Choices, Dragons & Dangerous Quests: A Q&A with Alister Williams, Author of Dragon Hunt: A Monster Hunter Adventure

In the immersive world of the Twisted Realm, readers don’t just follow the hero - they become one.

Alister Williams’ Dragon Hunt: A Monster Hunter Adventure throws readers straight into the action as they join legendary hunter Morgan Wulf in a last-ditch quest to save the lands of Alderth from a terrifying dragon. But this isn’t a story with one beginning, middle, and end. Instead, you decide what happens next. With every choice leading to a new page, path, or peril, this interactive adventure invites readers to step into the narrative and test their own instincts.

Part of the wider Twisted Realm Roleplay Adventures series - a universe of high

fantasy, science fiction, and immersive roleplay action - Dragon Hunt blends fast-paced storytelling, world-building, and character-driven action with the thrill of consequence. Recommended for readers aged 10+, it’s bold, imaginative, and full of dark twists for those brave enough to face them.

We spoke to Alister about what it takes to write a story with many endings, how his live events inspire the world on the page, and why choice-driven adventures are so powerful.

Dragon Hunt is packed with danger, action, and decisions, what inspired you to make this an interactive, choice-led story?

When I was younger, I was an enormous fan of the Fighting Fantasy series. I’d spend hours exploring those books and getting lost in their richly detailed worlds. So, when I finally decided to start writing stories set in the universe I’d created, it felt natural to include that same interactive, choice-driven element I loved growing up.

The twist I wanted to add, though, was the presence of multiple branching endings, ensuring that every decision truly matters and shapes the direction of the narrative. That way, readers aren’t just following a path; they’re actively crafting their own version of the adventure. It also gives them a reason to return to the book again and again, discovering a fresh story each time they dive back in.

Morgan Wulf is a powerful lead. What makes him the right companion for readers to face a fearsome dragon alongside?

When I created Morgan Wulf, I envisioned him as the ideal companion to guide readers through a world filled with danger and impossible choices. He needed to embody the spirit of a true adventurer, brave, resourceful, and already a living legend within the universe. But more importantly, I wanted him to be someone readers could genuinely connect with, a character whose strengths and vulnerabilities make him relatable despite his heroic status.

My hope is that readers will feel a bond with Morgan as they journey alongside him, encouraging them to follow him into future stories and adventures. In fact, I’m currently working on a book that explores Morgan’s childhood and the pivotal moments that set him on the path to becoming the hero he is. This backstory will give readers an even deeper understanding of who he is and why he’s the perfect ally when facing something as fearsome as a dragon.

Writing a book with multiple endings must be a huge creative challenge! How do you even begin to structure something like that?

It certainly was a challenge, especially since it was my first book! For any story, having a clear sense of the ending is crucial, but when you’re working with five possible outcomes, the entire process shifts. It becomes a bit like writing five different books simultaneously and then weaving them together in a way that feels natural and seamless.

To make it work, I focused on building a strong central storyline first, then branching outward, ensuring each choice carried real weight and led the reader down a meaningful path. Structuring it was like solving a creative puzzle: every section had to connect logically while still giving readers the freedom to explore and shape their own version of the adventure.

Dragon Hunt is just one part of the wider Twisted Realm Roleplay Adventures. How does the book connect to the world you’ve built through roleplay gaming?

The original concept behind the Twisted Realm Roleplay Adventures was to build a roleplay system that felt accessible to newcomers while still offering enough depth and excitement to engage veteran RPG players. I’ve loved roleplaying games since I was very young, so creating a world of my own, one rich enough to support many stories, was a natural next step.

I designed the Twisted Realm with multiple timelines so fans of different genres could explore the same universe from entirely different angles. Dragon Hunt fits within the Monster Hunter timeline: an era filled with magic, fearsome beasts, and legendary heroes. It’s a time when kings rule from towering stone fortresses and cold steel can shape the fate of nations. The book draws directly from that roleplay setting, giving readers a chance to immerse themselves in one of the realm’s most dangerous and adventurous periods.

