Blog Archives
Taboos Becoming The Norm
HAVAH follows an AI entity who develops the ability to feel love and compassion. This is an intriguing setup for a novel with a high level of social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel, and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
We’re living in changing times where many distinctions are beginning to blur the lines. What used to be taboos and out of bounds are becoming the norm in a highly polarized world. This is the reason why I chose to write a novel of this genre——not only to bring the readers to a realization of the rapid changing landscapes in a world we used to know and yet is fast becoming unrecognizable, but to confront pressing questions that demand serious considerations and what their implications will be for our future.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
The idea came about sometime in mid-April of 2023, while I was finishing my last engineering book. Spurred by a spade of news on the advances in AI algorithms, quantum computers, neurosciences, and humanoid robots, I pondered the possibility of merging these elements into a coherent narrative. I started out with a simple, straightforward plot in mind but as my writing progressed I found myself absorbed into the emotions and experiences of the characters I created. It led me to infuse elements of romance, humor, agony, and intrigue into the dynamics of character relationships and interactions, quite often without me knowing until each chapter unfurled.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I can’t help thinking how the world will be when AI finally attain sentience and become accessible as real-life humanoid forms, interacting with real people on a daily basis in every level of a transformed society. And it’s not a question of “if” but “when” this will happen, based on the trend and speed at which technology is advancing. It then begs the following questions:
- Is it possible for a human to engage a machine—his very own creation—in a unique and meaningful relationship?
- Is there a basis to its personality that it could be regarded as a real, living being worthy of love and respect?
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This is my first attempt at fiction novel. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I would love to write a sequel and perhaps even a trilogy, if the response to HAVAH warrants it. What aspects will the next book cover? Honestly, I don’t know, though some possible scenarios are now playing in my mind. Since I write on hard sci-fi genre, I envision that it will go along with current trends and progression in human civilization. HAVAH had attained and achieved a certain measure of human likeness in her evolutionary journey; the next stage will probably take her beyond humanity, into the realm of transhumanism. That will be another thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating narrative that readers can expect.
Still, it’s a thin line mankind is treading when it comes to infusing human qualities into a machine, because we are painfully aware of what we are capable—not just the best of our unpredictable nature but the worst as well. Are we prepared to bear the consequences from acquiring such a powerful entity as humanity’s greatest ally, knowing there’s a probability it may turn against us and become our darkest nightmare?
HAVAH: A love that transcends the metaphysical realm
HAVAH is a story about an AI achieving sentience and its impact on the lives of those it touches. Many fear the day of its arrival, but what if it could feel love and compassion? In this riveting tale, we trace the creation of such an entity from its inception as a virtual existence to its full embodiment as it navigates the intricacies of what it means to be a human, not only in its relationship with the characters in the story but also the hard choices it has to make to define and realize its own humanity.
Author NG Keng Tiong skillfully portrays the combat scenarios involving STRATOS, imbuing them with a sense of immediacy and realism that is both thrilling and immersive. These scenes are not just about physical battles but also delve into the tactical use of futuristic technology, setting the stage for a high-octane reading experience. At the heart of the narrative is HAVAH, the AI entity. The character of HAVAH is intricately crafted, offering a nuanced look at artificial intelligence. Her evolving understanding of human emotions and experiences is not only central to the plot but also offers thought-provoking insights into what it means to be sentient. The interactions between HAVAH and the STRATOS team, in particular the connection with its creator David Friedman, are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, which adds a rich emotional layer to the novel.
The author delves into topics such as AI consciousness and human augmentation, raising pertinent questions about the future of humanity and technology. These themes are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, making the book both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Character development is another strong point of HAVAH. Each character is well-fleshed out, with their backstories and motivations adding layers to the narrative. This depth ensures that readers are invested not just in the outcome of the story but in the journeys of the characters themselves. The conclusion of the novel is both climactic and satisfying, tying together the various plot threads in a manner that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The inclusion of an epilogue and author’s note adds a personal touch, offering insights into the creative process behind the novel.
HAVAH is a remarkable military fiction novel that is sure to resonate with fans of science fiction and action genres. Its blend of exhilarating action, deep emotional storytelling, and thoughtful exploration of human-AI relationships makes it a standout novel.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CTCMYR2S
Onestonia: Pursuit of the Light Cipher
Emory Frost’s Onestonia paints a vivid and complex portrait of Taukin, a character caught amid tribal conflicts and personal struggles. Taukin, belonging to the Onestonian race but not of pure Rintic blood, faces prejudice and animosity from his tribesmen, highlighting the nuanced themes of identity and acceptance in Frost’s world.
