Hello, Readers! Clevenger here.

So, as we entered post production on “War of Night,” Greyson had some health flare ups and some life issues that absorbed resources and delayed our plans. Trying times, for sure, but we were able to come through them. Fittingly, “War of Night” upends the lives of both boys, but Jesse’s life is challenged multiple times and he really faces some struggles. Now, as we enter into “Old Bones, Old Ways,” a book where Symon faces a lot of HIS challenges… well… it’s my turn.

By the time you read this, I’ll have been under the knife and recovering from a surgical procedure and hopefully getting back some lost vision. (Yay! Eye issues!) However, of course this will delay some of my editing work, which makes me sad. On the bright side, I am inspired to talk about something fun… character flaws! (see the connection there)

The Characters of the “Manticore’s Shadow” series are the heart and soul of our story. Jesse is a young thief, bold and cunning, that Greyson brought to the table. His coming of age story, eventual romance, and journey towards becoming who he was “meant” to be is exciting and relatable. Symon, our loveable blacksmith, has a similar coming of age arc. Discovering more about his family, learning the true value of friendships, and putting his efforts to right wrongs of the past give him a non-traditional “hero’s journey” which allows the reader to see the world of Sainan as it was designed to be. A fantastical backdrop.

Those journeys mean nothing without their character flaws. Overcoming inherent limitations, breaking bad habits, and changing perspectives are where their character growth comes into play. That growth is where the emotion of our story lives. Feeling the joy, sorrow, frustration, and achievements that they encounter allow readers to put themselves in the skin of Jesse and Symon and see the world through their eyes.

For Jesse, the flaws are both “many” and “obvious.” While he is young, he’s also jaded, cynical, impatient, snarky, and a bit arrogant. Because of this, he makes quick, sometimes rash, decisions that lead to consequences. His inability to rely on others forces him to take these consequences and challenges “all on his own.” This often leads him to more complications and more trouble.

Underneath that bravado, however, lies the truth of Jesse. He’s inherently capable of SO MUCH MORE! The one friend he has, Thorn, he loves with a fierce loyalty. His external flaws (poverty, abusive relationship, and unfortunate power dynamics) have meant that he’s lived a life with nothing. Jesse only values the one GOOD thing that no one can take from him. Thorn. And even then, he fears that he’ll lose her, too.

When the plots against him unfold, Jesse rallies! His strength of character, unwillingness to “give in,” and fearlessness show him for who he truly is. That combined with new loyalties shows a growth and strength of spirit. He grows more as the series goes later, leaning into understanding that he is “worthy of having good things.” It’s a beautiful arc.

Symon is a different story. He wears his flaws a lot deeper. So deep, it seems, that at one point Greyson questioned me about what Symon needed as a flaw BECAUSE he seems so solid as a character. And that’s Symon’s flaw… he’s very good at pretending.

Deep down, Symon has NO IDEA who he is. His entire life, he’s been trying to live up to his father. Or, be like his friends. Or be the perfect Federation Student. He makes his decisions based on “how it will be seen.” Does he need the new Blaster? Or is he just trying to appease Olivar and avoid the persecution of a rich aristocrat.

When everything is taken away from him… Symon crumbles. He loses his identity. Fears of “what he could become” cloud his ability to see who he truly is. His journey forces him to let go of his past life and admit how unhappy it was, so that he can turn his eyes to the future and become the man he is CAPABLE of being.

Jesse and Symon have so many differences, but they travel on a similar arc. Self-discovery. While their views are unique and distinct, the pain they experience as layers of doubt are peeled away is poignant and powerful.

Join them on their quest!!! Pre-order “War of Night” wherever books are sold!