J. D. Edwards Explores The Fusion Of Grief, Myth, And History
PHOTO: J. D. Edwards, accomplished author and genealogist, reflects on the personal and professional journey behind his beloved novels.
Award-Winning Author Brings Celtic Mythology And Historical Depth To Life
J. D. Edwards merges historical precision and epic fantasy, weaving emotional authenticity, mythic wonder, and rigorous research into unforgettable tales, inspiring readers to question reality through powerful narratives of grief and redemption.
J. D. Edwards has become a luminary in modern literature, seamlessly weaving Epic Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Theology, and Poetry to craft stories that are as thought-provoking as they are transformative. The award-winning author, theologian, and genealogist uses myth, memory, and meticulous research to create narratives that delve into profound human experiences such as grief, hope, and redemption. With numerous accolades from respected literary groups and his works consistently earning bestseller spots, Edwards has solidified his place in both historical and speculative fiction.
One of Edwards’ most acclaimed works, Indomitable: The Story of Eliza Harris, stands as a testament to his ability to merge rigorous historical research with emotional depth. This historical fiction masterpiece is built on a decade of genealogical investigation and paints an unforgettable portrait of perseverance amidst the horrors of America’s slavery era. Meanwhile, his epic fantasy series, The Faerie Chronicles, transports readers to a world where Celtic mythology meets contemporary settings—capturing the imagination with profound themes brought to life through masterful storytelling.
Edwards is a masterful storyteller, blending fantasy, theology, and history with unmatched emotional depth and literary craftsmanship, earning praise across genres.
For Edwards, writing isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s a deeply personal journey. His latest release, The Scions of Faerie, marks the beginning of another sweeping saga that blends ancient Celtic lore with today’s realities, inviting readers to question where history ends and fantasy begins.
Reflecting on his creative process, Edwards revealed that personal grief helped spark the inspiration for The Faerie Chronicles. After the loss of his first son, Jonathan Ian Edwards, and news of expecting another child, he resolved to craft a story that blurred the lines between reality and myth—where allegory hides in plain sight and every shadow hints at deeper truths. “I wanted to blur the lines between fantasy and reality so seamlessly that readers would question where one ended and the other began,” Edwards said. Dedicating himself to authenticity, he sought out obscure texts on Celtic mythology from the 18th and 19th centuries—avoiding modern interpretations in favor of raw originality.
Edwards carries this meticulous storytelling into The Soul Stones of Faerie, the second book in the series. Its origins stem from plot points and mythical elements that expanded organically, much like J.R.R. Tolkien’s process in The Lord of the Rings: “The story grew in the telling,” Edwards shared. His approach allowed Faerie’s world to take on a life of its own, balancing rich emotional arcs with moments of discovery and wonder.
As the tone of The Faerie Chronicles progresses, Edwards navigates heavier themes like loss, death, and betrayal—grounding the narrative with love, redemption, and humor to resonate across generations. “You cannot have light without shadow,” Edwards explained, describing the series as both a YA adventure and a coming-of-age epic that gives readers space to wrestle with difficult questions while immersing them in magic.
Balancing deeper emotional arcs while maintaining strong plot momentum is a hallmark of Edwards’ style. Grief, a recurring theme, mirrors his belief that human strength is tested and defined by its response to pain. Recalling advice from George R. R. Martin, Edwards shared, “Never create a character you’re unwilling to kill.” That principle underscores his work, ensuring that losses in his stories matter deeply. Authentic emotional arcs work hand in hand with dynamic pacing, pulling readers forward into unforgettable journeys.
As a genealogist, Edwards has harnessed his research skills to shape characters in historical fiction with extraordinary detail. For Indomitable, his studies uncovered crucial accounts like an interview with Reverend John Rankin, who had assisted runaway slave Eliza Harris as she escaped across the Underground Railroad. Edwards spent years tracing Eliza’s likely path, confirming the moon’s phases for her nighttime journey and verifying historical realities—from the tools she might have encountered to period-specific birthing methods. By meticulously connecting fact with plausible inference, Edwards ensured that every page transported readers to her truth. In the special edition of Indomitable, Edwards even included an appendix to distinguish historical fact from fictionalized gaps.
Across genres, Edwards doesn’t let labels define his stories. With projects spanning historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, he lets his creativity guide him rather than sticking to a rigid formula. As a self-described storyteller with ADHD, Edwards admitted, “At any given time, it’s not the genre that leads, but the heartbeat of the story. I write whichever one calls loudest that day.” Whether working on continued installments of The Faerie Chronicles, new spin-offs, or historical fiction projects like Dauntless, Edwards maintains an instinctive connection to the narratives that resonate most profoundly.
Aspiring authors seeking guidance can take inspiration from Edwards’ philosophy on the writing process: finish the first draft and embrace imperfection. He emphasized that rewriting is both necessary and transformative. It took four rewrites for The Scions of Faerie to reach publication, while Indomitable required adjustments and perspective shifts to finalize its voice. Despite varying challenges across projects, Edwards affirms the critical importance of persistence. As he explained, “Finishing the novel is the most important step. Everything after that is editing, refining, and reshaping.”
J. D. Edwards’ ability to blend historical precision, mythic wonder, and emotional authenticity has earned him dedicated acclaim across multiple genres. Through his novels and ongoing projects, Edwards continues to challenge boundaries, inviting readers into landscapes where magic meets meaning and grief transforms into hope.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
Book Review: Indomitable by J.D. Edwards
“Indomitable: The Story of Eliza Harris” is a compelling masterpiece, breathing life into one of history’s hidden heroes. J.D. Edwards brilliantly reimagines Eliza’s heart-wrenching escape from slavery, blending historical accuracy with vivid storytelling. The book captures Eliza’s extraordinary courage and tenacity as she braved insurmountable odds to secure freedom for herself and her child. Edwards masterfully unveils the resilience of the human spirit and shines a light on the stark realities of slavery with emotional depth and grace. This gripping narrative is both powerful and thought-provoking, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of liberty. An essential read for lovers of historical fiction and stories of unyielding bravery, this book is unforgettable.
