Justin was an afterthought, as much by me as by his mother. I was writing Chapter Fifteen before Justin emerged, and I went back to insert him in his rightful place in Chapter Ten within the Tower of Tomes. Justin quickly became one of my favorites as I wrote about his isolation amongst the Dandies, and his love of books and learning. It brought me back to my childhood and the old library I used to frequent, before it was replaced with a modern structure void of the musty, earthen smell of old tomes. 

I enjoyed writing about Justin’s journey as an Apotheka, and the books, herbs, and treatments he brings forth. It seemed natural to place him in the heart of the action within Gastown, and managing the delicate relationships with Carlos Grimm and Puzzle Pete, even if he is very much a fish out of water. 

Justin represents an outsider who is trying to find his true place in a new world. However, his desire to do good is compromised by his role as a spy for his sister, Rafyn.