Blog Archives
The Recyclers’ Paradise
Embarking upon an enthralling journey through a meticulously crafted dystopian universe, The Recyclers’ Paradise: Dust of the Gods by J. N. De Bedout offers readers a contemplative exploration of free will amidst a society bound by strict, predetermined purposes. The novel seamlessly intertwines seven distinct narratives, each unearthing different facets of a world where even the minutest act of rebellion comes at a dire cost.
The stories: “The Mandate of Purpose,” “The Illness of Wayward Citizens,” “Duty Between Fire and Ice,” “The Refugee Conundrum,” “The Recycler’s Apprentice,” “Doomsday,” and “Brew of Chaos,” unfold in a universe where mechanical brain implants dictate obedience, rendering any form of dissent punishable – ranging from temporary incapacitation to the chilling prospect of being recycled.
De Bedout’s initial tale, “The Mandate of Purpose,” delicately unwraps the realities of the world he has conjured, showcasing the stark contrast and parallelisms with our contemporary society. The narrative demonstrates a sharp understanding of societal structure and consequence, notably exploring what unfolds when a departure from the ordained path is neither corrected nor quelled. In a particular instance, “The Recycler’s Apprentice” sheds light on the peculiarities of a character who diverges from their prescribed societal role, peeling back the layers of conformity to reveal a subtle rebellion beneath.
While I enjoyed this book, I felt the potential of some narratives, such as “The Illness of Wayward Citizens” and “The Refugee Conundrum,” seem underexplored due to a scarcity of conflict, leaving me yearning for deeper, more impactful clashes. “Doomsday” and “Brew of Chaos” introduce an intriguing new threat, purportedly in the form of angels. The absence of a direct, tangible conflict between the introduced beings and the established Nosfelen tantalizes readers with what might have been an epic cosmic showdown.
In his world-building, De Bedout exhibits a remarkable depth, crafting a universe pulsating with rich history and complexity. Nonetheless, a few entities make unheralded appearances, their origins, and purposes shrouded in mystery, which might, on one hand, spark a sense of intrigue and on the other, birth a morsel of frustration due to the scarce exposition.
The Recyclers’ Paradise presents a compelling tapestry of interwoven stories, mirroring certain aspects of our current societal paradigms. While it beckons with the promise of deeper exploration and untold tales, it remains a thought-provoking read that implores reflection on freedom, destiny, and the fine line that perpetually dangles between order and rebellion.
Pages: 654 | ASIN: B0CGMW515R
The Empath’s Second Chance
Dive into the interstellar expanse of love and rebirth with The Empath’s Second Chance. This captivating blend of Sci-fi MM Romance introduces readers to the complex relationship between the passionate human, Sylas Hayes, and the enigmatic Kyphomi alien, Ksa’in.
The Kyphomi, distinguished by their luxuriantly long hair and impressive stature—greater than that of humans—are peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet, boasting lifespans of up to 200 years. Their empathetic nature sets the tone for this poignant tale.
As the narrative unfolds, Sylas grapples with memories of Davon Pax, a past love interest who abandoned him for an alien named Tulq’on. Ksa’in, similarly, is on a path of self-reflection and healing. Their fates take a dramatic turn when Sylas is abducted by the Vraik aliens and placed on the fiery planet Evis, teeming with its distinctive lizards and furry inhabitants. But amid this chaos, Ksa’in emerges as a beacon of hope.
Author Sidonie Savage tells a riveting romance story set against a backdrop of spaceships, unique creatures, and alien worlds. The story is enriched by the interwoven perspectives of Sylas and Ksa’in, as well as the inclusion of Tira, Sylas’s dear friend. This triad of views offers an immersive experience into the characters’ emotions and challenges.
As the follow-up to The Empath’s Lover, this novel is the second entry in the tantalizing Kyphomi Empath’s series. While catering to a niche audience, it seamlessly marries elements of erotic romance and science fiction. Intended for mature readers, the book includes several artfully crafted erotic sequences.
In The Empath’s Second Chance, Sidonie Savage seamlessly interweaves the allure of science fiction with the passions of romance, creating a universe that both captivates the mind and touches the heart.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CGR4C8PY
A Cautionary Tale
Yesterday’s Tomorrow unravels a slightly futuristic, alternative Earth, where a protagonist challenges a system gone awry, leading readers on an introspective journey that questions the essence of humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world Mr. Orwell described in 1984 scares the living life out of me.
