One of the things I love most about writing fantasy is how it allows us to explore big ideas—ideas that can shape not only the characters in the story but also how we think about ourselves. Leadership is one of those universal themes that keeps popping up in my stories, whether I intend for it to or not. And honestly, I think that’s because leadership, in all its forms, is something we can relate to in our own lives.
In the Legion of Pneumos world, leadership takes many forms. Some characters lead through compassion, others through strategic thinking or sheer force of will. As The Remnant approaches its release, I’ve found myself reflecting on how three central characters—Neval, Basha, and Keira—embody different aspects of leadership. Each of them starts their journey with distinct leadership styles, and as the story unfolds, we see how those styles evolve based on the challenges they face.
Let’s dive into how leadership plays a role in their lives, and what we can learn from them along the way.
Neval: The Reluctant Leader
Neval, the fledgling leader in The Rebel, has a leadership story born of necessity. His story begins in a place familiar to many of us—he’s a reluctant leader, thrust into a position of responsibility not because he sought it, but because it’s been placed upon him. He’s compassionate and deeply empathetic, which are strengths in their own right. But in a world where every decision can have far-reaching consequences, his desire to protect everyone around him sometimes makes leadership difficult.
Neval’s biggest struggle as a leader is finding the balance between his natural empathy and the hard decisions that leadership often demands. When lives are at stake, he can’t always afford to listen to his heart—but he also can’t lead without it. Throughout The Rebel and the broader Legion of Pneumos series, we see Neval grow into a leader who understands that vulnerability and strength aren’t mutually exclusive. He learns that by showing his humanity, he can inspire loyalty and trust in those who follow him.
It’s a leadership style that feels particularly relevant today, where empathy and emotional intelligence are often key to making meaningful connections and leading effectively. Neval’s journey reminds us that being a leader isn’t about having all the answers—sometimes, it’s about having the courage to admit when you don’t.
Keira: The Protector
Keira, the protagonist of The Cantor, Chaos Looming, and Haven Enduring, embodies a different kind of leadership altogether—one rooted in protection and loyalty. Her leadership style is defined by her fierce dedication to those she loves and the lengths she’s willing to go to keep them safe. For Keira, leadership is about sacrifice. She sees herself as the shield for her people, always putting their needs above her own. But this selflessness also becomes her biggest challenge.
Keira’s journey is about learning that leadership doesn’t have to mean bearing the burden alone. As much as she wants to protect everyone, she eventually realizes that true leadership is about empowering others to protect themselves. By trying to carry everything on her own shoulders, she risks alienating the very people she’s trying to help. Her arc is one of realizing that leadership isn’t just about fighting battles for others—it’s about helping them find the strength to fight alongside you.
Keira’s leadership reminds us that being a protector is noble, but it can also be isolating. Leaders who are too focused on shielding others often forget that they, too, need support. Keira’s evolution as a leader teaches us the value of trust and collaboration in leadership—sometimes, the greatest strength comes from standing together, not apart.
Basha: The Strategist
If Neval leads with his heart, Basha leads with her mind. Protagonist of the upcoming novella, The Remnant, she’s the quintessential strategist, always thinking several steps ahead, calculating risks, and devising plans to keep her people safe. Basha is a warrior by training, and her leadership style reflects that discipline. She thrives on precision, logic, and the ability to make tough decisions quickly. But her journey is about realizing that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about understanding the human element behind those decisions.
At the start of her story, Basha sees leadership as a means of control—a way to keep things moving in the right direction, to steer the ship, so to speak. But as she interacts with her companions and faces challenges that force her to reconsider what leadership really means, she starts to understand that true leadership is as much about listening as it is about planning. Her arc is one of transformation, where she learns to trust her instincts, but also to trust the people around her.
Leaders like Basha remind us of the importance of adaptability. No matter how well-thought-out a plan is, real leadership requires being able to pivot when things don’t go as expected. Basha’s story teaches us that while strategy and precision are crucial, leading with understanding and flexibility can make all the difference.
What I love about these three characters—Neval, Basha, and Keira—is how different their leadership styles are, yet how similar their goals remain. Each of them wants to protect and guide their people, but the way they go about it couldn’t be more different. Neval leads with empathy, Basha with strategy, and Keira with sheer willpower. And yet, as their stories progress, we see how their leadership styles begin to converge, borrowing from each other as they face new challenges.
Leadership, whether in fantasy or the real world, is never one-size-fits-all. Some lead with their heart, others with their mind, and still others with their strength. What matters most is how these qualities evolve and adapt to the needs of the moment—and how leaders are willing to grow alongside their people.
Whether you see yourself in Neval’s compassionate leadership, Basha’s tactical brilliance, or Keira’s fierce protectiveness, there’s something to learn from each of these characters. The beauty of leadership in fantasy is that it allows us to explore the different ways we can lead in our own lives—whether that’s in our families, our communities, or even just in how we lead ourselves through tough times.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on leadership in fantasy! Who are some of your favorite leaders in fiction, and what makes them stand out to you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or shoot me a message—I always love hearing from you. 💬
Until next time, keep leading with heart, mind, and courage. 🛡️✨
