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The Quantum Effect -Snakes in the House
Nicklois Leonard’s The Quantum Effect-Snakes in the House delves into a speculative narrative surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 virus. In this thought-provoking novel, Leonard weaves a complex tale of time travel, secretive alliances between global organizations like the FDA, the WHO, and major pharmaceutical companies, and the supposed role of the Chinese Ministry of Health. This gripping narrative, rooted in science fiction, brings to light the intricate webs of power and influence that govern our world.
Central to the story is the depiction of the scientists at a Wuhan lab, who find themselves entangled in moral dilemmas, torn between their professional duties and personal ethics. Leonard skillfully portrays the plight of these individuals, notably Dr. Phen, as they navigate a landscape riddled with government pressure and the threat to their loved ones. Leonard’s prowess in blending speculative theories about the pandemic with elements of science fiction creates a cohesive and captivating narrative. He strikes a delicate balance, ensuring the scientific details complement rather than overshadow the human experiences at the heart of the story. This approach allows readers to engage with both the technical intricacies and the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys. While the dialogue in the novel occasionally veers towards a more structured style, it’s an interesting choice that sets it apart. The conversations, though at times methodical, are reflective of the author’s unique voice, presenting a distinctive approach to character interaction that some readers may find refreshing.
The Quantum Effect is a riveting exploration of speculative events linked to the pandemic, wrapped in a science fiction veneer. It will particularly resonate with fans of thrillers and conspiracy fiction, leaving an open path for a potential sequel.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0DDF6DRQS
fúath slugair
Fractured State follows a man entrusted with safeguarding a community of Druids who must navigate a perilous world where reality, mythology, and technology intersect and face relentless threats to survival. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
Great question. Fractured State occurs within the world of The Blighted Earth, where humankind is both the planet’s dominant species and ‘the blight.’ Thus, the level of frustration and even disdain for humanity which bleeds through in the narrative leads the reader to question the narrator’s origin and species—High Sentient? Likely, an elemental or Guardian Spirit. For the series, the downstream story arcs were fleshed out first, and I had to map primary story arcs back to Book One to set the stage and create the conditions for what was going to happen later. I needed a great character who captured our species’ duality—flawed and yet possessing great potential; an aspect of the human condition which so vexes the High Sentients. As a combat veteran myself, I am intimately familiar with the challenges and struggles facing many of our military veterans, and as an obscure, religious minority, Druidry presented a likely target for discrimination while also possessing strong ties to nature. Finally, I needed an effective counter to Chaos’s shadow campaign to weaponize human emotion, which spawned the concept of the fúath slugair or ‘Hate-eater’—hence, Arden was born!
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?
To “set the table” for the Blighted Earth series, I needed the right set of conditions for Chaos to exploit in His relentless pursuit to initiate the Great Cascade and bring about the Discordant on Earth. The makings of environmental catastrophe (extended drought, wildfires, natural habitat erosion, human over-settlement, etc.) have been present and worsening for some time, with climate change driving more destructive weather extremes. Additionally, the novel was written during the trials and tribulations we all endured during the COVID pandemic and the unfortunate events in the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential election. When coupled with all the emerging threats, conflicts, and uncertainty which have emerged in last few years, as well as their corresponding negative effects on our collective state of mind and emotions, the real world itself provided all the drama and necessary ingredients for ruinous potential at continental scale. The final step was to inject the enduring struggle of otherworldly entities and supernatural beings into volatile mix—and “voila”—this author had everything he needed to create the “fractured state.” As far as changes during the writing process, extraordinarily little changed in the overall setting in the United States, but local places, encounters, and characters within Arden’s story arc changed as his supernatural powers and the overall impact he was to have in the series gained greater fidelity. These factors then shaped more ‘tactical’ aspects of the novel, such as finding the right settings and locations within the state of Texas.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I explore several themes in Fractured State, and to me, some of the more important ones are:
- Human belief systems and the huge impacts they have had on the environment and biodiversity of our world: How would things be different if we all adopted the Lakota philosophy of “we are all relatives?” We are the planet’s dominant species, but that does not place us ‘above’ other living things; non-human species are not just resources to be exploited. Humankind’s role obligates us to serve as the Earth’s stewards for the benefit of all life. Taking this concept another huge step further, how would our approach to life and living change if we were all children of a sentient planet?
