Hello, Readers! Clevenger here. As we’ve been ramping up towards the launch of “War of Night” (less than a month away) I’ve tried to break down the elements of our tale that I think makes it special. The final entry… our Villains.

Every story needs conflict. Often (in Fantasy), at the heart of that conflict lies a villain. In “War of Night” we wanted our villains to be more than just faceless antagonists, we wanted them to be layered and three-dimensional. Villains with motivations that drive the story forward and are complex characters to themselves. Ambitions, flaws, and darkness are deeply human characteristics… our villains deserved them, too.

A good villain isn’t just someone bent on world domination or destruction, but someone is who grounded in reality. They need motivations that you can understand (even if you don’t agree) and that feel “real.” In “War of Night,” Grendel is the villain central to our story. As the leader of Manticore, he doesn’t just seek power for power’s sake. Instead, he seeks control, dominance, and the elimination of threats that might undermine him. His ruthlessness isn’t born from chaos, but from a cold, calculated desire to maintain his position at the top of Highston’s elite. Grendel is the product of the harsh world he inhabits. In a city where betrayal is currency and power is everything… Grendel isn’t evil. He just plays the game better than everyone else.

One of the strongest “core” themes in the “Manticore’s Shadow” series is “manipulation.” Our villains and heroes alike are all subject to manipulation and face the consequences of the plots caused by such actions. Grendel uses manipulation not only to control his guild, but to shape the politics of Highston. Upon doing so, he crosses from Jesse and Thorn’s antagonist, into Symon’s world. This web of lies and deception causes friction between Jesse and Symon, and at the same time separates them from the world that each of them called home. Isolation and fear continue to raise the stakes as each young man becomes more and more alone as the tale progresses.

By exposing the Grendel’s machinations, showing his calculations, and exposing how he exploits the rules for his personal gain, Grendel becomes a reflection of our heroes. Grendel’s adherence to the system and his devotion to bending it to his will, stands in contrast to Jesse’s own chaotic, rule-bending approach. The Crime Lord’s ambition to rising through the ranks and display his dominance, stands in opposition of Symon’s desire to shirk his reputation and find his true self. While the two boys struggle to navigate right and wrong, Grendel represents what happens when you abandon all pretense of morality and fully commit to the pursuit of power.

Grendel also uses Olivar and Xerian as his “controls” over our main characters. While they are more simplistic, they are direct reflections of Symon and Jesse (respectively) and give solid examples of what our heroes could be if they submit to Grendel’s will.

But beyond Grendel. Beyond the day-to-day antagonists of Olivar and Xerian. There lurks a deeper darkness. The Investurant armies loom closer as the tale unfolds. We get glimpses of the Ombrameas, Rhon, and Emaly as the climax of our story reaches the end of “War of Night.” As hints of these darker elements creep into the narrative, we set up the next chapters of “Manticore’s Shadow.”

Villains are the backbone of any great conflict, and in “War of Night,” they are characters as richly detailed and nuanced as the heroes themselves. Whether it’s Grendel’s ruthless ambition, the manipulation of Highston’s elite, or the unseen forces lurking in the shadows, these villains shape the story in profound ways. They are not just obstacles, but forces that challenge the protagonists at every turn, making their journey all the more gripping.

We’re excited to see “War of Night” hitting the shelves EVERYWHERE November 12, 2024! Follow us on socials, watch the progress, and don’t forget to pre-order YOUR copy today! And as always…

Be Kind.

Clevenger