When I was 12 years old, I sat in a dark cinema and watched The Empire Strikes Back for the first time. I never recovered—and I mean that in the best possible way. It became my all-time favorite film, and it’s shaped the way I think about stories ever since.

To mark its 45th anniversary this week, I asked myself:
What if that story—of hope, betrayal, and impossible odds—took place in the medieval Irish fantasy world of my upcoming novel?

The result is The Dark Mage Strikes Back: a two-part homage filled with icy landscapes, shadowy visions, desperate flights, swan-dragons in aerial battle, and a chilling confrontation between a young squire and a dark mage with secrets of blood and betrayal. All set against the backdrop of misty monasteries and ancient ruins where story magic stirs—and nothing is ever as it seems.

Listen to part 1 today, and read the final version of the story on my Substack: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/p/the-dark-mage-strikes-back-part-i

New Story: A Cup of Hope and a Slice of Heaven
The cozy tavern where no brew will ever be the same, and neither will you.

Somewhere along an old pilgrimage road in the Irish hills, there’s a crooked little cottage with a creaky door, a glowing hearth, and the scent of cinnamon and pine. Most travelers pass it by.

But those who step inside find something more than a warm drink and a fresh scone.

They find healing.
They find stories.
They find each other.

In today’s short story, I invite you into A Cup of Hope and a Slice of Heaven—a cozy fantasy tale about a magical tavern run by two mysterious hosts, where time flows differently, brews are made with memory and mercy, and the warmth you receive might just be the beginning of something new you pass on.

So grab your favorite mug, settle in, and listen closely.
There’s a knock at the door—and someone is about to step inside.

☕✨

In today's episode, I share the original version of a children's story I made up about a poodle and a chihuahua in Rome. The poodle's owner is a tradition-loving cardinal, whereas the chihuahua is the dog of a chef who one day decides to start experimenting with unconventional pizza toppings.

The dogs go on an adventure in the streets of Rome that ultimately end up affecting their owners as well.

The final version of the story will be part of my upcoming children's book about the animals of Rome. You can read it on my Substack: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/p/the-prelate-the-poodle-and-the-pizza