AC-I-306 Full Cast YA – An Interview with author Edward James (The Duras Kingdom)

From Childhood Storytelling to Author of The Duris Kingdom

Edward L. James’ journey as a writer began early in life, inspired by a kindergarten teacher who read stories that sparked his love of adventure. His passion for storytelling grew through reading works like the thrilling short story “The Most Dangerous Game” and comic books, which he would creatively reassemble into his own handcrafted books. Supported by a mother who loved reading and encouraged his imagination, Edward’s early years planted the seeds of his writing career.

The Writing Journey and Inspirations Behind The Duris Kingdom

Although Edward always dreamed of writing a book, it wasn’t until 2022 that he committed to writing The Duris Kingdom, a fantasy adventure that blends magical realms with real-world influences. Drawing from his varied reading tastes—including authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Terry Brooks—he crafted a unique story that combines sword and sorcery with compelling characters.

Martial Arts: Life Experience Fueling Fiction

Martial arts play a significant role in the book’s narrative and characters. Edward’s lifelong training in styles such as boxing, taekwondo, and Tang Soo Do deeply influenced his protagonist, Lucian Stiles. Lucian’s confidence, combat skills, and zest for adventure mirror Edward’s own real-life experiences and adventurous spirit. The inclusion of strong female characters also reflects Edward’s early observations of women martial artists capable of fierce strength and skill.

Themes and Worldbuilding in The Duris Kingdom

The Duris Kingdom unfolds in a parallel realm where medieval and magical elements coexist alongside our modern-day universe. This duality invites readers to explore a world where magic and dragons contrast with contemporary technology like airplanes and cell phones. The story examines themes of adventure, love, conflict, and survival as Lucian navigates through a war-torn kingdom, encountering knights, assassins, and mythical creatures. Edward encourages listeners to consider the layered realities around us, suggesting that different experiences and perspectives create their own “realms” within our world.

The Full-Cast Audiobook Experience

Edward chose a full-cast audiobook format to bring The Duris Kingdom to life with immersive storytelling. He wanted listeners to feel transported to the kingdom through dynamic voices, sound effects, and ambient sounds such as dragon wings fluttering and swords clashing. The casting process was thrilling for him, as hearing actors interpret the dialogue he imagined brought a surreal sense of fulfillment. Family and friends participated in selecting the voices that best represented his characters, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the production.

Creating an Immersive Journey for Listeners

Even before the addition of final sound design and music, the interplay of narrator and character voices impressed Edward, making the story feel vivid and alive. He hopes listeners will engage with the audiobook multiple times — discovering new details on each listen, much like returning to a favorite roller coaster for another thrilling ride. With a cast of compelling characters, he hints at future adventures, including prequels that expand the world he created.

Connecting with Edward L. James and The Duris Kingdom

Although Edward’s personal website is forthcoming, listeners can find The Duris Kingdom full-cast audiobook exclusively on Amplify Audiobooks. Through this platform, fans can learn more about Edward, engage with the story, and participate in conversations about favorite moments. Edward’s work exemplifies the power of modern audiobook production in extending an author’s reach and enriching the listener experience.

“I want [listeners] to feel like they really went on an adventure… to listen to [The Duris Kingdom] again and want more.” – Edward L. James