Though at the moment I wrote this response, I slightly chuckled, that doesn’t change my sentiment. And since I drew heavy inspiration from dystopian books of the past, it should be evident that I am looking at the future under that light.
I don’t speak out of academia, most of my youth was spent in a country governed by a totalitarian regime. I have an intimate knowledge of what it feels like to have your entire life dictated by someone you have never met.
One thing that should be obviously visible in the novel is children. Or the lack thereof. That in and of itself is a cautionary tale that humanity should take note of. Technological advances will, at some point, step in. And if we aren’t careful to maintain our human lineages, we will inevitably lose our humanity. Might as well become robots.
Previous dystopian works weren’t my only inspiration, however. I did consult actual research papers. One of the most notable is the Mouse Utopia Experiment.
The combination of these works gave birth to the framework I used to build Yesterday’s Tomorrow.
Your protagonist, Elton Nett, is an intriguing character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted to portray the world as seen through the eyes of someone that walked on the streets of all the worlds in the novel. Not someone that was special or gifted in any way. I wanted to show the little nooks and crannies of this reality. And I believe the best way to do so is by putting myself, and the reader, in the shoes of Elton as he just tried to make do with what he had. Heroes, or those who find the fortitude to make a change, aren’t usually who we think they are. His strength didn’t come from some deep-seated belief. It doesn’t take someone special to push back and say enough is enough.
Throughout the novel, you subtly weave in philosophical questions about humanity. How did you approach integrating these themes without overwhelming the adventurous plotline?
The big overall questions were posed as I began my research. They set in as I further developed the world and finally were accented with the events in the book.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
It’s a little early to say when, but I currently have two books in my hands. The continuation of Imprint Legacy, which now is at almost 90k words. (I know I promised this book years ago. I am diligently working on it.) And, together with Cozy Reads Publishing, I’m working on a novella that involves time travel.
Additionally, together with a comic book artist, I am developing This Is NOT a Bedtime Story from the Morning Star in a comic book with the goal of transforming the entire Morning Star in that form as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
It follows main character, Elton Nett as he experiences the firsthand degradation of society as governments become ever so reliant on automation, computer systems and Artificial Intelligence.
Times have changed, people have changed.
Most would argue that we’ve evolved, but what good is evolution if, in the process, we lose our humanity?
For all intents and purposes, Elton Nett is a refugee. He and his family fled their birthplace and settled in a new world with hopes of a better life. A world where they could be free to decide their own fate, or so they thought.
Simmered in a sea of lies and deception, humanity was tricked into obedience and compliance. Elton and the majority of his peers were deceived by the same evil his father had cautioned about—the System.
While some aspects proved beneficial, the System exhaustively broke them down. Physically and mentally morphing humanity into something new—something unthinkable.
They called it progression.
Thankfully, the essence of humankind can’t be measured by what encases it.
Tachyon Tunnel
In Tachyon Tunnel, readers are introduced to Paula, an accomplished molecular biologist on the brink of receiving the Nobel Prize. At the pinnacle of her professional success, Paula’s personal life descends into chaos as her romantic relationships crumble. A tragic accident further shatters her world, but a glimmer of hope emerges through an unlikely source: her friend Alex and his audacious plan involving the tachyon tunnel, a theoretical construct allowing movement through time and space.
This novel’s premise is thrilling, promising a journey that weaves science fiction with touches of fantasy and romance. At its core, Tachyon Tunnel is not simply about the exploration of theoretical physics and the far reaches of human invention. Rather, it is the deep connection between Paula and Alex that fuels the story. It’s a connection transcending mere friendship or romantic love. This rare bond leads Alex to take risks and embark on a daring adventure to reconnect with Paula.
While the concept of a tachyon tunnel might seem daunting to those without a background in science, Gorton’s skillful exposition renders it accessible to the average reader. You don’t need to possess Paula’s genius to grasp the essential elements of this innovative technology. The narrative conveys the underlying theme that science, often viewed with trepidation, holds incredible wonders that should be embraced rather than feared.
Gorton’s work also touches on a more universal issue: the rapid integration of new technology into our daily lives. His stance is reassuring, nudging readers to see the marvels and majesty of science as treasures to be sought after.
