Rave reviews for Sutton author who has defied autism to publish novel

Studies have shown that many people on the autism spectrum find it difficult to perform writing tasks because they struggle to maintain concentration.

But remarkably, 25-year-old Daniel Adler has overcome all barriers to publish ‘Envoy: The Kharakian War’, an epic, dark fantasy spanning 773 pages.

And with sales going well, the book has received widespread acclaim, both from friends and also from reviewers on Amazon, where it can be bought.

Daniel, who lives on Chatsworth Street with wife Hollie and their baby son Gabriel, said: “My autism makes me socially anxious and I have trouble making eye-contact with people.

"I function a lot better every day when I set a routine, and I slot writing into that routine. Writing calms me and relaxes me.”

Daniel, who hails from Mansfield, was only diagnosed with autism a few years ago after leaving Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, and freely admits “it was difficult growing up”.

He took up writing initially as a hobby after studying performing arts at Vision West Nottinghamshire College, where he met Hollie.

But it soon turned into a serious occupation and he fits in his writing stints with his job as a ‘lollipop man’ at Forest Glade Primary School in Sutton

"It started to grow when my wife and friends pushed me, telling me I had a good thing going,” Daniel said.

"I spent about four years doodling on notepads and writing up character biographies. It then took me two years to go from nothing to the whole book.”

Daniel received help from two key friends, Stephanie Kirk, from Mansfield, whom he also met at college, and Jack Gill, from Sutton, who is almost blind.

Stephanie edited the book at a reduced rate as a favour, while Jack, whom Daniel kindly helps with everyday tasks such as shopping, helped him to develop the storylines.

‘Envoy: The Kharakian War’ very much has a ‘Game Of Thrones’ feel to it. The adventure takes the leading characters through unfamiliar landscapes and past dangerous opponents to bring peace to a war-ravaged land.

It contains nailbiting combat, vibrant magic and a deep narrative, aided by a glossary and a calendar that helps readers along.

Those readers have lapped it up, as Amazon reviews show. One read: “The story is transporting and exciting. I was so attached to and invested in the characters and their journey.”

Another read: “I can’t put this book down. It’s such and engaging and inviting world.”

Such praise has not gone to Daniel’s head. He said: “It’s a weird feeling because I didn’t go into writing for money or fame. I just want to make people happy.

"If only one person enjoys the book, I feel I have accomplished something.”

Daniel’s accomplishments have certainly elicited pride in wife Hollie, 25, who works at King’s Mill Hospital.

She said: “Given he is autistic, this is a massive achievement for him. He is currently writing a second novel in a four-book series he has planned.”

That book, Daniel reveals, will be called ‘The Necromancer Rebellion’ . “I am halfway through writing it and I hope to have it released by the end of the year.”

His new legion of fans can’t wait.