I probably would have laughed if you had told me a few years ago that I’d be writing a fantasy novel set in the depths of Hades and the Underworld. Yet, here I am, and Kayla’s Hades has become one of the most chaotic (and fun) adventures I’ve ever crafted.
So, how did a story about a half-human, half-succubus warrior fighting her way through the underworld come to life?
Buckle up because it’s an interesting (and unexpected) journey!
It All Started with an Anime I Hated
Confession time: I’m a huge anime fan. I devour series like a dragon hoarding its treasure. But one day, while watching Re:Monster (I’ll forever damn myself for pressing play on that one), I found myself annoyed beyond belief. For those who don’t know, it’s an isekai (“another world”) anime where the main character is reincarnated as a goblin and grows stronger by consuming his enemies. Sounds cool, right? Except…I hated it.
The story felt predictable, and the main character’s growth was just… too easy. There was no struggle, no emotional depth—just power-ups on demand. It left me wondering: What if the journey to power wasn’t so simple? What if the protagonist had to fight tooth and nail to survive, let alone thrive?
That frustration sparked an idea. I wanted to create an isekai-like story in which the heroine doesn’t get everything handed to her. Instead, she claws her way through a brutal world, making mistakes and learning lessons the hard way. Thus, Kayla’s Hades was born.
Why Hades and the Underworld?
When choosing a setting, I was drawn to the idea of the underworld. There’s something fascinating (and a little eerie) about realms where the dead dwell. But I didn’t want to stick to the usual trope of “demons are evil.”
What if the demons weren’t the villains?
In Kayla’s Hades, the underworld isn’t just a fiery pit of despair—it’s a complex realm filled with power struggles, ancient magic, and mysterious beings. Demons aren’t just faceless enemies; they have their own goals, loyalties, and secrets. Some might want to destroy Kayla, but others? They might just be her greatest allies.
I also loved the idea of a heroine who doesn’t fully understand her connection to this world. Kayla doesn’t start out knowing she’s half-succubus. She just knows that something inside her is… different. As she fights to survive, she starts to unlock that power by pieces and uncovers the truth about who (and what) she really is.
From Contest Entry to Top 50
Fun fact: Kayla’s Hades didn’t start out as a grand novel plan. It was actually created for the Tapas Action Fantasy contest. With a tight deadline and a fire in my belly, I poured my heart into crafting a story that balanced high-stakes action with emotional depth.
I wanted readers to root for Kayla, to feel her struggles, and to celebrate every hard-earned victory. And guess what? It worked! Kayla’s Hades made it to the Top 50 in the contest. That kind of support blew me away and confirmed what I suspected all along—readers love a heroine who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.
Crafting a Heroine Who Fights (and Feels)
One of my favorite things about writing Kayla is that she’s not perfect. She doesn’t always have the right answers, and sometimes her emotions get the better of her. But that’s what makes her real. When she faces down monstrous foes or uncovers chilling truths, she isn’t doing it because she’s invincible—she does it because she refuses to back down.
Kayla is one headstrong cookie.
Her journey isn’t just about raw power. It’s about learning who she is, facing her past, and figuring out what kind of future she wants. And through it all, she keeps fighting—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.
Building the World of Hades
World-building is one of those things that can either drive a writer crazy or fuel their imagination. For me, it was the latter. I wanted Hades to feel vivid and alive—a place where magic crackles in the air and danger lurks around every corner.
Sure, I drew inspiration from mythology, but I also allowed my imagination to run wild. What if ancient weapons were infused with powerful dark magic? What if ancient thrones held secrets of long-forgotten rulers? What’s the true purpose of the wail that talks to our main character? Every element in Kayla’s Hades is there for a reason, adding layers to both the story and the characters navigating it.
What’s Next for Kayla?
Without giving away too many spoilers, let’s just say Kayla’s journey is far from over. She still has enemies to face, powers to master, and truths to uncover. The underworld is only the beginning—and what lies beyond will be even more dangerous.
If you’re as excited about this journey as I am, you won’t want to miss what comes next.
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If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I love sharing the behind-the-scenes magic of Kayla’s Hades, and there’s so much more to come for Hades Chronicles and other stories.
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So, are you ready to dive deeper into Hades? Trust me, the adventure is just getting started.
