Stephen L. Nowland

Biography

I was one of those kids who daydreamed his way through school. All the little adventures I'd concoct in my mind were far more interesting than math or tests or sport. Somehow, I passed the important bits (art and english) and moved on, but always with a creative perspective to my life.

It was around 1992 when the magic of reading really sunk into me, for it was then I discovered fantasy novels. Feist, Salvatore & Eddings showed me worlds that fired my imagination, and from that point on I knew I wanted to write the stories that flitted around the recesses of my imagination.

Unfortunately, I spent most of the next fifteen years dealing with poor health, including resultant chronic fatigue syndrome which interfered with my life immeasurably, but gave me ample time for thought. An abortive attempt to create a story happened around 1996, but I look back on such things as stepping stones on the road to where I wanted to be.

My first complete novel was actually done back in '03, but it was a derivative work based on elements from other stories, something I didn't realise until after I'd written it. The mind can do funny things if you don't keep it on a tight leash! Still, there were some unique points to the story I kept, so I scrapped the rest and began a completely new for Neverwinter Nights, that RPG video game thing you may or may not have heard of.

The story was so successful (filled with rich, creamy character development) that I lamented that only people playing the game would ever see it. In 2009, with my health improving, I resolved to novelize the stories I'd written, in addition to developing the world in which they exist as the basis for a new fantasy series.

I consider those stories to be merely the first iteration of the saga, for my novels have evolved far beyond the original scope, in terms of detail, plot and character building. Looking back on it now, I can see my style has evolved a very long way from those humble beginnings indeed.

Oh, I also paint. You can expect to see more cover art with each title, becoming more technically sophisticated each time.

Where to find Stephen L. Nowland online

Series

The Kismet Series
Aeon
Price: $0.99 USD.
Scion
Price: $2.99 USD.
The Aielund Saga
The saga of Aiden Wainwright, a young man swept up in grand and perilous events to prevent the destruction of his home kingdom of Aielund. Haunted by a supernatural event in his youth, Aiden searches for answers in magic, pushing the limits of his knowledge to discover the link between current events and the strange dragon haunting his dreams. Joined by an old friend of dubious morals, a ranger hiding from his past, and a naïve priestess seeking to help, Aiden embarks on a journey to discover ancient secrets while they battle traitors, pirates and monsters across the land.
Soldiers of the Crown
Price: $0.99 USD.
Soldiers of Ruin
Price: $0.99 USD.
Soldiers of Legend
Price: $0.99 USD.
Soldiers of Tyranny
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Ballard Trilogy
In the Kingdom of Aielund, a young girl is swept up into world-changing events when her village comes under attack. Forced to flee, she joins up with a dwarven engineer, a brilliant artificer, a dashing swordswoman and a towering warrior to track down those responsible, when they stumble across something far more dire than anticipated. Their journey takes them far from the borders of their home as events in a distant country unfold, impacting a region always on the edge of war. This story is a direct sequel to the Aielund Saga, covering the aftermath of events that took place in that era.
In The Wake Of War
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Fortress of Gold
Price: $0.99 USD.
Upon the Ashes of Empire
Price: $0.99 USD.

