Blog Archives
The Morally Grey Character
The Dark Without follows a young woman living in a world where the Earth is dying, who is abducted by aliens and becomes a powerful mystical leader charged with bringing Earth back from the brink of death. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I first started, I had no idea where it was heading, but I knew it had to be along the lines of a total power failure and the ensuing outcome of what that brings. But by the third chapter, things started to veer sideways and new ideas hit me all at once. Having aliens in the mix wasn’t in the plans at first. But if I’d kept to the original, it would’ve been pretty drab and predictable, with the backdrop of an Earth falling dreadfully into a dystopian apocalypse with no hope of ever coming out of it. I did toy around with having the aliens as the good guys, but that would’ve been boring, and again, predictable. So I made the protagonist, Esme, the morally grey character – one who the reader would hopefully root for, yet be unsettled with her choices.
The inspiration for the “original” story came about several years ago during a power cut. I sat there feeling absolutely stranded and at a loss of what to do next. No power meant no WiFi, television, or even the air conditioner. What a cushy, entitled life we live in now, right? And from there, a thought bubble formed and a story – what if the power never came back on, what would happen? What would people do? And that ended up the base of the story.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The setting just sort of manifested organically. I keep a list of names for future characters in future books (which author doesn’t, right?), and I grabbed “Esme” because it sounded right for the story. A simple, classic name, and a little unusual from the norm. From there, I went with it, and decided she didn’t have to be the typical “English-speaking” protagonist, and why not have things happen in Spain, rather than the usual places…and from there, it spiralled onto a wider platform.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Not anything in particular, but by the time I was a quarter way into the first draft, I knew this was going to be a dark story. A vengeful story. One that would reflect humans at their core, as in what and how we would react in extreme situations and conditions. Just seeing what’s happening around the world is enough to understand what we can and will do, especially to another human being. That was the motivator for Esme’s character. A normal, young girl who is thrown into an impossible, horrific reality. What would she do, and how would she do it? And to what extremes would she go to, to get it done?
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Tempting, but no. While the end of the story left things ambiguous, the story is done. I enjoyed writing it.
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“Humankind is always doomed to fail. It has fallen many times before, and many times we have intervened to ensure it stays on the correct course. Earth is salvageable, but if you had continued along the path you were on, it would not have been. You have billions of years more to exist before your planet’s final destruction. We are only making certain it survives that long, and ensuring your survival until the ultimate end. At times you progress too fast, but such is humankind’s way. So we had to accelerate this current failure sooner in order to restart. As we have done before, a guide with a better objective and understanding of how to protect your world, will be inserted…”
But why did they care what humans did with their lives? They were aliens—beings from another dimension! Earth wasn’t their home.
Esme Serrano’s predestined encounter with the trans-dimensional anthropomorphic Aakehollats sends her on a multi-pathed journey spanning ten thousand years. A journey riddled with lies, manipulations and untold layers of deception. She guides Earth as the Sibyl, a powerful and mystical leader, and brings the dying world back from the brink of death. She helps the Aakehollats, and ensures that Earth survives until its ultimate destruction in the cosmos.
But her one true goal is, and always will be, to kill the Aakehollats.
A Sci-Fi Retelling
Pilgrims is a riveting near-future dystopian epic where humanity faces moral decay, societal collapse, and alien annihilation, forcing desperate characters to grapple with their darkest choices. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve never felt satisfied with first-contact sci-fi stories where aliens show up at Earth and we learn we’re not alone. That’s because the reasons the aliens come to Earth don’t usually stand up to scrutiny. For example, the aliens in Independence Day come to Earth because they want our “resources” despite the fact that if you can travel across interstellar space you will encounter all the resources you could ever want on lifeless rocks that don’t have pesky Earthlings defending them. The same goes for The Three Body Problem. Incredible novel, but the Trisolarans have such amazing technology that they don’t really need Earth for their species to survive. The motives are usually weak.
