Buckeye Union High School student Matthew Bladel published his first novel, Lux Spei: Crown of Growth, according to a May 12 announcement. The book is now available through Barnes & Noble.
Bladel began writing the story nearly three years ago, drawing inspiration from popular fantasy series such as Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. He took a year-long break during the process before returning to complete the manuscript in January.
“One of the hardest parts was figuring out the main plot,” Bladel said. “I had multiple drafts and changed the story several times before I found the direction I wanted.” The novel follows Lux, a young character whose journey begins after his sister is kidnapped, leading him through mysterious realms and battles between light and darkness. Alongside his companion Victor, Lux faces challenges that test his resolve and growth.
Bladel independently published Lux Spei: Crown of Growth using Barnes & Noble’s online platform. He plans to expand distribution to other outlets such as Amazon and physical bookstores in the future. Beyond achieving publication while still in high school, Bladel said he hopes teenagers will relate to the book’s message about overcoming adversity: “I want teenagers to see themselves in difficult situations and learn that they can survive them,” he said.
He also shared that writing was personally meaningful for him because it was inspired by memories of his late father. As he continues working on Book Two in his planned five-part series, Bladel encourages aspiring writers not to rush or give up on their work: “Don’t rush the process, and don’t give up if the first draft isn’t perfect,” he said. “You just have to keep working on it until it becomes something you’re proud of.”
