trained in secret to fight evil, but discerning others’ motives is a bit trickier.
“The secrets that the characters keep from each other are secrets necessary to their survival,” Sigmund explains. “They can’t afford to be open about who they are without risking their lives, and worse, risking the loss of what they are trying to protect. It results in a chess game of sorts, until the characters learn who they can trust and who is the real enemy.”
In addition to revisiting Winds of Light, Sigmund and co-writer Hank Hanegraaff are finally completing their historical take on the book of Revelation with The Last Temple (Tyndale House), due August 2012.
“My first goal is to try to make a story engaging,” Sigmund shares. “As humans, we are hooked by story when a character has to overcome an obstacle. I hope readers like my main characters enough to cheer for them and hope for them as they fight to reach their goal.”
When he isn’t crafting fresh novels that expound on fan favorites, Sigmund is helping teachers hook kids on reading with his Rock & Roll Literacy program.
“Good stories are like good songs,” Sigmund says, explaining his program’s title. “They make you feel something.”
This article originally appeared in FamilyFiction Edge digital magazine. Click here to subscribe for free!