Vekrodus: World-Building Within the Stones of Power Universe

One element in the Stones of Power series many readers enjoy is the world-building. I know this because you've told me so. With this in mind, and inspired by content creator extraordinaire Hannah Richards to make my own map, I hereby welcome you to the first post of what is essentially my guided tour of Vekrodus. 

This place existed in my mind long before I had any substantial plot. At the beginning, before I had a book (or any real semblance of story, really) there was Drayvex, there was Ruby and there was this whole beautiful, violent world that was just begging to be explored. In Shadow-Stained, I barely scratched the surface with what made it into the book. It makes me happy that it left such an impression with readers.

Over the next few posts, I'm going to give you a run down of some of the key areas that are visited (and some that have only been mentioned in passing) within the Stones of Power series. Think of me as your demonic tour guide; your protector and companion as we cruise the bowels of Hell. For those of you who may not be familiar with my books, and also because we like a handy refresher, let me start with the planet itself. 

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'He stopped and turned his head a fraction towards her. "This is Vekrodus, planet of shadows and darkness. My domain." By his nonchalant tone, he could have been talking about the weather.'- Shadow-Stained

​Vekrodus, the demon planet, also known as planet of living shadows and darkness, is the domain of the Demon Lord. Drayvex has ruled this world, and the monstrous masses that populate it, with an iron fist for well over five centuries by the time he and Ruby first meet in Shadow-Stained. The biggest monster of all, he's pretty much untouchable, and boy does he know it. Untouchable that is, until fate throws a certain red-head in his path. But I digress.

Vekrodus is a savage, survivial-of-the-strongest world. Plunged into perpetual night, this planet is subjected to extreme weather, extreme rule and a local fauna with --you guessed it-- an extreme diet. If you're human and find yourself here, you'll want to pray you're part of the menu, and not a demon's plaything. Demons break their toys in all sorts of -ahem- creative ways.

To summarise, it's a deadly place where only the powerful thrive, and the weak are crushed into paste. But just ​like any toxic thing, it can also be truly beautiful. Such savage beauty is wasted on the demons that call these lands home. One person this beauty is not wasted on, however, is Ruby.

"You abandoned this place for Earth? She followed a small shooting star for a bit, before losing track of it. "What the Hell possessed you?"

"Don't be fooled by the scenic views, Ruby." His voice had dropped, becoming low and captivating within the warm darkness. "This is a cruel planet. And I'm its cruel leader."

So now you have an idea of what I'm talking about, let me show you where we're heading for stop one. 

Our first stop is the Veinous Gara forest. Visited by both Ruby and Drayvex in Shadow-Stained, this area is brought up again in Soul-Strung, where we learn a little more about this forest and what goes on within. It certainly left quite the impression on a visiting Ruby. 

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Ready to read the books?
>>> Catch up with Shadow-Stained
>>> Read the sequel, Soul-Strung

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