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Space-Faring Sci-Fi And Epic Fantasy
Lady Silver follows a warlock and a soldier who grudgingly join forces to prevent the multiverse from collapsing. What was the inspiration for the setup to your epic space opera?
To be totally honest, I really don’t know. I grew up on the original “Star Trek” and “Lost in Space.” Had a major pre-teen crush on Captain Kirk. Then came “Star Wars” and “Battlestar Galactica.” There was “Star Trek: Next Generation” and “Voyager.” I was, and still am, an avid Dungeons and Dragons player.
I think it was a combination of all of these factors, plus my voracious appetite for reading sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books, that formed the basis for the world I’ve constructed in the “Warlock Chronicles” series. I always thought it would be incredibly kick-butt if elements of space-faring sci-fi and epic fantasy could meld. So when I began writing the series, this is basically what came out.
I began writing this tale 30 years ago. It’s gone through multiple incarnations over the years with the final product the one you see in print today.
Bastion and D’Isaac are intriguing and well developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted a strong male character who was not ashamed to be male. You won’t find Bastion in skinny jeans or sporting a man-bun. And I wanted to portray a woman who wasn’t afraid to be feminine, to embrace her feminine nature, but who also wasn’t afraid to be strong when she needed to be. I wanted her to grow over the course of the tale from something that society forced her to be to who SHE wanted to be and who she really is. I wanted main characters who weren’t afraid to demonstrate, “This is who I am and I will not allow society as a whole or any one individual to make me into something I’m not.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to demonstrate how a woman could be a woman in the true and traditional sense while also being strong, independent, and a power to be reckoned with all on her own. The same for the male lead character. Men face just as much pressure to conform to society’s idea of “normal” as women.
It was also important to me to show that doing what is right isn’t always easy, it isn’t always pretty, and it isn’t always something we may want to do. Sometimes you have to fight your way through a lot of what’s not right before you can get to what is right. The ends don’t always justify the means, but sometimes they do. That’s just a fact of life.
This is book one in the Warlock Chronicles. What can readers expect in book two?
“INTO THE WELL: Warlock Chronicles, Book II” picks up the story where “LADY SILVER” ended. It continues the trek of the Maelstrom and her crew into Well space in search of the lost homeworld of the human and warlock races. In Book II, D’Isaac and Bastion must find a way to seal the breach in the barrier between dimensional layers before the multiverse itself unravels. There will be a Book III (“The Emperor’s Son”) and Book IV (“The God of Rycappa”) coming also.
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When religious zealots resurrect the ancient technology that ripped open the dimensional barrier six thousand years ago, the galaxy faces another coming Cataclysm.
Warlocks and humans, sister races of the same evolutionary tree, are divided by millennia of enmity and ancient animosity. It will take the magic of the warlocks and the humans’ technology to heal the breach between layers of the multiverse.
Bryanna D’Isaac is an untrained, untried warlock with powerful magic who only wants to be left alone.
Admiral Devon Bastion is career military, renowned for executing warlocks, who harbors secrets of his own.
Deadly events indicate a derelict area of space called the Well is expanding. The threat of apocalyptic events forces the warlock and the soldier together. By joining forces, Bastion and D’Isaac can save the galaxy—if they don’t kill each other first.
Can they learn to trust each other before the multiverse collapses?
LADY SILVER
![LADY SILVER: Warlock Chronicles, Book I by [Bobbie R. Byrd]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515Y5QkBAbS.jpg)
Bryanna is powerful. It is entirely within the realm of possibility that she is more powerful than even she believes or understands. It is certain that others greatly underestimate the contribution she will soon make. A member of a race different in so many ways from humans, she is able to channel energy, perceive the feelings and internal cries of others, and maintain a shield of defense around herself and those she is bound to protect. There is an apocalypse on the horizon. Those who are responsible know not what they are about to encounter in Bryanna D’Isaac–the woman who is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Lady Silver: Warlock Chronicles, Book I, by Bobbie R. Byrd, is the science fiction masterpiece centered around main character, Bryanna D’Isaac. Byrd has created an engaging storyline for fans of technologically-rich novels. Cover to cover, Lady Silver delivers action and drama all the while providing readers with superb character development.
Right out of the gate, Byrd’s novel sets audiences up for quite the adventure. We are introduced to the determined Syndria and her intense focus on the mission she has been handed. There is a certain level of ominous doom surrounding readers’ first moments with Syndria. The feeling of building anticipation is addressed on nearly every page. Byrd never allows readers to lose sight of the characters’ missions and the imminent danger which they all face.
