Blog Archives
Historically Proven Principles
Traitor’s Black Rose imagines a fractured 2088 America, where the President battles corruption and assassination attempts to save a nation teetering between collapse and unity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the third book that I have written; the first two books are part of a trilogy that Literary Titan has reviewed. I sincerely inspired to write dystopian books, and this endeavor has been an exceptional adventure and hobby. Regarding Traitor’s Black Rose, the current global divide and political divide in the United States inspired me to write this book. FYI, the fourth book that I am currently writing is the last book of the trilogy.
The narrative unfolds almost like a historical chronicle. Why did you choose this style, and how do you think it enhances the story’s themes?
I am a professional engineer by trade and a retired Combat Engineer officer; ironically, I enjoy studying history and philosophy. I believe that to understand our current situation in the US and the world, you must examine the past. Obviously, this fictional dystopian is set in the 2088 (the future). What we do today may lead to something that we did not desire. Too often, we tend to throw the baby out with the bathwater since many historical lessons are still generalizations, and many tend to think that exceptions to the rule are just as likely.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme is to remind all that you must be aware that your ends and desires will not justify any means. We must remember that historically proven principles should not be discarded for power or one’s idealistic goal.
Do you see the story as a warning, a reflection, or perhaps a call to action for today’s readers?
I see this story as both a reflection and a warning. I demonstrate this by using quotes and Bible verses that express reflection and warning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
TRAITOR’S BLACK ROSE
Traitor’s Black Rose by I.M. Stoicus imagines a plausible dystopian future while reflecting on the present. Set in 2088, the novel explores a deeply polarized United States, divided between two factions: the Nationalists and the Globalists. President Marcus Baros must navigate corruption, betrayal, and assassination attempts to save the nation from collapse. With themes of politics, philosophy, and humanism, the story questions whether America can overcome its divisions or spiral further into chaos. Baros’s unwavering values of patriotism, family, and love anchor this gripping and thought-provoking tale.
The narrative style employed by Stoicus is one of the book’s most striking features. Written almost as a history lesson, the story unfolds with a sense of gravitas, providing readers a detailed chronicle of this dystopian nation’s evolution. Stoicus integrates discussions on politics, philosophy, technology, religion, and family values, creating a richly layered story that educates as much as it entertains. Each topic is woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and context that enhance the novel’s central themes.
I think what makes this book particularly impactful is its relevance to the current political climate in the United States and beyond. Though set in a speculative future, the novel draws clear parallels to contemporary events, inviting readers to reflect on today’s polarized world. The story serves as both a mirror and a warning, encouraging readers to consider where society currently stands and where it might be heading. By grounding the dystopian narrative in familiar struggles, Stoicus crafts a novel that feels both timely and timeless.
Stoicus maintains a steady sense of intrigue, propelling readers forward with unexpected twists and turns. Each chapter introduces new layers of complexity, ensuring the story remains dynamic and unpredictable. The result is a reading experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling.
Traitor’s Black Rose is a bold and thought-provoking novel. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of power, ideology, and the forces that shape nations. It does not dictate conclusions but instead encourages reflection, sparking debate and introspection in equal measure. For those who appreciate fiction that resonates on a deeper level, this novel is an unmissable journey.
Pages: 175 | ASIN: B0DH3RFBM2
Another World
Another World, by I.M. Stoicus, is the sequel to the dystopian fiction Humans’ Enhancements, which introduced us to the dark, futuristic tale of Solon, an enhanced soldier. In this follow-up, Stoicus delves deeper into a dystopian future where global elites wield advanced technologies to exert control over society. The Globalist Legislative Unified Enterprise, a new power rising from the ruins of cities devastated by the Great War, offers stability at the cost of freedom, using deceptive holograms to maintain their grip. Solon emerges as the central figure in the rebellion against this regime, battling both human oppressors and formidable android armies.
Another World explores themes of resistance, unchecked technology, and the unbreakable human spirit against tyranny and oppression. The story propels readers into a future where technology is both a tool of control and a beacon of hope. Solon is a relatable character whose struggle against the globalist regime echoes real-world issues, making his fight compelling and poignant. The book excels in world-building, immersing readers in a society where freedom is sacrificed for a false sense of stability, prompting reflections on the true meaning of freedom.
