content ratings

I've loved high/epic fantasy since the fourth grade. However, when I put down my first dragonrider series and hit the shelves for more, I was shocked to find that nearly the whole genre was pockmarked with adult situations and rough language.

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Now, I can handle a little more. But I have a little sister who's starting to read fantasy, and I don't want her or others like me to be so limited. So, I'm taking the first step and writing epic fantasies that are devoid of adult situations, cursing, and excessive gore.

my books are pg to pg-13.

Heavy topics such as racism (between fantasy races), religion (based upon fictitious deities), and death are touched upon several times. However, they are kept very clear-cut and discrimination of any sort is always looked down upon and are used as character flaws rather than quirks or strengths. Main character deaths do occur.

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Blood is present, and commonly so. Wounds are not described in great detail, however, and should not bother young ones unless they are very sensitive. My sister has hemophobia (fear of blood) and she reads my books with little or no issue.

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Romance is present, but innocent. Kissing is kept very simplistic and is the furthest step any given couple will take. The only problem that may arise from this subject is that of Pyria and Rowan's marriage in Worldbender; due to the events of the story, their marriage falls apart. Young ones may not understand why this is necessary.

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There is an overarching plot of good-versus-evil, but not every character fits neatly into either side. There are betrayals, some moral ambiguity, and misguided characters. These things are discussed as the story moves along, and characters find themselves switching sides and reevaluating their choices.

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my stories are meant for everyone.

There are elements and a depth that may not be fully understood by young children. This does not mean that they can't read my books.

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I want to make high fantasy available to anyone who wants to read it. This means adults, teenagers, tweens, young adults... everyone. I strive for a spot in the middle: a spot where cleanness meets maturity.

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Parents may want to read the stories first, just in case, but I promise you that Worldbender was never meant to do anything but deliver a clean story and a good message - and neither will any of my other books.

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I do hope you'll allow me to share it with the new generation of fantasy readers. They deserve to be welcomed into our world.

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-Alex