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A Story of Survivors
Welcome to the Damned follows three members of a group known as the Aconites as they navigate a crumbling society, fighting both external enemies and their own demons. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a reader, I was inspired by morally gray books such as Six of Crows and These Violent Delights. As a creator, I drew from some of my own personal experiences from the mental health aspect. I’ve always found gray characters super interesting, with a lot of room to explore where they’d draw the line dividing what they are willing to do to achieve their goals and what they are not. Especially when the world is complicated and not so black-and-white, I love poring over how characters are driven to betraying themselves and their friends, to discovering the ugly parts of themselves, and to learning how to live with it, all due to external events outside of their control. At the same time, these types of stories, when well-written, can make readers root for these imperfect or even despicable characters. This is what I love about dark fiction, and I hope my story has the same impact on my readers.
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?
At first, the setting was more like a prediction of our future on Earth if we fail to combat climate change, and the initial draft had very little sci-fi elements. As I was rewriting the story, however, I thought it would be a lot more interesting in a cyberpunk setting. That opened up a lot more possibilities for technology within the world, which played a part in progressing the story and character developments. Now, the novel’s setting is very similar to the Arcane series, which is very exciting to watch and imagine my own characters living in that world.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Despite all the worldbuilding and plot twists, I was most focused on each individual character’s journey with their mental health struggles, and the relationship difficulties that come with it. Before I even decided to publish this story, I only intended to write it for my high school friends, who had their own demons to deal with alongside exams and extracurriculars, as did I. I wanted to tell them a story of survivors, leaning on each other in an unconventional family, and they all end up okay. The sequel will go more into each character’s healing while the first one showed all the messy and awful parts of their struggles, because none of us were immune to mistakes and hurting people we care about, but we all hoped to be better someday.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The second book will follow the same characters a couple months after Zero’s secret was revealed and Tal left the Aconites. Tal is now on a personal mission, Rovis of course wants to find him, and Zero lives with the consequences of her betrayals. They each have something to search for, but the government’s experiments don’t stop for their individual crises. Will they resolve their differences and come back together as family, or will one of them fall victim to the experiments before they reach closure? Readers will find out in May 2025 with the sequel’s release, and the title will be revealed soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website
Dyvris is a city ruled by criminals. The Scavenger, a notorious killer and thief, runs an organization called the Aconites, which has power over every business in the city and its suburbs. The Scavenger has an equally deadly partner, whose metal claws never hesitate to break a neck or rip out an organ. The Scavenger also has a little spy, whose black heart will infect anyone that gets close to it.
They’ve been sinners since the first crimes they committed; they’ve been damned since the moment they were born. When the people in power made survival a game, the Aconites decided to win, starting with their monopoly on poison weaponry. They live in a secure mansion hidden in the mountains, never short on money or any luxuries they desire.
Until they discover that the government has been secretly experimenting on working class neighborhoods with the intention of developing mind-control drugs. Their failed attempts slaughter innocents all over the country with no warning or pattern.
It’s only a matter of time before the experiments creep into the mountains and find the Aconites.
Welcome to the Damned
Welcome to the Damned, by Astraea Long, is a chaotic and dark dive into a dystopian world filled with mind control, broken characters, and violence. The story follows Tal and Rovis, two members of a group known as the Aconites, as they navigate a crumbling society, fighting both external enemies and their own demons. The plot is layered with betrayal, revenge, and a pervasive sense of despair as Tal and Rovis confront forces that threaten their existence and sanity. At its core, this is a story about survival and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world that offers no redemption.
What immediately struck me about the book is its raw, unfiltered tone. From the start, the prose grabs you with a visceral intensity. The opening chapter, where Zero flushes a bottle of pills in an attempt to break free from her own suicidal thoughts, sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that carries through the book. The writing is brutally honest, almost harsh in its depiction of mental health struggles, and yet it feels deeply human. There’s something refreshing about the way Long allows her characters to wallow in their flaws without forcing a neat resolution. It’s gritty and a bit heartbreaking to read, but it gives the book a powerful emotional core. There are moments of pure brilliance that are haunting and beautifully tragic, and the fast-paced action keeps the story exciting and full of energy.
The world-building is rich and intriguing, and it’s introduced in such a dynamic way that it invites you to dive deeper, rewarding readers who enjoy revisiting key details to fully immerse themselves in the complexity of the setting. Tal and Rovis aren’t just antiheroes; they’re messy, morally ambiguous, and sometimes downright unlikable. Yet, it’s impossible not to root for them as they fight for a place in a world that has tried to crush them. The relationship between the two is complicated and layered with tension. Their banter and interactions often serve as brief moments of levity in an otherwise heavy narrative.