Science fiction tales can not stand alone on futuristic aspects–there absolutely must be characters with depth who snag my attention. Byrd absolutely provides that with Bryanna D’Isaac and Devon Bastion. There is something about the mixture of warlocks and space that gives Byrd’s book a special feel.
I truly love the combination of wizardry and science fiction in this novel. Characters Bryanna and Devon could not have been paired any more perfectly. I highly recommend Lady Silver: Warlock Chronicles to anyone looking for a new science fiction author/series to follow. This book contains no lulls, no breaks in the action, and packs a great punch. I look forward to reading more of Byrd’s works.
Pages: 344 | ASIN: B0997Y4T2B
The War of the Cha’cict
![War of the Cha'cict: Book 1 of 2 (The War of the Cha'cict) by [Terrence Scott]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CpBSyFwOL.jpg)
War of the Cha’cict by Terrence E. Scott follows the story of Jared Connell, who enlists to fight against an alien attack against earth. Initially, his duties seem rudimentary, and he doesn’t feel that his contribution are impactful, serving as just one of many soldiers in this war. Once he understand the depth of his journey and how much his involvement will save humanity, things take a sharp turn, and Jared must make life-altering decisions before it’s too late.
This book is a quick-paced action story that takes the reader through some unexpected twists. It’s a great read that sparks a lot of nail-biting excitement and a thrill ride from start to finish. As Jared Connell soon discovers that his role is much more complex and essential, there’s a lot more to consider than his duties as corporal. He must face the detrimental effects of space and viral bioweapons resulting from the intergalactic war.
The author does an exceptional job of reeling in the reader and taking them through all the complex decisions needed in dire situations. Similarly, despite his low expectations of involvement from the beginning, the main character comes face to face with his own mortality and how vital his mission is. The emotional toll and impact on prioritizing what to do next weigh heavily on Jared, who inevitably becomes further saturated in an impossible quest that requires quick thinking and determination.
When you begin reading this tale, you won’t want to put it down. The pace picks up quickly while exploring all the psychological effects of facing life or death situations at every turn. Each decision or thought is another sequence in Jared’s mortality and will impact the safety and survival of the earth and possibly the universe.
War of the Cha’cict is the first of two books written by Terrence Scott, offering readers a riveting space opera that reads more like a science fiction action adventure story. It’s a great start to a two-part series. This is a book that will appeal to readers looking for a thoughtful space marine Sci-Fi story with an engaging narration and exciting plot shifts.
Pages:387 | ASIN: B09B6HJVBH
World-Ending Scenario
The Silver Sphere follows a writer who finds a derelict AI which is the beginning of a wild intergalactic adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The novella began with a wisp of an idea for a short story on my blog. I’ve done this before. In every case, the story stayed short. I presented it as a single blog post. For some reason, The Silver Sphere refused to be relegated to a single post. It grew into a seven-part novella.
This is a riveting novella that is just under 50 pages. What inspired you to break this story up into seven parts?
The story grew to five continuing blog posts. After the fifth post, I said to myself, “Wait a minute. Only your wife and daughter plus a few friends are going to keep up with the story. Why not make it into a book?” So, I did.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’d say friendships and emotional connections. I believe the world-ending scenario had to come, at least in part, from the threats of COVID and extremism prevalent and lurking in today’s world.
What can readers expect in the next story in the series?
The next book contains fourteen episodes. It’s twice as long as the first. I’m introducing a third main character. I have a bigger canvas that allows for more character development. It seems many of the reviews I read asked for these enhancements. The new book is titled, “Cataclysm–End of Worlds.” I expect to release it in early October 2021. I’m being deliberately coy about including more details.
PS–The Silver Sphere episodes are no longer available for free on my blog (www.davidgittlin.com).
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The Silver Sphere is a seven part story illustrated with colorful photos.
Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty
![Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty (Infinity's Trinity Book 2) by [Alan Felyk, Cindy Swanson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515amf1tGGS.jpg)
Books like Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty are why science fiction will always be an adored genre. The author is able to exhaust his creative ways without limitations, creating a fun, incredible and almost impossible story. The storyline in Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty never stops being appealing. Alan Felyk knows how to capture his readers’ attention. As a reader, you enjoy a ride full of suspense, plot twists, excellent storytelling skills and narration. This book is amusing to read.
The world in Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty is not your usual world. The reader is taken to a different universe. In this universe, characters, events and occurrences that transpire are enthralling. The people in Alan Felyk’s world are not your regular folk. They have super powers, their reasoning capabilities are beyond this world, and their physical strength is unmatched.
