Blog Archives
First Sign of Ambiguity
Fragmentation Vol II: In Search Of follows a man who attempts to return to a normal life in a chaotic world after finding himself in the desert unable to remember what brought him there. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup goes back to the opening of Fragmentation Vol I: The Three of Clubs, which was greatly inspired by Breaking Bad. A former criminal from Miami decides to break good and become a wedding planner. Then, he meets his first bridezilla. This premise allowed the fusion of comedy and thriller. In the first desert chapter of Vol II, the decision was made not to show the reader what happened, from how Vol I ends to Rodrigo waking up in the desert. This mystery casts a shadow through the rest of the book and is the first sign of ambiguity.
The theme of a guilty conscience was inspired by Crime and Punishment. On one level, it is my own interpretation of a fractured psyche that needs to be asked: Can it be fixed?
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
I always knew sci-fi would be more prominent at some point in this series. In Vol II, there is a long chapter that dives into what I refer to as realistic sci-fi elements. It laid the foundation for what may happen in the future. Much research went into that chapter to ensure it came across as authentic. The payoff for some aspects of Vol II will not come until the next volume.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
While I loved writing the Jaimie-Lynn character, I would have to return to Rodrigo Santos. It allowed me to show Rodrigo at his most narcissistic with few redeeming qualities in the first book. For many readers, there is a certain relatability of his plight and how deep that guilt is eating away. Does one deserve
redemption for crimes committed in the past?
One of my favorite scenes for Vol II comes from the chapter called Soul. It begins with narration of the state of the music industry and what could have been for Rodrigo. Slowly, there is a shift to more introspection. The song he sings is a double-edged sword. Is it about the soul of the music industry or his own? Rodrigo carries this excessive guilt, and by the time the last act comes, it is an unbearable burden.
Can fans look forward to a third volume in the Fragmentation series? If so, where will it take readers?
Yes. Fragmentation is a long series. Based on the final chapter from Vol II, I cannot give too much away about Vol III. Backstories will be told as the story comes closer to revealing what is going on with Rodrigo. One of the characters from this latest volume is fleshed out in detail. The first ACT in Vol III is written in epistolary format. Look for a 2026 release.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rodrigo Santos climbs from his desert grave surrounded by blood and destruction with no recollection of how he got there. Hitching a ride back home, Rodrigo goes back to his life as a wedding planner and club owner in Austin, Texas, convinced it was all a dream.
But Austin is nothing like he remembers. Murders occur everywhere he goes. Bridezillas with wild requests fill his days, while nightmares of a little girl and her teddy bear terrorize his dreams at night. She reminds Rodrigo of the evil of his past, which triggers his OCD in full force.
Suspicions rise as the lines between truth and hallucinations blur, and Rodrigo tailspins into depression. Whether it is mental illness, purgatory, or another dimension, Rodrigo must wallow through his past to find a tether to his reality before he is sent to hell.
Fragmentation Vol II: In Search Of
Fragmentation Vol II: In Search Of dives headfirst into a turbulent storm of self-reflection, psychological tension, and a persistent search for meaning. Author John Randall’s sequel picks up the scattered pieces of its predecessor, threading them into a narrative that explores guilt, redemption, and the chaos of the human mind. From the gritty streets of Austin to surreal encounters in foam clubs, the protagonist’s journey is an odyssey of raw emotion and existential questioning.
One standout moment for me was his interaction with Honzo, a fellow lost soul. Honzo’s monologue about his strained relationship with his father was raw and heartbreaking. It’s in these quieter, introspective moments that the book truly shines. However, the rapid tonal shifts between gritty realism and surreal elements sometimes felt jarring to me.
Randall’s use of symbolism is another highlight. The titular “fragmentation” manifests not only in the protagonist’s fractured mental state but also in the fragmented storytelling style. Disjointed timelines and erratic chapter transitions echo Rodrigo’s turmoil. While some might find this challenging to follow, I found it an effective way to mirror the character’s psyche. The recurring appearances of eerie figures, such as the veiled woman in the foam club, lend an almost dreamlike quality that keeps the reader guessing. Is it reality, hallucination, or something else entirely?
Fragmentation Vol II: In Search Of is an ambitious and gritty exploration of a fractured soul. It’s intense, chaotic, and at times overwhelming, much like its protagonist. But for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a side of the surreal, this book delivers. It’s a great fit for readers who like their stories dark and introspective, akin to works by Dostoevsky or Palahniuk. If you’re willing to embrace the chaos and let the story pull you into its fragmented depths, it’s a journey worth taking.
Pages: 424 | ASIN : B0CW37WRRR
LITERARY TITAN 