Welcome to the Damned is the perfect read for those who enjoy dark, complex stories with characters that linger long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate dystopian settings with a psychological twist and aren’t afraid of confronting difficult themes like mental illness and violence head-on.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0CP7JTRC6
Reflecting the Diversity of Our World
In Glitches of Gods, an engineer grappling with his father’s death is propelled into an alternate timeline and a new life following a mysterious technical glitch. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I began with a set of themes I wanted to explore: the multiverse, AI, virtual worlds, memes, and leadership. Don’t ask me why these particular themes – I don’t have a logical explanation. I felt they would create an intriguing combination. I then employed the Save the Cat method to outline the story structure and develop story beats until I had a compelling narrative. As a test, I narrated the entire story to some friends to gauge their reactions. Only after that did I begin the actual writing process.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The protagonist, Julien, is my favorite character to write. He begins as a likable yet irresponsible individual who doesn’t take anything seriously, but throughout the story, he gradually evolves into the responsible person he needs to become. As an author, crafting this transformative journey was incredibly rewarding. Of course, there’s also Zha-Zhar, who seems to be a fan favorite among my readers. She was definitely enjoyable to write as well, though as a supporting character, her personal growth wasn’t as central to the narrative.
I can’t recall struggling significantly with particular characters, though some were easier or more enjoyable to write than others. To be clear, I’m fond of each character in my novel. However, just as in real life, some personalities are more challenging to engage with.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Glitches of Gods?
Human diversity is a central theme in my work. While I’m unsure if some groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, are still underrepresented in contemporary fiction (they certainly were for many decades), I consciously try to ensure they have significant representation in my novel. I believe in creating a rich tapestry of characters that reflects the diversity of our real world.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2? Where will it take readers?
I plan to take readers to another world in the Playspheres saga. This time, it will probably be a bit more fantasy-oriented than the first one. But the plan is to continue the larger thread that I started with the first one.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Julien feels utterly miserable. Creator of the AI that killed his father, the brilliant engineer deftly evades work on the world’s first human-level android, dodging the off-chance of snuffing out more lives. Instead, Julien much prefers bickering with his virtual assistant, crafting memes with his quirky friends, and shagging dates across a broad spectrum of genders. Yet, due to a maddening jump across timelines, he grudgingly faces his greatest dreads: raising a family and leading his team to win the AI race.
Drowning in new duties, Julien aims to avoid a second AI disaster. But when a mysterious technological infection wreaks havoc on the city, Julien flip-flops between shielding his loved ones and leading his team as he battles it out with broken robots, idiot protestors, and a rather sinister cat. Learning he got himself involved in a war between gods, should Julien save his new family or finish his team’s android to prevent an AI apocalypse?
Glitches of Gods is the extraordinary first book in the Playspheres epic science fantasy series. If you like cynical sentients, wacky worlds, and plenteous profanity, then you’ll love the kick-off of Jurgen Appelo’s bewildering and humorous dystopian sci-fi saga.
Buy Glitches of Gods and choose sides in a super-sentient war!
Glitches of Gods (Playspheres Book 1)
Jurgen “Jojo” Appelo’s debut sci-fi novel, Glitches of Gods, offers an exhilarating journey through a troubled future where advanced AI, virtual worlds, and reality-warping “gods” intertwine. The story centers on Julien, a brilliant yet tormented engineer burdened with guilt over an AI malfunction that led to his father’s death. The narrative takes off when a mysterious technical glitch disrupts Julien’s city, propelling him into an alternate timeline. Suddenly, Julien finds himself a single father of twin boys and the leader of a quirky tech team. As he grapples with broken bots, misguided protestors, and an escalating conflict among “gods,” Julien’s world becomes increasingly chaotic.
Delving deeper into the novel’s unique plot risks spoilers, but suffice it to say that Appelo’s writing embraces a mix of genres. Glitches of Gods seamlessly blends science fiction, family drama, and fantasy, creating a disorienting yet compelling read—much like the experience of being thrust into an alternate reality. One of the book’s standout features is its world-building. Appelo crafts a vividly imaginative universe filled with intricate details ranging from futuristic technology to a diverse cast of supporting characters. The sections set in virtual reality are particularly mesmerizing, offering a trippy, immersive experience.
Julien is a captivating protagonist—a complex and flawed hero who evolves from a cynical, self-loathing individual into a natural leader. His journey is organic and unrushed, making him an easy character to root for despite his stubborn and melancholic tendencies. The supporting characters, including Julien’s precocious children and his eccentric interdimensional housekeeper, add depth, humor, and warmth to the story. The plot is well-paced, brimming with twists and turns that grow increasingly bizarre as the narrative progresses. Although the story can become challenging to follow, especially towards the end, the effort is well worth it. Appelo’s tone shifts dramatically throughout the novel. He deftly moves from sharp satire on corporate greed to slapstick comedy and even touches on existential horror. While this tonal variety can cause some whiplash, it underscores Appelo’s commitment to his unique vision. Beyond its entertaining plot, the novel delves into profound philosophical themes. It explores the moral implications of creating advanced AI, simulation theory, and the tension between destiny and self-determination. Appelo weaves these themes into Julien’s journey without becoming overly didactic.
Glitches of Gods is an ambitious and thrilling debut novel. Appelo’s work is highly recommended for readers who appreciate a genre-blending, thought-provoking adventure.
