Thurso author prepares for debut fantasy novel release
A Thurso-based writer is set to make his debut in the world of contemporary fantasy fiction later this month with the launch of a new novel that promises an “utterly extraordinary” adventure.
Inquisitive – the first novel from author Stephen DG Frame – is due for release on June 28, 2025.
The story follows Lottie, a university student whose world is upended when she discovers she is being hunted by powerful figures known as the Makers—shadowy individuals who govern portals between worlds.
Written for fans of authors like Sarah J Maas, Suzanne Collins and T Kingfisher, Inquisitive blends dark fantasy with coming-of-age themes and character-driven storytelling.
While the novel draws heavily on the architecture and atmosphere of Edinburgh for its setting, its roots lie firmly in the north, with Frame calling the far edge of the Highlands his home.
Stephen cites his love of board games and 2000 AD comics as key influences in shaping the tone and spirit of his debut.
His protagonist, Lottie, is forced to confront her limits while relying on the people around her.
“I wanted to write a book which explored what might happen if a perfectly ordinary person was thrust into a situation that is utterly extraordinary,” Stephen explains. “But with the caveat that their life experiences might actually have prepared them in some way for this happenstance.
“My hero, Lottie, is curious, geeky, and a gamer. She is open to the possibility of the far-from-normal.
“So, when she lands in what is, in effect, a role-play game played out for real, with very lethal stakes, she copes, to an extent. At the same time, she finds she is completely out of her depth and needs to rely on those around her.
“That was the second inspiration: a story about the strength of friendships and how it helps us to deal with the difficulties life throws at us.”
When Lottie crosses paths with Payge, a troubled bookseller with secrets of his own, she is thrown into a dangerous new reality.
As she navigates otherworldly landscapes and unlocks a rare ability to alter the very gates the Makers control, she finds herself caught between betrayal, survival and the strength of newfound friendships.