Stories, Faith, and What Comes Next
When I began writing Adventures in Oculus, I was thinking about the kinds of stories that stay with us long after we finish reading them. Stories that do more than entertain. Stories that quietly shape how we understand courage, fear, responsibility, and hope.
Oculus is a hidden world shaped by magic, ancient history, and choices that matter. It is a place where good and evil are lived realities revealed through decision, consequence, and growth. While the setting is fantasy, the struggles faced by the characters mirror the questions many middle grade readers begin to ask as they grow.
With the revised re release of The Spider Witch’s Curse and the release of Firedrake, I wanted to share more about what these books are about, why they are written the way they are, and where the series is headed.
The Spider Witch’s Curse
The Spider Witch’s Curse introduces readers to Oculus through a mystery rooted in fear and deception. An ancient curse begins to tighten its grip on the land, spreading unease and mistrust. The characters must confront not only an external threat, but also their own doubts and weaknesses.
This story explores how fear can distort truth and how easily lies can take hold when people stop asking questions. Revisiting this book allowed me to strengthen the emotional journey of the characters and clarify the themes of courage and discernment that shape the series.
At its heart, this book is about learning to stand firm when fear feels convincing and when truth carries a cost.
Firedrake
In Firedrake, the world of Oculus expands and the stakes grow higher. The characters are no longer simply reacting to danger. They are faced with responsibility, power, and the temptation to take shortcuts when the right path feels too difficult.
This book explores loyalty under pressure, the weight of protecting others, and the consequences of choices made without wisdom. As the characters grow, they begin to understand that good intentions alone are not enough. True strength requires humility, sacrifice, and trust.
Faith Woven Into the Story
As a Catholic author, my faith shapes how I understand story and character. In the Catholic tradition, moral growth happens through free will, conscience, failure, and redemption. Grace often works quietly, through perseverance and sacrifice rather than displays of power.
These ideas are woven into Adventures in Oculus through the characters’ choices and consequences. Magic exists in the world, but it is never the ultimate authority. Power without wisdom leads to harm. Control without love causes destruction. What matters most is who the characters choose to become.
Why I Am Developing a Reader Guide
Middle grade is an important age. This is when children begin forming their conscience and learning how their choices affect others. Over time, I have heard from parents, educators, and readers who want a way to talk more deeply about the themes in these books.
Because of that, I am in the process of developing a reader and discussion guide for The Spider Witch’s Curse and Firedrake. My goal is to create something that invites conversation and reflection without turning the stories into lessons.
When it is complete, the guide will be designed for families, Catholic schools, homeschool groups, classrooms, and book clubs who want to engage more deeply with the stories and the questions they raise.
Looking Ahead
The world of Oculus is still unfolding. Each book builds on the last, asking deeper questions and presenting greater challenges as the characters grow. As the series continues, my hope is that readers grow alongside them, discovering that courage, humility, and trust matter far beyond the pages of a book.
Thank you for stepping into Oculus and for supporting stories written with care, imagination, and faith.
