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They say inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places—and for me, it began with a game.
I was never an avid gamer. In fact, before diving into Atlas, a pirate-based MMO created by Snail Games and developed by Grapeshot Games, I hadn’t really explored online gaming at all. My husband and I had originally planned to enjoy the game in single-player mode, but when we realized cross-play wasn’t an option, we ventured into the unfamiliar waters of online play.
What started as a simple desire to explore a pirate world together quickly became something much more meaningful.
At first, the world of Atlas was overwhelming. The banter could be toxic, the competition fierce, and I questioned if I had the heart to continue. I nearly gave up—feeling too soft, too sensitive for the harsh edges of online interaction. But just as the storm seemed too strong to weather, something unexpected happened.
We began to meet people. Real people. From around the world.
People with stories, with kindness, with passion.
People who welcomed us into their crews, shared their adventures, and treated us like friends.
Those early friendships became the anchor I didn’t know I needed. The vibrant characters we met—under gamer names like Flintlock, Mortalise Abandoned Pain, Millzy, the legendary Carry Reed, Stretchy, Blue, Bonny, Lowdog, JJ (Jmug),Llyod, Mung’s Appretice, Shadowfax, and so many more—sparked something in me. I began to imagine stories beyond the game. One day, I simply began to write… and I didn’t stop.
What poured onto the page was too vast, too rich for just one book. So, The Crimson Legacy was born as a series.
Book One: Ambrose – The Isle of Legends introduced readers to a world shaped by the wild seas of my imagination and the bonds we’d forged through gameplay.
Book Two: The Siren’s Call brought me even further out of my shell—not only as a writer but as a creator. For the book trailer, I composed and recorded a hauntingly personal original song, The Siren’s Call, using my own voice for the first time.
Through the process of writing, I found something I didn’t expect—courage.
Courage to share my voice. Courage to believe in my story. Courage to create a world inspired by real friendships, imagined adventures, and the thrill of discovery.
The Crimson Legacy isn’t just a series of books, it’s a testament to how creativity can grow in the most unlikely of places. It’s about weathering the storm, finding your crew, and discovering the legend that lies within you.
To those who stood by us in the world of Atlas—thank you. Your names, your spirits, and your strength live on in these pages.
And to every reader who dares to dream, may you find your own legacy… one chapter at a time.
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With love and gratitude,
Anita D’Hondt
Pen name: Ambrose Fider
Author of The Crimson Legacy Series