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Compassion and a Sense of Duty
The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure follows a Navy captain and his crew who discover an alien plot to exterminate the human race and must do what they can to stop them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is probably true for most (if not all) science fiction authors, but I hoped to create exotic locations where interesting things happened to interesting people. I was inspired by the exotic aliens and locations of Star Wars and the adventures and themes found in Star Trek. My desire was to create a story whose main characters traveled to interesting places and were motivated by compassion and a sense of duty to help their people. And to do it boldly, even when the opposition looked overwhelming.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
This novel was a long-time project, I kind of worked on it in the background for years, but I did have a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to happen early in the writing process. Having said that, the pacing of the novel, and the degree to which different sub-plots intersect, was something that only came together over time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I love this question! There are a few themes I wanted to explore in The Blue Star. I am a firm believer in the “everyday hero.” There is no “Chosen One” in my novel, no person with special powers or a glorious destiny, although those are popular themes that absolutely make for great storytelling. I wanted to write a novel where the “heroes” are simply those people who committed themselves to doing the right thing, even when the situation was chaotic, scary, and life-threatening. They were in the right place at the right time and were willing to take the initiative.
Another theme I wanted to explore was the dynamic between characters with very different personalities. A young captain battling with insecurity interacts with an older alien minister who is confident and forthright. A famous, eccentric scientist interacts with a quiet, no-nonsense security guard. And perhaps most importantly, this disparate group of people is able to work together towards a common goal. I think good storytelling requires a bit of tension, but just having opposite personalities clash felt like it would be cheap and predictable. I wanted characters who were capable of dealing with the threat to the Locality (the area of space in which they lived) in a mature, respectful way without having to butt heads every five minutes. And where there was tension, I want it to be relatable, so the reader might think, “I’ve felt so much pressure that I’ve lashed out angrily and said something I normally wouldn’t, so I can understand and forgive that.”
When it comes to the aliens of The Blue Star, I wanted them to be interesting, maybe even exotic by some standards, but also have traits that are recognizably human. The alien Elzor Drin has an unusual manner of speech and trades in exotic goods, but he’s cheap and crews his ship with college graduates because he can pay them less.
Conversely, I wanted to spotlight how our own behavior can seem alien or amusing to outsiders. Shaking hands is a well-known human greeting, but to an alien, grasping just one of their hands and moving it up and down would seem like a strange thing to do.
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?
It is! I am working on the Second Locality Adventure (which doesn’t have a name just yet). I would like to continue the adventures of the characters from The Blue Star, and I would like to do it in a way that the plot of the second novel is easy to follow. I don’t want it to become too convoluted with multiple overlapping storylines. At the time of writing this (late December 2023) I’m about 20% into it, and I hope to release the second novel in 2024 or early 2025.
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For humanity, who are immune to the plague, this seems like a distant problem. But the peace and quiet is disturbed when a mysterious alien vessel is shot down over a remote human world. The brief but violent encounter reveals them to be the vanguard of an alien race bent on the extermination of the human race. Simon Marston, newly-promoted captain of the Navy ship Pericles, and his untested crew must learn how to use the information obtained from the alien ship to save the Human Interstellar Commonwealth before the enemy can complete their genocidal campaign.
Empirical, Theoretical, and Speculative Science
In This Morning’s Dawn, readers follow two men who become entangled in a plot to prevent the colonization of a newly discovered planet. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Many years ago, I read about the retrograde motion of Phoebe, a moon of Saturn. Retrograde motion is not common in the solar system, so I looked up several theories as to how it might have come to be a satellite of the planet. I then imagined two astronauts arriving at the moon and discovering it was not natural at all but a lure sent from a distant civilisation. That was the genesis of the story that became This Morning’s Dawn. It took many years to flesh out, but the idea has been in my head since reading about Phoebe!
