Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2 thrusts readers into a battle for humanity’s future as a group of survivors fight against a ruthless queen from space to the streets of a post-apocalyptic Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

As the story developed, I realized the fantasy side of it naturally flowed from the science fiction developments in book 1. As far as inspiration for the setup of the story, I’ve always been drawn to post-apocalyptic stories. For a lot of us, it’s a well that never runs dry. Yet I wanted to portray characters that resemble, not the future, but those who look to the past for their power and purpose.

Queen Eve is a compelling antagonist. What inspired her character, and did she evolve differently than you first envisioned?

Queen Eve has evolved, or regressed, into something much darker and sinister than had originally been seen when we first met her. This surprises even her own family. The rest of her part in the story developed naturally from that point on as she is virtually elemental.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Restart explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked technological power. The story delves into the blurred lines between humanity and technology, as the characters grapple with the moral complexities of a world redefined by a catastrophic event.

Survival and Humanity: The characters navigate a world where survival tests their humanity, pushing them to make difficult choices.

Betrayal and Trust: The group grapples with internal and external threats, questioning who can be trusted in a world where alliances are fragile.

Power and Consequences: The misuse of technological power leads to catastrophic consequences, exploring the potential dangers of unchecked advancements, such as AI and the military-industrial complex.

Family Ties: The dynamics of family relationships, both blood-related and chosen, play a significant role in shaping the characters’ motivations and actions.

The world-building is so immersive. What research or influences helped shape these settings?

First and foremost, I love books! I also love movies. As I write, I see it all come to life on the big screen. For me, science fiction is best when it comes a little closer to science than it does fiction. For that reason, my historical and theoretical research is quite thorough to ensure plausibility throughout the story. Perhaps it hasn’t happened yet, but it could happen at a later time. As for fiction, it’s certainly necessary as it entertains and intrigues the reader while serving to enrich the plot. In the end, science fiction must be timely.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon