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The Passage of Time
The Admiral’s Gamble follows a decorated officer at the end of his long career, who stumbles upon a mysterious device capable of altering time and leaving him to decide how the future will play out, and at what cost. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my fascination with the idea of fate versus free will, how a single decision can ripple through time and alter everything that follows. I’ve always loved sci-fi movies and have a deep respect for the military, so I wanted to see if I could combine the two in a meaningful way while keeping traditional values and storytelling at the heart of it.
I found Admiral James Harrington to be a well-written, in-depth character. What inspired him, and what drove his emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Admiral Harrington is a blend of strength, regret, and redemption. He’s inspired by real-world veterans and leaders who carry the weight of their choices long after the battles end. His turmoil comes from the struggle between doing what’s right and doing what’s necessary.
I think everyone, at some point, wonders “what if” — what if we could change a single moment or decision from our past? That’s something everyone can relate to, and it’s what makes Harrington such a human character. He represents that quiet part in all of us that looks back and wonders how life might have turned out differently.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes are sacrifice, morality, and the passage of time. I wanted readers to think about the price of second chances, that even with the power to change the past, you might lose something far more valuable in the process. The story also touches on legacy, how we’re remembered, and whether it’s worth altering fate to protect that legacy.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
My next project, Return What Was Taken, was released not long ago. It’s a psychological thriller that explores what happens when the mind begins to fracture, dealing with mental health struggles and the battle between reality and perception. I think that’s something many people in today’s world can relate to on a personal level.
I’m also working on a new full-length novel that combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller. It’s a bold story with deep characters and moral questions, similar in tone to The Admiral’s Gamble. My goal is to have it completed sometime next year.
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Admiral James Harrington thought his final mission was behind him. After decades of service, he’s preparing for retirement until a top-secret assignment throws him into a war not bound by space or time. A temporal breach has unleashed chaos, rewriting history and threatening global collapse. Now, Harrington must lead a mission through shifting realities and fractured timelines, where every choice could erase the people he loves or doom millions. As old enemies resurface and long-buried regrets return, the Admiral must confront not only the mission but himself. This explosive sci-fi thriller blends military strategy, time travel, and deeply human stakes, perfect for fans of Jack Campbell and The Expanse. The Admiral’s Gamble is a story about courage, consequence, and the impossible decisions leaders must make when the future is on the line.
The Admiral’s Gamble
The Admiral’s Gamble unfolds like a cinematic naval epic mixed with the intrigue of a sci-fi thriller. It follows Admiral James Harrington, a decorated officer at the end of his long career, who stumbles upon a mysterious device capable of altering time. The story begins at his retirement party and spirals into a tense, emotional journey through duty, destiny, and moral conflict. What starts as a quiet reflection on legacy turns into a race against fate, as Harrington must decide whether to sacrifice everything he knows to prevent a future catastrophe.
Reading this book felt like stepping into an old-school war movie that suddenly turns futuristic. The writing is vivid and grounded in military realism, yet it slides seamlessly into moments of eerie wonder. Author Nick Malara writes with a strong sense of rhythm; his scenes move with a cinematic flow that keeps the tension alive even in the quiet moments. A few pages linger long on scenery when the story’s emotional punch could have carried itself. But the heart of the book, the internal struggle of a man torn between heroism and self-preservation, shines bright and feels honest.
I found myself really drawn to Harrington as a character. He’s gruff, tired, and haunted by the weight of command. The dialogue feels old-school and clipped, full of restraint, like the man himself. Yet beneath that hardened shell is a depth of conscience that makes him compelling. The time-travel element, though wild, serves more as a mirror for his soul than a trick of plot. It forces him, and the reader, to ask: what’s the cost of doing the right thing when it erases the life you’ve built? There were moments that hit hard, moments that made me pause and think about sacrifice, legacy, and the strange way duty can both define and destroy a person.
I’d recommend The Admiral’s Gamble to readers who like military fiction with a twist of science fiction, or stories about aging heroes facing their past. It’s ideal for people who enjoy introspection mixed with high-stakes action. The story’s emotional weight and moral questions make it worth the ride. If you like tales that mix grit, heart, and a touch of the unknown, this one’s a good bet.
Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0FH77C97Z
LITERARY TITAN 