- The adverse impacts of our technology: Human innovation and the ability to “make tools” to enhance our abilities and our lives has always been a strength, but it also has the negative corollary effects of extending the reach, influence, and power of bad actors. I would go as far as to say that, in many ways, technology is contributing to our “devolution” as a species.
- The rise of incivility in our civilization: The human attributes which enabled our meteoric rise to the top of the food chain—cooperation, communication, community—are being rent apart by divisiveness, corruption, and dishonesty within society. It is like a contagious disease which is fundamentally changing us for the worse and causing us to turn our backs on the things that made us “great.”
- Storytelling, one of humanity’s other great attributes, is also being co-opted to insidious ends: This is nothing new in our relatively short history as a species, but the line between exaggeration and lie has gone from blurred to practically nonexistent. Worse, the power of lies proliferated by influential people has been exponentially magnified by our own technologies.
- The process of radicalization and the rising threat of ‘homegrown’ violent extremists to our American democracy: In a world where life resources are becoming ever more limited and contested, while the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” continues to grow, the numbers of disenfranchised citizens continue to grow. They are the target population for radicalization, and everything previously mentioned amplifies the ability of extreme actors to make more converts more quickly … and they do not even have to be in the same room, or state, or even in our country!
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Great news: Blighted Earth fans can expect to see Long Leg from the Blight Earth sometime next year. I am pretty far along in knitting together and refining the manuscript from the initial draft. In fact, I actually have the rough drafts completed for the next three books in what is currently planned to be a nine-book series. In terms of Book Two expectations: expect the unexpected! Another story arc begins with a new cast of characters who will have to accept the baton and carry the gripping narrative forward in the Natural Order’s struggle against Chaos and his minions. Where will Book Two take place? Hint: pay careful attention to Parim’s words towards the end of the Fractured State epilogue. Lastly, though it is hard to pick favorites, Book Two is one of the stories I really want to share with the world!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Book Review
His objective: initiate the Great Cascade and bring about the Discordant on Earth. His target: North America, where the Chaotic flashpoint within human civilization has occurred…in Texas?
The eternal struggle between order and chaos is an inescapable condition of the universe. Caught in the middle is the delicate balance necessary for life to exist and prosper in our world. On Earth, the opposing sides in this timeless conflict are Earth Mother’s Natural Order and Chaos’s Force Corrupted-the En’Troop-EE. The Great Cascade is underway, and with the High Sentients of the Natural Order reduced and in disarray, there may be no stopping Chaos this time.
In Fractured State by R.M. Tembreull, the reality of existence on Earth is reinterpreted, where all living things are seen as the children of a sentient planet. Our immortal souls are gifts from Earth Mother, and all living beings progress through many lives within the Hierarchy of Sentience. If our world could feel, would this change how you perceive our world?
Fractured State
Fractured State by R.M. Tembreull is a riveting fusion of mythology and dystopia, set in a future America where Texas has seceded and fallen under extremist control. The protagonist, Arden, a distinguished veteran, is tasked with safeguarding a community of Druids known as Hearthstone Grove. Branded as religious deviants by the new Texas republic, Arden and his community must navigate a perilous world where reality, mythology, and technology intersect, facing relentless threats to their survival.
Tembreull’s writing is a tapestry of vivid imagery and intricate world-building. From the very first chapter, the reader is plunged into a narrative that oscillates between the human and the supernatural, the real and the mythic. The prologue, “Purgatorium,” sets the tone with its exploration of a metaphysical state that restricts spiritual growth, offering a powerful metaphor for the constraints facing the characters and, by extension, humanity. Tembreull’s ability to weave together such high-concept ideas with grounded, relatable human experiences is one of the novel’s standout features. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development. The characters, both human and otherworldly, are well-crafted and multi-dimensional. The Sentient Winds and Elementals, like Nilch’i and Parim, are not just forces of nature but entities with personal vendettas and deep emotional landscapes. The human characters, such as Kieran McBride, embody the struggles and resilience of those living on the margins of society. This duality is best exemplified in the interactions between the elemental beings and their human counterparts, which are fraught with tension and profound moments of insight. The narrative is rich with lore and exposition, which, while fascinating, can occasionally overwhelm the reader. The detailed descriptions of the universe’s creation and the Inani’s home world, Calisphaer, are particularly dense. While these sections add depth to the story, they also slow down the pacing. Readers who enjoy meticulously crafted worlds will appreciate this attention to detail, but those looking for a more straightforward narrative might find it challenging.
