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Biography of Darktavian
woven from the winds of the world
Darktavian, the pen name of Justin David, brings a remarkable blend of experiences to his writing, drawing from his global career as an airline pilot, entrepreneurial ventures, and a profound passion for storytelling. Born in South Africa, Justin’s early athletic accomplishments—including competing nationally in rugby, motocross and equestrian show jumping—fueled a disciplined, adventurous spirit that ultimately carried him into aviation and beyond.
Justin’s aviation journey began in 2005 when he joined a regional airline in South Africa, where he swiftly rose to commander within their turboprop fleet. By the age of 25, he transitioned into a prestigious jet captain role within the regional fleet—a promotion that underscored his professionalism and leadership ability. His career expanded internationally in 2010 when he moved to Singapore to fly the Airbus A320 with a subsidiary of the leading national airline. In 2011, he joined one of the world’s top five airlines, piloting the Boeing 777-300ER on intercontinental routes, regularly flying over the striking expanses of the North Pole. Over his 11-year tenure with this global airline, Justin accumulated over 12,000 flight hours, including 5,000 hours on long-haul, wide-body aircraft. His progression to Relief Command Pilot further refined his leadership and decision-making abilities, while his extensive flying experience across diverse regions enriched his global perspective.
Parallel to his aviation career, Justin embraced his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2013, he founded a thriving fitness business in Hong Kong, collaborating with major global fitness brands. After five successful years, he ventured from the business to focus on writing full-time. His diverse experiences across industries and exposure to global cultures have profoundly influenced his storytelling, allowing him to bring a broad, inclusive worldview to A Dance of Force.
In 2019, just before the global COVID-19 pandemic, Justin began his journey into epic fantasy writing. As flight demands lessened during the pandemic, he found the time and inspiration to fully immerse himself in his story, which had been taking shape within him for years. Whenever he wasn’t in the air, he dedicated himself to writing—day and night. By 2023, as flight schedules returned to normal and his responsibilities as a senior pilot grew, Justin faced a pivotal decision. Realizing that fully bringing his vision to life required undivided focus, he made the courageous choice to pause his aviation career. Though stepping away from flying was difficult, it felt natural, as his heart was already with his story. Guided by his personal philosophy—to pursue the path that challenges and inspires—he became a full-time writer, ensuring that his epic saga could reach its fullest potential.
His dedication to the series is reflected in the over one million words he has already drafted, laying the foundation for a richly detailed world and complex characters. The first 175,000 words of this epic saga, now seeking representation, are the result of years of meticulous development and refinement.
With an extensive background in aviation and a unique perspective shaped by his global experiences, Darktavian brings depth and authenticity to his writing. His storytelling reflects a meticulous attention to detail, honed through years of training, and a thoughtful exploration of philosophical themes. Currently based in Thailand, and at times in South Africa & England, Justin continues to work on future installments of A Dance of Force, aiming to captivate readers with his immersive worlds and complex characters.
Following the Call
a warrior’s honor
Leaving a career flying heavy jets was a difficult decision; I loved much of it, and it afforded me an interesting, stable, and fulfilling life. Yet, I felt a pull toward writing that seemed destined, almost effortless—as if the choice had already been made. My story captured my mind and heart, occupying my thoughts nearly every moment of every day. The allure was undeniable—my heart had already chosen its path.
Ultimately, we can only be 100% invested in one thing. I knew that if I continued flying at a professional level, especially in an increasingly senior role, it would demand not just my time in the jet but countless hours immersed in its manuals and international aviation operations guides. Maintaining the high standards I’ve always upheld would leave little room for my story to become all it could be.
I was faced with a choice: keep flying and attempt to write my story in the in-between moments—battling jet lag on days off after grueling long-haul flights, like New York to Hong Kong or London to Hong Kong—or step away from aviation to fully embrace the story that had captured my heart and mind.
After months of contemplation, it came down to one question: Do I believe in myself enough to give up an amazing career in aviation for a story I love more than words can express? In the end, the decision was both difficult and effortless. From the moment I received the first vision of this story, my heart had already chosen.
I knew I would never regret going all-in on this dream. No matter the outcome, I would always respect myself for having the courage to believe in it wholeheartedly. Along the way, I’ve realized that this story chose me as much as I chose it. The characters and scenes feel like lifelong companions, and writing has become as essential as breathing. Today, I count the entities of my story among my truest and most steadfast friends.
I asked myself what I would respect more in the moment of death—a moment I believe to be not an end, but a transformation that comes for us all: staying safe, or daring to believe in what truly moves me. Writing this story is a warrior’s honor, and I strive to do justice to the epic heroes, the interconnected dimensions, and the vast worlds within it. Only the heroes in my story truly know how much I have given—and continue to give—to bring forth the power and beauty I see every day in the visions that appear to me, unbidden and extraordinary.
I still envision flying another jet someday—or perhaps an amphibious aircraft for the sheer joy of it—but that time is not now. My focus is on writing, on bringing this story to life. Already spanning several books, it holds the potential to grow into something far greater. Let’s see what it becomes and where the path of trust in my soul leads.
— Justin David, a.k.a. Darktavian