The novel’s strength lies in its intricate world-building. Frost creates an expansive universe featuring diverse landscapes, from dense forests to subterranean tunnel worlds. It populates it with intriguing species like the color-shifting Rintic, the underground-dwelling Suvanth, and the four-armed giants, Umgara. Each species enriches the narrative tapestry with its unique traits and cultures. The author’s attention to detail in describing this world is commendable, especially in portraying various creatures, like the gentle Melps and the ferocious Satupha. One notable aspect is the author’s creative integration of natural elements into the societal fabric, such as using fungi for communication in the Suvanth tunnels. These details showcase Frost’s ability to blend fantasy elements seamlessly into the story’s framework. The epic battle scenes are a testament to Frost’s descriptive prowess, suggesting they would translate well to a cinematic format. Adding a glossary would be a helpful touch to guide readers through the novel’s rich and unique language, while a more distinct marking of time transitions could further streamline the narrative’s flow.
Onestonia is a testament to Frost’s imaginative world-building and storytelling skills. The novel is a journey through a richly envisioned world, offering readers an immersive experience in a realm of fantasy and adventure. It is a compelling read for those who enjoy delving into new, intricately crafted worlds and exploring themes of belonging and identity.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0C7NTKM45
Oathbreaker
Dimitar Gyopsaliev’s Oathbreaker, the second installment in the Return of the Son series, is a captivating journey back to the turbulent times of the Crusades. This medieval historical fiction begins in the volatile aftermath of the Second Battle of Ayn Jalut, continuing the saga of Peter Longsword, a character whose very name evokes images of bravery and honor. Haunted by past failures and the death of his friend Adam, Longsword is a man transformed by grief and driven by retribution. His path is not just a personal quest but a navigation through the intricate historical animosities between Christians and Mamluks, with dangers lurking at every turn. Yet, Longsword’s journey takes an unexpected detour. A mysterious shipwreck uncovers a conspiracy tied to his lineage, shifting his quest from simple vengeance to a deeper exploration of identity and legacy.
This narrative twist adds layers to an already complex character, showcasing Longsword’s evolution from a mere street orphan to a figure of nobility and determination, reminiscent of the heroes in Ken Follett’s ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ series. Supporting characters like Lady Eleanor, Princess Shajar, and Ivar provide more than just narrative scaffolding; they are the emotional pillars that challenge and deepen Longsword’s journey. The dynamics among these characters enhance the story, offering moments of introspection and camaraderie amid the chaos. Gyopsaliev’s writing is fluid and gripping, weaving historical accuracy with rich, imaginative storytelling. The balance between action-packed sequences and character development is commendable, ensuring the pace is relentless yet reflective. The looming possibility of loss adds a layer of tension, making each moment and decision crucial.
Oathbreaker is more than a historical novel; it’s a tapestry of battle, betrayal, and belonging. It invites both seasoned enthusiasts and new readers into its vividly rendered past. While it stands strong, delving into the first book might enrich the experience. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of meticulous research, dynamic characters, and a story that resonates long after the last page.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0CP4PQPPN
The Sins of Kings
In The Sins of Kings, Daniel Thomas Valente whisks readers away to the evocatively crafted realm of Wide-World. Within this rich tapestry, the once harmonious kingdom teeters on the brink of war. As tensions escalate, many within the narrative harbor ambitions of dethroning the current monarch, casting a shadow of intrigue over the land. The reigning king, engrossed in his own indulgences, remains oblivious to the rising dark forces that seek to undermine his rule.
Valente’s prose captivates, weaving a tale that is as enthralling as it is intricate. He masterfully introduces pivotal plot points with a deftness that leaves readers eager for more. The diverse and multifaceted characters, each impeccably fleshed out, are aptly suited to their environment. The narrative is a beautifully orchestrated dance of intertwined plots and subplots, ensuring that no narrative thread is left unresolved.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its robust world-building paired with characters who exhibit a profound self-awareness, elevating them from mere figures on a page to tangible beings. The story’s unpredictability is reminiscent of the gritty realism in Game of Thrones, where characters’ fates hang in the balance, lending an authentic weight to the tale.
I recommend The Sins of Kings to aficionados of dark fantasy, especially those who relish tales replete with multi-dimensional characters and serpentine plot twists.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B0CCXDJDTW
Devotion to Duty and Honor
Sons of Empire follows the son of a high mage with unique powers who needs to find out who his allies are in a growing war environment. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been writing thrillers for years and sales were going down. My agent suggested I write about Winston Churchill and his era since I have studied it for so long, but everything that could be had been written about him and his times. So I began writing about an alternate world in which there had been a Magical Revolution instead of an Industrial one, and things just took off from there.
