S03E20: Devin Hunter

Devin Hunter, writing as Darren Sparks, describes the 'Chronicles of Calamity' as a novella series blending cosmic YA science fiction with thriller and horror tones, intended both as public fiction and as a writing exercise. He released three novellas (with plans for five) on Kindle Unlimited as a way to sharpen his long-form fiction skills before tackling a novel. The series engages occult and speculative themes, allowing Devin the creative freedom absent in his nonfiction work, and has received encouraging feedback. These novellas represent his transition into identifying as an author of both nonfiction and fiction, exploring narratives he couldn't address in his practical occult books. The series also functions as a testing ground for character and worldbuilding techniques he plans to expand in a future novel.

In 'The Witch's Book of Mysteries,' Devin Hunter delves into more enigmatic aspects of witchcraft, offering readers structured, practical explorations of esoteric practices and theory. The book aims to make mysterious or abstract occult topics comprehensible and usable, combining Hunter’s ritual experience with clear, grounded instruction. It complements his other series entries by expanding on conceptually deeper areas while maintaining an accessible tone. Hunter’s background in multiple occult orders informs the content’s depth and responsibility. The work supports readers who want to deepen practice without being misled by oversimplification or sensational claims.

Devin Hunter's 'Modern Witch' functions both as a pictorial introduction and practical guide to contemporary witchcraft, reflecting the approachable teaching style he established through his podcast. The book blends photographs, exercises, and concise explanations to help practitioners of varying levels engage with ritual, tools, and daily practice. Designed to be visually appealing and user-friendly, it supports readers who prefer a more tactile, image-driven approach to learning. Hunter aims to demystify occult topics while maintaining ethical responsibility and clarity. The book complements the Modern Witch podcast, offering a curated, tangible companion to Hunter’s spoken teachings.

Devin Hunter describes 'Universal Witch' as an early book he wrote at age 19 that he considered a poor effort and sent to publishers who politely rejected it, which discouraged him from pursuing writing for years. He later reflects on that period as formative but not representative of his later published work. The manuscript motivated him to step back and eventually return to writing via podcasting and subsequent book deals. Although the title was mentioned in the conversation, Devin framed it as an unpublished or rejected early effort rather than a widely released, polished book. The work influenced his later approach to authoring accessible nonfiction on witchcraft.

Devin Hunter's 'The Witch's Book of Power' is a practical nonfiction guide that outlines ways practitioners can cultivate personal power within witchcraft through rituals, correspondences, and exercises. Drawing on Hunter's experience as an initiated occultist and teacher, the book focuses on grounding fantastical topics into usable practices for modern readers. It forms part of a series that helped establish Hunter as a prominent accessible voice in contemporary witchcraft publishing. The text balances responsibility and clarity, aiming to avoid misleading flamboyance while making occult concepts approachable. Its publication followed Hunter’s growth as a podcaster and public teacher, which helped him secure a book contract.

Devin Hunter's 'Crystal Magic for the Modern Witch' offers a practical, user-friendly exploration of crystal work within modern witchcraft, combining metaphysical correspondences with hands-on techniques. Drawing from Hunter’s experience owning a crystal shop and collaborating with knowledgeable peers, the book covers selection, care, and ritual use of stones. It emphasizes accessible methods for readers to incorporate crystals into daily practice responsibly. The text is aimed at both beginners and intermediate practitioners seeking a grounded approach to stone magic. Hunter’s style favors clarity and avoids sensationalist claims, helping readers form reliable relationships with their tools.

Glynn Stewart's 'Starship's Mage' series combines elements of space opera with fantasy by introducing engineered magic-users (mages) who enable interstellar travel, exploring political and personal consequences of combining science and sorcery. The series focuses on action-driven plots, interstellar diplomacy, and the ethics of creating and controlling enhanced individuals for practical ends. Devin references the series as an example of sci-fantasy that influenced his own use of concepts like simulacra for binding or interacting with deities, noting how such fiction can provide terminology and narrative devices later adopted into occult discourse. The books are accessible, engaging, and emphasize the intersection of technology and spirituality that Devin finds compelling.

Devin Hunter's 'The Witch's Book of Spirits' provides practical guidance for engaging with spirits within a contemporary witchcraft framework, blending ethical considerations with exercises for establishing relationships with nonphysical beings. The book emphasizes grounded, responsible approaches aimed at making spirit work accessible without sensationalism, reflecting Hunter's advice to 'just tell the truth' in spiritual writing. It is positioned as part of a series that demystifies occult practices for readers seeking pragmatic instruction. Hunter’s experience in multiple occult orders and teaching informs the book’s tone and structure. The guide helps practitioners build safe, clear practices for ritual, invocation, and communication with spirit allies.

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people.

Ursula K. Le Guin's "Changing Planes" is a unique collection of short stories connected by a framing narrative. The stories explore diverse themes of gender, society, and human nature, showcasing Le Guin's mastery of world-building and character development. The book's structure allows for a wide range of explorations, from fantastical realms to subtle observations of everyday life. Le Guin's signature blend of science fiction and fantasy creates a captivating reading experience. The collection is a testament to Le Guin's enduring influence on the genre.

In this groundbreaking novel, Ursula K. Le Guin delves into the society of Gethen, a planet where the inhabitants are androgynous and only enter a state of sexual arousal once a month. The story follows Genly Ai, an envoy from the Ekumen, as he navigates the complexities of Gethenian culture and politics. The novel is a profound exploration of gender, identity, and the human condition, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.

Foundation is the first book in Isaac Asimov's renowned Foundation series. It introduces Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who predicts the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing dark age. To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, aimed at preserving human knowledge and laying the groundwork for a new civilization. The book is a collection of interrelated short stories that follow the early history of the Foundation as it navigates various crises and challenges predicted by Seldon's psychohistory.