Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins tales of magic and nature from a cozy Ottawa home—meet Donald D. Allan! This self-proclaimed 'massive geek' and award-winning author captured fantasy fans with his New Druids series, starting with the 2015 debut, Duilleog. With a love for wine, a knack for planning (but not always doing) chores, and a passion for epic narratives, Allan’s journey from naval officer to fantasy maestro is as enchanting as his books.
Born to Scottish immigrants, Allan’s life blends discipline and daydreams. His stories, rich with druidic lore and Celtic-inspired worlds, reflect a mind that thrives on imagination. Let’s dive into the world of this introvert-turned-author who’s fooling everyone with his extroverted charm!
The Making of Donald D. Allan
Born in Ottawa in 1965, Donald D. Allan grew up steeped in stories, sneaking into school libraries to devour books. A grade five encounter with The Lord of the Rings sparked a lifelong love for fantasy. After a career as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Canadian Navy, specializing in information warfare, Allan retired and returned to his first love: writing. His self-described 'geek and mild nerd' persona shines through, fueled by a childhood of science fiction and Celtic tales.
Now living in Ottawa with his wife Marilyn, son James, daughter Katherine, and dog Woody, Allan balances family life with crafting novels. His introverted nature, masked by a playful extroversion (and a glass of wine), shapes his approachable yet intricate storytelling style.
Donald D. Allan’s Unforgettable Stories
Allan’s New Druids series, a five-book epic, is his crowning achievement. Set in the fictional realm of Belkin, it follows Will Arbor, a young man discovering his druidic powers amidst a corrupt church and civil war. The series’ titles—Duilleog (leaf), Craobh (branch), Stoc (stalk), Freamhaigh (root), and Cill Darae (priest)—mirror the druidic hierarchy, a clever nod to Celtic roots. Duilleog (2015) won the 2016 Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Award for Fantasy/Other Worlds, while Craobh (2016) earned a bronze in 2017, and Cill Darae (2019) claimed gold in 2020.
Allan’s style blends rich world-building with themes of nature, harmony, and reason versus greed. His prose, though slower-paced, captivates with vivid characters and intricate plots, drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones for its political depth. Fans praise his ability to tease druidic mysteries, leaving readers pondering long after the final page. Beyond fantasy, Allan dabbles in science fiction, working on a novel about ancient nanobots, showcasing his versatile imagination.
The series’ strength lies in its emotional resonance. Will Arbor’s journey from wilderness to leadership reflects Allan’s own path of self-discovery, making the New Druids a personal yet universal tale. Readers find solace in its celebration of nature’s balance, a theme Allan weaves with subtle brilliance.
Why Donald D. Allan Matters
Donald D. Allan’s impact lies in his ability to revive druidic lore for modern readers. His New Druids series offers a fresh take on fantasy, blending Celtic mysticism with contemporary themes of power and morality. By self-publishing, Allan has built a loyal niche following, proving that lesser-known authors can shine through passion and craft. His awards, including four golds and one bronze from the Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards, highlight his growing influence.
Allan’s work resonates with fantasy lovers who crave immersive worlds and introspective heroes. His Ottawa roots and naval background add authenticity to his tales of duty and discovery, making him a unique voice in Canadian literature. As he plans the series’ finale, Gaea, fans eagerly await the conclusion of Will Arbor’s saga.
- Born: 1965, Ottawa, Canada
- Key Works: Duilleog, Craobh, Stoc, Freamhaigh, Cill Darae
- Awards: Four Gold and one Bronze, Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards
- Fun Fact: Allan loves dogs and considers them the planet’s best animals!
Snag Duilleog and dive into Donald D. Allan’s magical world of druids and destiny!