Trace: A Force of Magic Novella

by Hunter Chadwick

Before the uprising. Before the legends. Before the magic truly awakened.

Delve into the shadowed origins of Trace, a pivotal figure in Hunter Chadwick's acclaimed Force of Magic trilogy, in this gripping prequel novella.

Forced into the Dominion's relentless army as a conscripted soldier, Trace knows only the iron fist of their rule. He's just another cog in their war machine, witnessing firsthand the brutal efficiency and unyielding ambition of a regime that crushes all opposition. Every day is a fight for survival, a constant struggle against the despair of a world seemingly lost to tyranny.

But even in the darkest corners of the Dominion's ranks, seeds of something extraordinary can take root. As Trace endures the unforgiving grind of military life and confronts the moral ambiguities of his forced service, glimpses of the man he is destined to become begin to emerge. What hidden strengths lie dormant within him? What price will he pay for a fleeting chance at freedom?

Discover the untold story of Trace's brutal indoctrination, the sacrifices he made, and the first sparks of defiance that would ultimately shape the fate of Cairn. A must-read for fans of The Force of Magic trilogy, this novella offers a deeper understanding of the heroes and villains you thought you knew, revealing the harrowing path that led one conscripted soldier to the precipice of destiny.

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

As a lifelong lover of books, I’ve always had a great appreciation for writers and their craft. Over the course of my 50+ years living in different places around the world, I’ve written a few things, but never took the time to sit and try to write down any of the books I’ve dreamed up. In 2021 that changed. A new opportunity to share stories, one episode at a time, prompted me to try my hand at it.

I never could have imagined the positive response my writing received and now I’m happy to expand those stories to a wider audience to build upon what I’ve already written. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you enjoy my stories. Please find me on social media @HunterCAuthor to send me your feedback.

About me: I grew up in the Midwest and went to a big state school known as much for their football team as anything else. I studied English Literature and History. It was there that I met my wife and we fell in love. We were married when I was in graduate school and during our first few years working after graduation, God showed us the opportunities to be involved in His work around the world.

Since 2000, we’ve lived outside of the United States, having many amazing experiences and meeting people from around the globe. My experiences traveling and my background in counseling are highly influential in my writing.