Unveiling the Magic: An Exclusive Interview with Diamant Raobelina, Author of Battle of Mages

In a world where magic defines power and greatness, Battle of Mages brings readers to the brink of a mythic confrontation between light and dark. But at the heart of this grand epic is a boy who feels anything but powerful. Conor, burdened by his lack of magical abilities in a world that worships them, embarks on a journey not only to awaken the dormant power within him but to discover who he truly is.

In this tale, magic is more than just spells and creatures—it’s a reflection of the struggles we all face: the desire to belong, the fight to overcome what holds us back, and the courage to challenge a world that says we’re not enough. Join Conor as he grapples with the weight of expectations, the mystery of his lineage, and a legacy that promises both unimaginable power and devastating destruction.

The legendary battle between Zion, the warrior mage, and Jaros, the black mage, may be the foundation of this world, but Conor’s personal battle to find his place will shape its future. Magic is within us all—but what happens when it refuses to show itself? Battle of Mages invites you to step into a realm where destiny is earned, not given, and where the greatest fight isn’t between mages—but within ourselves.

Q: What was your inspiration for writing Battle of Mages?

A: The inspiration for Battle of Mages came from a mix of my love for epic fantasy and the exploration of personal struggles. I’ve always been fascinated by stories where characters battle not just external forces but also their own inner demons. The idea of two mages locked in a legendary battle was a way to showcase that duality—good versus evil, strength versus vulnerability. It’s a metaphor for the constant struggle we face in life.

Q: Conor, the main character, seems to have a unique struggle with his magical abilities. What inspired his character development?

A: Conor’s character is deeply rooted in the theme of inadequacy. I wanted to create a character who doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a hero. He’s not powerful, handsome, or confident—yet, he dreams of being something greater. I think many of us can relate to that feeling of being “different” or “not enough,” and I wanted to explore how someone like Conor navigates a world where those differences are highlighted. His journey is about self-discovery and resilience, and I think that’s something that resonates with a lot of readers.

Q: The world of Battle of Mages blends elements of magic with a contemporary setting, like New York. How did you balance these two worlds?

A: I’ve always loved the idea of mixing the mundane with the magical. Setting part of the story in New York gives it a familiar, grounded feel, but the magical elements—like Marion transforming into a beast or the creatures in Conor’s world—add a layer of wonder. The challenge was in making sure both worlds coexisted without overshadowing each other. I wanted readers to feel like the magic could exist in the real world, hidden just beneath the surface.

Q: There is a heavy emphasis on Conor’s feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressures he faces in the magical world. What message are you hoping to convey through this?

A: At its core, Battle of Mages is about the pressure to conform and the cost of feeling like you’re never good enough. Conor’s struggles with his magic—or lack thereof—mirror the struggles many people face with fitting into societal expectations. The message I want to convey is that our worth isn’t determined by our abilities or how well we fit into certain roles. It’s about how we navigate life’s challenges and stay true to ourselves.

Q: The interaction between Conor and his mother, Marion, shows both tension and love. How important is family dynamics in the book?

A: Family dynamics are central to the story. Marion loves Conor fiercely, but she also doesn’t fully understand him, which creates this tension. She wants the best for him but feels powerless to help him succeed in a world that demands so much from him. I think a lot of readers can relate to the complexities of parent-child relationships—how love can sometimes feel like pressure, and how support can sometimes come across as expectation. Their relationship is a driving force behind much of Conor’s development.

Q: You depict some fascinating magical creatures in the first chapter. How did you create them, and what role do they play in the larger narrative?

A: The magical creatures in Battle of Mages are a reflection of the world’s complexity and the characters’ inner lives. I wanted the creatures to feel as alive as the human characters, each with their own personalities and significance. For example, Conor’s nanny, who is a flying red creature, represents his need for protection, even as he tries to break free from the constraints of his magical deficiencies. As the story progresses, these creatures play pivotal roles in both action sequences and character development, often representing deeper themes of power, fear, and control.

Q: Conor’s struggle with summoning a creature and being different from his peers creates a compelling tension. How do you plan to evolve his character throughout the series?

A: Conor’s journey is one of transformation, but not in the way one might expect. While he does dream of unlocking great magical powers, his real evolution will be more internal. He’ll learn to redefine what power means to him, and he’ll find strength in his perceived weaknesses. Without giving too much away, Conor’s path will show that sometimes, the greatest magic lies not in abilities, but in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Q: The legendary battle between the two mages is teased early on. Can you give us a sneak peek into how this battle shapes the world and characters?

A: The battle between Zion and Jaros is more than just a historical event—it’s a symbol of the ongoing struggle between light and dark that pervades the entire series. It’s a mythic moment that shapes not only the world but the characters’ understanding of what’s at stake. Conor, in particular, is fascinated by Zion’s victory and what it represents, but as the story unfolds, he’ll come to realize that things aren’t always as black and white as they seem. This battle is the foundation on which the entire magical world stands, and its repercussions are felt throughout the story.

Q: There are moments of dark humor, especially in Conor’s interactions with his bullies and even his mother. How do you incorporate humor into such a high-stakes narrative?

A: Humor is essential in stories with intense themes because it gives the characters—and the readers—a break from the tension. In Conor’s case, his cynicism and self-deprecating humor are his way of coping with the difficult reality he faces. It’s also a way for him to push back against the world that constantly underestimates him. I think humor can highlight the absurdity of certain situations, making them more relatable and human, even in a world of magic.

Q: The concept of awakening one’s magical powers is central to the plot. How did you develop the magical system in your book, and what makes it unique?

A: I wanted the magical system in Battle of Mages to feel both structured and unpredictable. The idea of awakening one’s powers is tied to personal growth and identity. In this world, magic isn’t just about spells and incantations—it’s about potential and the barriers we place on ourselves. What makes it unique is that it isn’t always fair. Some people awaken early, while others struggle, like Conor. This uneven distribution of power reflects the inequalities we see in real life, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ journeys.

Q: Finally, what can readers expect from the next installment of Battle of Mages?

A: Without giving too much away, readers can expect Conor to face new challenges that will test not only his magical abilities but also his resolve. The second book will delve deeper into the mysteries of Zion and Jaros, and Conor will have to confront some hard truths about himself and the world he inhabits. There will be more action, new characters, and of course, plenty of magic!

As the sun sets on this chapter of Conor’s journey, the world stands at the edge of a new dawn. The battle between Zion and Jaros, once a distant myth, is now a haunting reminder of what’s at stake. Conor has faced the ridicule of his peers, the weight of his own failures, and the crushing reality that his magical awakening may never come. But in the midst of this darkness, a flicker of hope remains.

Battle of Mages has shown that power is not always a matter of strength, but of will. Conor’s story is far from over—his path is only beginning. With each challenge, each moment of doubt, he grows closer to the truth of his destiny. The world may see him as a failure, but Conor knows now that sometimes the greatest strength lies in being underestimated.

As you turn the final page, know that the echoes of Zion and Jaros are still felt, and their legacy lives on—not just in legends, but in the hearts of those like Conor who dare to defy fate. The next battle is looming, and this time, Conor won’t face it alone. A world of magic, mystery, and untold danger awaits—but with it, the promise of a new kind of hero. Will he rise to meet it? Only time will tell.