Picture a Midwestern storyteller who swapped Hollywood lights for epic mythic battles—meet Dyrk Ashton! Born in Athens, Ohio, this former actor and film professor now crafts contemporary mythic fantasy that blends ancient legends with modern thrills. His Paternus trilogy has captivated readers, earning praise for its imaginative scope and cinematic flair.
With a knack for weaving global mythologies into gripping narratives, Ashton’s work feels like a blockbuster movie crossed with a mythology textbook—think Neil Gaiman meets The Avengers. Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this unique fantasy author!
The Making of Dyrk Ashton
Dyrk Ashton was born on a chilly Halloween morning in Athens, Ohio, and grew up in the cornfields and woods of Northwest Ohio. His childhood was filled with climbing trees, reading Tolkien and Kipling, and dodging algebra homework (he still managed stellar grades). After dabbling in business studies, he pursued his passion at The Ohio State University, earning a BFA and master’s in filmmaking. Ashton’s Hollywood stint included roles like a zombie in Night of the Living Dead (1990) and carrying a 65-pound python in The Second Jungle Book. Later, he earned a PhD in Film Studies, writing his dissertation on The Lord of the Rings films, before teaching film online, which gave him time to chase his lifelong dream of writing novels.
Dyrk Ashton’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashton’s debut, Paternus: Rise of Gods (2016), kicked off his Paternus trilogy, a genre-bending saga blending urban fantasy and mythic fiction. The story follows Fi and Zeke, two teens caught in a war between gods and monsters from global mythologies—think Norse, Hindu, and Mesoamerican legends colliding in today’s world. Readers rave about its fast-paced action and meticulous research, comparing it to American Gods with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibe.
The trilogy continues with Paternus: Wrath of Gods (2018), where Fi and Zeke join a globe-trotting quest to rally ancient warriors, and concludes with Paternus: War of Gods (2020), an epic finale spanning Africa to Asgard. Ashton also penned Thunder Kraken (2024), the second book in his Kraken Rider Z trilogy, a lighter, action-packed spin-off. His style is vivid, cinematic, and snarky, grounded in a “unified field theory” of mythology that ties disparate legends into a cohesive, thrilling narrative.
Ashton’s love for storytelling shines through his diverse influences—comic books, action films, and metaphysical philosophy. His ability to make ancient myths feel fresh and relevant has earned him a loyal following and a third-place finish in the 2016 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off.
Why Dyrk Ashton Matters
Dyrk Ashton has carved a niche in contemporary mythic fantasy, offering a fresh take on urban fantasy that’s both epic and accessible. His meticulous blending of global mythologies has inspired readers to dive into lesser-known lore, from Hindu deities to Mesoamerican legends. Fans praise his fully realized characters and worldbuilding, placing the Paternus trilogy among top fantasy series. By self-publishing, Ashton has shown indie authors can compete with traditional heavyweights, influencing the genre’s evolution.
His transition from filmmaking to writing also resonates with dream-chasers, proving it’s never too late to pivot to your passion. Ashton’s work invites readers to see myths not as dusty relics but as living, breathing stories that still spark wonder.
- Born: October 31, Athens, Ohio
- Key Works: Paternus: Rise of Gods, Wrath of Gods, War of Gods, Thunder Kraken
- Awards: Third place, 2016 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off
Ready to battle gods and monsters? Snag Paternus: Rise of Gods and dive into Dyrk Ashton’s mythic masterpiece!