Photo: Chriss Bury, the award-winning author behind Dragon Twins: The Awakening, redefines middle grade fantasy with magical worlds and captivating adventures.
Exploring The Dragon Twins Series And The Art Of Storytelling
Chriss Bury shares insights into their award-winning debut Dragon Twins: The Awakening, balancing action and emotion, inspirations, future projects, and advice for aspiring authors in the fantasy genre.
C hriss Bury is making waves in the literary world of middle grade fantasy, captivating readers with enchanting stories that combine intricate magical realms with thrilling adventures. As the author of Dragon Twins: The Awakening, Bury has established themselves as a promising talent, earning accolades for their vivid imagination and compelling storytelling that resonate with readers of all ages.
Inspired by the suspenseful storytelling of R.L. Stine and the world-building genius of J.K. Rowling, Bury masterfully blends fast-paced action with emotional depth, crafting tales that keep readers engaged while exploring themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. Their debut novel has already won multiple awards, solidifying their reputation as an exciting new voice in the genre. The story’s relatable protagonist, Ambrose, captures the essence of growth and bravery, proving that greatness can emerge even from the most ordinary beginnings.
Chriss Bury is a masterful storyteller, blending thrilling action and heartfelt emotion to inspire middle grade fantasy readers worldwide.
In an interview originally published in Reader’s House magazine, Chriss Bury shared insights on their creative process and passion for fantasy writing. When asked what inspired the world of dragons in their debut novel, Bury revealed that their godsons were the driving force behind the idea. “I wanted to create a story that would excite them and inspire their active imaginations,” Bury shared, emphasizing the importance of crafting relatable characters that encourage young readers to discover their own hidden potential. Bury’s mission is to spark adventure and self-belief in readers, highlighting the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when one dares to step into the unknown.
“The stakes get higher, the magic gets deeper, and the twins’ connection becomes stronger.” – Chriss Bury
Bury’s love for fantasy and action shines through in Dragon Twins: The Awakening. Their ability to maintain a balance between high-octane action sequences and reflective, heartfelt moments ensures that the story appeals to readers on multiple levels. From Ambrose’s transformation into a courageous hero to the quirky humor brought by Simon, the pet gecko, every element plays a role in making the narrative both exciting and endearing. Simon, as Bury explains, “provides moments of levity and serves as a loyal companion, a reminder of the bonds that keep us grounded—even in the midst of magical chaos.”
Ambrose himself is an unlikely hero, one who doesn’t fit the archetype of “the chosen one.” Instead, he learns to embrace his destiny and overcome his fears, growing into someone capable of protecting the family he never knew existed. His journey reflects the very core of Bury’s message—a reminder that heroism is not about fearlessness but about courage in the face of uncertainty.
Bury’s debut novel has drawn comparisons to the works of Stine and Rowling for good reason. The suspenseful, page-turning quality of Dragon Twins mirrors Stine’s style, while the depth of its magical world and themes of friendship, bravery, and identity align closely with Rowling’s storytelling philosophies. For fans seeking a blend of those qualities, Bury’s book delivers an experience that is both imaginative and emotionally resonant.
Speaking about their writing process, Bury emphasizes the importance of pacing and purpose in storytelling. They carefully balance moments of action and reflection, ensuring that every sequence serves to advance the plot or develop characters. This dynamic rhythm invites readers to become deeply invested without becoming overwhelmed, with emotional connections enhanced by moments of quiet reflection between the chaos.
With readers hooked on the world of Dragon Twins, Bury offered an exciting glimpse into future installments. “We’ll meet new characters, explore Ambrose’s origins, and venture to new worlds,” they teased. As the stakes rise, so too will the challenges faced by Ambrose and his allies, ensuring more thrilling adventures to come. Beyond the Dragon Twins series, Bury is also working on an entirely new fantasy series, promising fresh stories while continuing to expand the imaginative universe they’ve already created.
To aspiring authors hoping to break into the fantasy genre, Bury shared invaluable advice: focus on stories that excite you, avoid chasing trends, and stay true to your voice. Persistent effort, a willingness to embrace rejections, and building a writer’s community are all crucial steps for success. Above all, Bury advocates for action—“Finish your book. You can’t edit a blank page, and you can’t publish what you haven’t written. Keep going, even when it’s hard.”
As Chriss Bury rises as a powerful new force in middle grade fantasy literature, readers and fans eagerly anticipate their next creation, knowing that magical journeys filled with wonder and heartfelt lessons await.
