“Illum was once a boy who sat in a classroom, fiddling with his pencil and doodling in his notebook.”

Illum is a restless young dreamer who spent his school days staring past the whiteboard, imagining a cinema screen playing a hundred movies, all starring the independent, successful version of himself he was certain he’d become.

Graduation was supposed to be the turning point. Instead, reality hit hard. Rejection after rejection left him so demoralised that even his childhood daydreams felt like they’d burst into flames.

But the ashes still held hope. A small, stubborn spark led Illum to China, not as the famous vlogger or journalist he once envisioned, but as an ESL teacher. It wasn’t the lead role he wanted. He felt more like an extra than a protagonist.

🗺️ Silk Road History

Built on a fictionalised version of the Silk Road’s history, drawing on real trade routes, empires, and the cultures that connected East and West.

🐉 Afghan & Pakistani Folklore

Deeply influenced by the myths, monsters, and oral traditions of South and Central Asia. Stories rarely told in English-language fiction.

⚔️ Genre-Defying

Mystery, thriller, romance, and horror woven into one narrative. Medieval empires, warriors, and epic battles sit alongside a deeply personal coming-of-age story.

“After reading halfway through, readers will be able to tell the author is a fan of history and he decided to fuse that with legends to bring his world into creation. If you’re interested in medieval empires, monsters, warriors and epic battles, this would be a perfect read.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

“An interesting mix of fantasy and myth playing out in the real world. Illum wants his life to change and he gets his wish, just not as he imagined. An interesting story that might appeal to mythology/horror fans.”

⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review