The Gatekeeper

John lives a solitary life, intentionally removed from the turmoil of politics and the danger of magic, until the day a mysterious, wounded woman collapses on his doorstep, bringing chaos-and an unexpected inheritance-into his isolated world.
Suddenly thrust into the role of a gatekeeper, an important but dangerous position tied to a powerful gem, John is thrown into the center of a complex web of intrigue, magical politics, and deadly threats. As supernatural attacks escalate and shadowy forces close in, John must quickly learn who to trust in a realm where deception rules.
Reluctantly guided by an eccentric cast of allies-including a sarcastic doctor, a headstrong knight, and one loyal horse-John must find a way to survive the maelstrom of politics before dark forces unravel everything he knows and loves.
Blending fantasy, suspense, and sharp wit, The Gatekeeper is a heady tale of one man's reluctant journey from seclusion to heroism, and the secrets that threaten to destroy him along the way.
Will John welcome his destiny, or will the burden of being the gatekeeper destroy him first?

Brad has always been a voracious reader. His childhood treat was going to a used bookstore to get a massive stack of used books to read. He always wanted to write his own story, and he wore a path in the bedroom carpet coming up with stories-really! He has continually had plots and ideas bouncing around in his head, with several faltering attempts to write them over the years. Eventually, he decided to "focus and finish," as his mom would say. This book is the result of a multi-year journey, one that started before AI was in the headlines, and one that was far harder than he thought it would be.