My name is Bodhi Ryder.
I am an adventurer, storyteller, rock climber, and overall seeker of conquering the impossible. I was around 20 years old when I first moved to Japan with only a backpack of my belongings and the dream of seeing a new world. I lived in a rustic little town called Hirosaki for two years while studying at the University, learning the culture, and teaching English to middle school students. I think it was here that the idea to write stories may have first popped into my head as a possibility, and it was here that I started my first one. However, and most unfortunately, I left my notebook with my half-written story in a post office, and it was never seen again.
(The reward if you find it is a cup of tea, on me. Good luck out there!)
Nevertheless, it’s been some time now since my adventure in Japan, and I would likely have to write another book just to catch everyone up on all of the daring escapades I have had since then. But to sum it up, I surfed in Fiji, rode a bicycle across Spain, ran with the bulls, and even climbed sheer cliffs almost a thousand feet tall. I also traveled to a small country north of India called Nepal, the home of Mt. Everest, where I lived with the monks for a time, and ended up writing a standalone novel called The Monastery, which was a dedication to the culture and people of Tibet, Nepal and India. If you like coming-of-age stories with adventure, fantasy and spirituality, you might want to look it up and check it out. Also, it should be noted that the story of The Monastery does, indeed, take place within the same cosmos as Curseborn, and the two will eventually come together . . . though not for quite some time.
Curseborn itself has come a long way over the years, and has had multiple publications in the light novel and full novel formats. To my oldest fans, I do apologize to those of you who have been waiting for the new Grahf arc, but it’s been in the works for a while now, and will most certainly be releasing with this new series of light novels! I am very meticulous when it comes to stories, actually all things, so I appreciate your patience and consideration while I prepare something that I truthfully feel will touch your hearts, and rouse your sense of adventure!
Not going to lie, it’s not easy to be a writer in this world. Since the last publication of Curseborn (No More Heroes, The Soldier Games) we spent about 18 months negotiating with a big publisher, only to eventually turn down the offer. It’s a tricky thing, getting signed, and we just want to ensure that we are bringing you stories from our hearts, and ones untainted by the perspective that a book should be tailored to make money first and foremost.
So, I’ve been busy, working hard as a carpenter, a union tradeshow installer, and I even apprenticed under a master luthier named Jade J. Schulz who taught me the ways of repairing and fixing violins, which was an absolute blast. However, I soon realized that in order to actually finish this series, and deliver to the world that which I promised, it would not be possible while working a normal job. It’s quite hard to work an 8–10-hour day of construction, or anything, rather, then come back and try to spend what little energy is remaining on writing a novel. Too hard, for me, at least, and so I decided with my wonderful and supportive wife that we would spend 1-2 years saving, working and preparing for the next big adventure at hand.
Well, that adventure has finally begun, which has led to you holding this very book in your hand right now. Currently, we are passing through Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, spending time with family, and I am having an amazing time working every day on the Curseborn remasters, doing a lot of reading (Peter Pan is brilliant!) and training to surpass my limitations in outdoor rock climbing, which as many of you know, is one of my favorite pastimes. Actually, I just sent my first ever V9!!
I’ve also been spending some considerable time playing Final Fantasy, my most favorite video game series of all-time, and one of the greatest inspirations I’ve ever had. I even ranked #1 in a world tournament for FFBE War of the Visions, and want to give a shout out to my guild Farsight, a crew of amazing people from all across the globe.
Let’s not get too lost on my hobbies though, or I may never come back at all.
So, let’s talk Curseborn. This remastered series, or the 3rd editions, are formatted in the original light novel style, is essentially the final form of the first 2 arcs of Curseborn. This project has been several years in the works, and I have basically remastered all of the prose that has been published. New chapters have been added, characters are more fleshed out, some chapters have even been moved around, but know now that the story itself has not been changed in any way, shape or form. Look at it like this, these light novels are the same story you know and love, but completely different books, and I hope that you enjoy them!
For those of you still waiting, do note that once the first five light novels are remastered and published, the Grahf arc will finally be releasing via a Kickstarter, and will be comprised of four more light novels that will all be released at the same time! It’s a dark yet touching third arc to the story, and Grahf is a very interesting villain; one whom I used to ponder the difference and meaning between fate and free will. His interactions with Caim are, to me, some of the best parts in all of Curseborn thus far, so I hope you all are looking forward to it!
I don’t want to drag this on too long, but for those of you still reading, it is for you. I really appreciate all of you who love these novels, and who support me on my journey to write one of the greatest stories ever told. It is a dream that I will never forsake, for the dream is now more so apart of me than ever, and I will spend every last breath of my life doing my absolute best to accomplish it.
Yet, I do understand that in my lifetime, I can never truly know if I wrote one of the greatest stories ever told, for only Time will tell (and she may or may not be currently trapped in a well?) But to be honest, I actually like that during my lifetime I cannot know if I succeeded or failed. It takes the pressure off. Though, since I am still moving forward and working towards my dream, I know in my heart that I am doing this simply because I love writing and storytelling, and I believe that love is the greatest catalyst towards any pursuit.
That being said, I would like to first and foremost thank my mother, who is the loveliest mother a boy could ever ask for, and my beautiful and amazing and supportive wife, Hannah Sol Marie. You two are the biggest supporters of me following my dreams, and I don’t know if it would have been possible without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I also want to thank my brother, who for those of you who have met him, is a most witty, colorful and charming fellow. You are the spice that makes everything right, and I look forward to working on stories together for many long years to come. Love you bro.
I would also like to thank my family, both Hannah’s side and my own, my sister, who is wonderful beyond belief, my father, who has taught me the art of being responsible, and my aunt Beth, who has been a true fairy godmother over the years. Thank you to my crew, the Four Lords, as this would be quite a lonely process without you amazing boys, and to all the other amazing people that work on this project alongside us.
Thank you, Jise, Alex, and Windy!!! We love you all!!
Last, but not least, thank you to all of our amazing and lovely fans around the world, and to everyone who hangs out in our Discord and gets into our shenanigans.
PS: if you would like to follow our progress, keep updated on anything new, see new exclusive concept art, or hang out with the creators of Curseborn, please join our Discord, you’ll find an invite link beneath this letter!
Thank you all so much for your love and support!!!
And may the light of Vale shine upon you!
Ever grateful,
~ Bodhi Ryder