So I wanted to create a first-contact sci-fi story where the aliens’ reason for coming to Earth stands up to scrutiny. And, as outlandish as it sounds, aliens that are devout believers of an Earth religion (in my novel – Catholicism) have a very compelling reason to travel all the way to Earth. It’s such a good motivation in fact, that I was shocked to see no other writer had ever addressed it. And so, I took it upon myself to do so.
Austin DeSantis is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Pilgrims is a sci-fi retelling of Saint Augustine’s Confessions which was published sometime around 400AD. Now that’s an old book, and yet we still study it because it paints such a brilliant portrait of a troubled man finding his redemption. That’s something we can understand across the ages.
So I kept Saint Augustine as a vision when crafting my protagonist – Austin DeSantis. He is struggling at the beginning of the novel but, through the various trials he encounters, he grows, albeit in an enormously painful way.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Forgiveness – why we need it and why it is so hard. That is the core theme. But the book also explores why it can be so difficult for us to change our minds sometimes because of the things that are unknown even to ourselves that hold us back.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Austin’s story is not over. The book concludes about fifty days after aliens arrive on Earth and proclaim to be Catholic. What happens to society ten years after such a momentous event? Fifty years? There is still so much story to tell. And I expect the sequels will be coming out over the next few years.
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Out-of-work Latin teacher and borderline alcoholic Austin DeSantis is determined to spend his final days in the arms of a prostitute-that is if the aliens don’t exterminate humanity first.
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.
Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity’s first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he’ll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
PILGRIMS is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine’s Confessions, mixing a high-concept premise à la Children of Time with the ceaseless pacing and rich characterization of Red Rising.
Gravity of Sol-3
Gravity of Sol-3, the first book in The Sentinel Suppressions series by J.H. Gruger, plunges into a fractured world teetering between human resilience and alien oversight. The story alternates between a near-future Earth plagued by eugenics and societal unrest and a distant galactic frigate tasked with suppressing civilizations that challenge universal protocols. At its heart, the narrative grapples with the conflicts between progress, oppression, and morality through the lens of deeply personal struggles and cosmic consequences.
From the opening chapter, the writing grabs readers’ attention with its visceral imagery—especially Robby’s sensory overload and his refuge in tacos and tools. The perspective of a neurodivergent child juxtaposed with the larger societal collapse felt raw and uncomfortably authentic. Yet, I do feel that the pacing varies greatly in places; the second chapter’s romantic setup feels abruptly interrupted by a dystopian twist. While this mirrors Scott’s tumultuous life, the shift left me somewhat disoriented, almost like being thrust into an entirely different book.
The ideas in Gravity of Sol-3 are ambitious, with Gruger exploring everything from primordial black holes to telepathic suppression. The scientific discussions, especially Scott’s work with Dr. Agosti, fascinated me. Agosti’s theories about dark matter felt eerily plausible and made me yearn for more scenes in the Pecos lab. Scott’s budding camaraderie with Agosti hinted at a warmth the book rarely lets breathe. The scenes with Scott and Robby—a neurodivergent brother whose joy for simple tools balances the chaos around him—are tender and heart-wrenching. Gruger crafts these moments with precision, letting Robby’s innocence highlight humanity’s potential for both cruelty and care. By the end, the stakes reach astronomical heights, but the climax leans on complexity rather than clarity. I was left with more questions than answers—both a frustration and a testament to Gruger’s knack for intriguing setups. Readers who thrive on hard sci-fi concepts with heavy doses of moral quandaries will find plenty to chew on.
I’d recommend Gravity of Sol-3 to fans of gritty, thought-provoking science fiction. If you appreciate tonal shifts and dense scientific exposition, it’s a rewarding journey. However, readers seeking streamlined plots or character-driven narratives might feel somewhat lost in the intellectual labyrinth Gruger constructs. The unique reading experience offered within Gruger’s complex novel is one well worth exploring.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0D2X1V4HB
Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny
Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny, by Jeremy Clift, transports readers to Tucson, Arizona, in 2063, introducing the Ward family amid a society where artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates into daily life. This relatable yet futuristic setting immediately captivates, highlighting the pervasive role of AI in human existence. We learn that the children’s mother, Clara, is stationed on the Moon as a botanist, working to establish a sustainable food supply. As Earth’s conditions deteriorate, humanity seeks refuge on other planets, though these colonies also face growing unrest.