Fractured State is a compelling read for those who enjoy deep, intricate world-building and complex characters. Tembreull’s narrative is both a cautionary tale and an epic fantasy, blending real-world issues with mythic elements to create a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. This book is highly recommended for fans of speculative fiction and those who appreciate a richly detailed universe that challenges the reader to think critically about the world around them.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0D7LRZN75
Not All Villains are Evil
Light in the Abyss follows the crew of a space frigate who are on a mission to recover a stolen artifact from an alien. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I took my inspiration from the broad tradition of swashbuckling adventure, where the “villain” isn’t necessarily evil, but merely working in opposition to the establishment – as if our heroes were fighting Robin Hood or Aladdin.
I liked the idea of a mastermind thief whom our heroes must match their wits against as much as their swords or cannons – but the thief is also from another species, so there’s a whole new level of complexity. The mission itself is straight-forward: recover the stolen artifact. But having an intelligent, cunning, alien adversary allows for many twists and turns.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
My characters are very important to me, so my immediate instinct is to answer “everything”. But kidding aside, what I really want to aim for in my characters is balance. The swashbuckling genre has a long history of heroic men and damsels in distress, and I want to ensure that none of my characters fall into these stereotypes. The men are still heroic, but they’re also kind, thoughtful and mostly humble. The women occasionally still need rescuing, but they’re all strong, intelligent, brave and have agency. I respect each one of my characters and I want to give them, in their own way, the best chance to shine.
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 started with the real scientific idea of solar sails, whereby we could propel spaceships toward the outer planets by riding on the “solar wind” that pushes away from the sun. But I realized immediately that this wouldn’t be very interesting in a solar system like ours, where the solar wind only flows in one direction (outward) so I imagined what it might be like in a dense star cluster. All the solar winds from the tightly packed suns would interact with each other, creating currents, storms, etc., which our heroes would need complex sailing ships to navigate. From there I started to imagine a society where civilization was focused in toward the densely packed stars of the Hub, but out in the sparser stars of the Halo, adventure awaits.
It was fun to use the 18th century Age of Sail motif as a starting point for my world-building, although I knew immediately that the racism and sexism of those days had no place in my writing. Introducing the tension between the nobles and commoners helped to fuel early sources of conflict, and having intelligent alien species allowed for the existential threat needed to fuel the need for a powerful space navy.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is going to bring the Sectoid military threat back to the foreground, and it’s also going to delve deeper into the politics of the aristocracy. And for fans of Sublieutenant Charlotte Brown, she’s going to have a chance to shine.
The release date hasn’t been set yet, but I’ve heard it’s going to be late 2025. I have about 10,000 words downrange so far – I guess I better get cracking.
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As Daring finds itself in a desperate struggle against rogue forces, Liam and Amelia must discern the true motivation of their adversaries before the ship, its crew and their relationship get torn apart forever.
Light in the Abyss
Light in the Abyss, the third installment in Bennett R. Coles’ Blackwood and Virtue series, takes readers on a thrilling journey aboard the spacefaring frigate Daring and her escort ship Freedom. The narrative centers on Lord Commander Liam Blackwood and Quartermaster Amelia Virtue as they embark on a mission to recover a stolen artifact from an alien theropod named Shordar, all while navigating a romance complicated by their differing ranks and societal positions.
Though this novel is part of a series, it stands alone effectively, with only minimal references to previous events. While familiarity with earlier books may enhance understanding of the universe Coles has crafted, new readers will find Light in the Abyss approachable and engaging. The plot focuses primarily on the crew’s confrontation with Shordar and the complexities of interstellar politics, with tantalizing mentions of other alien species. One of the novel’s most refreshing elements is its distinctive setting: spacefaring ships reminiscent of traditional sailing vessels. This unique motif lends the story a sense of realism, grounding the science fiction elements in a familiar framework.
The titles and roles aboard the ships echo historical naval traditions, adding depth to the world-building. The portrayal of social politics within the human empire further enriches the narrative, highlighting the struggles of the characters against rigid social structures.
At the heart of the story is the pursuit of a stolen artifact known as the suncatcher, which serves primarily as a plot device to drive character development. Blackwood and Virtue’s personal and professional challenges, especially their struggle against the societal constraints of their empire, are poignantly depicted. Coles excels in portraying their emotional turmoil, making their journey as compelling as the external conflict with Shordar.