Books

Scion
Series: The Kismet Series, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 94,630. Language: English. Originally Published: April 18, 2024 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
A series of messages recorded long ago draw scavenger Zinada Fierro along a trail of clues left by her ancestor. Haunted by memories dark and foreboding, she will risk all to unravel the mystery that beckons from the past and take up a monumental task left to her family.
Aeon
Series: The Kismet Series, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 110,930. Language: English. Originally Published: April 20, 2021 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Eight decades after the collapse of the colony world of Paragon, Zinada Fierro scavenges the ruins for relic technology and medicine to treat a terminal condition. Driven to search for answers to what caused the fall of civilisation, her life is upended when an unexpected discovery makes her the target of a vicious gang, scouring the land for a mysterious drug called Aeon.
Soldiers of Winter
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 0. Price: Free! Words: 15,470. Language: English. Originally Published: March 8, 2019 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Aiden is a curious intellectual, constantly at odds with his parents. He'd rather read a book than plow a field or swing a sword. Pacian is the drunkard baker's son, his family name little more than mud. Yet, when he discovers the truth behind the death of his best friend's brothers, a dark history of violence in his past won't let him look the other way.
Upon the Ashes of Empire
Series: The Ballard Trilogy, Book 3. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 102,130. Language: English. Originally Published: September 8, 2017 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
(4.33 from 3 reviews)
Aislin Ballard and her companions pursue the tyrant who captured their ally and friend into the very heart of enemy territory. While she and her companions may be on a mission to save their friend, Aislin finds herself in a unique position to try and save her enemies from themselves.
The Fortress of Gold
Series: The Ballard Trilogy, Book 2. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 102,130. Language: English. Originally Published: October 14, 2016 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Aislin Ballard and her companions journey south in pursuit of the man behind the assault on her home town. Together, they must cross dangerous desert lands, brave bizarre magic and avoid clashing armies as they travel to the legendary mountain city of Aurumgaard where they risk being swept up in regional events beyond their control.
In The Wake Of War
Series: The Ballard Trilogy, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 97,900. Language: English. Originally Published: December 13, 2015 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
After a long war, peace has finally settled over town of Bracksford as the townsfolk struggle to rebuild. A young girl is haunted by the memories of violence seen and family lost, yet when the spectre of war threatens to engulf the region once again, she and a group of companions find themselves the only ones able to avert a new conflict before it begins.
Soldiers of the Heavens
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 6. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 114,110. Language: English. Published: February 14, 2015 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Beyond the power plays of kings and men lie the puppet masters, watching and manipulating events from behind the scenes, pitting kingdoms against one another for malevolent reasons known only to them. Aiden Wainwright, wearied from conflict, must chose whether to walk away from the only chance at bringing justice to these monsters, or to take up arms for one final confrontation.
Soldiers of Tyranny
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 5. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 117,370. Language: English. Originally Published: April 11, 2014 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(5.00 from 1 review)
Emotionally scarred from the war, Aiden Wainwright joins with his old companions and attempts to force a peaceful solution to the conflict, all the while convinced the king and his wizard have taken the ancient armour of power and seek to use it to bring a new era of tyranny to the realm. When the truth is finally revealed, events take an unexpected turn that may bring devastation to both realms.
Soldiers of Legend
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 4. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 122,210. Language: English. Originally Published: June 27, 2013 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
The countryside is awash with deserters and brigands fleeing the war, and Aiden Wainwright and his companions must face down old enemies and forge new alliances to aid the beleaguered country in the impending clash against their relentless enemy. But before the confrontation, Aiden must learn the answer to a question of singular importance: How do you kill that which cannot be killed?
Soldiers of Ruin
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 3. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 120,490. Language: English. Originally Published: October 13, 2012 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(5.00 from 3 reviews)
Aspiring adventurers Aiden Wainwright and Pacian Savidge are tasked with tracking down an obscure relic, but the two friends are at odds and their comrades are forced to choose sides as they scour the land for the lost artefact.Only their valour and determination will see them through as they uncover ancient evils determined to assail their every move.
Soldiers of the Crown
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 2. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 112,920. Language: English. Originally Published: March 13, 2012 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(4.40 from 5 reviews)
From the peril of the high seas to the urban landscape of Fairloch, capital of Aielund, Aiden Wainwright and his companions are charged with protecting the only heir to the throne whilst seeking out the conspirators that plot her capture, and who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
Soldiers of Avarice
Series: The Aielund Saga, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 118,120. Language: English. Originally Published: September 10, 2011 by Stephen L. Nowland. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(4.80 from 5 reviews)
Aiden Wainwright was the son of a wagon maker in a small country town where nothing interesting ever happened, until a chance encounter with a strange relic changed him forever. His resourcefulness and courage are put to the test when he travels to a nearby town and finds the place on the brink of disaster. Aiden must marshal his limited resources to aid the town and uncover the villains.