The narrative intensifies as the Ward family relocates to an orbiting space habitat, delving into profound ethical and moral dilemmas that resonate deeply. Despite its futuristic backdrop, the story remains relatable, reflecting issues not far removed from our current reality. Clift skillfully evokes emotions of remorse, pity, and sadness early in the tale, crafting a narrative that explores the essence of humanity and the potential alienation brought by technological and societal advancements. As a mother, I found myself moved to tears on multiple occasions.
The plot follows both Teagan and Hunter Ward, though Teagan’s journey particularly stands out. While Hunter’s storyline contributes to the overarching message, Teagan emerges as the central figure, her experiences deeply engaging. The antagonists in the novel are portrayed with striking malevolence, and certain scenes are intense, featuring violence and gore that may be challenging for some readers.
Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of overstepping natural boundaries, especially concerning the future of AI and technology. It’s a compelling read that I highly recommend, and I look forward to adding a physical copy to my collection.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0D1PWPRBJ
Achieving Verisimilitude
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade follows a group of renegades who uncover a plot by the president to unleash a nuclear attack on the world, and it is a race to stop it from happening. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seeds were there and they were planted in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Cameron Shipley already discovered that something very big was going on, but he didn’t know what, and there were clues that the President was behind all of it. She is well past her prime and is now a four-term president, beyond the expected length of service by virtue of the gorgon occupation. That has seen her desire to cling to power, has seen her corruption grow, and now has seen her seeking nefarious means to eliminate dissent to her power. She has herself become a renegade world leader, and it is up to the group of renegades to take on this renegade. In short, power corrupts.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you, and I so appreciate you observing that! I took GREAT pains to ensure that, militarily, my novels would cut the mustard and stand up to scrutiny. To that end, I consulted with several military personnel to ensure verisimilitude. A former 35-year aircraft carrier captain. Two senior airmen in the Air Force. A Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. A retired Army Chopper pilot. An infantryman. They ensured that what I wrote was actually correct, and I so appreciated them! I did a ton of research on my own for the cockpit scenes in an F-15, for inside an Abrams tank, for life aboard an aircraft carrier, etc.. I think it turned out pretty well and I achieved verisimilitude. For that, I’m so very grateful!
What was one of the hardest parts of Dissonance Volume III: Renegade for you to write?
I think the trip timing out over the Atlantic was one of the hardest. It really involved mathematical equations, which I’m not skilled at. Really required lots of attention to time zones, ship speeds, knots per hour, timing the arrival at the funnel, etc.. I had to design out a bit of a graph for that. 😊 The other thing would be the battles. The tactical nature of them requires attention to detail and precision, but also requires some ingenuity in fleshing out the narrative so it’s not just recycled from what people have already seen or read. I had to get extra creative on those scenes. I think you’ll notice those creative strokes rather quickly and appreciate them.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Well, especially as it pertains to those in the military, I appreciate how they appreciate the veracity of the details that I worked so hard to include correctly. They all turned out so great, and I really highly value when someone who has seen actual service comments that what I’ve written out is actually correct. That is high praise and is so satisfying. Overall, however, I wanted to write a thrilling and powerful climax to the saga, redemption for planet Earth, a massive final battle preceded by massive final mini-skirmishes, and I’m confident I accomplished that. So satisfied with the grandeur of it, the epic scope of it, the scale, the magnitude of the conflict, and the resolution as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to the original trilogy.
