Paul R Somerville is the author of The Guardian of the Stone trilogy. Following protagonist Jaydon Riler across an expansive fantasy world that incorporates everything from British mythology to Inuit traditions, the series has been lauded as ‘Game of Thrones for young readers’. What We Reading sat down with Paul to talk about everything from the inspiration behind the series to the state of the fantasy market nowadays!
Thanks for speaking with us, Paul! First off, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to the world of writing.
It’s been quite a long journey. I left school with no real qualifications and at 16 joined the army. But I have always been a reader and love stories that take me away from the real world, a form of escapism.
As I got older there was always a part of me that wanted to ‘try’ and write a novel. I had no idea where or how to even begin, but I had thoughts in my head, and ideas to explore. So, I attended a creative writing course at Guildford College and then joined a local writing group, but life took over and kids came into my life. 13 years later, as they grew older I wanted to do something for myself. The desire to write had never left me, and after a little push from friends, I joined a new creative writing group. That was four years ago and I never looked back, and I still attend the Thursday evening meets now.
Talk to us about The Guardian of the Stone Trilogy. You’ve just released the second book in the series, right?
Yes, the second book (The Gods of Winter) has just been released in the past week. Someone once described the world of the trilogy as being a little like A Game of Thrones but for younger readers. I read a lot of historical fiction, and particularly love and devour books set in ancient medieval, Saxon or Viking times. But I also love that magical element, too. I have used influences from British mythology and legend and tried to put my own spin on these tales with the setting in my books.
For example, the first book (The Stone of Radnor) was taken and influenced by a small set of stone circles near a hamlet in Wales (Old Radnor)… no-one knows why those stones were placed where they are, but there is a belief that they were as guides to the old pagan gods… this gave me the basis of the book.
The Guardian of the Stone trilogy follows the story of Jaydon Riler, a fourteen-year-old boy, who has no idea he is the guardian of a magical god-stone (The Stone of Radnor) and follows his journey of discovery and one where he must face evil in the world he lives in.
The second book really takes this premise to the next level, changing the world, creating more backstories, having Jaydon face more challenges with his friends, and exploring the differing religions and beliefs which he faces. Jaydon now finds himself in an icy world, with clashing indigenous tribes, who he must convince to help him. I loved this as I had to research Inuit traditions and stories, as well as interspersing the tribes with Mongol and Native American culture, it gave it a different feel from the first book.
What is the number one goal you want your work to have with readers?
Just plain and simple really, to enjoy the story. I know I am not the next J.K. Rowling or George R. R. Martin, however, I feel I have written a story that takes the reader on a journey with Jaydon, one where you root for him.
Truth be told, I never intended to publish my first story – it was for me, a challenge to see and prove I could write a novel. Only when my writing group started to provide me feedback, and my tutor told me that I should look at publication, did it become a serious consideration. Well, even then I had to be pushed into it a little.
What do you think makes you stand out as an author?
Good question, I am not sure. I still don’t really see myself as an author. More someone who has written something as best as he can. But if pushed I think my world-building and character development has really grown since I started writing. The world of Calaria, where the trilogy is set, has lots of backstories and is quite a gritty place, and I feel that creating this world – which even includes a new language (Calar Ahunn) brings real depth to the whole series. The language is something I love, it is used sparingly but is based on Norse and Elfish languages with runic letters and symbols. I even have two of the letters tattooed on my arm: F and I which are the initials of my kids.
What would you say has been your biggest success so far?
Finishing book one. It took me three years to complete. I am a single parent, hold a very busy full-time job, and had to write it during lockdown when balancing homeschooling my kids, work and my sanity. Writing ‘The End’ was a real accomplishment, one I never thought I would ever get to. I don’t expect to be a bestseller, but looking at copies of my books on a shelf next to established authors is a success, and just having one person say they enjoy my stories makes me incredibly proud and humble… I still thank people for buying my books.
If you could go back in time to one book you read for the first time, what would it be and why?
Oh, I have read so many books and stories. I grew up on Enid Blyton as a child, but my favourite book to read when I was young was ‘I Am David’ by Anne Holm. I read it a few years ago again as an adult and it took me back to that young boy that I once was, and I was captured by the simplicity of the story, but the adventure that David goes on… his journey of self-discovery.
But one of the biggest influences in my writing is Bernard Cornwell, and specifically The Last Kingdom series… The development of the central character, Uhtred, is one that I would love to go back and explore again someday.
What’s one tip you would give your younger self if you had the opportunity?
Stop stressing, stop worrying all the time!! I am a natural worrier, usually over small things. And probably like most people, I suffer from imposter syndrome, whether that be in my writing or my day job. Surprisingly, even though my education was poor, I have done quite well professionally. So telling the young me not to worry too much, things work themselves out with hard work and a little luck.
What do you make of the Fantasy genre at the moment? Do you think it’s in a good space for independent and upcoming authors?
It’s certainly a busy market. But I speak to so many people who love fantasy as a genre, regardless of whether or not it’s dark, epic, magic, or historical fantasy. There are some amazing authors out there who write amazing stories that need to be told and read.
I need to explore the community more, but I follow other authors on Twitter (now X) and I have found everyone amazingly supportive and helpful… writers are a friendly bunch. And I do feel most indie authors are more than willing to help each other out.
My local bookshop (Goldfinch Books in Alton) is run by a self-published author, and he (Gary) has been incredibly supportive and helpful.
And finally, what do you hope the future holds for you and your writing?
I just want to keep enjoying the writing process… yes I would love to become successful, to get the film rights and a major publishing deal. But for now, I am just happy that readers enjoy my stories. My first goal is to finish the trilogy. I aim to have the final book published by the middle of 2024. I then want to explore a spin-off with the main antagonist from The Stone of Radnor – how does he become the monstrous warlord that he becomes? I started dropping ideas into The Gods of Winter, and I feel there is a good story to be told there.
After that? I have already been thinking about future stories. I enjoy exploring ancient mythology and legend, it would be interesting to bring some of these to light with my own interpretation and in my own world and setting.
Follow Paul and all of his work over at his website or follow him on Twitter/X
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
