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The notion of Magi is based on the Wise Men that bore gifts to the Christ Child. They represent the practitioners of the Zoroastrian religion of which there are many myths and legends about their deeds involving astrology, astronomy, healing, charity and knowledge of the spiritual world. The Magi of this series are derived from those Magi plus the swordsmanship, garb, horsemanship and other aspects of the Magi from the movies The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Their religious views are influenced by Old Testament Judaism, without the blood sacrifices, which produces a character type not often seen in fantasy fiction: the warrior monk/cleric.

The entire series is based on the question: What if it were possible to learn the powers of all the Biblical prophets; what would that school be like?

The Seventh Mountain, 1st Book in the Series is a bit nostalgic, reflecting a young person's innate feeling that there is a clear defining line between right and wrong, good and evil. Inexperience, innocents - what's the difference? What happens when a young hero is thrust into an adult world and forced to view the world through adult eyes and then forced to face the ultimate evil.

Though most readers think the story was inspired by Harry Potter, the final concept actually came from the modern versions of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. I had already written the basic conflict from an adult's point of view and then was inspired to try the story from a kid's point of view from thinking about what the kid would have done had he been in his parent's position in The Mummy Returns. The similarities to Harry Potter were unavoidable because of the school setting.

The Eighth Fire, 2nd Book in the Series is a continuation of the first where the hero, Mark Young, has pretty much come to terms with being treated as an adult. The line between right and wrong, good and evil is a bit less clear and the challenges come from choice rather than the situation.

Some readers may think this story similar to Harry Potter too, but that thinking is stretching it a bit unless you think all schools of magi c are Hogwarts with another name. Besides, Harry never was very good with a sword.