Hi everyone,

  Thank you for reading my work. I hope you enjoyed 'Amaranthéa,' book one of the larger story I am calling The Shadow of the Dragonking. Like for a lot writers, there were many stories that bubbled up along the way and ended up across my notebooks or on my hard drive. And as excited as I am about every idea, every character, every world I've conjured, this is the one story I really wanted to tell. I am glad and proud to have completed one book, but the journey is not done yet.

  Even though the story is fully planned (and has been for many years), various circumstances in my life have meant I have not done as much writing as I would like. Even the writing of Amaranthéa was interrupted for years at one point as many important and exciting things had to take precedence. Progress on the second novel has likewise gone in fits and starts beginning in October 2022.

  The purpose of this little note is to let you know where I am up to and what to expect going forward. As it stands, there are only three completed chapters of 'Thalassae,' the second (and final) book in the story. I am happy with how things are turning out, and some of the most-cherished and longest-planned scenes are coming up. But there is a long way to go. I write so slowly, being something of a perfectionist and editing as I go.. it's a terrible habit to not be willing to put anything down to paper until I'm happy with it, but that's just the way I am right now.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  At this stage, I am hesitant to officially start posting chapters here on RoyalRoad since my writing schedule is so inconsistent. I cannot promise how regular chapter updates would be, and I think many will find that frustrating.

  I'm sorry. Trust me when I say that no one wants to see this story completed more than I do. I have not abandoned it, nor will I. It has lived with me for nearly 15 years and among the many stories on the backburner, it is the one that most resembles the fantasy I want to see written. As I said above, it's my one story that I want completed, if nothing else materialises out of this hobby. One of my goals for the coming year is to write more. We'll see how that goes!

  However. While I don't foresee posting book two content here until the writing process is pretty much completed, this doesn't mean you will be left in the dark. For those who want to, feel free to reach out to me. I will be happy to let you know what's going on, let you read samples. Or even if you just want to drop a line of encouragement, tell me who your favourite character is, share a theory, gush about something that touched you, it will be greatly appreciated.

  I can be reached at amarant.shep (at) gmail.com

  I have been astounded along the way by the friends and readers who have wanted to partake in this imaginary world. Know that every one of you is appreciated deeply. Thank you again for your part in this journey.

  Starlight guide you,

  - Benjamin