7 hot influences for Cursed Mage and Catenarian Chronicles
Cursed Mage and the Catenarian Chronicles had more than their fair share of influences, but seven of them rise above the rest.
Every book has its influences, and if an author claims they didn’t ‘steal’ from anyone, they’re lying. Fortunately for you, I’m open to stealing ideas from existing content, whether it’s more under-the-radar or out there in pop culture.
Below, you’ll find familiar names. But I also laid out some surprises. Let’s dive into one of the lesser-known trilogies out there, but one that deserves a place on the silver screen.
1 – The Gateway Trilogy
Before anything else, E.E. Holmes’ underrated classic, the paranormal fantasy Gateway Trilogy inspired Cursed Mage and the Catenarian Chronicles more than anything.
Main character seeing ghosts? Check. A sister she never knew she had? Check again. Descended from an ancient, secret lineage? Also check.
Sure, there are differences. But Kaija Jokiharju and Jess Ballard have a lot in common. Hell, they even grew up in broken, single-parent households and boast genius IQs.
2 – Marvel Cinematic Universe
This one goes far beyond the Renegades Epic. But in the world of Catenary, where our tale takes place, Mages aren’t just born. They can be made, just like superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
One major character in Cursed Mage discovers this at a later date. And don’t worry; they’ll have their own tale to tell. A tale you can get as a BONUS STORY when you buy Book II, Astray Mage.
Mages can also have their gene and powers surgically removed. Why would they want that? I got two words for you: they don’t. Take that as an ominous sign.
3 – America’s two-party duopoly
You know I don’t hide my political leanings. And if you’ve been following me long enough, you know I hate the two-party duopoly as much as I hate the State.
As for the Mercenaries and Auguries? Yeah, one might be the lesser of the two evils…maybe…you might want to read the series in full before you make a judgment call.
4 – Finland
Most Finns would be up my ass if I don’t explain myself. No, the superpower nation of Vimsinew ain’t Suomi-inspired. It’s the U.S. equivalent, and they’re not the good guys.
But the names, lingo, and even select places boast a ton of Finnish inspiration. Not only is the language fucking awesome, but it’s beyond underused in fantasy.
5 – The NHL
Translate goalkeeper to Finnish, and see what word pops up. If you guessed Maalivahti, then give yourself ten points, because you’re correct.
Maalivahti also relates to gatekeeper, which is one reason I chose it, but I had ulterior motives, as usual. Secondly, Kaija’s descended from the Marjalainen lineage, whose coat of arms is Buffalo Sabres-inspired.
As a Sabres fan, I make plenty of nods to the Blue and Gold in every series I write, and Catenarian Chronicles is no different.
6 – Fast and Furious
I wrote Cursed Mage, so I should know this. But we had what? Three high-speed chases in the book? Not to mention the fact we saw some epic Mage duels during those chases.
Credit Fast and Furious for that. While we don’t see any fancy sports cars, the need for speed is alive, well, and present.
7 – Alternative media
You ain’t getting a safe read if you give Cursed Mage a shot. And you can thank alternative media for my rough-around-the-edges outlook. One that don’t care who it offends.
Think Tom Woods and Radio Rothbard if you want libertarian influences. I’m also a fan of Let’s Read, a horror-based podcast that’s never given a trigger warning.
If you need virtue signaling, DEI, box checking for the sake of it, and all that woke nonsense, don’t get this book because it’ll offend you. And I don’t always hand out trigger warnings.
But if you’re brave enough to pick up a copy, I’ll leave you to it. Head over to my personal store, get yourself the book for a discount, and prepare for some dangerous fiction.