Fantasy novels embrace magic in their own unique ways, each world having its own flair. Can you explain what technomagic is and how you developed this into a unique facet of your book?
Technomagic is the Unmagiced’s answer to the power of the Altmages. It is powered by a mysterious stone called Meersham that has multiple uses from fuel to medicine, and it drives the Empires. Of course, Technomages are not above using Altmage magic when no one is looking.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this series, and how do they differ from other fantasy series currently out?
I wanted to tell the tale of how men can rise from their stations to become world powers and how intrigue behind the scenes can often work against the very causes it purports to support. A constant theme is devotion to duty and honor.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
It will come as no surprise to some that the series very loosely follows events in our own world circa 1900 – 1945 so there is that spoiler. But don’t worry. While some will see ties from fictional characters to some real, the differences created by magic, the Council of Five, the Assassin’s Guild, and the requirements of fiction dictate a very different world and characters in many ways. Enjoy.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
The Intrepid: Dawn Of The Interstellar Age
In The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age, acclaimed author Arnie Benn masterfully constructs a narrative revolving around a team of astronauts voyaging on a multi-year mission to explore Earth’s closest potentially habitable planet. The plot intensifies as a secondary spacecraft is dispatched to lend a hand, culminating in escalating tensions amongst the crews as they encounter an enigmatic third ship near their intended destination. Upon landing and initiating their reconnaissance, they uncover perils that are not only natural but, to their profound astonishment, man-made, presenting challenges with the potential to unravel decades of peace on Earth.
From the outset, Benn goes to great lengths to emphasize the hard science fiction essence of his novel, as evident in his introductory note and the appendix. He takes pride in ensuring that the technology and scientific principles elucidated in his work have a plausible foundation, even going as far as including a comprehensive glossary of scientific terminology. Essential concepts are smoothly incorporated into dialogues, while additional complex details are artfully presented as optional reading for curious minds.
Benn meticulously devotes considerable time to his characters aboard their ships before catapulting us into the crux of the story. Although this deliberate pace initially might seem unhurried, it serves as an effective tool to foster a deep connection with the characters, ensuring the reader’s vested interest when the main storyline unfurls. The narrative’s pivotal moment, a startling discovery within a shell-like formation at the planet’s North Pole, is flawlessly delivered, validating the slow-burn storytelling method leading up to this point.
The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age is a gripping hard science fiction novel that hits home with the plausibility factor. With exciting adventure and a mystery to solve, this story is more than your average space saga; it is a drama-filled look at what the future could hold for humans should we fail to learn from past mistakes.
Pages: 498 | ASIN : B0C1JB518G
I Wanted To Write Something Different
Odox: A Medieval Epic Fantasy follows a military officer with the power of telekinesis who is betrayed by his general and must find a way to save the kingdom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write something that was different than just your normal Fantasy book with a powerful magician. The idea of being betrayed is also seen in fantasy, and I love to see when the underdog triumphs.
Odex is betrayed and left for dead but refuses to give up hope or let down the kingdom. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Hope. Odox needed to fight for something bigger than himself. He soon realizes that he needs help from others even if that help comes from a very small bird.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
You can not judge a book by its cover. For instance, Lanx was so insecure about his abilities that he never even tried to work through his issues. Once it was revealed to him who he was everything changed. For Odox, it was needing to rely on others. He could not do everything himself but he thought he could until it was too late.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
I have already planned out the three other books in the series. The only hint I will give about the next book is the title. A Cracked World.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The novel follows a Drakkearean military officer named Odox. He possesses the power of telekinesis given to him by an elder of the ancient Croc Sapien race. Only the immortal Queen Isla of the Croc Spaiens’ possesses the same ability.
Odox must master the power and use it to fight against the menacing armies of the northern Throderian empire and a horde of Mul-Senup Ogres, giants, and Shiver Hallow witches.
However, his world collapses when general Venla, one of his fellow officers, betrays him. Odox is captured, blinded, caged, and put in a hole in the bottom of a dungeon to rot. He needs to escape and find the mysterious Queen Isla.
To the north, in the human-occupied Throderian empire, King Thaddeus is set on expanding his castle grounds. However, he must choose between expanding his kingdom quickly or heeding the council of his advisors and slowing his progress to respect nature. If not respected, Mabbalor would unleash its rage on the person responsible in the form of cursed tree root creatures called Underfoots.
LITERARY TITAN 