Lori Tchen Brings Grit and Magic to the World of YA Fantasy
PHOTO: Author Lori Tchen, whose gripping YA fantasy series Sterling Fierce blends real-world insight with enchanting adventures in the land of Everen.
From Crime Scenes to Spellbinding Quests
In this captivating interview, Lori Tchen reveals how her criminology background shapes her YA fantasy series, explores themes of identity and bravery, and shares the inspiration behind her magical world.
Lori Tchen brings a rare and riveting voice to the world of young adult fantasy. Her Sterling Fierce series—an enthralling saga set in the rich, magical land of Everen—is more than just dragons, wizards, and high-stakes quests. It is a deeply human journey written by an author who has seen both the darkest corners of society and the redemptive power of choice. Tchen’s background in criminology and law enforcement sets her apart in the genre. Her stories pulse with real emotional grit, layered characters, and moral complexity, all grounded in a firsthand understanding of bravery, justice, and transformation.
In this exclusive interview, Tchen opens up about her journey from crime investigator to fantasy storyteller, the inspirations behind her unforgettable characters, and the themes that give her books their soul. With a keen eye for detail and a fierce imagination, she delivers stories that don’t just entertain—they challenge, uplift, and empower readers of all ages to face their fears, embrace their strength, and chase the dragons within.
Lori Tchen writes with rare emotional depth and thrilling imagination, creating powerful, heart-driven fantasy that resonates far beyond the page.
Your background in criminology and law enforcement is so unique for a fantasy author. How has your experience investigating crimes and working in the criminal justice system influenced the themes or characters in the Sterling Fierce series?
Investigating society’s criminal underbelly allowed me to perceive the world from various angles. While I do believe most people are good, I have, without a doubt, seen evil in the eyes of humans. I write about good and evil, especially people’s defining choices. Throughout this series, Sterling encounters different characters, creatures, and magic, and he must decide how these interactions change him, not unlike my personal experiences working in the criminal justice system.
You’ve made a pretty big leap—from the world of enforcement and detention to creating magical realms filled with dragons and witch hunters. What inspired you to start writing fantasy fiction, especially for young adults?
My two sons became the heart of my inspiration to write fantasy tales. It was a chance to weave meaningful life lessons for them and children around the world while embracing the boundless adventure that fantasy offers. Writing in this genre creates the perfect escape—a timeless space where the imagination can roam freely. As a mother, my greatest hope is that these stories ignite a spirit of adventure and impart valuable lessons about bravery, the strength of friendship, and the power to shape one’s destiny.
“Sterling seemed poised to explore the intricate interplay between light and dark magic.” — Lori Tchen
Sterling Fierce is such a layered character. As the series progresses, we see his role as a witch hunter shift dramatically. How did you go about developing his evolution, especially as he starts questioning the very mission he was raised to uphold?
As Sterling experiences life outside of his village, I hoped to capture a natural progression of his developing sense of self, including very human emotions such as self-doubt, guilt, and indecisiveness that plague us all at various times in our lives.
In The Lost Dragons, we’re introduced to this idea of balance and preservation—especially through the dragons. What do the dragons represent to you, and how did they come to play such a central role in the story?
The notion of a supreme predator soaring through the skies evokes both wonder and fear. To me, such a majestic and untamed creature symbolizes the raw freedom and immense power we possess to shape our lives through our choices. I like to believe that, deep within each of us, lies a dragon—a force of courage and independence waiting to be unleashed.
“The notion of a supreme predator soaring through the skies evokes both wonder and fear.” — Lori Tchen
The relationship between Sterling and Evenna in The Light Witch is complex and compelling. How did you approach building their dynamic, especially with the tension between duty, trust, and destiny?
Evenna was both a delight and a challenge to bring to life. Still wrestling with his identity and destiny as a witch hunter, Sterling seemed poised to explore the intricate interplay between light and dark magic. The tension that unfolded when Sterling and Evenna crossed paths in their youth—witch hunter and witch—was naturally tense. Their encounters brimmed with unease and intensity, and I found myself with my stomach in knots during many of their scenes together.
By the time we reach The Battle of the Elves, the world of Everen has expanded massively. Can you talk about the use of elemental magic and how it elevated the story’s scope—and the stakes for your characters?
Elemental magic is a window into the earliest chapters of magical history—it represents the origins, shrouded in mystery and steeped in ancient lore. For many magical races, its depths remain more unknown than known, yet its rules are embraced as an unquestioned truth. However, Sterling dares to question them, seeking answers and uncovering secrets others fear exploring. The threads of elemental magic woven throughout this story hint at a larger narrative yet to unfold, promising revelations in adventures still to come.
Courage, identity, and standing up to darkness are key themes in the series. What are some of the messages or takeaways you hope young readers (and maybe even adults) will walk away with after finishing the books?
This is a genuinely thoughtful question, and I’m thrilled that themes close to my heart naturally emerge in the series. I hope that readers of all ages and backgrounds, from anywhere in the world, come away with a deeper or renewed acceptance of their own mistakes and missteps. More than anything, I want them to embrace the wondrous magic of owning their choices and crafting their own destiny.
Balancing fantasy with emotional depth is no easy feat. How do you weave in real psychological and moral challenges into your writing—do you find that your experiences in real-world crime-fighting inform that emotional realism?
I deeply identify with Sterling’s journey, as it reminds me of stepping out into the world on my own during my youth. Embarking on a career in the criminal justice system was a stark and often jarring way to mature. Still, it taught me invaluable lessons about the complexity of the human psyche and the intricacies of life itself. While I can never unsee the darkness in people, I have also witnessed extraordinary individuals—the true heroes—who rise to defend the innocent and uphold what is right. I hope that the light will shine all the brighter against the shadows in those who choose to carry it.
