Local author shares his love of fantasy realms

Drew "A.J." O'Connell's childhood passion for swords and sorcery led him to the realm of a book author. Photo by Brian S. Orban

As a child, Drew "A.J." O'Connell enriched his life by spending countless hours enjoying the alternate realities filled with myth and magic along with heroes and villains. When he was 10, he drew inspiration by watching his older brother play various strategy games based on fantasy realms.

O'Connell remained a spectator for the longest time since he was apparently "too little" to play these games with his brother. Undeterred, he never lost his love of these worlds over the years and often pondered what life was like in these mythical times.

"I loved the action," he said.

Now a technical sergeant assigned to the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, O'Connell's passion for swords and sorcery led him to another realm -- that of a book author.

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