1 factor sets Catenarian Chronicles apart from general paranormal fantasy
Most paranormal fantasy focuses on one character’s conflict in one world. Catenarian Chronicles bucks that trend and brings something different.
One character. One conflict. And one world. You’ll get that in most works, but I took a bombastic turn with Catenarian Chronicles. Instead of “following the rules and trends,” I said, nah, I’m bucking that boring-ass, mind-numbing escapism. For once, let’s stop insulting readers’ minds and start challenging them.
Being part of the Renegades Epic shared universe, this dark paranormal fantasy builds on identical magical systems, lore, and there’s even crossover with a few characters in other series. That makes it even more of a fun read when you dive deeper into the Epic.
At the same time, Catenarian Chronicles can come across as a standalone series. I did that on purpose, since some readers aren’t cool with the entire shared universe concept and need a gateway drug before they’re hooked. Further, subgenres of fantasy diverge, so it made sense to prep even the sharpest minds.
Catenarian Chronicles is dark paranormal fantasy. But Elementals of Nordica is military science fantasy, yet the two series reside in the same universe. Chronicles of Rondure? Dark, borderline-grimdark, dystopian. Sentrys of Terrene? Post-apocalyptic dystopian. Terrian Chronicles? Book I is paranormal fantasy. Book II? Thriller and suspense.
Different subgenres boasting the same core elements
So, why not go the conventional route and use the same exact subgenres of fantasy? One reason: it’d be fucking boring. Besides, it wasn’t easy to see them boasting the same subgenre, so why force things?
Sure, there are similarities. The paranormal fantasy aspect crosses into every series in the Epic. They got military elements. And, except for the old-world fantasy, Cymraeg Tales, there’s sci-fi involved. Sci-fi that opens the door to dark, mass surveillance concepts that libertarians love throwing the middle finger at.
There are magic swords, nine elements, similar sets of sacred texts, and no discrepancy whatsoever between the magical system regardless of the series you’re reading, be it Catenarian Chronicles or another one in the Epic. It’s also merit-based: Fate decides when an Elemental gets their sword.
That’s what makes this universe shine like the sun. And yes, Kaija Jokiharju will meet characters from other series. The only real difference is that they come across like new characters, and not characters who seem to have come from somewhere else.
Catenarian Chronicles kicks off the rebellion against trope-heavy fantasy
If you need a key entry point into the Epic, but don’t think your brain can handle the crazy complex plots of my other series, then Book I in Catenarian Chronicles, Cursed Mage, is it.
Cursed Mage will throw a lot at you, but not so much that you’re gonna run for the hills. It leans more toward the “one character, one conflict, one world” mentality, but still rebels against mainstream fiction, especially traditionally-published work that breeds mind-sedating, shallow fiction.
We’re talking about spitting on State overreach, fighting collectivism and socialism with libertarian and anarcho-capitalist concepts, and exposing the State for the parasite that it is.
If you’re into dark paranormal fantasy and don’t let strong political themes offend you, then you don’t need to look any further. Hell, you found your next sane space, not safe space because I don’t believe in the latter.
Also, if you’re into primarily theme-based work where genre takes a back seat, then Cursed Mage will be your next obsession. Guaranteed. Check it out now at my personal store, The Rebel Lore Vault if you’re done with shallow fantasy and want something with a smarter punch.