I like the character development in the book. Alan Felyk’s characters are never alike. Major characters are fun to follow, minor characters are amusing and the reader often wants to see more of them in the storyline. Alan Felyk did an impressive job creating the characters. They are truly inimitable. The main storyline is about Paul Tomenko. We follow Paul in his quest to preserve what he thinks is crucial in the universe. Paul is a great character. He is sharp, focused and always ready for the next mission. You will love Paul Tomenko for his thinking skills and how fast he is.
Reading this book was a delight not just because of Paul, but also other characters that he interacted with. I enjoyed Paul in his element and only disliked how unbothered he was with some of his family. You will enjoy this book if you are a patient reader. Alan Felyk takes his time to explain events and describe characters and one may feel like the story is moving at a slow pace. I like his approach however because I get to really take in the story and feel the full depth of this epic sci-fi adventure.
Damaged And No Longer Under Warranty is a uniquely humorous science fiction story that is as creative as it is entertaining. This is quite possibly one of the most unique science fiction stories I’ve read this year. It takes high minded scientific ideas of the universe, inserts witty humor, and adds a variety of colorful characters to deliver a fun and unpredictable adventure readers will surely enjoy.
Pages: 383 | ASIN: B098BRYJ61
Antithesis
![Antithesis: A Collection of Science Fiction and Other Short Stories by [Svet Rouskov]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fY5+9rjyL.jpg)
What happens when an AI system in a manufacturing plant becomes sentient and chooses to find itself a body? How do you explain a former pilot now scared of flying planes catching wind of the calamity about to befall the flight he’s on? Can an unusual creature feeding on people’s memories and instigating their death be stopped? How will a no-nonsense space pirate protect her ship and government threatened by the people closest to her? How did humans get caught up in the war between stone-like space creatures and the descendants of the ancient Mars civilization?
Svet Rouskov’s Antithesis is a medley of riveting short stories, with some split into parts. Rouskov presents thought-provoking science fiction tales with shades of the supernatural. He packs so much tension and intrigue into various bits of flash fiction and each bit brims with relevant insights on life, humanity, technology, and more.
I love how some of the stories have dark undertones while others are just downright creepy. They also have enough futuristic elements to tickle anyone’s fancy and seem to balance the thrill they offer with ample conflict. From alien life to paranormal activities, Rouskov brings his A-game of fun mixed with spooky stuff.
What’s even more impressive is the author’s ability to evoke vivid images in his reader’s mind. His writing is descriptive and immersive. On top of that, the stories are fast-paced and keep you on your toes all through. Rouskov undoubtedly has a way with words. He combines his knack for choosing the right words with his storytelling skills to create beautiful prose and compelling storylines.
Speaking of storylines, as I raced through each story, one thought kept popping up like a flickering light bulb: “this can easily be a film.” And guess what I found when I finished the book? Apparently, Rouskov is certified in filmmaking and started producing feature films, web-based series and television shows before switching to literature. He’s a master storyteller with loads of experience, and Antithesis reflects this. This volume gets 5 stars from me, and I can’t wait to get my hands on volume two.
Pages: 282 | ASIN: B08VMT89SC
Edge Of The Future
![Edge Of The Future: A Techno Thriller Science Fiction Novel (The Edge Book 1) by [Andria Stone]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GAUsDZOaL.jpg)
Edge of the Future, by author Andria Stone, is a nail-biting science fiction story about space exploration and saving humanity. Mark Warren’s life gets flipped upside down when his secret research facility gets attacked by a group of terrorists in the middle of nowhere, Canada. Joining forces with Sergeant Axel von Radach, Warren gets tangled up in a major military plot and works with a team to bring down a wanted terrorist.
Mark Warren also holds precious information on our main antagonist that puts his family and everyone he cares about in danger. Can he keep them safe and stop the villain at the same time? What will happen when he crosses paths with the terrorist face-to-face?
Author Andria Stone has a suspenseful writing style which elevates a novel that is already chock-full of action. Edge of the Future is the first of three books in the EDGE trilogy and Stone’s ending in this title has me desperate to read the next book, Edge of the Stars. The way Stone approached the relationship between humans and outer space makes the story feel grounded and much more engaging because of it.
I love a good space setting and regularly consume TV and film content in that realm. Long time fans of the science fiction genre will find plenty to enjoy in this edgy space opera, but the story is told without any over the top science fiction jargon, so newcomers will find an easy story to get lost in.
While I enjoyed the novel overall I felt that the story was a little slow going in the first few chapters. The story does opens with an attack on a military facility, which definitely grabbed my attention, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being indifferent until I got through a couple of chapters. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging space romp.