Light in the Abyss delivers a captivating blend of space adventure and character-driven drama. Bennett R. Coles skillfully balances action and emotion, creating a rich, immersive experience for readers, whether they are long-time fans of the series or newcomers.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B0D1ZY4MP5
Angelfyre
Angelfyre, the first book in Lydan Francis’s series, introduces readers to Casey, a half-human, half-alien teenager. The story begins with Casey waking up after a fight to discover a mysterious device implanted in her head. As she navigates this new reality, Casey learns she is connected to the most advanced AI in existence and pilots a powerful ship. With the military determined to control or destroy her ship, Casey finds herself on the run.
Casey is a fascinating character, and her growth as she discovers the capabilities of Angelfyre is a highlight. Her journey offers a vivid glimpse into the universe Francis has created, rich with detail and intrigue. The focus remains primarily on Casey, emphasizing that this is her story. Her interactions with Angel, the AI of Angelfyre, are particularly engaging and provide insight into both characters. The narrative occasionally shifts to other characters’ perspectives, but these moments are brief and serve to enhance the story. This approach maintains the focus on Casey, ensuring readers stay connected to her experiences. The story starts with an interesting use of the second person, which might initially feel unusual. However, the narrative soon transitions to a more conventional perspective, greatly enhancing the reading experience. The worldbuilding in Angelfyre is intricate, adding depth to the story. There are opportunities to integrate explanations more seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the reader’s immersion. Exploring Casey’s heritage and the challenges she faces through her perspective makes the storytelling feel organic and engaging.
Angelfyre is a compelling read, particularly once the narrative settles into Casey’s viewpoint. Francis’s unique and immersive universe allows readers to journey firsthand with Casey on this intriguing adventure. This is a wonderful start to this space opera series, and readers have much to look forward to in future installments.
Pages: 534 | ASIN : B0BX33N96Y
Vermilion Flames: Midnight War Book 1
Vermilion Flames, Book 1 in the Midnight War series by Adam Fernandez, is a riveting science fiction novel that combines space opera elements with political intrigue. Set in the year 4103 U.E.T., it explores a tumultuous solar system where humanity, now spread across various planets and moons, grapples with new societal and political challenges. The story primarily revolves around Kaya Vardan, a young Mercury-born noblewoman with a thirst for adventure and rebellion, and Silas Beckett, a high-ranking officer in the Pandora Fleet entangled in the conflict with the Vermilion Coalition. Fernandez weaves a complex tapestry of interstellar politics, power struggles, and personal discovery, delivering a future where humanity’s expansion into space is as fraught with conflict as it is with opportunity.
Fernandez’s writing is both vivid and detailed, successfully painting a universe rich with futuristic technology and diverse cultures. While I appreciated the author’s talent in crafting a believable and intricate world, I found the narrative’s pace somewhat heavy with technical details. Fans of meticulously constructed settings will find much to admire in this book.
The novel shines in its character development, particularly with Kaya, whose journey from a restless noble to a pivotal figure in the solar system’s politics is compelling and nuanced. Silas Beckett’s character arc, marked by moral dilemmas and leadership challenges, provides a fascinating counterpoint, offering insight into the complexities of power and duty.
I enjoyed the thematic exploration of rebellion, authority, and the ethics of leadership. Fernandez doesn’t shy away from presenting the darker aspects of human nature and governance, encapsulating the struggle for power in a vast universe. The subplot involving the remnants of the Solar Empire and the forsaken populations adds depth, highlighting the societal disparities that often accompany technological and territorial expansion. I find the novel’s themes thought-provoking, and the philosophical underpinnings add depth to its unique charm and intellectual appeal.
Vermilion Flames is a testament to Fernandez’s ability to craft a world that is as expansive as it is intricate. The novel is an excellent pick for readers who enjoy science fiction that combines space exploration with political intrigue. Its detailed world-building and complex characters will particularly appeal to fans of space operas and those who appreciate a narrative that delves into the ethical dilemmas of leadership and power.
Vermilion Flames is an ambitious and engaging read, ideal for sci-fi fans who revel in richly constructed universes and complex character arcs. Its examination of power, rebellion, and the human condition set against the backdrop of a futuristic solar system makes it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Pages: 415 | ASIN : B0CTYWBX2P
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
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.
