A Personal Statement by L.S. Franco:



Dear Readers,

There are moments in life when reality hits far too close to fiction. As a storyteller, I’ve always believed in the power of stories to reflect, challenge, and heal. But when the lines blur, and fiction mirrors real-life tragedy, it’s a sobering reminder of just how fragile and interconnected our world truly is.

Los Angeles has always held a special place in my heart. It was, in many ways, a second home to me. From the vibrant streets of Santa Monica to the creative pulse of West Hollywood, my time in L.A. was filled with memories I hold dear. I recall vividly the thrill of standing on stage at the World Famous Comedy Store alongside the brilliant Don Barris, learning from the masters of improvisation and comedy. I remember late nights filming at the iconic Eve After Dark, where creativity seemed to seep from the walls, and the countless friendships I forged during my years in the acting field.

When the fires ravaged parts of Los Angeles, leaving families displaced, lives lost, and communities in ruins, my heart broke for a city I love deeply. The images of destruction felt eerily familiar as they echoed the very cover of The Temporal Scythe, the latest book in my Conjurer’s Prophecy trilogy. The timing of our cover’s completion and this devastating event was more than coincidental—it felt uncanny, almost surreal.

The cover of The Temporal Scythe depicts a community engulfed in flames, a symbolic representation of the destruction and chaos woven into the story. A towering clock looms over the scene, marking the final moments as the Temporal Scythe—a powerful artifact tied to destiny—is stolen. This imagery was meant to capture the urgency and gravity of the end times in the narrative. However, seeing such devastation mirrored in real life was a deeply unsettling experience.

Out of respect for the lives impacted by this tragedy, I immediately decided to delay the cover's release. It was not the time to promote a fictional story when so many were grappling with the harsh realities of loss and recovery.

Today, after much reflection, I am releasing the cover with a heavy heart and a deep sense of empathy. This is not just a moment to share my work but also to acknowledge the resilience of those affected by the fires. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost so much—their homes, their loved ones, their sense of safety. My hope is for healing and recovery, not just for L.A. but for everyone whose hearts ache with the weight of this tragedy.

Stories have always been a way to process and make sense of the world around us. As you look at the cover of The Temporal Scythe, I hope you see not only the darkness it portrays but also the glimmers of hope and resilience that lie within. The characters in this trilogy face their own fires—both literal and metaphorical—and their journeys remind us that even in the darkest times, we have the power to rebuild, find meaning, and move forward.

The Temporal Scythe will be released on June 10, 2025. This story is a labor of love, and I cannot wait to share it with you. But today, as I unveil this cover, I do so with a heart full of compassion and a deep hope that it reflects the strength and humanity we all share.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. Let’s hold L.A. close in our hearts today and always.

Yours,
L.S. Franco

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