Blog Archives
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
Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing
Hans Trevor Wilms, PhD’s Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing, kicks off a thrilling space opera saga that explores humanity’s future among the stars. The story centers around Alex Fjord, the charismatic and wealthy CEO of CEC, who drops the bombshell news of humanity’s first contact with an alien race. But just as the excitement starts to build, we’re hit with a sinister twist: Fjord is haunted by a godlike entity called Death, a presence that makes him question everything, including the survival of the human race. Meanwhile, Simon Martinez, an engineer on a far-flung space station, finds his routine life thrown into chaos. He’s caught between personal heartbreak, a crumbling relationship, and the discovery of something much bigger than he ever imagined.
Right from the opening scene, I felt pulled in. Fjord’s announcement about alien contact had all the suspense and showmanship you’d expect from a space-age business mogul. But then Death shows up, and the dread sets in. Wilms knows how to build tension. The way Death speaks—cold and unwavering—makes you uneasy, and Fjord’s powerlessness is chilling. Sometimes, I wanted the conversations to cut deeper or the prose to trim some of the fat. But even with that, the eerie vibe sticks with you.
Simon’s story, on the other hand, is way more relatable and down-to-earth, which I loved. He’s this hardworking guy, crawling through ducts on a lonely space station, trying to patch up broken tech while his girlfriend, Cara, sends him an avalanche of frustrated texts from Earth. We’ve all felt that kind of helplessness in relationships, and it’s captured perfectly here. One of my favorite parts was when Simon, despite everything, finds joy in his engineering work, even customizing his prosthetic arm with a 3D printer. The descriptions of his fixes are vivid and detailed.
What really struck me were the bigger ideas floating around this book. Humanity’s future, the ethics of corporate domination—Wilms goes there, and it’s uncomfortable in the best way. The CEC’s chokehold on society is unsettling and feels all too real. At one point, Simon reflects on how CEC quietly buys up entire countries, and it’s a gut punch. Wilms does an incredible job weaving these themes into a character-driven story. Simon’s quiet moments, like playing his banjo to clear his mind, bring a touch of humanity that balances the cosmic dread.
In the end, Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing is a complex, ambitious adventure. If you’re a fan of science fiction that digs into the human condition and explores our place in the universe, this book will get you thinking. It’s not a quick, action-packed ride but a slow burn that’s rich with atmosphere and philosophical musings. If you’ve got the patience for a story that’s equal parts existential and personal, you’ll be rewarded. Just buckle up—it’s a wild ride worth taking.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0DJGBMGHG
Does the End Justify the Means?
The Conflagration follows a man faced with the task of saving the universe from an adversary who realizes things are more complex than anticipated. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Book of Job from the Bible – The MC, Milo Sapphire, knows he’s the principal in a contest between Deity and Deity’s Adversary. I thought it would be really cool for Milo to take the ultimate risk and see how far he can push supposedly “all powerful” forces. After all, he’s got nothing to lose, right?
Discovering the actual limitations of omnipotence opens up many interesting areas to explore in subsequent books.
How has character development for Milo Saphire changed for you through the series?
Milo struggles with the exercise of power throughout the series. Just because he can, does that mean he should? Just because his friends and allies want him to exercise that power, is it still the right thing to do? What are his absolutes? Can they be changed? If the situation is desperate enough; does the end then justify the means? Can absolutes be prioritized? Is there a rank order? What is the extent of his “noblesse oblige” to the people who will be affected by his actions, both good and bad? And how does that fit into the life he lives as the leader of the Tribes with their “kill or be killed” societal structures?
He’s already walked away from everything once because he didn’t like who he became to survive and thrive. What would it take for him to do it again?
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
In creating the milieu and the zeitgeist of the series, I ask myself, “what does everyone ‘know’ about a topic? What’s ‘common knowledge’?” It’s a big, complicated universe out there; lots of people doing lots of things. What’s the minimum amount of information needed to advance the plot? Will the inclusion of the story element advance the action? Is it an interesting enough thread to include and maybe just let dangle in the breeze of the plot rushing by? I love the reaction of “Hey wait, what was that? Oh never mind, the next bit’s already happening.”
I want my readers to have enough structure to recognize they’re on the roller coaster climbing to the top right before that first big drop. But not so much description of the blurry landscape flashing by that they get pulled out of the experience of the 90 degree corkscrew turn.
And who knows, something peripheral to today’s story, that dangling thread getting whipped in the breeze, may come into greater focus down the road. There’s definitely more than one roller coaster rattling around in my brain.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book is “The Promise of the Inang”. It should see the light of day in the latter half of 2025.
Author Links: Amazon | Book Review
Milo Sapphire was once an itinerant starship captain.
Now he’s the CEO of Interstellar Products.
