Blog Archives
Focus on Humanity
Of Friction follows a brother and sister team who are on a mission to protect a pivotal summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story and idea has been playing in my head for fifteen years and when I finally attempted to write it down, it was more angst than an actual plot. Worse, most of the story is in the second book of the planned trilogy, which meant I had to figure everything out before then. I turned to different world events and international affairs that I’ve been interested in. History repeats itself or something like it, right? Overall, I’m influenced by A24 films and Denis Villeneuve (the story was initially written as a screenplay) and I wanted to emphasize character while balancing the world-building and plot.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I always knew I wanted to focus on humanity and I prefer “realistic” science fiction (less aliens, more technology and science). The Altered, genetically engineered humans who are stronger and more resilient in a post-climate change/war-destroyed earth, were a credible “enemy.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Growing up as a first-generation American, I struggled with a lot of identity crises. When you add on a difficult transition from a year-long assignment in Iraq (two years in Mexico before that) where my job became most of who I was, identity is questioned. A lot. Of Friction helps touch on this as well as the theme of perspective. I am grateful my experiences exposed me to different cultures and stories, and one thing I noticed is that no one believes they are the bad guy.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book of a trilogy. I am currently editing Book 2 and plan on releasing it in early 2025. The next book picks up immediately after Book 1, but will stretch over a longer period. It delves into the relationships explored in Of Friction, throws the team into more tense situations as Altered and humans are “forced” to coexist, and touches on themes of anger, fear, PTSD, and how war affects different people/sides.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner, 2024 Pencraft Seasonal Book Award
Decades of hostilities. A chance for peace. Caught between belligerent groups, will this operation be her last?
Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is reeling. Struggling with her brother’s recent decision to make their next assignment his last, the recon specialist fights to change his mind. But she has no time to process her emotions when they’re tasked to protect a pivotal reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists.
Distracted by a charming female medic, the golden-haired marine struggles to stay focused as events quickly unravel. And with the conflict becoming dangerously unpredictable, secrets from the past catch Sam by surprise as she uncovers a plot to destroy all of humanity.
Can she stop a violent and oppressive history from spiraling into a catastrophic future?
Of Friction is the fast-paced first book in the Altered Earth dystopian military speculative fiction series. If you like strong women, tense action, and slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance, then you’ll love S.J. Lee’s gripping story.
Read Of Friction to launch a critical mission today!
Of Friction
In Of Friction, the first installment of S. J. Lee’s Altered Earth Series, readers are introduced to protagonist Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan right from the outset. The narrative dives into her complex world as she grapples with her brother’s abrupt departure from the military, a budding romance with Miriam, the team’s medic, and startling revelations about her own past. These personal challenges are set against her mission to safeguard a crucial reconciliation summit between the Altered and humans, threatened by human-supremacist terrorists.
The book maintains a brisk pace, managing to be engaging without overwhelming the reader. Lee effectively portrays a vivid and believable world through Sam’s perspective, ensuring that each character stands out with distinct voices and personalities. This strong sense of place and character enriches the narrative, making the high-stakes environment palpable.
The prologue of Of Friction serves as a great preliminary brief that sets the stage with valuable background details that enrich the reader’s understanding of the world within the series. While stylistically distinct from the chapters that follow, this introduction ensures that the narrative is accessible from the very beginning, offering insights that complement the unfolding story without necessity, indicating the author’s thorough world-building.
The relationship between Sam and Miriam holds the potential for deeper exploration. I think by incorporating Miriam’s perspective earlier in the story, readers could gain a fuller understanding of her motivations and emotions. I think this addition would not only enrich the romantic subplot but also contribute to a more rounded and impactful climax, smoothly integrating the story’s emotional and narrative arcs.
Of Friction is a compelling opener for the Altered Earth Series, featuring a well-crafted setting and a dynamic cast. This dystopian military thriller lays a promising groundwork for the subsequent books, leaving readers eager to see how the complexities of the characters’ relationships and the overarching conflict will evolve.
Pages: 404 | ASIN: B0CPGG44BR
LITERARY TITAN 