L. Darby Gibbs

Biography

L. Darby Gibbs has been publishing novels since 2011. Since 2018, Gibbs has been writing fantasy, and has three series out: Solstice Dragon World (six standalone books), Standing Stone (five series books), and her newest Kavin Cut Chronicles (a trilogy).

When she is not writing or teaching, she is active in the outdoors, mostly on a tandem bicycle or, more recently, sailing.

Gibbs is a teacher of writing and published a non-fiction reference book of traditional story plots titled THE LITTLE HANDBOOK OF OF NARRATIVE FRAMEWORKS in 2013.

Gibbs enjoys going to the theater, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and pets. She has been married over thirty years, has one child and a Labrador. She lives in the United States and has lived in several states north, east, west and south. Though born on the east coast, her roots are buried deepest in Southern California.

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
My family moved around so much, crossing the country three times by the time I was seven, so I am influenced by several parts of the U.S. I lived my early years in New England and almost as long in southern California as a teenager. Then I moved north with my husband and lived in the Northwest for several years. All of these places influence my writing. I love the woods of New England and the mountains of the northwest. I have many memories of New York City and can see myself building a story that could live in that city of abundant life. The rigor of the eastern seaboard and its puritan ethic is embedded in my psyche, and the relaxation and slow warmth of the west coast demands I look about myself and examine the world.
When did you first start writing?
I think every author writes at a very young age. I know I was telling stories as soon as I could talk. Words fascinated me from the beginning. I have loved to read since my elementary years. But I realized writing was important to me when I was in my teens. I wrote poetry all the time then, but never considered my writing to be professional. I felt that truly fine writing came with age and experience, and I didn't expect to become a "writer" until I had gathered enough material and skill. That kind of expression came in my thirties.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find L. Darby Gibbs online

Series

Solstice Dragon World
Standalone fantasy novels based around the existence of dragons known as Solstice Dragons who live in the Cadore Range. Fantasy, magic, dragons, light romance.
The Dragon Question
Price: $5.99 USD.
Dragon Bone Ridge
Price: Free!
Dira's Dragon
Price: $5.99 USD.
To Harbor a Dragon
Price: $5.99 USD.
The Would-Be Dragon
Price: $5.99 USD.
The Keepsake Dragon
Price: $5.99 USD.
Annals of the Dragon Dreamer
Dragon dreamer: melder, madness, destruction incarnate. By old law, dragon dreamers are put to death at birth or bound by magic, never to cast a spell or meld a dragon. Which fate occurs depends on who arrives first.
Dragon-Eyed Dream
Price: Free!
Dragon-Eyed Rogue
Price: $6.99 USD.
Dragon-Eyed Prime
Price: $6.99 USD.
Dragon-Eyed Madness
Price: $6.99 USD.
Dragon-Eyed Void
Price: $6.99 USD.
Standing Stone
The Standing Stone series is set in the magic Lands of An Faire and follows the adventures of Jahl Pratter and his two friends, Donya and Rouen, as he learns how to wield essence and fulfill the role his uncle, High Master Tran Donnel, trained him for. Fantasy, magic, light romance and adventure.
The Sharded Boy
Price: Free!
The Shifter Shard
Price: $5.99 USD.
The Heart of Lal
Price: $5.99 USD.
The Sand Wielders
Price: $5.99 USD.
The Wielder's Grimoire
Price: $5.99 USD.
Kavin Cut Chronicles
A fantasy romance set in a hidden kingdom.
Ring True
Price: Free!
Nock Arrow
Price: $4.99 USD.
Reign Queen
Price: $5.99 USD.