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
I am a Chemist by training, so have a scientific background, and I’ve had a love of science fiction ever since picking up Spacepaw, by Gordon Dickinson, from my Dad’s bookshelf at the age of 9. I was hooked by the story and the depiction of another world. In This Morning’s Dawn, the science is a combination of empirical, theoretical, and speculative science. If I imagine something happening that is beyond current understanding, then I ask myself on what scientific basis it may be possible. It sometimes involves a little research!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are a few classical themes in the book; the instinct for survival, loyalty, and triumph over adversity, but I wanted to explore these on different levels. For example, how does the survival instinct drive Oleander’s behaviors vs. Nelson’s or Meera’s? How strong are the bonds of loyalty when a person’s own life is at stake? I think I learned a lot about myself exploring the answers for each of the characters! Probably the most important theme for me though is that of friendship. What is true friendship? How is it forged, and how is it tested?
Is this the first in a series? What can fans expect to see from you next?
This Morning’s Dawn is the first part of a trilogy. The second book is underway. I’ve had a number of beta readers harassing me for the first draft, so I’m motivated to complete it soon!
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Nelson Newman was destined to be the first person to set foot on Mars. Instead, he finds himself transported across the galaxy and pitched into a battle of wits against a ruthless enemy, who will do whatever it takes to safeguard their people and their power. If Nelson can’t figure out who his friends are, and how to get back home, then he has no hope of saving Earth.
This Morning’s Dawn is the fast-paced, debut novel from Dan Bell.
Space-Based Umbrella
The Specter of Psyche follows an NYPD detective who is offered a job in space exploration that turns into a multi-murder investigation in space. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The primary activity in the story is solar-system space development or exploitation, not space exploration. The Psyche asteroid is real. NASA is about to send a probe there because the increasingly rare and essential metallic minerals potentially contained in the asteroid could be worth quadrillions of dollars…if the ore can be successfully and economically mined. I propose some food for thought on a possible mining method, one not without considerable risk and astronomical upfront investment. I never try to make light of technical challenges in my books. I try to explain them in layman’s terms. Perhaps I will lose a few viewers along the way. But I hope others will enjoy the ‘hard’ science and engineering, and perhaps build on my ideas. Because I think we could very well need to find a way to mine a metallic asteroid if we are to save and further evolve our industrial-based civilization.
When creating Detective Kelly Seamus, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
I started out with a fair idea of the character of Seamus Kelly. He is a street-smart cop, but a highly intelligent guy with a big heart. He makes sincere friendships, and that helps him crack some tough cases in a very challenging environment.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book is the sequel to ZONT-2 and Beyond. It, too, was thought to be a bit too technical by a Literary Titan reviewer. But it proposes a design for a space-based umbrella for combatting climate change. And the challenges it details are just as daunting as those posed by trying to economically mine a metallic asteroid. And I hope that book will also be food for thought because unfortunately, it looks increasingly likely that we will need a space umbrella of some sort. To make technical aspects more digestible, if you will, I try to involve interesting but believable characters, with a few sidebars like a love story or a detective story.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, there will be a sequel to make a three-book series. Readers will note that intelligent aliens seem to also covet the mineral wealth in the Psyche asteroid. Who are they, and will they be willing to share? Stay tuned…
The Spectre of Psyche
Detective Kelly Seamus of the NYPD is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and adventure when he’s summoned by Inspector Rainero to meet the enigmatic Lord Fulham, CEO of Wardenclyffe Corporation. Chosen for his unique skills, Seamus is offered an opportunity to embark on a daring investigation in space, complete with the allure of a pay raise and promotion. The promise is too irresistible, and Kelly, unburdened by earthly ties, agrees to a four-year assignment that catapults him into the cosmos.
Aboard the spacecraft Psyche, Kelly navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and teamwork. Though quickly bonding with his fellow astronauts, he’s also subject to gentle ribbing as the new and unseasoned member of the crew. But the tone darkens when members of the team report ghostly apparitions, and two die under inexplicable conditions. Suddenly, Kelly’s mission pivots from space exploration to a harrowing investigation of three murders on an asteroid. Alongside unraveling the mystery, he also finds himself entangled in a complex relationship with Min Jun, adding a touch of romance to the unfolding drama.
