Michael Tlustos has been a graphic designer, video producer, and publications editor. After years of managing projects, he has taken on the hardest project of all: himself. When not exercising his body, mind, and spirit, he is out exploring the wilds of his native Oregon. I started Heirs to the Kingdom a number of years ago, while caring for my mother during her terminal illness. When I was able to find time for myself, I sought escape from my grief and helplessness by writing. I had always found hope and inspiration in fantasy stories and decided to create one for myself. I wanted to include what, for me, were always the most powerful elements of fantasy: A medieval setting, picturesque kingdom, dark forests and magical caves, a battle of good vs. evil, natural disasters, secret knowledge and ancient prophecy, a mysterious wizard, the Chosen One coming of age and discovering his power, reincarnation and resurrection, portals to supernatural realms, a fateful quest, a search for abducted loved ones, and an epic showdown. Throughout it all, one thought stayed foremost in my mind. What would it be like for my characters to love each other far more profoundly than we seem able to experience in real life? As if they were intimately connected over many lifetimes and across vast stretches of time. In the end, that became my great hope. That our love for each other might ultimately survive the dark times and scourges of war and suffering we face today, and that have always been inseparable from the human condition. To know that we are not alone. –Michael