An Oklahoma author with Watonga ties has created a new series of fantasy novels that blend J.R.R. Tolkien with modern life in the Sooner State.
Ethan Richards is the author of “The Dark Lord of Oklahoma: An Unconventional Story,” as well as its sequel “The Dark Elf of Oklahoma.” Richards, who says he’s an Army veteran and a former Watonga reserve police officer, said writing the books is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“I wrote stories when I was younger and just kept putting it on the backburner,” Richards said. “It just kept eating at me.”
“The Dark Lord of Oklahoma” follows Elena Doolin and her ex-boyfriend John T. Chance, from Henryetta, who find themselves drawn into a conflict that goes beyond the realm of man. Featuring elves, orcs, goblins and witches, Richards’ novel weaves fantasy with reality and imagines how an ancient war between mythical creatures might play out here in modern-day Oklahoma. It also incorporates many real Sooner State landmarks like the Marland Mansion, in Ponca City, and Beavers Bend State Park.
It's obvious that Richards knows a lot about firearms and mixed martial arts, as “The Dark Lord” is filled with detailed descriptions of sophisticated weapons and fight scenes with specific moves. Richards said that’s due to Oklahoma’s proud wrestling heritage, his enjoyment of mixed martial arts, and his military experience.
“In the Army, I got to do Combatives Level 3,” he said. “And growing up in Oklahoma, it has really strong wrestling. Like, the best in the world.”
That experience comes in handy as Chance fights his way through Oklahoma, taking on drug-runners and fantasy creatures as he works to free Elena.
“The Dark Lord of Oklahoma” and sequel “The Dark Elf of Oklahoma” are both available online through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.