Ars Theory

I started working with Jon in February 2025 when he trusted me to copy edit his collection of 12 short stories. The premise for the stories was unique—demons with consciences?! I was intrigued. Based on the Ars Goetia, Ars Theory tells the tales of 12 of the 72 demons that King Solomon conjured to both teach and learn from. After his death, many of the demons were left with complicated feelings about their interactions with the wise king. Over centuries, they began to explore the things that Solomon taught them about humans—some with a sense of benevolence; others with their inherent sense of malevolence firmly intact.

Who is Jon Sabado?

“Jon Sabado is a Filipino neurodivergent author who was born in Vancouver and currently resides in Burnaby. He was diagnosed with autism when he was five and ever since, he has lived a life of daydreaming and imagination. His vision as an author specializing in fantasy is to provide entertainment and escape, and most importantly, to inspire other neurodivergent youth to become something more than what they were diagnosed with. Whenever he’s not writing, he is usually walking outdoors, working out at the gym, playing video games, trying new food, or working at his part-time job at the library."

I asked Jon how the story changed him while he was writing it.

“The first year I began writing Ars Theory, my progress has been slow from the start. I was reserved, cautious and nervous about a lot of things. I would only be able to write a couple hundred words and then call it a day. Upon realizing I was stuck on envisioning the rest of the book, I decided to write soft outlines to help guide me. Before I knew it, I began to write more and more words at a consistent pace, and as a result, the stories themselves were able to flourish in terms of content and vocabulary.”

When you think back on the editing process, what surprised you most about your own writing?

“I think what surprised me the most was that I had a tendency to write more than I should. Specifically, I would write metaphors that would seem ambiguous or unfitting or make the descriptions more flowery than they needed to be. I didn’t realize I was being carried away by my need to have my writing sound cool. As it turns out, I also had to think about the readers! It doesn’t matter how good my writing is if they don’t understand what I’m trying to convey!”

About Ars Theory

The era of King Solomon has long passed, his legacy now etched in the pages of human history. But it was only a matter of time until the seal on his greatest yet darkest accomplishment came undone. The Ars Goetia—a grimoire-shaped vessel containing 72 of the mightiest rulers of Hell—has opened once more. This clandestine society of demons is now free to roam our world once more. But the shadow of their former master still looms in their hearts, influencing the different kinds of ways they view and interact with humans.

Ars Theory, the debut work of Jon Sabado, is a collection of short stories that serves as a critique of several aspects on the human condition through the eyes of ancient demons who either wish to dominate them or connect with them. Of the 72 rulers, twelve provide unique commentary on our world and explore the complexity that exists between their race and ours. Are demons meant to terrorize humans endlessly? How fragile can the human heart be in the face of the supernatural? Can demons be capable of love and affection the same way humans are capable of destruction without remorse? Has the confirmation that parts of both races exist within each other already manifested without our awareness? This collection delves into such inquiries to delineate humane themes such as mortality, redemption and desperation.

Buy Ars Theory Here

Working with Jon was an absolute pleasure. His willingness to learn and grow as a writer was inspiring. It was an honour to walk beside him as he persevered to make his dream of being published come true.

Congratulations, Jon! I am so proud of you.