Former Martinsville resident, his cousin write fantasy novel

GREENWOOD –

Bloomington-born Kevin Adams loves martial arts; and he and his cousin, Steve Bolin, both love magic and dragons. In their just-released novel, “Black Rising” published by Author House, the two writers mix them all together.

Adams lived in Martinsville for 17 years and now resides in Greenwood. He studied Isshinryu karate for four years. His training provides insight on the martial arts in the book. He is married and has one daughter.

“I have a full-time job and I’m a full-time dad. When I do have spare time, I like to write and work on my Jeep,” Adams said.

Bolin, also an Indiana native, did a four-year stint in the U.S. Navy and has been married for 24 years. He has one son and is currently working on one of his own projects.

“Steve and I both write short stories and poems, and we have both been published online,” Adams said.

He added that they always want more magic and fantasy to be included in novels. To that end, they came up with intriguing characters in “Black Rising” who play out their roles in imaginary places, such as the city of Avendis which is in Namorganda.

The protagonist, an evil wizard named Merik Ladien, manipulates his resources, King Yadin Forsythia and his pregnant wife to spark a conflict between dragons and humans.

In a portrayal of good and evil, a group of religious martial artists, in an oasis called the Divine Eye, guard sacred prophecies. Meanwhile, the chosen one, known as the Jharis, is set to appear in the conflict, carrying Verax, a mystical sword.

The climax involves the blind master Netsujin, his apprentice Adkar and a captured dragon empress, Free-Wind, in a battle to stop Merik from releasing the dark powers of the Netherworld – thus preventing him from using them for his sinister goals.

In a dark tale of legends, tragedy, heroes and villains, “Black Rising” will draw readers who enjoy the action and exciting climax of fantasy novels.

Adams and Bolin will appear for a book signing from 1-3 pm, May 20, at Waldenbooks in the Greenwood Park Mall.