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Imperialistic Expansion
Ore Wars thrusts humanity into a high-stakes battle for survival and diplomacy in a solar system where aliens and political ambitions challenge our place among the stars. What inspired the political and social parallels between the story and historical colonial struggles?
Firstly, I wanted to point out that we like to believe we may be alone in our solar system, but there may be seemingly unlikely places where intelligent alien creatures may be living in stealth, even though they might not have originated there. Secondly, aggressive imperialistic expansion driven by greed for wealth and power has not ended on Earth and is expanding into near space. When the means is developed to exploit the unfathomable wealth in metallic asteroids like Psyche, I think all hell will break loose between the superpowers on Earth.
How did you develop the unique voice of Blacky, and what does his character represent in the narrative?
Blacky is an intelligent alien spy who knows as much about his own people as Earth’s people. He has observed that the same proportion of good to bad people exists in both species. Blacky and his partner Jade are good people, and they believe that a lasting peace treaty can be negotiated between the good subsets of both species. They prove to be naive, and ultimately blackmail must be used to bring the two sides to the negotiating table. In that sense, the book may be a bit cynical. But the many wars on Earth I think support the notion that many of our human leaders are corrupt and driven by selfish greed. God help us all if we encounter an alien species with the same weakness.
What challenges did you face in balancing action with the novel’s rich political and cultural world-building?
I wanted to hold the reader’s interest without overloading them with the technical and political aspects, which are considerable. I attempted to develop characters that most people could relate to, based on their own life experiences. And the action scenes hopefully provide a bit of fun along the way.
When and where will the book be available?
The book is about to be published by Pegasus (UK), and will soon be available on Amazon in paperback and ebook formats.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Ore Wars
Set in a not-so-distant future, Ore Wars invites readers into a thrilling narrative where humanity ventures beyond Earth to claim the riches of the solar system only to discover they’re not the first ones there. The alien occupants, protective of their territory, aren’t eager to share. What follows is a riveting tale of diplomacy and survival as a courageous team of explorers must navigate interstellar politics, alien cultures, and the brewing tensions back home to secure humanity’s place among the stars.
One of Ore Wars’ most distinctive features is its use of dialogue as a storytelling device. Conversations between characters not only drive the plot but also immerse readers in their world, providing insight into their motivations and the stakes at hand. While some sections, like Captain Aoki’s extended briefing, lean on exposition, the dialogue remains a vital and effective tool for world-building and narrative engagement.
At its core, Ore Wars is more than just a sci-fi adventure, it’s a gripping political thriller. The conflicts feel strikingly real, echoing historical power struggles and the challenges of empire-building. The story’s depiction of the United States and the United Nations competing with an alien power over valuable resources is eerily reminiscent of Earth’s own colonial past. This political drama is brilliantly framed by periodic newspaper-style interludes, which provide additional depth and context, grounding the interstellar stakes in themes that resonate with modern audiences.
The novel’s ensemble cast adds to its appeal, offering a diverse range of perspectives. While some characters could have been explored more deeply, their interactions and collective efforts bring a sense of camaraderie to the narrative. Among them, the cheerful alien Blacky stands out, adding charm and levity to the story. His presence underscores the potential for meaningful connections between species, even amidst conflict.
Ore Wars shines as an ambitious and thought-provoking novel. Its blend of political intrigue, realistic depictions of space travel, and timely commentary on human nature make it a standout in the sci-fi genre. Readers looking for a story that balances thrilling action with sharp social commentary will find much to enjoy in this interstellar epic.
LITERARY TITAN 