Hey everyone, Mars here.
I set down my fountain pen and leaned back in my chair, stretching muscles cramped from hours of writing. The leather-bound notebook before me held the latest chapter of Isaiah's journey through Frostfall. My small study was quiet except for the soft ticking of an antique clock and the occasional scratch of my cat's claws against her post.
"What do you think?" I asked, glancing at the black feline curled on my desk. She blinked lazily at me, supremely unimpressed by literary endeavors.
I smiled and reached for my coffee, now cold after being forgotten during an intense writing session. The dark blue hoodie I always wore while writing was pushed up at the elbows, revealing ink-stained fingers. Hazard of preferring fountain pens, I supposed.
But I wasn't really talking to the cat. I was talking to you—the readers who've followed Isaiah's story from that first moment in his classroom, watching that timer count down to his Domain Trial.
I still remember posting that first chapter, nervous about how people would receive it. Would anyone connect with a cynical slum kid trying to survive his Awakening? Would the world-building resonate? Would the darker themes and moral ambiguity find an audience?
Your response honestly floored me.
The comments about Isaiah's strategic mind, his complex relationship with survival and loyalty—they showed me you understood exactly what I was trying to convey. You saw past the surface-level progression fantasy to the deeper themes about class inequality, sacrifice, and what people will do when pushed to their limits.
I'd love to hear which scenes have stood out to you so far. Was it the tense classroom countdown? The kaleidoscope transition into Frostfall? The night siege with the ice wolves? Each sequence was carefully crafted, but I'm curious which moments really landed.
Speaking of landing...
I suppose I should share the big news: Aspect Ratio has been offered a publishing contract! I'm still processing it honestly. Your support and engagement helped make this possible—the consistent readership, the thoughtful analysis, the fan theories (some of which are terrifyingly accurate, by the way).
To show my appreciation, I'm committing to keeping this entire first volume free. You believed in this story from the beginning, and I want you to see how Isaiah's initial journey concludes without any paywalls. The premium chapters will start with Volume 2, once we've completed this first arc.
runs hand through slightly disheveled black hair
It's strange, talking directly to you like this. I usually let the story speak for itself. But I wanted to take a moment to connect, to thank you properly, and to invite your thoughts on where we've been and where we're going.
What do you think about Isaiah's development so far? His approach to survival, the way he studies everyone around him for potential use or threat? I tried to write him as someone shaped by his environment—the Depths of New Vein aren't kind to idealists—while still maintaining that core of humanity that drives him to protect his family.
The world-building has been a delicate balance too. How's the pacing of information? I've tried to reveal Frostfall's nature gradually through character interaction rather than exposition dumps, but I'm curious if certain aspects need more clarity.
picks up fountain pen, twirling it absently
I should probably mention that we're about to hit some major revelations in the coming chapters. Isaiah's timer trial isn't quite what it appears, and the Heart of Winter... well, let's just say there's a reason the Domain chose this particular trial for him.
But I won't spoil anything. Instead, I'd love to hear your theories. What do you think is really going on? Why a timer trial? Why Frostfall? Why strip him of all abilities when most Domain Trials grant power rather than remove it?
Your insights often make me see new angles in my own work. It's one of the joys of sharing a story as it develops—the conversation between author and readers becomes part of the creative process.
glances at notebook
I should get back to writing. But before I dive back in, I just wanted to say again: thank you. For reading, for commenting, for being part of this journey.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. What's working? What questions do you have? What scenes replay in your mind? Your feedback helps shape the story, even if you don't realize it.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some characters to torment—I mean, develop.
picks up pen with a slightly wicked smile
Stay warm out there. Unless you're in Frostfall. Then you're probably screwed.
Mars
P.S. - The cat says hi. Or possibly "feed me." It's hard to tell with cats.
P.P.S - Would you like some author notes sprinkled into the creators thoughts sections just to check in? Or is that too much?