The first ‘novel’ I read was the illustrated edition of The Count of Monte Cristo. I was about eight or nine at the time, and I remember being mesmerized by the drama and atmosphere. One scene, in particular, struck me on a visceral level: Edmond Dantes emerging from the ocean, looking up defiantly at the fortress where he was meant to die. That moment stirred something deep inside me—something I didn’t fully understand then, but it was unmistakable. A sense of rebellion. A sudden awareness that we are capable of far more than we realize. That we can overcome anything standing in our way.

I can say that growing up in poverty had something to do with the way I reacted. Just before I finished elementary school, my family and I immigrated to the US, and in a way, life started over. I was cast adrift in a vast ocean, and the world became a quest. I often hear people say that experiences like this force you to grow up faster and make you more deeply appreciate what you have. That may be true. But more than anything, I believe adversity sharpens your insight into the world. Through adversity, I began to see things differently—I wanted to understand the world from more than just my own perspective. Life circumstances may have made me vulnerable to the sway of myths and legends, but one thing I know for sure: stories don’t just live on the page—they make it possible for us to live with courage.

This is why I write. I write with the conviction that one man can topple an empire, and one choice can change the course of history. I don’t think these are romantic ideas. I don’t think the dreams we held as children are childish or naive. What’s naive is believing that nothing can change. What’s naive is letting darkness steal our sense of wonder. I felt this deeply as a child, and that feeling never faded. Whoever said we’re destined to become cynics must be a liar.

I hope my books encourage you to face the world head on, no matter the odds. When everyone is shouting to keep us down, we will rise to speak our truth.

For even in the darkest hour, we stand supreme.