Another World stands out as an impressive continuation of what promises to be a thrilling series. The interaction between humans and androids adds a layer of intrigue, prompting ethical considerations about advanced technology. The plot’s twists and turns maintain a brisk pace, though I feel the narrative leans occasionally toward detailed descriptions. This, however, does not detract from the gripping storyline. The book’s portrayal of resistance and the fight for freedom is powerful and unflinching, highlighting the harsh realities and stakes of rebellion.
While some plot twists are predictable, the emotional depth and resonance of the story make it a worthy read. Familiar themes and conflicts are given fresh, thoughtful treatment, making Another World a compelling exploration of contemporary concerns about technology and governance.
This story of resilience and courage, and the thirst for freedom will captivate fans of thought-provoking dystopian fiction. Not only does Another World successfully continue the gripping tale from its predecessor, but it also stands alone as a phenomenal story with a powerful message about the indomitable human spirit and the fight for what is right.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0D348C7L6
Humanity Is Not Sacrificed
Humans’ Enhancements follows an artificially enhanced soldier who is reprogrammed by his father to serve the resistance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a professional engineer who spent over thirty years in the military as an engineering officer. I also served over a year in combat. I have seen the best and the worst in men.
As a child, I was a fan of Star Trek and Star Wars; admittedly, I still am. However, I have been a strange puppy regarding education since I earned my first degree in philosophy and psychology, which made me question everything. My engineering was a result of joining the military and becoming an engineering officer and then going back to school and obtaining an engineering degree.
In addition, I enjoyed reading and was inspired by 1984 and Animal Farm by George Orwell.
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 tried to keep the reader in mind and strive to avoid being an ENGINERD, TECHNO-GEEK, or a MILITARY SHARPSHOOTER. 🙂
I do not expect the reader to have my passion for engineering, technology, and the military. However, I understand that people will marvel at their results.
On a personal note, I thank the Good Lord that I was blessed with two careers I love: a soldier and a civil engineer.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I was striving to explore the theme of avoiding giving up your humanity and freedom for a promise of security and stability. In addition, the STATE is capable of becoming tyrannical, and we need to ensure that our humanity is not sacrificed for AI enhancements or governmental/corporate efficiency.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Book two has been recently published. This book is called ANOTHER WORLD. I plan to write a third book to complete the trilogy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
HUMANS’ ENHANCEMENTS
I.M. Stoicus’s Humans’ Enhancements offers a chilling glimpse into a dystopian future where artificial intelligence dominates humanity. Centered on the character of Solon, a stoic soldier augmented with artificial technology, the novel explores the implications of a society enslaved by technocratic elites. Born from a pair of resistance leaders who oppose the authoritarian regime, Solon is re-programmed by his parents to resist the tyrannical forces shaping their world. The setting is a stark vision of Earth, its population reduced to four billion and segmented into eight warring factions, with the totalitarian Great State reigning supreme.
The narrative is adept at painting a bleak, technologically advanced society where cybernetic humanoids and a ruling AI enforce conformity at the expense of personal freedoms. Solon’s journey, bolstered by knowledge and physical enhancements implanted by his father, is both a personal and symbolic battle for human autonomy. The dynamics within Solon’s family—particularly the roles his parents play as his mentors and enhancers—add a poignant layer to the story, emphasizing the enduring power of human connections even in the most oppressive conditions. The prose sometimes adopts a formal tone that may seem detached, but it effectively complements the futuristic setting, creating a consistent atmosphere that aligns well with the book’s themes. The narrative thrusts readers directly into the action, maintaining a brisk pace that weaves shock and surprise into the fabric of Solon’s fight against the dystopia.
Humans’ Enhancements is thought-provoking speculative fiction that deftly uses a dystopian backdrop to probe the fragility of human society and the resilience of the human spirit. It invites readers to reflect on their own trajectory and the potential consequences of their technological pursuits.
Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0CP8FLSRV
LITERARY TITAN 