PHOTO: Abiodun Thorpe: Visionary storyteller and tech analyst behind the captivating debut Beneath Amulet Chronicles: Secrets of Ava’s Ixchel Adventure.
A Creative Fusion of Myth, Emotion, and Technology
Abiodun Thorpe, a technology analyst and dynamic storyteller, discusses blending ancient legends, human emotion, and creativity in his debut novel Beneath Amulet Chronicles: Secrets of Ava’s Ixchel Adventure.
Abiodun Thorpe, a masterful storyteller and a visionary mind bridging the worlds of technology and imagination, is a name that deserves celebration. By day, he thrives as a Cloud and AI analyst, unravelling the language of machines, but it’s during the quiet hours of twilight that his creative spirit takes flight. With Beneath Amulet Chronicles: Secrets of Ava’s Ixchel Adventure, his remarkable debut novel, Abiodun proves himself not just a writer of stories but an architect of immersive worlds. A journey rich in ancient secrets, human emotion, and maddeningly intricate puzzles, his work captures the essence of adventure in its most captivating form.
What makes Abiodun’s literary prowess truly commendable is his ability to intertwine the mystique of ancient legends with the heart and soul of modern human struggles. In Beneath Amulet Chronicles, readers are invited to join Ava Whitmore and Damian Cross in a quest not merely for mythical artefacts but for identity, redemption, and the ties that bind generations. Through Abiodun’s striking lens, themes of heritage, self-discovery, and emotional growth resonate deeply, reminding us of the enduring power of stories to connect, inspire, and illuminate.
Abiodun Thorpe is a gifted storyteller, seamlessly blending intellect, imagination, and emotion to craft unparalleled adventures and unforgettable characters.
As a writer, Abiodun’s creative process is as dynamic and layered as the characters he crafts. Drawing from his passion for problem-solving, his love for salsa dancing, and his background in technology, he approaches storytelling with unparalleled finesse. Whether it’s the sharp banter between protagonists or morally complex decisions faced amidst breakneck adventure, Abiodun seamlessly weaves logic and artistry into every page. His enriching blend of fact and fiction leads readers on a quest that is as intellectually thrilling as it is emotionally profound.
It’s with immense pride and admiration that we bring you an intimate glimpse into the mind of this rising literary and creative star. Abiodun Thorpe is not just a writer to watch—he is a voice that will echo across genres and generations. Let this interview inspire you as it unearths the boundless imagination behind Beneath Amulet Chronicles. Prepare to be enchanted.
What inspired you to write Beneath Amulet Chronicles: Secrets of Ava’s Ixchel Adventure?
The idea came to me during a quiet evening of coding, you know of all evenings! I was debugging a particularly stubborn piece of docker containers at cloud Mage.ai early days and started to imagine ancient puzzles hidden in temples, coded messages only the bravest or most brilliant could decipher. The thrill of uncovering secrets and solving mysteries fused with my fascination for ancient legends, and Ava Whitmore was born.
But it wasn’t just the adventure; it was the why. I wanted to explore the human drive for discovery—the relentless motivation and search for truth, even when it’s deeply personal and emotionally charged. Writing this book was my own kind of treasure hunt: finding the right balance of heart-pounding adventure, historical intrigue, and raw human emotion.
How do you balance your work as a Cloud and AI analyst with your passion for storytelling?
I’m a curious person and think of my two worlds as parallel universes that occasionally intersect. By day, I dive into Cloud technology, AI and data stuff—piecing together solutions like a modern-day puzzle solver. By night, I escape into the world of vivid imaginations and storytelling, where the puzzles involve ancient ruins and cryptic symbols rather than lines of code.
The connection between the two is creativity. Whether I’m writing a script for a program or a thrilling escape scene in Beneath Amulet Chronicles, both demand logic, imagination, and problem-solving. Sometimes, when I’m stuck on a plot point, I’ll approach it like debugging: what’s not working, and how do I fix it? Other times, storytelling feels like designing a user interface—I want my reader’s experience to be seamless and immersive. Balancing the two isn’t always easy, but both feed my insatiable curiosity and keep life exciting.
What drew you to explore themes of ancient legends and human emotion in your writing?
You know there’s something timeless about ancient myths and legends. They remind us that humans have always grappled with big questions: Who are we? What’s our purpose? I’m endlessly fascinated by how these stories connect us across cultures and centuries till modern date. With the Beneath Amulet Chronicles book, I wanted to blend the mix of ancient mysteries with the complexities of modern human emotion.
Ava’s journey isn’t just about chasing an artifact; it’s about her inner conflict—trying to connect with her father’s legacy while forging her own identity. Damian’s story, too, is steeped in guilt and redemption. These raw emotions are what ground the larger-than-life adventure in something deeply relatable. The amulet may hold mythical power, but it’s the characters’ struggles that make the story resonate.
Can you share your creative process when developing complex characters like Ava Whitmore and Damian Cross?
I like to think of character development as writing each character’s source code. Every character starts with a foundation—a set of core values, strengths, flaws, and desires. From there, I build layers of complexity. Ava, for instance, is fiercely independent but haunted by her father’s disappearance. That conflict drives her decisions and creates opportunities for growth. Damian, on the other hand, is the perfect foil—stoic yet vulnerable, a man running from his past but drawn to Ava’s relentless spirit.
Dialogue is where characters really come alive for me. I often “hear” them before I write them. Ava’s sharp wit contrasts with Damian’s dry humor, and those exchanges give readers insight into their dynamic. I also put them in morally challenging situations where their choices reveal who they truly are. Ultimately, I want readers to feel like they’re adventuring with Ava and Damian, not just watching from the sidelines.
What role does your interest in salsa dancing play in your creative life?
Dancing the Salsa is my secret creative recharge! When I’m stuck on a plot twist or struggling with dialogue, hitting the dance floor is my way of breaking free. The rhythm, the energy, the give-and-take of the dance—it’s all about connection and flow, much like storytelling. Fun fact: I used to run a salsa club in Lagos 🙂
Interestingly, salsa also influenced how I wrote the chemistry between Ava and Damian. Their partnership has that push-and-pull dynamic—moments of tension followed by perfect synchronicity. In a way, writing their banter and romantic tension felt a lot like choreographing a dance: finding the rhythm, the pauses, and the explosive moments of passion. And while Ava might not be a salsa dancer, her fierce determination on the dance floor of life would make her one heck of a partner!
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, absolutely! I’m already putting some pen to paper, but first grab a copy of Beneath Amulet Chronicles from your favourite bookstore. Will Ava and Damian uncover a new set of mysteries tied to ancient civilizations?
I’m also brainstorming a tech-inspired mystery series—imagine an elite hacker uncovering secrets hidden in ancient codes. It’s a fusion of my tech-savvy side and my love for adventure. And who knows? Maybe Ava will make a cameo in that world.
Collaboratively, I’m exploring partnerships with historians and industry specialists in different fields to add even more authenticity to my writing. There’s something thrilling about blending fact with fiction, and I can’t wait to bring readers along for the ride.
