Picture an Australian storyteller who spun a world of epic fantasy from a seaside peninsula—meet James Islington! Born in southern Victoria, this former tech entrepreneur traded startup stress for the magic of storytelling, captivating readers with intricate worlds and heart-pounding plots. His debut, The Shadow of What Was Lost, launched a trilogy that’s become a must-read for fantasy fans.
Now living on the Mornington Peninsula with his wife and two children, Islington crafts tales that blend classic fantasy with fresh twists. His journey from business to books is as inspiring as the heroes in his stories, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
The Making of James Islington
Born around 1981 in southern Victoria, Australia, James Islington grew up devouring fantasy novels by Raymond E. Feist and Robert Jordan. As a teenager, he loved creative writing, dreaming of one day penning his own novel. But his twenties took a different turn—running a successful tech startup with a friend. The venture was a whirlwind of stress and long hours, leaving little time for fiction. It wasn’t until his thirties, inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, that he decided to scale back his business and make space for writing.
Working from home gave him the discipline to write daily, and after years of drafts and edits, Islington self-published his first novel in 2014. His leap from entrepreneur to author shows how passion and persistence can rewrite your story.
James Islington’s Unforgettable Stories
Islington’s breakout work, The Shadow of What Was Lost (2014), kicks off the Licanius Trilogy, an epic fantasy saga packed with magic, prophecy, and complex characters. The story follows heroes wielding forbidden powers against a rising evil, earning praise for its intricate world-building and nods to classics like The Wheel of Time. Its sequels, An Echo of Things to Come (2017) and The Light of All That Falls (2019), deepen the tale with time travel and redemptive arcs, selling over 100,000 copies.
In 2023, Islington launched the Hierarchy series with The Will of the Many, a single-POV, first-person epic set in a Roman-inspired world. This shift from the sprawling Licanius Trilogy showcases his versatility, blending political intrigue with a democratized magic system. Fans love his ability to weave layered mysteries and emotional depth, making each book a page-turner.
Islington’s style balances classic fantasy tropes with modern pacing, appealing to readers who crave both nostalgia and innovation. His meticulous plotting and character-driven narratives have earned comparisons to Sanderson and Jordan, cementing his place in the genre.
Why James Islington Matters
James Islington’s impact lies in his ability to breathe new life into epic fantasy. His stories resonate with readers for their emotional stakes and moral complexity, tackling themes like redemption and responsibility. The Licanius Trilogy’s theological undertones and intricate plotting have sparked discussions among fans, while The Will of the Many has broadened his audience with its fresh cultural flavor.
By transitioning from self-publishing to a deal with Orbit Books, Islington inspires aspiring writers to take risks. His work proves that epic fantasy remains a vibrant genre, capable of evolving while honoring its roots. On platforms like Goodreads, fans rave about his immersive worlds, ensuring his legacy grows with each new release.
- Born: c. 1981, southern Victoria, Australia
- Key Works: The Licanius Trilogy, The Will of the Many
- Fun Fact: He owns over 200 board games!
Snag The Shadow of What Was Lost or The Will of the Many and dive into James Islington’s thrilling epic fantasy worlds!