Local author takes readers to another world

Imagine a world apart from ours that has never felt pain, seen death or felt fear – until evil comes after this untouched world with unrelenting force and threatens its very existence.

Local author Christopher Hopper took readers to this world Aug. 17 during a visit to McEwen Library as he read from his book, “Rise of the Dibor,” a young adult fiction fantasy book.

Hopper read the first chapter, which painted a picture of a powerful warrior, his surroundings and the mysterious stranger who stepped into his path. The ending left listeners asking what would happen next.
In subsequent chapters, subtle signs become drastic warnings that a powerful force is coming against the peaceful world of Dionia. People start feeling pain for the first time, animals start to turn against their masters and vibrant plants start to wither. Royal sons train for impending battle, as the evil Morgui plans schemes of destruction.
Hopper said the inspiration for the book came when he was 16, listening to his mom tell about a dream she had of another world that was full of peace and beauty. Adam and Eve did not take a bite of the apple, and pain and strife never entered the world. The idea rolled around in his mind for a couple of years, and he wondered if evil would try to make a comeback to a world that resisted it the first time.

Hopper started writing the story in 1998 but lost it three times in computer hard drive crashes. He began the final version in August 2004 and completed it by January 2005. It was picked up by the first publisher who saw it.

In the book, “good” and “bad” characters strive for victory using strategic battles of the mind, emotions and spirit, in addition to physical violence. Warriors are trained to “command the natural and discern the supernatural.”

It is a saga of good versus evil, but in a new and different realm, taking its readers into places most imaginations have never even thought to enter.

Hopper said he considers the story to be a parable, conveying principles that people could be opposed to if expressed in other venues.

“Stories are powerful,” he said. “They invade us, and we don’t even realize it, and we find we’re challenged or changed in some way by them. If I can paint a picture that’s beautiful with engaging characters, it becomes a tool to communicate to people who otherwise might not listen.”
His wife Jennifer said she has enjoyed watching her husband take the vision he had in his head and transfer it onto paper.

“It’s been awesome to see one of my husband’s deepest dreams reach fruition,” she said. “I’m very proud of him.”

Hopper, who comes from a military family, said he was honored to come to Fort Drum and wanted to be a blessing to Soldiers and families.

In addition to being an author, he also is a musician with eight albums released worldwide. His latest album, “Airborne,” is dedicated to service members and their pursuit of establishing freedom.
“It’s kind of funny – I’m an author and almost always have something to say, but in this case, I fall short of words to express my gratitude to them,” he said. “We love you, and we thank you for what you’re doing.”

Hopper and his wife have one daughter, Evangeline, and a son on the way. They are youth pastors and worship leaders at New Life Christian Church in Depauville. He also is an artist, conference speaker, producer, ordained minister and studio musician.

For more information about Christopher Hopper and “Rise of the Dibor,” go to http://christopherhopper.org/.