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About the author

Andrew Houlston’s books are epic science fiction fantasy adventures set in the richly imagined world of Pagalan. Blending ancient mysteries, lost civilisations, and futuristic elements with deeply personal character journeys, his stories explore destiny, loyalty, love, and the cost of power. At the heart of the series lies Morganuke’s search for truth about his origins, a quest that expands into political intrigue, war, and the secrets of the Patronese. Grand in scope yet intimate in emotion, the novels combine cinematic world-building with carefully crafted relationships and layered mythic depth.

Pagalan’s history is shaped by the ancient Patronese, a powerful civilisation that once ruled from the lost homeland of Denesthear. After internal divisions shattered their unity, bloodlines such as the great house Martilismore were scattered to preserve their legacy. Morganuke, born Mandrake Martilismore, is one such hidden heir. Across the continents, newer kingdoms have risen, largely unaware of their deeper origins. Yet factions of the Patronese still operate, some preserving knowledge, others influencing conflict. The Nebulee and lost maps hint that Denesthear was never truly gone. Pagalan now stands between emerging civilisations and a returning ancient order, as forgotten truths begin to reshape the world.

Optoglean Tales Ltd continues to expand and refine its growing catalogue of immersive storytelling. Current projects include the ongoing development of The Pagalan Chronicles, with enhanced second editions featuring refined prose, deeper character relationships, and updated artwork, while preserving the core epic storyline readers love. Work is also progressing on future instalments within the Pagalan universe, exploring earlier generations of the Patronese and emerging civilizations across distant continents. Alongside this, new long-form science fiction and genre-blending narratives are in active development. Each project reflects a commitment to layered world-building, character-driven storytelling, and carefully crafted mythic scope.

Optoglean Tales Ltd is actively expanding the world of The Pagalan Chronicles, developing new story arcs, companion narratives, and future instalments that deepen the history of Pagalan across generations. Among the current projects are the unfolding Vaelor Thren and Olivier Thren storylines. Vaelor’s cryptic appearances explore displacement, identity, and the shifting nature of power, while Olivier’s arc delves into leadership, fractured alliances, and the moral cost of restoring order. These threads sit within the larger Pagalan mythos and continue to evolve. Readers are not simply observers. Through social media discussions, interactive posts, and community prompts, followers are invited to speculate, challenge decisions, and influence narrative directions. The future of Pagalan is not fixed. It is shaped in part by those who journey through it.

TESTIMONY FROM DIFFERENT READERS

  • The world of Pagalan is rich with tension and history, every village, every ruin feels steeped in meaning. I could feel the stakes rising as Morganuke and his friends ventured further from home, and I loved watching their courage evolve. What struck me most, though, was the underlying theme of identity: the idea that to save a world, one must first understand oneself. It’s beautifully told and lingers long after the final page

    Joseph Steward

  • Book cover titled 'The Sky Beneath Us' by Fiona Valpy with an illustration of a mountain landscape and sky.

    What makes this book stand out is how personal it feels despite its epic scale. Morganuke’s struggles mirror the inner battles we all face, questions of origin, purpose, and belonging. The writing captures that perfectly, wrapping big fantasy moments in real emotion. Houlston’s imagination is vast, but it’s his empathy as a storyteller that truly shines. This book made me feel both awed by its world and connected to its heart.

    Alan Smith

  • Book cover titled 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' featuring a determined man with a sword, a dragon, and other fantasy elements.

    Houlston’s storytelling reminds me of the best epic fantasies, the kind where the world feels ancient, alive, and layered with forgotten stories. The writing has a rhythm to it, drawing you deeper into the lands of Pagalan with every page. Morganuke’s search for his roots becomes something larger than himself, touching on destiny, heritage, and the cost of truth. It’s a beautifully written introduction to a saga that feels both grand and personal.

    Maddison

  • Book cover titled "The Help" with a purple header and three birds perched on a wire against a yellow background.

    Search for Morganuke’s Roots” isn’t just a fantasy adventure. it’s a story about identity, belonging, and the courage to face the unknown. Andrew Houlston paints Pagalan with both beauty and sorrow; it’s a world at war, yet full of life and hope. I found myself deeply invested in Morganuke’s journey, his bond with his friends, and the quiet strength that carries them through chaos. It’s rare to find a fantasy that balances heart and danger so well. This book does it effortlessly.

    Rebecca Dawn

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