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Zero to Hero
The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension follows a blind teenage boy who is abducted and taken to another dimension to fight in a war and save the planet. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I started writing this story after reading the Percy Jackson and The Olympian Series in high school. That story took me on an adventure and had done something for me that I wanted to do for others, thus my journey to being a writer began and I hadn’t looked back since, Yes, life got in the way and that prolonged my finishing the book sooner but, all in all, it worked out for the best. Also, having a blind protagonist do something extraordinary was just interesting to me at the time.
Jake struggles to find purpose in his life and becomes bored with his mundane existence. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The idea was that Jake is too smart for his own good and his intellectualism has placed him on a pedestal, and since that is the case, there’s nothing in life that’s a challenge for him along with the fact he is unable to see the world in color which ‘colors’ his perspective on life. Jake’s being whisked away to Figueroa was to give him a sense of purpose and present a challenge worthy of his intellect. Saving multiple worlds from impending war was just the challenge.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book is not as convoluted as picking a theme or any major plot points. This book was written purely with imagination with the intent on having as much fun and adventure as possible. The overall trope, for that matter, is zero to hero and shows how someone that has the precursors for being extraordinary transitions into someone that exemplifies the term in every way.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There will be a second novel that will focus on Jake’s reign as the king and how he ascends to an even higher plane of existence while his empire goes through drastic changes. Jake will go on yet another journey worthy of his intellectual and physical prowess; however, this time, he will ascend from being a king to a God. The book will also cover how his wife, Cheryl, and four children deal with the fall of the empire while Jake is gone.
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One night, Jake is dragged away to another dimension to a planet known as Figueroa. On this planet, he meets The White Figure General, X-Otropolis, who tells Jake he’s been chosen to stop The Great Figueroan War and defeat The Black Figure.
Jake finds himself learning swordplay and developing his might to save a planet that is more connected to Earth than he thinks as The Great Figueroan War spreads across dimensions, where Jake not only has to save two worlds, but enlist help from unlikely allies including Thalia, the girl he thought was lost to him forever.
The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension
Josiah Akhtab’s The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension artfully blends the boundaries between science fiction and fantasy, infused with elements characteristic of young adult fiction. In this narrative, we meet Jake Matthews, a visually impaired teenager grappling with a sense of directionlessness. Despite his blindness, Jake possesses a remarkable ability to perceive the world through his other senses. Yet, his daily life seems boring until an unexpected turn of events catapult him into another dimension – the planet Figueroa. Here, Jake is thrust into a role of cosmic importance: to thwart The Black Figure and bring an end to The Great Figueroan War. Under the tutelage of The White Figure General of X-Otropolis, Jake hones his combat skills, slowly unraveling his pivotal role in the fate of not just one but multiple worlds.
Akhtab’s narrative may remind readers of a video game plot, intertwining elements reminiscent of classics like Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game. While familiar, the trope of ‘the chosen one,’ is reinvigorated in Akhtab’s hands, illustrating how a well-worn concept can remain engaging when approached with a fresh perspective. The story poignantly explores the inner world of a teenager like Jake, whose mundane reality is dramatically transformed, echoing the daydreams of many adolescents yearning for adventure and significance. Akhtab’s prose is imbued with contagious excitement and fervent joy, lifting the story beyond the conventional confines of its genre. While The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension might not break new ground in terms of originality, its strengths lie in sharp, witty dialogue, imaginative scenarios, and a sprinkling of inventive twists. These elements coalesce to render the book a commendable and enjoyable read, particularly for those fond of sci-fi and young adult adventures.
The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension is a spirited foray into a world where sci-fi and fantasy converge, appealing especially to young adult readers. Josiah Akhtab skillfully crafts a universe that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Jake Matthews’ journey resonates with a universal appeal, capturing the timeless allure of transformation and discovery. This book stands as a testament to the enduring power of imaginative storytelling, where even well-trodden paths can lead to captivating destinations. For readers seeking an engaging blend of adventure and character growth, Akhtab’s novel is a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Pages: 522 | ASIN : B07ZY9DQ5V
LITERARY TITAN 