Blair Wylie’s The Specter of Psyche skillfully weaves science fiction, action, romance, and crime into a captivating tapestry. Although the novel ventures into some dense scientific terrain that may challenge some readers, the allure of the extraterrestrial setting and the exploration of Kelly’s personal history from an orphan to a police detective add a significant layer of depth.
Despite a somewhat slow start, I found myself increasingly absorbed by the story, drawn in by the rich narrative. Though the extended discussions on physics and technology may not appeal to all, they do provide a rigorous backdrop to this otherwise fast-paced thriller.
With its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and thoughtful exploration of space, The Specter of Psyche is an enthralling read for fans of space exploration and sci-fi thrillers. The novel’s balance of suspense, emotion, and intellectual rigor positions it as a must-read, providing both entertainment and insight into a world beyond our own.
Pages: 360
Interstellar Sex Wars and the Blind Detective
Interstellar Sex Wars and the Blind Detective, by Shawn Adair Johnston, is a lively science fiction novel about Earth, a world name Octopodia (inhabited by sentient octopus), and the intrigue of “Awakened” AI’s who want to bring serenity and beauty to the galaxy. This fascinating story takes place in the future, where Earth has created bases on Mars, have augmented animals, but hasn’t gotten past political and racial differences. Octopodia has had its revolutions and revelations but it is not as advanced in biology as humans. They seek Earth’s help, but don’t realize that “Awakened” AI’s want both races dead.
This is a riveting sci-fi story that relies less on the mystery to propel the story forward and more on the characters and their motivations to keep the reader drawn in. The intriguing villains of the story are introduced and their plan is laid out for the reader, which makes it easy for us to understand what they want without any guesswork. This will appeal to readers who want a science fiction story that doesn’t bury its ideas and instead presents them clearly.
Intrepid detective, Peter Straw, is the protagonist, but there are so many compelling characters and story lines that it’s hard to say that he’s the star of the show. He had a civil case to help dig up evidence and then he ended up going along for the ride when it came to the main story.
This is a fast paced story that does not spend too much time digging into character’s backstories and instead focuses on telling a thought-provoking story. I found the Octopoids of Octopodia to be very interesting and I would have loved to have dived deeper into their characters and learned more about them. I would’ve liked for the author to dive into present times on Octopodia with a few lines of their history to give us a sense of their past.
Interstellar Sex Wars and the Blind Detective is just as wild as the book’s title. This is a thrilling space adventure with likeable characters and a story that’s fun and intriguing. There is a lot going on in this story but the author’s writing keeps things focused and ensures the story is consistently entertaining.
Pages: 440 | ASIN: B0BLVJ23YR
Alien Whispers
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion is the long-awaited third installment in the Milijun series by science fiction writer Clayton Graham. It is a century after the events that shook Laura and her son Jason´s world, when aliens appearing out of the blue and abducted them with mysterious intentions.
Laura returns to planet Earth to figure out what happened to her long-lost husband. Backed by her son Jason, now the leader of a longstanding alien organization, she soon realizes that things are not as they once were.
Earth has been taken over by a tyrannical regime—the oppressive Tellurians—with a power-hungry leader seeking world dominion. Humans and their alien allies find themselves oppressed by the current regime with no access to weapons, and their communications closely monitored. In addition, something strange is stirring on the moon where another alien group is actively preparing to take advantage of Earth’s precarious situation. Laura finds herself facing not only the Tellurian Empire but also the aliens preying on humankind from the shadows. Will she overcome these dangerous enemies, or will she succumb to whatever fate they have prepared for Earth and the universe?
Author Clayton Graham’s worldbuilding is absolutely incredible. Set 250 years in the future, the author had to imagine a world with futuristic problems and what it took to get to that point. Surprisingly enough, while intergalactic and alien elements are integrated into our future, many of our present-day issues are still on these characters´ minds. In terms of the writing, this is a steady, fast-paced novel: one event is followed after the other without dwelling on a single situation. This by no means signifies that it’s sloppily written; on the contrary, the author leaves no stone unturned and is incredibly detailed in his descriptions.