Pages: 526 | ASIN : B0D5NPZY8Y
Cadence
Cadence, by David Loermans, is a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where crime, corruption, and a peculiar religious order intertwine. The story follows Darius, a hardened criminal with a bounty on his head, as he navigates a city rife with chaos and decay. Paired with Lisha, an enigmatic and powerful entity bound to him through a mysterious tattoo, Darius takes on dangerous missions that bring him face-to-face with religious leaders, corrupt officials, and deadly adversaries. The book mixes high-stakes action, dark humor, and philosophical musings on power, faith, and human nature.
Loermans’ writing style is gritty and immersive, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of Sorel. The vivid descriptions of the decaying cityscape and the brutal reality of life within it are both compelling and haunting. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, adding depth to the characters and making their interactions authentic. The relationship between Darius and Lisha is particularly intriguing as it evolves from mere necessity to a complex partnership marked by mutual dependence and a shared thirst for mayhem.
One of the standout aspects is its exploration of the Earthdawn religion and its influence on the city and its inhabitants. The Earthdawn, with its emphasis on light and purity, stands in stark contrast to the darkness and corruption that pervades the story. This juxtaposition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, power, and morality. The scenes involving the Earthdawn leadership, particularly the tense negotiations, and violent confrontations, are some of the most gripping in the book, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and protect their beliefs. Some chapters feel packed with action and intrigue, while others slow down significantly, delving into Darius’s internal struggles and his complex relationship with Lisha. These introspective moments add depth to his character.
Cadence is a captivating read for those who enjoy dark, dystopian thrillers with a philosophical edge. David Loermans crafts a vivid and unsettling world populated by complex characters and driven by a relentless, often brutal narrative. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction will find much to appreciate in this book, while those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature will be drawn in by its deeper questions.
Counterblow Clemency
Counterblow Clemency follows the journey of three primary protagonists: Bjorn Bear, Doodle, and Murgatroyd, as they navigate a futuristic world filled with wonders, perils, and a desperate need for change. Bjorn, a rebellious teen, is joined by his friends, who come from radically different circumstances. Together, they face the consequences of Bjorn’s actions and are drawn into a conflict far beyond their control.
Shibles masterfully balances the familiar with the unfamiliar in this sci-fi tale. A hallmark of great science fiction is the blend of relatable elements with the fantastical, allowing readers to anchor themselves in the story while exploring new and strange wonders. Shibles achieves this by leveraging familiar experiences, such as parent-child relationships and friendships, while setting the characters in a world that is entirely fantastical. This technique allows readers to stay connected to the narrative, even as Shibles’ creativity runs wild with the setting. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, their struggles and imperfections making them both believable and engaging. As the story unfolds, readers find themselves rooting for these flawed yet endearing characters, even as their situation grows increasingly dire. Shibles’ approach of not providing convenient explanations for everything mirrors the experience of the protagonists being thrust into situations beyond their control. This technique adds to the immersive quality of the world Shibles has created. While it might be a bit challenging for those new to sci-fi, it is a testament to the depth and richness of the narrative. Experienced sci-fi enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate this intricate storytelling, and newcomers will find it a rewarding and enriching dive into the genre.
Counterblow Clemency works beautifully as a standalone adventure and has the potential to launch a new series. Shibles ties up most loose ends within the book’s relatively brief runtime, making it a satisfying read. For fans of the fantastical and the unknown elements of science fiction, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0CQTKF5MN
The Logoharp: A Cyborg Novel of China and America in the Year 2121
Set in the 22nd century, The Logoharp, by Arielle Emmett, transports readers to a world where Naomi, a human-cyborg hybrid, navigates the complexities of her existence as a “reverse journalist” in China. In Naomi’s reality, the interplay between media and truth creates a landscape both intriguing and terrifying. Dissatisfied with her life and disturbed by the rampant political power and media manipulation that the masses accept without question, Naomi dreams of rebellion. Her quest for meaning propels her down unexpected paths, where she hopes to find wisdom at the end of her journey.
Emmett’s novel fits snugly into the cyberpunk genre, addressing profound themes such as the search for personal identity and meaning in a world that demands conformity. The narrative echoes the dystopian tones of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, yet it stands out with its unique exploration of a cyborg’s struggle against societal constraints.
Despite her cyborg nature, Naomi’s yearning for self-actualization is a universal human experience. Her desire to break free from routine and seek deeper meaning resonates deeply with readers who feel the same urge in today’s society. Naomi’s journey is fraught with obstacles, reflecting the real-world challenges faced by those who dare to defy the status quo. Her poignant angst and the prose, ranging from poetic to vitriolic, vividly convey the tumultuous emotions within her. The writing style is a highlight, mirroring Naomi’s inner turmoil with its shifting tones. Emmett’s prose captures the delicate balance between introspection and fierce defiance, engaging readers in Naomi’s emotional and intellectual battles.
The Logoharp offers a thought-provoking experience for those willing to confront unsettling truths. Some may find comfort in the familiar illusions of their own “Matrix,” while others may feel a revolutionary spark ignited within them. Ultimately, this novel serves as a mirror, reflecting each reader’s willingness to either accept the status quo or challenge it.
Pages: 466 | ASIN : B0D7TCFTSN
LITERARY TITAN 