The Author
Zachery A. Hager is a U.S. Navy veteran and dark fantasy author. He served 14+ years as a Sailor, traveling the world and visiting places across the Pacific and Adriatic seas. His first book "Of Land and Bone" starts the A Desolate Tale series. He uses his military experience and world travels to write realistic characters who face tough situations.
​
His time as a Sailor visiting different countries and cultures helps him create rich, detailed fantasy worlds. The places he's seen during his Navy service inspire the landscapes and kingdoms in his dark fantasy novels. When he's not writing about necromancers and magic, Zachery studies astronomy and spends time with his family.
Zachery writes dark fantasy that feels real because he's lived through challenging experiences around the world. His characters like Lorian Glint, Orianna Knotlen, and Cassius Thorn show the same toughness and worldly wisdom he gained as a Sailor.
My Story
​​The World of Aeldria
​
Inspired by legends, history, and his love of epic storytelling, Zachery weaves a universe where beauty and horror walk hand-in-hand. His work draws influences from classics like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Lord of the Rings as well as darker inspirations from Berserk, The Witcher, and Fullmetal Alchemist.
Through his storytelling, Zachery creates characters who feel deeply human — flawed, conflicted, and unforgettable.
​
​
Beyond the Page
​
When he isn’t writing, Zachery enjoys Jeep adventures with his family, teaching his daughter lessons in resilience and creativity, and exploring the intersection of fantasy, history, and space exploration. His long-term vision extends beyond books, aiming to build immersive fantasy experiences, graphic adaptations, and generational storytelling legacies.
​
Connect
​
Follow Zachery on his journey as an author and world-builder:
​
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_desolate_tale/
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579968940904​
​
Stay updated on new releases, behind-the-scenes worldbuilding, and exclusive extras from Of Land and Bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I read A Desolate Tale books?
​
Start with Of Land and Bone: A Desolate Tale — this is Book One of the series and introduces the world of Aeldria, Lorian, and Orianna. The following books will continue the saga in chronological order, so you can read them as they release without worrying about prequels or spin-offs.
Is Of Land and Bone appropriate for young adult readers?
​
Of Land and Bone is written for an adult fantasy audience. While mature teens may enjoy it, the book contains dark themes, violence, necromancy, and moral ambiguity that are more in line with grimdark and adult epic fantasy. Parents of younger readers may wish to preview the content first.
When is the next Aeldria book coming out?
Book Two of A Desolate Tale is currently in development and will expand the story into Aeldria’s royal court, new relics, and deeper conflicts. The planned release date is May 13, 2025, with updates shared regularly through the newsletter and social channels.
​
What makes Of Land and Bone different from other dark fantasy novels?
​
This story combines the haunting atmosphere of grimdark with the emotional depth of classic epics like The Count of Monte Cristo. It isn’t just about battles or bloodshed — it’s about characters forced to make impossible choices in a world that offers no easy answers. The themes of vengeance, faith, and legacy set it apart, making it both brutal and deeply human.
How long is Of Land and Bone?
The novel is approximately 207 pages making it a full-length dark fantasy epic. It’s perfect for readers who want a rich, immersive story they can sink into.
Does Of Land and Bone have romance elements?
Yes — while the book focuses heavily on vengeance, survival, and necromancy, there are subtle romantic threads woven into the narrative. These relationships add emotional depth without taking away from the darker tone of the story.