Books

Dragon-Eyed Void
Series: Annals of the Dragon Dreamer, Book 5. Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 114,020. Language: English. Published: January 28, 2024 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
In the heart of Rigaria, where ancient sentient forests hold the secrets of the land, a dire crisis unfolds: the dragons of the Void teeter on the brink of extinction. Salvation demands a monumental effort from each individual. Will they defy destiny and overcome insurmountable odds, or will they succumb to the grim fate that threatens to snuff out the last embers of the dragons' existence?
In a Dragon's Age
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 79,370. Language: English. Published: October 15, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
In the grim streets of a desperate city, Xiami, a former pickpocket and unemployed factory worker, finds herself entangled in a world of danger and intrigue. When she stumbles upon a hidden treasure amidst the loot of a notorious gang, her moral compass is put to the test. Discover the power of trust, the danger of secrets, and the triumph of love in this standalone fantasy adventure.
Dragon in Parallel
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Pre-release—available June 30, 2024. Price: $5.99 USD. Language: English. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Love has the power to move mountains, but can it rewrite ancient law, inspire forgiveness, and reunite a fractured family? Dive into a captivating world of dragons, magic, and destiny, where the caretakers' hearts are as entwined as the dragons they protect.
Dragon-Eyed Madness
Series: Annals of the Dragon Dreamer, Book 4. Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 98,060. Language: English. Published: July 31, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
As the stakes rise and vengeance beckons, Zyla must reckon with the cost of shattered trust. Will she pay the ultimate price for her actions, or will she find redemption amidst the chaos? Embark on an epic fantasy journey filled with discovery, the pursuit of belonging, and trials by fire and dragon.
Dragon-Eyed Prime
Series: Annals of the Dragon Dreamer, Book 3. Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 95,530. Language: English. Published: May 15, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
From The History of Melding and Dragons: Melding & casting at the same time results in fire, floods, ice or drought. Combinations of these destructive forces can occur & have occurred. If Zyla doesn’t figure out who to trust, which task to perform, or which to perform first, she is going to pick the wrong one. Any wrong decision could destroy the lands of Rigaria. All of them could destroy her.
Dragon-Eyed Rogue
Series: Annals of the Dragon Dreamer, Book 2. Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 107,350. Language: English. Published: March 31, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
Some truths are better said repeatedly, so the lie buried inside can leak out. Melders go mad. They are best killed or their magic bound to stem the madness. How long should Zyla Powerbane wait to go mad? If she was an outcast before, now she is a criminal. If she had been weak, now she is determined to drive herself through all obstacles, even if the cost for success destroys her.
Dragon-Eyed Dream
Series: Annals of the Dragon Dreamer, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 107,140. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
Dragon dreamer: melder, madness, destruction incarnate. Zyla Powerbane is orphaned, ostracized, and magicless. Will her untamed Magic meld a dragon before she can learn to contain her power? Is she the melder who’ll begin the second conflagration of the continent of Rigaria? With Razers determined to put her to death, will she find a haven before she destroys herself and those most dear to her?
The Keepsake Dragon
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 115,060. Language: English. Published: November 30, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Apparently, no one travels the trade road with a dragon taking up the northbound lane. Adrielle wants a quiet job & a tiny room to call her own. The single-minded dragon, a meddlesome man, & unsavory characters must be in league to turn her plan for independence into intrigue, danger, & assassination. Read the next Solstice Dragon World novel because Prince Charming is a thief among men.
The Would-Be Dragon
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 90,990. Language: English. Published: November 23, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Kimble is a dragon and life is one glorious flight, hunt, and flirtation after another. Mayrian is terrified of snakes. Dragons are enormous snakes, and one of them seems to think she should enjoy his slithering company. Kimble’s realizing that loving a human is dangerous. To the human. Mayrian's had enough of snakes and dragons, but shaking a stick at them comes with life-changing ramifications.
The Wielder's Grimoire
Series: Standing Stone. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 90,510. Language: English. Published: August 31, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
There's seeking knowledge and then there's obsession. Will Jahl know when he's pushed wielding magic essence too far? What if he goes so far that even Donya and Rouen won't be able to pull him back from the brink? He's not the only one who will suffer if he falls for the temptation of ultimate power. Read the fifth book in the Standing Stone series because even the best wielders cross the line.
Reign Queen
Series: Kavin Cut Chronicles. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 68,920. Language: English. Published: February 3, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Hours away from her coronation, Kambry receives a demand that will challenge her skills as queen of Kavin Wood: Keep King Russal from facing his arch enemy Felip Covey until the time is right. She will have to fight to save herself, Kavin and the king against a conspiracy that threatens to tear everything apart. Buy this final novel in the romantic fantasy Kavin Cut Chronicles trilogy.
Nock Arrow
Series: Kavin Cut Chronicles. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 86,180. Language: English. Published: September 27, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
Queens are not born ready-made. Kambry is weeks away from becoming the queen of Kavin Wood. The only defense she has is the mysterious Kavin magic she doesn’t understand. If the new king’s enemy captures her and takes over the kingdom, King Russal is destined to lose everyone he loves, his sister will never be found, and Kambry’s worst fear will come true. Queens are made ready. Buy it now.
Ring True
Series: Kavin Cut Chronicles. Price: Free! Words: 84,430. Language: English. Published: July 27, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Fantasy, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Which is worse? To be distrusted without reason and banished or to earn the trust of a prince who is the target of someone out to destroy his kingdom? All Kambry wanted was to be noticed just once, catch someone’s eye for a single moment. Now everybody is watching, and she must commit treason to escape a hidden kingdom. Or she could save the kingdom and earn Prince Russal's trust.
To Harbor a Dragon
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 90,450. Language: English. Published: May 10, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Someone is trying to sabotage the boats of anyone not part of the new cooperative venture that’s moved in. And, every time Lena tries to figure out who’s behind it, Jae, the handsome and vexing employee her father has hired, gets in her way. Lena never was one to ask for help. But she's going to need it. Buy this new Solstice Dragon romantic fantasy now.
The Sand Wielders
Series: Standing Stone, Book 4. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 104,250. Language: English. Published: October 31, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
It's a good thing Jahl didn't convince Donya to join him on his journey to Loeban Faire. With the trouble he's in, that would have been disastrous. Too bad she followed after him a day later with their precocious two-year-old daughter in tow. Battling sand beasts and dealing with fading essence while trying to find them before his trouble does is taking all the fun out of the trip. Buy now!
Dira's Dragon
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 104,400. Language: English. Published: March 27, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
In the chilling expanse of the Cadore Mountains, Dira finds herself entangled in a precarious deal with Brundar, a dragon who shows an unnecessary interest in her plight to endure the harsh winter alone. Will she find a way to unshackle herself from the binding bargains before it's too late, or will she risk everything for a future entwined with a dragon's bargain and a man's promise?
Dragon Bone Ridge
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: Free! Words: 126,310. Language: English. Published: September 30, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
When the first man who’s ever made slowing down seem like a good idea shows up, being on a quest for a dragon is the last thing she wants to be honest about. But the more Maribelle strives to hide what she’s doing, the more family secrets come to light. Buy Dragon Bone Ridge, a standalone novel in the Solstice Dragon World series where dreams are tricky and dragons trickier.
The Dragon Question
Series: Solstice Dragon World. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 109,830. Language: English. Published: August 31, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Indulge in this captivating standalone novel set in the enchanting world of Solstice Dragons—a tale of Beauty and the Beast with an enthralling dragon twist. Time is of the essence, for the Dragon King's fate teeters on the edge of oblivion. Will Shennon's journey reveal the elusive answers in time to save the waning ruler? Find out in this spellbinding adventure.
The Heart of Lal
Series: Standing Stone, Book 3. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 88,150. Language: English. Published: September 30, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Wielder school’s out for the summer, but Jahl, Donya and Rouen can’t seem to get a quiet moment anywhere. Jahl’s certain Donya is up to some sort of mischief. Rouen has received a mysterious package from the young twai wielder they met in Carolan Faire last year. Soon the three friends are racing along the Naigan River. From there its one mad dash after another. Read it because magic is twisty.
The Shifter Shard
Series: Standing Stone, Book 2. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 102,350. Language: English. Published: May 26, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Wielder Pratter agrees to travel to Carolan Faire to pick up an apprentice whose master died suddenly and bring him to the wielder school. Simple enough until he learns that wielders are being attacked, their powers of wielding essence stolen from them. Before he can even get his first night’s sleep in the dead master’s house, someone enters through the locked doors. By noon, no one is safe.
The Sharded Boy
Series: Standing Stone, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 110,110. Language: English. Published: March 31, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
Hate is a powerful motivator. Pain runs a close second. Jahl Pratter dreams of recognition as a master wielder, but the danger of that recognition stalls his rise. Is the attention worth the danger wielding brings to him and his family? If hate spawned a plague, will Jahl's success drive its creator to greater action? Buy this epic fantasy adventure of good against evil and start the adventure.