Tachyon Tunnel achieves a delicate balance, melding complex scientific ideas with a heartfelt human story. It’s a novel that invites readers to ponder the possibilities of time and space and to reflect on the enduring power of human connection. For those looking for a thoughtful and engaging read that bridges the gap between hard science and deep emotion, this book may be the ideal exploration.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CC2ZXYWJ
Unexpected Events
Through the Raging Storm follows a general store owner and his friends in a small town who investigate a mysterious object that is found after a violent thunderstorm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Hearing about the NASA Explorer on Mars made me realize it was reasonable for an alien species on another planet to send something similar here. That started me thinking about what they might do. Certainly, orbiting Earth would be a start. A technologically advanced society would have AI to learn and translate our language. And they would want to observe undetected. That’s why I chose to have the lander come down partially obscured by a lightning storm.
Vanderpool is a small community west of San Antonio set in the picturesque region of Lost Maples. Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
I researched several alternatives that would are remote, rural locations. I liked the fact that Vanderpool is not too far from San Antonio and Austin. And it’s a scenic part of the country with rugged and unoccupied areas. I wanted to make the location details in the story as accurate as possible and used Google Maps to drive the roads. If you visit you can go to the Winery and the Motorcycle Museum. You can eat where Joe and his friends ate.
The people in the town and the outsiders are all drawn to this discovery, wanting to know more and to claim it for themselves. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition and desire to understand the unknown that you think make for great fiction?
I have always been intrigued by how ordinary people are able to respond to unexpected events. In my first book, Will Normal Return, a possible but unexpected event happened and affected people in a small mountain community. I think stories that show the reader how others deal with events that disrupt their lives can have a message that goes beyond the story. In Through The Raging Storm Joe’s curiosity leads to the involvement of his friends. What they discover and conflict with outsiders changes their lives. There is interaction between friends, the decisions they make, their personalities and personal interests. It changes Joe’s relationship with Martha for the rest of their lives
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be published?
My next book will be pure science fiction. It’s called Escape From Tridon and involves a desperate attempt by aliens seeking a new planetary home. Their scientists have identified Earth as the best fit for their species. It is planned for release in November.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“Through the Raging Storm” takes readers on an ambitious science fiction adventure that will spark both curiosity and wonder. After Joe and his friends make their out of this world discovery, they are hooked. They embark on a quest that only leads to more surprises and a possibility too impossible to accept. Complication builds and the outsiders are doing more than just asking questions. Join Joe and his buddies as they cope with the mystery of a lifetime. The only thing he knows for sure, is that his life has been changed forever.
The Collapse of the Bronze Age
The Age of Heroes follows iconic Bronze Age civilizations that face extraterrestrial threats, mysterious deities, and formidable organisms, blurring the lines between history and science fiction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by the catastrophe that befell the brilliant Mediterranean Bronze Age civilization at the beginning of the 12th Century BCE. The rich, interconnected, multi-faceted world had ceased to exist in a few decades. The cities had been razed and burned, the crops destroyed, and the people dispersed.
The cause of the Catastrophe is still subject to a fierce debate among scientists. We might never know the truth.
This provides a perfect setting for studying the Bronze Age civilizations while adding fictional and fantastic elements. I took the liberty to imagine a certain “what if” scenario, an alien expedition amid the struggle for supremacy between the human kingdoms.
I hope this story will motivate the readers to learn more about this fascinating time and discover historical facts about the Bronze Age collapse.
The Soarers, portrayed as deities observing humanity, present a unique take on ancient gods. How did you conceive this alien race and their intricate relationship with human emotions?
Having aliens posing as deities is not a novel concept. I tried to imagine what it might be like when technologically advanced humans, exploring space, encounter an alien civilization not unlike the Bronze Age Mediterranean culture. Would we try to elevate them to our level, or would we succumb to the most primitive instincts of our nature? The contradiction of a technologically advanced species, with a superior intellect and driven by logical argument, yet subject to the basest desires and emotions, is a riddle I’m very curious about. Will we ever be able to transcend our animal nature? Do we really need to strive to do it, or does it give us, humans, a unique advantage?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First of all, this is a book about humanity, the aforementioned contradiction between reason and emotions, the neverending pursuit of ephemeral goals, imposed by poorly understood desires, and the drive for domination and conflict. Are we doomed to continue this mad race? Or is there a different path, the path of reason and advancement?
