Ilkka Auer Finnish writer Date of Birth: 26.06.1996 Country: Finland

1. Ilkka Auer: A Finnish Fantasy Master
2. A Gateway to Fantasy
3. From Short Stories to Novels
4. The "Land of Snow and Ice" Saga
5. The Nicholas North Trilogy
6. Literary Passions and Inspirations
7. Future Prospects

Ilkka Auer: A Finnish Fantasy Master

Ilkka Auer's love for literature was sparked at an early age, when he mastered the art of reading at just four years old. His first complete novel came at the tender age of 11-12, and by adolescence, he had developed a strong affinity for horror and science fiction.

A Gateway to Fantasy

Auer's fascination with fantasy took hold in 1982 when he encountered the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Inspired, he embarked on the creation of his own magical realms, his enthusiasm for role-playing deepening all the while. His passion culminated in the development of his own tabletop RPG in 1997, effectively bidding farewell to his fandom.

From Short Stories to Novels

Auer's creative energy eventually shifted towards writing short stories set in his imaginative worlds. In 2001, his tale "Fenris ja jäätänoita" (Fenris and Ice Witch), penned as a gift for a friend's daughter, not only delighted its intended recipient but also ignited demand for more. This led to the birth of Auer's debut fantasy novel, "Sysilouhien sukua" (The Clan of the Shadow Guardians), published in 2004.

The "Land of Snow and Ice" Saga

Recognized as the best Finnish fantasy novel of the year by the Tolkien Society, "Sysilouhien sukua" was the first installment in a four-part series titled "Lumen ja jään maa" (Land of Snow and Ice), with a fifth volume currently in progress. The saga has garnered immense popularity in Finland, with the first novel recently finding an audience in Brazil as well. Auer eagerly anticipates the possibility of introducing the series to Russian readers.

The Nicholas North Trilogy

In 2010, Auer embarked on a collaborative project with Finnish director Antti Jokinen, resulting in a trilogy based on Finnish mythology from the epic "Kalevala." The first novel, "Jäävuoren kirous" (The Curse of the Ice Mountain), was published in 2013 in Finland and Brazil, with its English translation appearing in 2014. It follows the tale of Nicholas North, a seemingly immortal being whose extraordinary gift is a burden rather than a blessing, as he is destined to bring doom upon the North according to a grim prophecy. A homeless orphan turned thief, Nicholas's woes are compounded by the machinations of the evil Ice Queen Kalmatar, who seeks his immortality for herself. The story continues in two planned sequels.

Literary Passions and Inspirations

Auer holds a deep appreciation for classical music, particularly the works of Russian composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich. Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony and his First Piano Concerto hold a special place in his heart. While writing, he immerses himself in film soundtracks. Historical fiction, horror, and detective novels also captivate his imagination, although he steers clear of fantasy to avoid external influences on his own creative process.

Future Prospects

Auer's literary aspirations extend beyond fantasy, with plans to explore the genres of science fiction and horror. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the fantasy genre that has cemented his literary legacy.