The Black Fortress Playlist

THE BLACK FORTRESS has many different storylines woven together all through the novel. Each of these threads adds its own unique feeling, mood, and atmosphere to the overall story. We used music to inspire us and get the creativity flowing for each of these different layers. Below are the main songs that we listened to while writing the book - literally hundreds of times, lol.

We often picture The Gryphon Chronicle as a movie in our minds as we write, so you'll notice these songs are all very theatrical and could easily be the musical score behind the scenes if THE BLACK FORTRESS ever were made into a movie. Fingers crossed! Let us know what you think in the comments. Happy listening!

​PS: We highly recommend using headphones for maximum immersion. :)

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Jake

We have two songs for Jake. Both are heroic, proud, and intense (just like Jake!). Beyond Good and Evil fits especially well at the beginning of the book when Jake is peering down at all the party goers at the Harvest Home festival from the high balcony. And Sands of Time is just general Jake. These are both by the great Audiomachine.

Dani

Dani's storyline is light, playful, and fun, and full of curiosity. This song Mushroomville by Brandon Fiechter fits the bill for us as Dani is trying to adjust to her new circumstances at Merlin Hall.

​The Guardians' Theme Song ~ Derek, Maddox, Janos, Ebrahim, Ravyn...

Sometimes the Guardians have to kick some butt. *grin* This awesome epic song is called Protectors of the Earth by Two Steps from Hell.  Powerful song with a very appropriate title. It'll make you want to slay orcs.

Janos and Izzy

For the tender, sweet, and uplifting moments between Izzy and Janos, we listened to Reaching by Audiomachine. She just knows there's a good guy in there somewhere... He's not so sure.

Wyvern

Sinister, twisted, and cold, Destroyer on Audiomachine's Existence album really fits the bill to get us in the mood for writing wicked Wyvern's scenes! Muahaha...

Shemrazul

A powerful piece for the crafty, diabolical Shemrazul. You've heard it a million times, and it's kind of cliche at this point, but O Fortuna from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana totally fit the bill for us. We NEVER get tired of listening to it!

Zolond and Ramona: It's Complicated.

Particularly their delicate dance as they negotiate war and peace. This is Black Cauldron by Audiomachine.

THE BLACK FORTRESS Climax Scene

The last two chapters of The Black Fortress took FOREVER to write, we don't mind telling you. But Skyrim's The Song of the Dragon Born inspired us and kept our spirits high through many re-writes. No idea what language that is, LOL, so if somebody knows, please tell us! 

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We hope you enjoyed this musical tour through the pages of THE BLACK FORTRESS.  ​Let us know in the comments if you think these songs work or if you have any other suggestions. Which is your favorite? We'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on our selections.