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Orchestrated by the President herself, the gorgon attack on Mammoth Cave proves to be utterly devastating. With the death of those closest to him and betrayed again by the ones he trusted the most, Cameron finds himself in a state of catatonic shock. Now, one thing is sure: the threat of world destruction is nothing when compared to his festering thirst for revenge.
Desperate to preserve power, President Graham will use the gorgon threat as an excuse to unleash an unprecedented nuclear attack. The surviving remnants of the world are reduced to collateral damage for the eradication of the aliens.
And now, branded a military renegade along with his rogue superiors, Cameron and the resistance are the world’s only chance for survival. They face three grave tasks. One: they must disarm the nuclear devices in the east. Two: they must utterly destroy the alien queen and the funnel. And three: President Graham must be brought to justice.
When betrayal strikes, they lose lives and Cameron is shot. And for the first time, some must accept that the aliens just might win this war. In a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by carnage, surviving a gunshot wound is sometimes impossible…but humanity is built by those too stubborn to follow the rules!
Read all six installments in this bestselling series, in this order:
Dissonance Volume I: Reality (released 1.1.24)
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning (released 3.20.24)
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade (released 5.18.24)
Dissonance Volume IV: Relentless (coming November 2024!)
Prequel #1: Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation (released 6.6.24)
Prequel #2: Dissonance Volume Up: Rising (released 9.3.24)
The multiple climactic battles are epic in scope in the bestselling Dissonance Volume III: Renegade. It’s the ‘unputdownable’ conclusion to the military science fiction series started in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Get your copy now and embark on the massive conclusion to this bestselling post-apocalyptic military science fiction war series!
I Enjoy the More ‘Ornery’ Characters
Suppose We follow the crew of a spaceship that crashes on an alien planet where the natives are so technologically advanced that humans are ignored, and they must find a way to get their attention and help. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It seemed to me that the joy and passion of discovery in science fiction had gone for the last few years. I was commissioned by the publisher to write a series of novellas based on the exploration of space, discovering new planets and their inhabitants. In addition, I’ve lived a vegan lifestyle for half a century and finally wanted to incorporate some of that into a new planet’s ecosystem.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The main character in Suppose We is the scientist Gaston and readers have told me he is really me! Even so, I enjoy the more ‘ornery’ characters and particularly enjoyed writing Commander Penn who is an intransigent, difficult, arrogant and reckless person and a carnivore to boot!
More challenging are the inhabitants of the planet. Aliens to us humans and while their technology and science are way in advance of us they still have emotions and likes even though different than ours. I like my ‘aliens’ to be really alien rather than weird-looking yet English-speaking octopi drinking in a bar!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A major theme is the interaction between the advanced inhabitants and the rather clumsy humans. I needed to work on such relationships knowing that when we eventually make ‘First Contact’ with an alien species it will be very different from those often portrayed in books and movies.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The sequel is Falling Up, which relates to strange gravity anomalies on the Kepler-20h planet. In the first book a genetically-modified bacteria of human and Keplerian origins is released to solve a nasty-bacteria problem on the planet. The solution, dubbed Keeps, get out of control and some of the natives form a Purist movement to rid their system of humans and their Keeps.
Other alien forms in the vicinity of the planet have their own agender and the son of Gaston and Em has Keplerian genes too making for an interesting development in Kepler’s Son.
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Bringing back a sense of discovery and wonder to science fiction.
“I’ve always found Geoff’s work both inspirational and brilliant. I know that whenever I pick up one of his works I’m in for a damned good read. For those who’ve never read any of his works before, welcome to the Geoff Nelder club.”
—Mark Iles, author of THE DARKENING STARS series.
Jon Courtenay Grimwood: FELAHEEN, PASHAZADE AND END OF THE WORLD BLUES – “Geoff Nelder inhabits science fiction just as other people inhabit their clothes.”
If you liked Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin, and Anne MccAffrey’s Dinosaur Planet you’ll like SUPPOSE WE.
