By: Seraphina Quinn
Ian Eviston, known by his pen name IP Everston, is a rising author whose journey into the world of literature is one of passion, perseverance, and personal growth. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Ian’s love for writing began early, though it wasn’t until later in life that he turned this passion into a career. Balancing the demands of being a single father, Ian has poured his life experiences into his books, creating stories that resonate deeply with readers of fantasy and emotionally rich narratives.
Ian’s writing journey started in the eighth grade, when a teacher encouraged him to write short stories. He continued writing through high school and college, where he pursued an English degree. However, with only one semester left, he had to leave college to provide for his son. Despite this setback, Ian didn’t abandon his love for writing. Instead, he used his personal struggles as inspiration for his novels, focusing on themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience.
Ian’s literary career began with Demon Slayer, followed by Sun Chaser and Godsend. These three books have helped establish his unique voice in the fantasy genre. His characters face not only supernatural challenges but also deep emotional struggles, grounding his fantastical worlds in real human experiences. What sets Ian’s work apart is his ability to balance fantasy with emotion, giving his readers more than just action-packed plots but stories that explore internal conflicts and personal growth.
One of the standout features of Ian’s writing is his thoughtful blend of magic and realism. In all his three books, he carefully crafted a magic system inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, where supernatural powers are limited by rules. This structure allows his characters to creatively navigate their world while dealing with their personal issues. His protagonists, such as Taya in Godsend, don’t just wield magical abilities; they also wrestle with difficult decisions that shape their journeys and personal transformations.
Ian’s stories are not just about fantastical worlds but also about family and personal bonds, particularly the sibling relationships he explores. In The Demon Slayer, the relationship between Spirit, the protagonist, and his sister, Emily, forms the emotional core of the story. Spirit’s battle to save his sister from leukemia while facing external threats is a reflection of Ian’s own family experiences. This sibling dynamic adds a layer of emotional depth that readers can relate to, even in a fantasy setting.
In The Sun Chaser, the second book in the series, Ian delves deeper into themes of personal responsibility and redemption. The character Isaac’s journey from a soldier dealing with trauma to a leader seeking to make a positive change is a key example of Ian’s focus on emotional complexity. Isaac’s struggles with mental health, including PTSD, are explored in a way that brings realism to the story’s fantasy setting, making his character development one of the highlights of the book.
Another element that stands out in Ian’s writing is his portrayal of opposing forces, particularly in The Demon Slayer, where the relationship between humans and demons is explored. Unlike traditional fantasy stories that cast demons solely as villains, Ian’s demons are complex characters with their own struggles for survival. This nuanced approach adds depth to the story and challenges readers to think about themes of coexistence and understanding in new ways.
Ian’s books have received praise for their unique combination of emotional depth, complex characters, and imaginative fantasy worlds. Readers are drawn to his stories because they offer more than just escapism; they explore real-world issues such as mental health, family loyalty, and the challenges of making difficult choices.
For Ian, writing is not just about building fantastical worlds but about connecting with readers on a personal level. His characters’ struggles often reflect his own experiences, and he hopes his stories convey messages of hope and resilience. Ian has mentioned that one of his main goals is to inspire others, whether through his characters’ journeys or through his own story as a writer who overcame personal challenges to pursue his passion.
Ian’s advice to aspiring writers is straightforward: keep writing, even when it’s difficult. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and persistence, reminding new writers that it’s okay if only a few people see their work as long as it makes a difference. His own journey from college dropout to published author is a testament to this perseverance.
Ian Eviston is an author who brings a unique voice to the fantasy genre. His stories are rich in emotion, driven by personal experiences, and filled with characters that resonate with readers. As Ian continues to grow as a writer, there’s no doubt that his work will continue to captivate and inspire, offering readers not just escape but meaningful reflections on life’s complexities.
Published by: Holy Minoza