The plot is thoroughly engaging, and while it is the third installment in the series, it is a standalone novel, which means that you can read it easily enough without having read the previous books. I would, however, recommend looking through the rest of the series to get a better view of the characters´ growth and history. I highly recommend this book for its great world and storyboarding.
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion (Milijun Book 3) is perfect for anyone looking for a thrilling read, but especially for die-hard sci-fi fans who will undoubtedly thoroughly enjoy this hidden gem.
Pages: 466 | ASIN : B0BBLGWS1S
The Amazing And Intrepid Lawrence Tuckerman
There’s No Basketball on Mars follows an autistic teenage boy who gets recruited into a top-secret mission to Mars. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Autism touches all of us — our immediate families, our coworkers, and our dear friends. It’s a disorder that’s very close to my heart. I have a dear friend who lives 1,500 miles away in Dallas. She has a neurodiverse teenage son — really quite an extraordinary young man — and she and I talk often about the challenges he faces and the achievements he celebrates.
When I first felt the calling to write a young-adult novel, I sat down for breakfast at a diner in Hollywood with a YA librarian. I was seeking guidance and a path forward. That librarian told me to consider including an underrepresented main character in my story, and I immediately thought of my friend’s son, and in that moment, the amazing and intrepid Lawrence Tuckerman was born.
What research did you do for this novel to get it right?
I read everything I could get my hands on regarding space travel to Mars and neurodiversity. I also did supplemental research on Vandenberg Air Force Base, the University of Kansas basketball program, medical testing devices, algebraic mathematics, the writings of Carl Sagan, and what goes into making great sushi.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The theme that rode shotgun alongside me as I wrote the book’s first draft was that of inclusiveness. Young folks on the spectrum are often overlooked and are faced with difficult challenges. I believe it is vitally important that we support these kids, and that we do so with an open heart.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently hammering away at the sequel to There’s No Basketball on Mars. Look for the moon to play a prominent role in the story. Of course, the great sport of basketball will make a cameo appearance in the new novel as well. I plan to publish in fall of 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
routine — just the way he likes it. He plans to finish high school as he pursues his own far-off dream of manning Earth’s first mission to Mars . . .
Then the improbable happens: Lawrence is recruited for a top-secret mission of cosmic proportions! The whole operation relies on him realizing the full potential of his 1-in-6-billion mind—without freaking out. The rocket-science math is a no-brainer, but is he made of the right stuff to manage the communication and cooperation of a team effort . . . without his best friend?
Dark Enemy
In Dark Enemy, we see the struggles and victories of Van Childs of the Galactic Force against the Arkon force as well as against the new force that betrayed them. The Allies have been promised more than six hundred Naskapi ships, making the force of Van Childs the largest group of Allies. Earth is not happy with this new development, and the dissatisfaction is fueled by a politician named McDuff for his gains. While all the politics from earth prevented the expansion of Allied forces, the Arkon forces were collecting in their space. This caused Van Childs to act fast and thus began the battle in space and politics.
Author Michael J. Farlow opens the book by giving readers some explanation regarding the background of the fight that has been occurring between several space forces. This leads to the political drama that is happening back on Earth, which is directly impacting the space forces. The ongoing political battles in this novel are not so unlike what politics look like currently. Each politician has their own agenda and wants to make sure their plan is executed.
This intriguing science fiction story is told in a third-person narrative. The author gives readers in-depth details regarding the mission background; which is fantastic for readers who love strategy. Farlow knows how to capture the excitement and anticipation that comes with battles. The descriptions are brilliant, and readers will get to see the battle plan as it is developing before the actual fight starts.
The author gives a captivating description of the battle, fully immersing the reader in the story. I found the euphemistic description of the deaths of those who die in the fight to be an interesting take, and I was able to empathize with the officers. In addition, I enjoyed reading about all of the technological advances of this Galactic Force world. The author made the creation of the technology feel achievable.
Dark Enemy is a fast-paced space opera. Readers that look for detailed action sequences and fascinating technological advances will find a lot to enjoy in this science fiction novel. A post-apocalyptic world with alien forces as friends and foes creates a drama that will have readers on edge as they continue the Host Saga series.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B083S1X8QZ
LITERARY TITAN 