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade
In Dissonance Volume III: Renegade, Aaron Ryan escalates the stakes to an exhilarating climax. President Jean Graham, now poised to commit an act as devastating as the Gorgon invasion that ravaged Earth 16 years prior, plans to wield alien technology not to safeguard humanity but to annihilate her former enemies. This technology, once discovered by scientists in the aftermath of the invasion, was intended to protect lives. Instead, Graham aims to unleash it and the Gorgons on Earth’s remaining nations. After uncovering this catastrophic plot during the attack on Mammoth Cave, Cameron, our protagonist, joins forces with a group of renegade captains. These captains, who have been quietly rallying their resources and plotting in the shadows, now face a desperate race against time. With the attack looming, they must act swiftly to prevent Graham’s destructive plan and save the world from falling into eternal darkness.
Ryan amplifies the chaos, intensity, and stakes in this third volume, surpassing the tension and drama of the previous installments. The final battle is nothing short of epic, from unpredictable plot twists to intricate battle strategies and high emotional stakes. Though parting with beloved characters might be bittersweet for long-time readers, the introduction of fresh faces injects new energy into the story, playing pivotal roles in a satisfying and action-packed finale.
While romance played a minor role in earlier volumes, I think its absence here allows the plot to surge forward without distraction. The result is a pulse-pounding sequence of battles and escalating threats. Cameron, once central to the story, steps back slightly as newer characters take charge, driving the action with full force. The alien menace continues to evolve, and with President Graham emerging as a formidable antagonist, the tension remains high throughout. Ryan’s portrayal of battles is both chaotic and clear, a delicate balance that makes each confrontation thrilling yet comprehensible. Weapons, strategies, and surprise alliances are described with grandeur, heightening the sense of scale and urgency.
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade is an exhilarating addition to Aaron Ryan’s dystopian series. With its high-stakes plot, relentless action, and evolving characters, the book offers a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Pages: 438 | ASIN : B0D2YK3LVH
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning
In Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning, Aaron Ryan thrusts readers back into the heart of his dystopian world, where danger and intrigue collide. Fresh out of detention, Cameron faces a daunting new assignment from President Jean Graham: train recruits at Mammoth Cave and eliminate an AWOL captain. Cameron’s mistrust of the military runs deep and this mission only intensifies his suspicions. But with the Gorgons still threatening humanity and a new family to protect, he reluctantly takes on the task, unaware that this decision will alter the course of his life and the war forever.
Ryan wastes no time cranking up the tension in this second installment, seamlessly blending key moments from the first book with fresh narrative threads. His skillful integration of past events ensures that both returning fans and newcomers can follow the story with ease, creating an immersive experience from the first page to the last.
As the plot unfolds, new characters are introduced, adding complexity and raising the stakes. While Cameron continues to develop as a central figure, other returning characters sometimes take a back seat, like Ally, whose presence is pivotal during specific emotional and plot-driven moments, yet she is not consistently at the forefront of the narrative. Still, the dynamic between the characters remains compelling, with enough tension and intrigue to keep readers hooked. Like with Pastor Rosie, who plays a crucial role in guiding Cameron through some of his most challenging moral and emotional conflicts. She is a well-written character who adds depth to the story by balancing the protagonist’s emotional intensity with spiritual wisdom.
The author’s vivid descriptions of the setting further elevate the action. From the cavernous depths of Mammoth Cave to the battlefield scenes, the environments play a critical role in the story’s intensity, almost making each scene feel cinematic in scope. Every moment crackles with energy as if you’re watching a high-stakes thriller unfold before your eyes.
The ever-present threat of the Gorgons, with their eerie telekinetic powers, adds an unsettling layer of horror and suspense. Their looming menace keeps the tension high, making it impossible to relax as the plot twists toward its unpredictable climax. The sense of impending danger propels the story forward, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats.
For readers who enjoy science fiction laced with dystopian themes and a touch of faith, Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning delivers an exhilarating and high-octane adventure. The blend of suspense, complex character development, and sci-fi horror elements makes this a highly recommended read.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CYMWKCS4
