Driven to bring something beautiful and powerful to a world that needs it

Darktavian, the pen name of Justin DT Wills, brings a remarkable blend of experiences to his writing, drawing on his global career as an airline pilot, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his deep passion for storytelling. Born in South Africa, Justin’s early athletic accomplishments—including competing nationally in motocross and equestrian show jumping—fuelled a disciplined, adventurous spirit that carried him into his aviation career.

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 leading subsidiary 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 170,000 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 Bangkok, and at times in England, Justin continues to work on future installments of A Dance of Force, aiming to captivate readers with his immersive worlds and complex characters.