Sixteen years ago, I woke from a dream that would change my life forever.
That dream introduced me to two unforgettable characters—Master Akio and Graham Alexander Connelly. At the time, I thought I was writing a single novel. Instead, that dream became A Warrior’s Heart, followed by Perseverance and Convocation.
When I finished Convocation in 2015, I genuinely believed the journey had ended.
Apparently, Master Akio had other plans.
After an eight-year silence, the characters returned to me in July 2023 with one unmistakable message:
“We’re not done.”
Today, I am incredibly excited to announce that A Warrior’s Heart: The Promise will officially be released on:
📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
This isn’t simply another novel.
It’s the continuation of a journey that began sixteen years ago—a story of courage, forgiveness, friendship, family, purpose, and the quiet wisdom that changes us one step at a time.
To everyone who has read the series over the years, thank you.
Your emails, messages, encouragement, and occasional gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle!) reminders asking, “When is the next book coming?” have meant more than you know. This book exists because you never stopped believing there was another chapter waiting to be told.
I cannot wait to welcome you back to Inspiration Island.
A Sneak Peek…
Nothing, and I mean nothing, in my forty-three years of life had prepared me for that moment.
I, Graham Alexander Connelly, Master of a sword school, student of a dead mystic, survivor of my own former stupidity, was utterly undone by seven pounds of wrinkled, red-faced, squinting perfection.
My son.
My beautiful, tiny, helpless son.
For a moment, I could do nothing but stare at him.
My heart flooded with love so fast, and so hard it almost hurt.
This is only the beginning.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories, character reflections, excerpts, and a few surprises as we count down to launch day.
Thank you for walking this path with me. Whether you’ve been here since the very first book or you’re just discovering A Warrior’s Heart, I hope The Promise reminds you that the greatest journeys are never really about the destination—they’re about the transformation that happens along the way.
See you on August 18th.
Go in Peace,
L. Neil Thrussell
