The Last Defender: A Story 44 Years in the Making by Marc Simon - Coromind Issue 47, 2026

**Whitianga author Marc Simon traces his fantasy writing back to a childhood discovery: the adventure gamebook *The Warlock of Firetop Mountain*. Decades later, his homemade dungeon game inspired a published series and, ultimately, *The Last Defender: Part 1 – Fire Demon*. Hear how a broken hand, a move back to New Zealand and a lifelong love of interactive storytelling helped bring Marc’s fantasy world to life.** www.coromind.nz