Chriss Bury Builds Magical Worlds with Dragon Twins The Awakening
A Rising Talent in Middle Grade Fantasy
Chriss Bury, author of Dragon Twins: The Awakening, crafts award-winning middle grade fantasy adventures blending magic, action, heartfelt characters, and themes of bravery and self-belief.
C hriss Bury is quickly establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the middle grade fantasy genre with a unique ability to blend exciting adventures, heartfelt moments, and imaginative realms. As the author of Dragon Twins: The Awakening, Bury captivates readers with vivid storytelling and characters that inspire courage, curiosity, and self-discovery. Their debut novel—a blend of fantasy, action, and emotional depth—has garnered awards and critical acclaim, solidifying their status as an emerging talent in the field.
Drawing inspiration from literary greats like R.L. Stine and J.K. Rowling, Bury’s writing seamlessly intertwines suspense and rich world-building with essential themes of friendship and personal growth. They credit much of their creativity to their love for both fantasy and mystery genres, aiming to recreate the thrilling, page-turning excitement of Stine’s works along with the magical depth and emotional resonance found in Rowling’s classics. These influences shine in Dragon Twins: The Awakening, which features Ambrose, a relatable protagonist who starts as an ordinary boy and embarks on a transformative journey filled with trials, triumphs, and the ever-present message of believing in oneself.
According to Bury, Ambrose embodies a deep personal journey of finding strength where it seems absent. “He’s not the chosen one at first glance, and he doesn’t think there’s anything particularly special about him,” Bury explains. “But what motivates him is discovering a connection to something much bigger than himself—finding the courage to protect a family he never knew he had.” This relatable imperfection, coupled with extraordinary potential, resonates deeply with readers who see Ambrose as a mirror reflecting their own challenges and growth.
Bury’s approach to storytelling is marked by their ability to balance action and emotional depth, a skill that enriches the reading experience. For example, moments of thrilling adventure are complemented by quieter, reflective scenes where characters develop and bond. This careful rhythm of intensity and introspection ensures that readers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed, while every twist and turn carries true emotional weight. “It’s all about pacing and purpose,” they explain. “Every action sequence needs to advance either the plot or character development. Fantasy elements are grounded in clear rules, so readers understand the stakes, which makes the action more meaningful.”
“Heroism isn’t about being fearless, but about acting in spite of your fears.” – Chriss Bury
One of the standout elements in Dragon Twins: The Awakening is Simon, Ambrose’s pet gecko, who acts as a comic yet heartfelt companion throughout the story. “Simon brings both heart and humor to the narrative,” Bury says. “Even amid magical chaos, the relationships we form matter deeply—even with a small gecko. Middle grade readers love animal companions, and Simon became a fan favorite.” His presence highlights Bury’s talent for creating moments of levity that offset the intensity of the adventure and provide balance to the narrative.
The success of Dragon Twins has left fans eager for more, and Bury promises the upcoming installments in the series will continue to explore Ambrose’s origins while introducing new characters and worlds. “The stakes get higher, the magic gets deeper, and Ambrose’s journey continues to challenge everything he’s learned,” Bury hints. For those wondering about what else they’re working on, Bury is also developing a brand-new series, offering readers even more of their signature style of fantastical adventure.
For aspiring fantasy authors, Bury emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion. “Write the story that excites you,” they urge. “If you’re passionate about your world and characters, that energy will translate to the page. Don’t chase trends—focus on creating something authentic.” Bury also highlights the value of perseverance in the publishing journey, reminding writers not to take rejections personally but to view them as steps toward growth. Building connections with authors and readers, finding your voice, and finishing your manuscript are key to achieving success in a competitive genre, they advise.
Chriss Bury’s debut novel, Dragon Twins: The Awakening, proves to be not just a thrilling read but a testament to the power of imagination, courage, and finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. With their expanding series and future projects, both established fans and newcomers are sure to find themselves entranced by Bury’s unparalleled storytelling and heartfelt narratives.
