about lightborn

An anthropomorphic male werewolf in blue robes standing on the edge of a snowy cliff at sunset, holding a yellow ball of magic light in his hand while looking at the full moon in determination.

lightborn represents six years of planning, writing, and revising woven into a fully-fledged novel. Whether you enjoy complex characters, meaningful lore, or breathtaking settings, the sections below will shed some light on your quest for knowledge.

werewolves are endowed with special, unique powers. Isengrim wields the the light to forge a new era. spells, artifacts, and mysterious magic promise to aid him, or threaten to end his quest…for good.

A fantasy illustration of an anthropomorphic male werewolf with gold-trimmed white robes, holding a ball of light in one hand, in front of a stained glass window depicting a crownlike sun.

the concept

lightborn puts walking, talking werewolves front and center and challenges the trope of werewolves being relegated to the role of primal beast or alpha-male love interest.

the story

when Isengrim (pictured here) is bitten by a werewolf during battle, he discovers that he is a legendary figure called the Lightborn. The prophecy claims he is destined to bring a new era of peace. but there are two sides to the prophecy, and choosing the wrong one will bring darkness everlasting.

the magic

  • Isengrim: a high-ranking cleric in the city of vulfstadt who helps at the church orphanage in his spare time. Thought to be the Lightborn, a mythical werewolf with the power to wield the light of Al-Autor, the creator of all things. The fate of the Life-realm hinges on whether he chooses the right side of the prophecy, unless his carnal nature takes hold and dooms the world before the prophecy can be fulfilled.

    Harkmarshall: member of the city council and Isengrim’s best friend. A barfly with more secrets than a spy.

    Galiheir: leader of the wardens, an international werewolf faction operating in vulfstadt who believe in one side of the Lightborn prophecy. his true identity is unknown, and stories about his past run rampant through the ranks of his allies and enemies alike.

    Jungtyr: a werewolf and druidess who sits as battle chief of the wardens. quick to violence, she keeps new wardens at arm’s length—especially males, who never fail to fall for her at first sight.

    Karath: leader of the Purefang, an international werewolf faction in direct opposition with the wardens. After pledging his soul to a patron diety in exchange for formidable magical power, he dedicated himself and his followers to fulfilling the other side of the lightborn prophecy.

  • vulfstadt: a major city in the kingdom of Dunkelheit. Isengrim’s home and base of operations for the Wardens, who utilize a secret underground network to conduct their operations.

    Dunkelheit: a kingdom of man, situated on the westernmost border of the Continent. The only kingdom to share a passable border with the orcs of Kar’ghuul, though the two kingdoms do not conduct trade or communicate.

    Maistir: a fishing village in the kingdom of Shamraeg. A key strategic location for both the Wardens and the Purefang.

    Shamraeg: a kingdom of man spanning most of the southern border of the Continent. The only kingdom with a diverse population comprised of man, elves, and dwarves.

  • Wardens: a group of werewolves dedicated to achieving peace by helping the Lightborn negotiate with the Five Kingdoms. They control their feral instincts by emphasizing self-control and unity. Though well-organized, they are vastly outnumbered by their rivals, the Purefang. Led by Galiheir, their founder.

    Purefang: a group of werewolves dedicated to achieving peace by helping the Lightborn establish werewolves as benevolent rulers of the Continent. Control their feral instincts through drinking blood to appease the beast in their heads. Led by Karath, their founder.

    The Church of Al-Autor: the religious authorities in Dunkelheit and Shamraeg. The Church spreads the word of Al-Autor, Creator of All Things, who they hope will soon return to the mortal realm. They are quick to decry or destroy anything that goes against Him or His teachings, especially things they deem “supernatural.”

    Demented: the Demented are werewolves who were once intelligent, but have lost their intelligence to their savage instincts and bloodlust. Estimations place the Demented population between 100 and 1,000, though most live in the wilderness and all are disorganized free agents. Demented are hunted by Wardens and Purefang alike to reduce the chances that the Five Kingdoms will discover the existence of werewolves.