L. Darby Gibbs' tag cloud

action adventure    adventure fantasy fiction    ages 16 and up    beauty and the beast    characterbased    clean wholesome    clean and wholesome    clean fantasy    clean fantasy romance    clean romance    clean wholesome    dragon book    dragon cursed    dragon fantasy    dragon fantasy romance    dragon magic    dragon world    dragons    dragons and mythical creatures    dragons magic    dragons mythical creatures    dragons mythological creatures    epic fantasy adventure romance    family    fantasy action adventure    fantasy adventure    fantasy adventure romance    fantasy and mystery    fantasy books    fantasy cinderella retelling    fantasy clean wholesome romance    fantasy dragon adventure    fantasy dragon romance    fantasy heroic    fantasy kingdom mystery    fantasy magic    fantasy novel    fantasy quest    fantasy romance    fantasy romance trilogy    fantasy sequel    fantasy series    fantasy trilogy    fantasy world    female protagonist    found family    friendship    heroic fantasy    heroic journey    hidden kingdom romance    high fantasy    high fantasy action adventure    high fantasy adventure romance    high fantasy adventures    high fantasy romance    journey theme    light romance    love    mage    mage and magic    magic    magic adventure    magic bargain    magic elements    magic fantasy    magic forest    magic kingdom    magic path    magic powers    magic series    magic stone    new adult    new adult and college    new adult college    new adult college fantasy    new adult fantasy    new adult fantasy romance    orphan fantasy    palace intrigue    quest    quest fantasy    relationships    romantasy    romantic dragon fantasy    romantic fantasy    secret past    self discovery    series fantasy    series fantasy fiction    series fiction    slowburn romance    solstice dragon world    spells magic    standalone fantasty romance    standalone fantasy    standalone fantasy novel    standing stone    strong female character    strong female protagonist    sword and sorcery    sword sorcery    trilogy book 1    trilogy book 3    work together or fail    young adult