And the First of the Tribes.
And the Chosen of the Most High. (he really loves this one)
He’s supposed to be working on saving the Universe against the Adversary, just not sure how.
And there’re a few complications (because, why not?).
The Emperor of the Mercantile Empire is missing.
The Privy Council is installing an Interim Emperor, because that always works.
The STM network, the most advanced communication system ever devised, is broken.
Something is extinguishing stars where STM nodes are located. (That’s why it’s broken.)
The Imperial Senate is clamoring for someone to do something about the stars going dark. Or, at least, have someone to blame.
The leader of the Senate is just a hardworking elected representative of his planet, trying to take advantage of the crisis.
Oh, and a Princess of Tyrol has been abducted.
Hang on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
What if?
In House Xrion, a peacekeeping family teeters on the brink of corruption as they lose sight of their purpose and bring the galaxy closer to war. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I conceptualized what would happen with mankind as they expand across the galaxy. I conceptualized the unique development of governments the same as men explored and developed new nations centuries ago. You then have the formation of different governments, societies, economies, and cultures. The time old issue of resources I speculate will be the necessity for resources, and control there of yielding wealth, power, and influence. Then add the hubris of men, some cool stories can be developed. That’s why I’ve been impressed with certain authors and storylines over the years.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Winston?
I would consider it a small scene – it’s where he’s reading older English literature and he again begins to reflect on the nature of his occupation, what he’s done in the past, moreso with the influence of his wife. Yet I wanted to show he was still dedicated to the family, and hope to show there’s still.
One thing that stands out to me in House Xrion is the creativity embedded in this world. What was your inspiration for creating such and imaginative world?
I worked to develop a what if.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I am working on the follow on to House Xrion, and hoping it’ll be just as entertaining a story. Add to this, I’m also working on my original series under my given name, with me now finishing up research for the continuation of the storyline.
Author links: GoodReads | Facebook Author | Facebook Books | Website
With several houses on the brink of chaos and the threat of growing conflict, the fate of the Council hangs in the balance. Can order be reinstated, or will the machinations of the once-revered House plunge the galaxy into war? Only time will tell as the interstellar tapestry of politics and power unfurls, revealing a house torn between its legacy of service and the shadows of its corrupted soul.
House Xrion
House Xrion, by Ray Jorge Ryes Jr., is an ambitious sci-fi novel set in a future where powerful dynasties have conquered the stars, vying for power, resources, and influence. The story centers on House Xrion, which has established itself as the peacekeeper among the great houses, mediating disputes to prevent unnecessary wars and conserve resources, allowing all to benefit from the wider galaxy. House Xrion’s role has earned it great wealth and respect, as it balances individual conflicts for the greater good. This position requires immense trust, and the house must remain impartial, avoiding any appearance of personal gain. However, the house’s status is threatened when some of its leaders lose sight of their purpose, prioritizing personal gain over their duties. This deception unfolds through the journey of Winston, Xrion’s premier assassin, who uncovers the internal betrayal.
The writing in House Xrion is excellent, and the story, when it gains momentum, is unique and exciting. Ryes has crafted a convincing universe, with a complex backstory that enriches the novel’s events. The expansive scope of the story introduces numerous characters and houses, which I feel can be somewhat overwhelming at times. Despite this, the intricate world-building is a highlight of the book. The first half of the book moves slower as the plot builds, and I believe it might benefit from a more concise introduction. However, once the action escalates, the narrative becomes highly engaging. The characters and overall concept shine through, leaving readers intrigued about the future of Winston and House Xrion.
House Xrion leaves a lasting impression, making readers eager for the next installment in the series. The novel’s strong world-building, compelling characters, and intricate plot make it a noteworthy addition to the sci-fi genre.
Pages: 463 | ASIN : B0CWVFPC4D
The Conflagration (The War Against Infinity Book 4)
Milo Sapphire has ascended to remarkable heights. As the CEO of Interstellar Products and Chosen of the Most High, among other impressive titles, he enjoys a life of privilege and prestige. However, this exalted position comes with its own set of dramas and responsibilities. Milo faces the daunting task of saving the universe from the Adversary, a challenge as formidable as it sounds. The path forward is unclear, compounded by a series of pressing issues: the malfunctioning STM network, the mysterious disappearance of the Emperor of the Mercantile Empire, and the relentless frustrations of dealing with the Privy Council. Milo must draw on all his resources to navigate this complex web of problems.
