The Making of Fire Over Europe

Where history, myth, and imagination collide

A Lifelong Fascination with WWII

My fascination with World War II began long before I ever thought about writing a novel. The stories, the human resilience, the scale of the conflict — all of it left a mark on me. I’ve always believed that if we don’t remember history, we risk repeating it, and that philosophy sits at the heart of Fire Over Europe.

Even though the novel introduces dragons and mythic forces, the historical backdrop needed to feel grounded, respectful, and real. That meant research — a lot of it. I spent countless hours studying timelines, military structures, aircraft, training methods, and the lived experiences of soldiers and civilians. The evacuation at Dunkirk, the RAAF training environment, the atmosphere of 1939 Brisbane — these details mattered. They anchor the fantasy in something recognisable, something true.

Inspired by the ANZAC Spirit

A major source of inspiration came from the ANZACs — their determination, irreverence, grit, and unbreakable camaraderie. Their legacy isn’t just military; it’s cultural. It’s a reminder of courage under impossible circumstances.

Even their enemies recognised it. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, after facing Australian and New Zealand forces in North Africa, famously said:

“If I had to take Hell, I’d use the Australians to take it, and the New Zealanders to hold it.”

That quote has stayed with me for years. It captures something essential about the ANZAC character — bold, relentless, and unyielding. Those qualities found their way into the characters of Fire Over Europe, especially Charlie and his squad.

Why Dragons?

I’ve always loved a good dragon story. There’s something timeless about dragons — symbols of power, mystery, and the unknown. When I began imagining a version of WWII where dragons existed, the idea clicked instantly.

What if the war wasn’t just fought with machines, but with ancient creatures bound to their riders? What if the skies over Europe weren’t just filled with aircraft, but with serpents, drakes, and wyverns shaped by the elements themselves?

That’s where Thalassa was born.

Designing Thalassa

Thalassa, Charlie’s Water Serpent, became the heart of the story. She isn’t a fire‑breathing monster — she’s an elemental force. Legless, sleek, oceanic, with a coral‑like crest and two sets of wings, she embodies the depth and mystery of the sea.

Designing her species, her movement, and her bond with Charlie was one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Their connection reframes the war, adding layers of wonder and danger that reshape the familiar narrative.

Forging the Characters

Charlie Harrison, an ordinary young man from Brisbane, became the lens through which readers experience this mythic version of history. His journey mirrors the experiences of so many real young men thrown into a conflict they never asked for.

Around him, a diverse squad formed — Sarah, Wellington, Evie, David, Maggie, Aiden — each with their own strengths, flaws, and arcs. Their camaraderie, tension, and growth reflect the spirit of wartime units, especially those shaped by the ANZAC ethos

Writing the War

Writing the training sequences, the dragon bonding ritual, and the squad’s evolution was a joy. Writing Dunkirk was something else entirely. I wanted the chaos, the desperation, and the courage of that moment to shine through, even with dragons in the sky.

It was important to honour the real history while exploring how mythic elements might have changed it. The result is a blend of grit and wonder — a reimagining of a pivotal moment through a new lens.

A Story Still Unfolding

Fire Over Europe is still unfolding. Chapters are being released on Wattpad, and the full novel continues to grow under Hansen Mythos Press. This story — this blend of history and myth — has been with me for a long time. It’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of imagination, and the beginning of a much larger world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Jordan‑Lee Hansen

Founder, Hansen Mythos Press