About the authors
Two brothers, two cities, and a shared passion for high fantasy. Discover the minds, music, and tabletop roots behind the world of The Dragon's Way.
Ken Longden
Co-author attempting to look like less sinister than his brother
Pete Longden
Co-author attempting to look like an author
Ken is senior to Pete by 15 months. They have a sister, Julie, who is nearly 20 years younger.
Forged from emails and prog rock
Our collaborative journey didn't begin around a gaming table, but rather through an impassioned email debate many years ago concerning our favourite music. That shared appreciation for the sprawling storytelling and legendary musicians of 70s and 80s classic and progressive rock soon mutated into something larger: an entire epic fantasy universe where characters carry the spirit, grit, and names of rock icons.
The Dragon's Way was born when Peter wrote the line "Upon some blasted heath far, far away, beneath a dark and stormy sky, the foot soldiers of a post-apocalyptic land meet." From those few words a new world was born.
Bridging Rotherham and Coventry
Separated by miles but united by story, we divide the narrative between Rotherham and Coventry. Just like our collaboration, the tale follows two brothers: each of us commands the destiny and character arc of one protagonist. Whenever either of us invents a unique companion, adversary, or encounter, that creator takes the helm in penning their journey, creating an authentic interplay between two distinctive narrative voices.
Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons
Deeply grounded in traditional tabletop roleplaying, the world building, storytelling and wonder of Dungeons & Dragons heavily shape the perilous world of The Dragon's Way. We blend tactical encounters, ancient beast lore, and sprawling questlines with modern character dynamics to deliver an immersive fantasy saga crafted for fans of classic worldbuilding and unforgettable journeys.
Diverse careers behind the craft
Beyond the realm of epic fantasy and sprawling fictional landscapes, our working lives have crossed a multitude of industries. Pete's career progressed from teaching to Youth Service management, while Ken was an engineer in the steel industry before retraining as a teacher of Science and eventually becoming Head of Science. Our professional backgrounds provide the structure and discipline required to outline vast lore, manage intricate narrative timelines, and sustain complex, long-term storytelling projects.
These distinct career paths continually enrich the world of The Dragon's Way. Decades spent navigating real-world teamwork, strategic planning, and varied professional challenges allow us to ground fantastical conflicts in believable human motives. Whether directing troop logistics or untangling political machinations across kingdoms, our everyday experience infuses authentic depth into every chapter.
"The bond between brothers is always something truly special, and it should be treasured through every trial and tale."
K. A. & P. R. Longden
Dedication
These tales are dedicated to our parents, who taught us to love books. To our wives, who have the stamina to endure us and to our children, of whom we are deeply proud.