About the Author

Brian Massey is the author of Snow Ascending: Child of the Longest Night, the first novel in The Aelderen Solstice series. Born and raised in a small town in southern West Virginia and now residing in Huntersville, North Carolina, Brian works as a software product engineer, where logic and systems thinking guide his professional life. Storytelling, however, has always been his truest creative passion.

Drawing inspiration from mythology, epic fantasy, and the enduring themes of light, sacrifice, and hope, Brian created Aelderen as a world where ancient powers, forgotten histories, and ordinary courage collide. Snow Ascending is his first completed novel and the beginning of a planned series spanning multiple realms and generations.

Influenced by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and Roger Zelazny, and grounded in a Christian faith that believes redemption and hope remain possible even in the darkest seasons, Brian's stories explore the choices that define who we become when light and shadow contend for the soul.

Family & Inspiration

My greatest inspiration is my wife, Jessica. Through every challenge, every late night, and every uncertain step of the writing journey, her love has been the steady light that guided me forward. Much of the heart found within these pages was born from the life we have built together.

My children also helped shape this story in countless ways. They read early drafts, shared ideas, imagined worlds beyond the page, and contributed their own creativity and love of fantasy. Their imagination breathed life into Aelderen in ways I could never have accomplished alone.

And to our beloved Shadow — faithful companion, joyful troublemaker, and silent guardian of our home. Though he now walks beyond our sight, his spirit remains woven into the story and our family. His memory continues to walk beside us beneath every star-filled sky.

Shadow — beloved companion and inspiration.

Artwork Credits

The artwork featured throughout Aelderen Press, including the cover art for Snow Ascending: Child of the Longest Night, was created by Molly Grandusky . Her talent and creativity helped bring the world of Aelderen to life.

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