What’s Next in the Salamanderverse?

Now that the Chronicles of Storm series is complete, I know the big question on everyone’s mind is… what comes next?

And honestly, that’s not the only question I’ve been getting. I gathered a bunch of your questions from our Facebook group and newsletter, and today I’m going to do my best to answer them.

Q. WHAT’S NEXT IN THE SALAMANDERVERSE?

Starting a new series is never easy. There are the usual self-doubts, the fears and that endless chain of what ifs. But this one feels harder than anything I’ve started before.

So why is this story different?

Because… I’ve already written it once.

Yep. I’m talking about the Origin Story.

I didn’t publish it, but not because it wasn’t good. Actually, it’s a story I’ve loved from beginning to end. It explores both new and familiar corners of the Salamanderverse, and it’s been close to my heart for a very long time.

But I held back because I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t think I could do it justice.

Now, I believe—well, hope—that I finally can.

So, to answer your question: the story I’m working on right now is that long-awaited, much-rumored “Origin Story”.

(And no, that’s not going to be the title of the series. Consider it a working title. 😄 )

Q: Any hint of what type of creature of magic the next main character is?

A lot of you are expecting the next story to follow a Child of Water. And honestly, it’s fair guess, right?

If you’ve been following the Salamanderverse, you know we currently have three series. The Fire Salamander Chronicles features Zane Burns, the Child of Fire. The Shadow Enforcer series follows Damian Blake, a powerful Commander of Destiny Enforcers and a Child of Earth. And the Chronicles of Storm series centers on Declan Storm, a Volhv and a Child of Air.

So yeah… it would make sense for the next series to feature a Child of Water. But you know me. I’m not big on following patterns. 😉

The next main character won’t just command Water. She will wield all four elements.

Yep. You heard me right.

The next story will feature a Master of Power, or rather, all three of them.

This story goes deeper than just the story of a new character. Have you ever wondered if Master Mrak Delar was truly the terrible dictator who nearly brought Kendral to the brink of poverty and famine? Or how Alliandr became the youngest Master of Kendral?

Those questions and quite a few more, will finally be answered in the Origin Story.

A lot of us dream about rereading our favorite books for the first time again. This is a little like that. You’ll get to rediscover the already familiar magical universe through the eyes of someone who’s completely new to the World of Magic.

And at its heart, just like every story in the Salamanderverse, this one is about friendship, loyalty, honor and love. But this time, it’s also about redemption… and forgiveness.

Q: Will your books ever carry to the Island of Legends as hinted in other books. Or the sealed nexus?

Short answer is yes. 😊

The three books in the Origin Story will bring you back to Kendral and let you explore the Elemental Lands in a whole new way.

But that’s not all.

You’ll also get to travel through two of the three magical nexuses—the Land of Dreams and the Isle of Legends.

So if you’ve been waiting to see those places up close, your time is coming.

Q: Will you be exploring the elves more?

The Origin Story won’t cover the Great Elven Wars or the Exitus Completum event. The history of the Elves of Kendral is a fascinating story in its own right, and I believe, it has the potential to carry an entire series on its own.

And the truth is... the Origin Story is already very long. Each book is basically the size of two. 😅 But since I’m not a fan of harsh cliffhangers, I’d much rather give you a longer, complete story than split it in half and leave you hanging.

So, all I can say is, I hope you like big books.

Q: Do you have a list of small bit part characters that are potentially going to be main characters in their own story?

Great question! And the answer is yes and no. 😄

I definitely have a mental list, but nothing is written down. It all lives in my head.

Usually, as I’m working on a series, a secondary or minor character will suddenly stand out from the crowd. I often know when it’s happening because of you, my readers. Your reviews and comments tend to highlight the same characters I’ve been quietly noticing.

And sometimes, the characters just take matters into their own hands. They start revealing unexpected backstories or developing new magical abilities that weren’t part of the original plan.

When that happens, I pay attention.

Those are the characters that can absolutely carry a story of their own, and who knows, one day, they just might.

Q: I would love to know where you get your inspiration from & given all the similar genres about how do you keep it fresh & unique?

That is a big question. I might need more coffee for this one.

There are thousands of books in the fantasy and urban fantasy genres, many of them drawing from mythology and folklore. I’ve read a lot of them, but I try very hard not to fall into comparison mode. It never really helps anyone.

For me, inspiration comes from the stories I grew up with—mythology, folklore and fairy tales from different cultures. Slavic mythology, in particular, has had a huge influence on my writing. It’s not used as often in urban fantasy, and aside from figures like Baba Yaga or the Leshy, many of its characters haven’t made their way into modern fantasy.

And that’s a shame, because Slavic lore is deep, layered and wonderfully complex. It opens the door to rich storytelling, unexpected twists and characters who don’t always fit neatly into “good” or “evil.”

When I sit down to write, I try to block everything else out. I’m not thinking about tropes. I’m not worrying about expectations. For me, the only thing that exists is the story—the one I’m trying to tell—and the emotions I want you to feel as you read it.

I want you to care about the characters. To cheer for them. To hurt when they hurt. Maybe even to pause and wonder what’s going on inside a villain’s mind, what drives their despicable actions, what shaped them.

Because at the end of the day, I truly believe that if a story doesn’t make you feel something, it won’t stay with you for long.

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Thank you for all your questions, your theories and your endless curiosity about the Salamanderverse. It truly means more to me than I can put into words. This next chapter—both for me and for the Salamanderverse—feels like a return and a leap forward at once. It’s familiar, and completely new. I’m excited, a bit nervous and incredibly grateful to have you along for the ride. I hope when the time comes, this story finds its way into your hands and into your heart.

So, stay tuned… this is just the beginning.

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As always, thank you all so much for your continued support.

Happy reading!

N.M. Thorn