Second, I wanted to immerse the readers into the atmosphere of the Bronze Age Mediterranean and introduce this rich, sophisticated, and still poorly understood world to them. The history of these ancient civilizations is full of enigmas and quests that far surpass any fantasy stories we can come up with. My intention was to lift the veil and hope it would raise the readers’ interest in this epoch long gone.
Third, in one of the subplots, I wanted to explore how artificial intelligence, born into the world of biological species and adopted by them as one of their own, would adjust, interact, and grow. How would this new entity behave and what decisions would it make? Would we then call it human if it becomes an integral, inseparable part of human society?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the sequel to my first book, a hard science fiction mystery, “Out of Time.” The working title of the new book is “The Illusion of Time,” and it explores the nature of the human consciousness and its link with the Universe within a setting of the dying world of the early 22nd Century. As in all of my stories, there are lots of complex characters, sub-plots, twists, and epic battles. I am planning to release it in mid-2024. I hope you will read and enjoy it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon | BookBub
The great human empires of the Bronze Age are locked in everlasting confrontation, with control of the Mediterranean as the coveted prize. Echelaos, prince of Pylos, prepares to wage war against treacherous Trojans to restore his honor and return his bride-to-be, Helen of Hatti. Ninurta-apal-Ekur, king of Assyria, follows the gods to conquer the neighboring tribes, while in Egypt, Khay, a grave robber, awakens the ancient evil.
Meanwhile, the commander of an alien expedition that has arrived to study Earth faces a difficult decision about whether or not to interfere in these terrestrial matters. The expedition members reveal polar opinions, threatening to shape the future of humanity according to their own vision.
Suddenly, all beings must proceed with extreme caution. Because alliances are fragile, betrayals are common, the great collapse has begun, and the new age is nigh.
An unforgettable story of war, love, glory, and duty, “The Age of Heroes” is a historical sci-fi epic filled with action, adventure, and intrigue where gods, heroes, and aliens collide in a showdown for the ages.
The Age of Heroes: A Historical Sci-Fi Epic
Mikhail Gladkikh’s “The Age of Heroes” masterfully interweaves elements of science fiction with historical fiction, plunging readers deep into the heart of the Bronze Age Mediterranean. At the center of this expansive tale are epic battles, iconic heroes, intricate power dynamics, and profound human sacrifices.
Gladkikh offers a novel perspective on the destinies of the societies that once thrived in the Mediterranean and the Near East. He delves into a reimagined version of the spectacular downfall of these ancient civilizations, providing an immersive reading experience.
The narrative unveils a world where the grand empires of the Egyptians, Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Hittites are on the brink of catastrophe due to unforeseen extraterrestrial threats. The Soarers, an advanced alien race, portray themselves as deities and covertly observe humanity. As these entities grapple with human emotions, a massive conflict erupts, dragging unsuspecting humans into their intergalactic disputes.
Beyond the alien dynamics, Gladkikh introduces other enigmatic entities: Aten, a formidable mushroom organism that enthralls entire populations, and eerie primordial beings capable of reducing a person to mere residue.
With a narrative spanning kingdoms and weaving intricate plotlines, Gladkikh’s writing remains incisive throughout. He meticulously resurrects ancient civilizations with vivid descriptions, giving readers a visceral experience of the era. Although fictional, the novel remains loyal to the Bronze Age’s historical intricacies, ensuring an authentic voyage through time.
What truly sets “The Age of Heroes” apart is its innovative fusion of science fiction and history, a pace that never relents, and a plethora of multifaceted characters. Gladkikh delves deep into themes of humanity, oscillating between our potential for profound violence and our innate ability to love, remain loyal, and forge enduring bonds.
I think the novel’s ambitious scope and plethora of characters occasionally make certain segments challenging to navigate. Yet, this slight setback pales in comparison to the book’s overarching allure.
“The Age of Heroes” is a captivating reimagination of the factors that might have precipitated the Bronze Age civilization’s demise. With its fresh perspective and riveting storyline, it’s an enthralling read I wholeheartedly recommend.
Pages: 346 | ASIN: B0CCK9CGWV
LITERARY TITAN 