Stone tells a suspenseful story involving space and cyborgs while making it all feel fun, if not always believable. I feel genuinely satisfied after finishing this book and that is something that rarely happens to me. Edge of the Future is an invigorating technothriller with a unique view of the future and an entertaining story that begs to be continued in the next book.
Pages: 273 | ASIN: B06XD3J7K7
What Lies in the Darkness
Twistin’ Matilda finds Jacquotte and her crew of misfits struggling to keep the ship while savage creatures threaten to break into the universe. What were some ideas that informed this novel’s development?
As planet-bound as we are, there’s always the idea that there is more out than we don’t understand. Even as we find a solution to one question, a ton of other questions spring forth from the answer. There is so much that we don’t understand. As a species, we’ve wondered at what lies in the darkness, what dangers lurk underground, in the skies above, and what slips beneath us under the waves. The wellspring of stories lies at the heart of these mysteries, as we struggle for explanations to that which we don’t know… yet.
Ancient sailors told stories of monsters attacking their ships at sea, of beautiful islands that glint with riches but are, in truth, traps with no escape. Populating these fanciful yarns are pirates and privateers, mutinous crews, ancient shipwrecks, and lost colonies. These tall tales are rife with other wondrous, mad things and they captured my imagination. They lead to a large part of what ‘other space’ is. I imagine the crew of the Matilda as they sail on the teetering edge of the world.
Space is the last great frontier and we’ve only stepped off the front porch.
What were some challenges you felt were important to Jacquotte’s character development in the story?
At the tender age of fourteen, Captain Jacquotte Delahaye was left with no choice but to take control of the Matilda and her life. From that point on, she decided where it goes, what it does, and who the ship flies for. All of that comes to an end when an old friend needed her help. She makes the rash decision to break him free from a prison ship and nothing, but trouble has been after them since. Now the haven she worked so hard to create is under constant threat and she has to make choices on the fly. All without knowing what the repercussions of those decisions will be.
Can she keep a handle on it all? Do the traumas from her past play a role in her choices? As the group splinters apart, how does she handle the separation? Do her coping mechanisms fail and spiral into more problems? Can she bring the family she made back together? Should she?
I don’t know about you, but that’s what I wanted to find out!
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
From a writer’s aspect, I wanted to build up my processes and this book did not disappoint. Writing this book was a wild ride. My invisible muse whispered secrets into my ear and the story fell out of my fingers! I completed my first draft in a mere twenty days and it still is the most fun I’ve had writing.
It was a blast! It was intoxicating! I couldn’t wait to jump on the next one! Of course, I still had to work on the rewrite, but I was pumped!
The Matilda was very much an ensemble piece. By the end of it, the crew worked well together even as the Matilda fell through into ‘other space’. Derain knew everyone except for Anton and Anton knew everyone except for Derain. Anton has got to be wondering what Derain brings to the table and vice versa. On top of that, Galena is a wild card, and now the ship is brimming with others like her.
One of the things I wanted to learn about was how do individual crewmembers work with each other. Can they work together? Can they work with the other genorgs?
This is book two in your Matilda series. What can readers expect in book three?
The future looks dark for Jacquie and the crew of the Matilda. The mysterious Consortium ship, M33, found a lead and is getting closer to catching them. The past raised its ugly head and tore a rift in the crew. With all that happening, Luli Qing has disappeared, and no one knows why or even where to start looking. It seems like the only thing holding them together is finding and rescuing her.
With more places to visit as Consortium space expands, other questions pop up to the surface. Who covets the memories of the deep spacers and why? What nefarious plans does Mr. Leon have for the genorgs and for the Matilda? And what is going on with Lieutenant Galena Chadov?
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Far off into the future in a distant part of the galaxy, the Consortium controls the human colonies held together by the jump gates. Where the Consortium doesn’t hold sway, crime flourishes. Through the use of a hellish engine that goes where no one should, the crew of the Matilda slips its way between the two. But nothing has gone right since they were involved in the battle over the planet Ninguiz.
Trapped within the folds of space and surrounded by living horrors, dangers lurk outside the ship and among the crew. While their pasts ride shotgun with a vengeance, their future looks bleak. Decisions made in the heat of the moment have consequences and payment is due.
With mutiny and pirates on the horizon, can Jacquotte Delahaye and her crew of misfits keep the ship? Can the lies of the past shatter this fragile family? Will the savage creatures break through into our universe again?
Slam your harness buckles closed and sit back in the second book of the series, Twistin’ Matilda.
LITERARY TITAN 