The Conflagration, the fourth book in Rob Bartlett’s The War Against Infinity series, is a compelling science fiction novel enriched with elements of humor reminiscent of Discworld and the farcical charm found in Futurama. Bartlett’s narrative is accessible, making it easy for new readers to dive into the story even if they haven’t read the previous books. The universe Bartlett crafts is vast and intricately detailed, yet his relaxed writing style effectively balances the grandeur of the unfolding events. Milo Sapphire emerges as a delightful protagonist. He finds himself simultaneously over his head and astonishingly resourceful, surprising even his most formidable foes. His attempts to extricate himself from a variety of predicaments are among the novel’s most engaging aspects. Despite the high stakes, including the looming threat of the Adversary, the tone remains light and humorous, ensuring the story never becomes overly grim. This blend of epic stakes and comedic relief makes this book a refreshing space opera with a lighter touch, perfect for those seeking an entertaining and adventurous read.
The Conflagration stands out as an engaging addition to Rob Bartlett’s The War Against Infinity series. With its well-balanced mix of high-stakes drama and lighthearted humor, it captivates both new readers and series veterans alike. Milo Sapphire’s resourcefulness and wit in the face of cosmic challenges make for a compelling and enjoyable journey through a vividly imagined universe.
Pages: 591 | ASIN : B0D36F9QDZ
Various Conflicting Layers
The Reentrant follows the experiences of a dying biochemist who is the first to try a technology that will upload her consciousness to the digital realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
From the very first word, the heart of this story was the bond between mother and child, so it made sense to start there. Then it was about peeling away all the various conflicting layers that make us the complex creatures that we are, about venturing beyond humanity, about the ultimate sacrifice. Aurelia has everything taken from her; her body, her soul, her sanity. But as long as her motherhood is intact, she doesn’t lose herself.
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?
That’s really encouraging to hear. It was definitely a fine line to tread, to only reveal the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, there’s everything from orbital physics to astrobiology to Lorenz transformations, but that’s just to build a realistic world. A story is how the characters interact with that world, and I had to remind myself of that constantly. That being said, there are plenty of nuggets in there that are deserving of a deep dive if they happen to spark your interest.
Do you have a favorite scene in your story? One that was particularly enjoyable to write?
I had a lot of fun constructing the planet Oclaris. I wanted to create an intellectual puzzle for the characters in order to showcase their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a savage place, entirely alien, and not a landscape I’ve seen in either cinema or literature. I find a lot of science fiction has Earth-like biomes on other worlds. But where’s the fun in that? So I opted for something new. The real challenge was figuring out the mechanics and making it plausible. I could talk for days about the quirks of that world!
What is the next book you are working, on and when will it be available?
I have a few projects on the go in various genres, but my next release will be a historical novel called, My Blade is Me. It’s set in 12th-century Persia, centered around the Nizari Isma’ili sect, a fascinating chapter in Middle Eastern history. A bit of a curve ball from what preceded it, I guess. But you’ve got to go where the wind takes you! It will be available early next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Aurelia is a loving mother and a celebrated biochemist. Aurelia is also dying. To provide support for her autistic son, she offers herself as the first test subject in a technology called Reentrancy, a process that aspires to digitize a consciousness. But nothing at the forefront of science is ever so simple. When Aurelia awakens, she finds herself adrift in deep space, lost and far from home. She will stop at nothing to find what became of her child.
The Reentrant
The Reentrant, by Terrence Hart, is an engaging sci-fi novel that delves into futuristic themes such as biological evolution, the origin of life, and the future of technology and space travel. The novel’s central character, Aurelia, undergoes a transformative journey starting on contemporary Earth. She becomes the first to test Reentrancy technology, which allows her consciousness to be uploaded to the digital realm. This groundbreaking event enables her to transcend biological death. After a lengthy period of stasis, Aurelia awakens in a distant future as a digital entity, capable of transferring her consciousness into bio-shells, specialized biological organisms designed for foreign planets. The novel follows her as she navigates this new future, where time is perceived differently and interstellar travel is possible thanks to Reentrancy technology.
The novel is exceptionally well-written, with compelling characters and convincing premises. Hart effectively grounds the reader in Aurelia’s familiar world before launching her into a vast journey through the cosmos. The descriptions of space travel and the technology that enables it are detailed and immersive, creating a richly imagined future. The plot is strong and captivating, filled with vivid imagery of a galaxy brimming with life, new technology, and the potential for indefinite survival in digital form. The characters are engaging, particularly Aurelia, whose survival journey is easy to root for. Her bond with her new space companion, Nimishi, adds depth to the story as he helps her adjust to her new life among the stars. The book offers an enjoyable and intriguing read, with Hart’s writing style effectively addressing relevant themes.
The Reentrant, by Terrence Hart, stands out as a compelling exploration of futuristic themes, blending intriguing characters, imaginative technology, and a captivating plot. Terrance Hart’s storytelling weaves an immersive journey through time and space, leaving readers with much to ponder about humanity’s future.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CW1GM2K5
LITERARY TITAN 