The tone of Dragon Hunt feels more intense and high-stakes - how do you approach writing for different age groups within the Twisted Realm, while keeping each story engaging and age-appropriate?

Writing for different age groups within the Twisted Realm can definitely be a challenge. I want younger readers to be able to step into the world safely, while still giving older readers and long-time fantasy fans the depth and intensity they enjoy. Some themes simply aren’t suitable for younger audiences, and not every reader gravitates toward the same tone, so I approach each story with its intended audience firmly in mind.

To balance this, I create books that serve as an introduction to the Twisted Realm for younger readers, stories that focus more on adventure, heart, and discovery rather than darker themes. At the same time, these stories are written in a way that older readers can still appreciate, especially if they prefer heartfelt journeys without too much violence or destruction.

Every book in the series comes with its own age recommendation to help guide readers. Dragon Hunt, for example, is suggested for ages 10+; while it contains no strong language or adult content, it does include descriptive battles and frightening villains that might be too intense for very young readers or those who prefer gentler stories. This system allows me to tailor each adventure while keeping the entire Twisted Realm accessible and engaging for a wide range of fans.

Do players from your roleplay events ever influence characters, creatures, or storylines that appear in the books?

Almost all the characters in my stories are inspired by real people. I’m lucky to have a wonderfully supportive group of friends who love seeing themselves transformed into characters within the Twisted Realm, and even my children have found their way into the books. Sometimes a character will reflect someone’s actual personality, and other times I’ll push their traits to the extreme, creating a version of them that’s completely opposite.

That freedom is really at the heart of roleplay: when you create a character, you can be anything you choose – an amplified version of yourself, someone you aspire to become, or even a playful dive into the darker traits you’re glad you don’t possess in real life. Bringing those varied inspirations into the books adds depth, humour, and humanity to the world, all drawn from the people who’ve shared these adventures with me.

What kind of experience do you hope young readers take away from a book where their decisions shape the outcome?

In all roleplaying games, every decision carries a consequence, and I wanted Dragon Hunt to reflect that same sense of agency and unpredictability. My hope is that young readers walk away with the understanding that their choices matter, both in the story and in life. Each decision in the book leads somewhere, sometimes making their journey easier and sometimes making it more challenging, and the “right” answer isn’t always the obvious one.

I want readers to enjoy the thrill of shaping their own adventure but also to appreciate that unexpected outcomes can be just as exciting and meaningful as the ones they planned.

You’ve written across genres - from high fantasy to sci-fi - within the Twisted Realm universe. What keeps you inspired to keep exploring new corners of that world?

I’ve always had a broad love for fantasy, science fiction, and ancient mythology; books, TV shows, movies, and folklore from all over the world constantly spark my imagination. Those influences naturally find their way into the Twisted Realm, inspiring me to explore new ideas, eras, and genres within the same universe.

At the same time, I challenge myself to ensure each story stands on its own and doesn’t simply follow familiar tropes or well-worn paths. The Twisted Realm is vast and flexible enough to support countless different narratives, so discovering fresh corners of the world and creating new ones when needed keeps the writing process exciting and endlessly inspiring.

When you’re not hunting dragons or building quests, what helps you recharge or spark new story ideas?

In my spare time, I love diving into roleplay and tabletop fantasy games. I even help run a club in Lincoln, which is always a great source of creativity and camaraderie. I’m also a big sports fan. I used to play quite a bit myself, but these days I get just as much joy from watching my daughter play football and cheering her on from the sidelines.

Another passion of mine is running creative writing workshops, especially for young people who struggle with anxiety around writing. Helping them find their confidence and discover their own imaginative voices is incredibly rewarding.

Where can readers find more about your books, explore the Twisted Realm timeline, or even get involved in your live adventure experiences?

Readers can explore the full Twisted Realm universe, including the books, the different timelines, character lore, and our live roleplay events, by visiting www.twistedrealm.co.uk. There you’ll find everything from world guides to updates on in-person adventures, along with details on how to get involved and become part of the experience yourself.