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Forgiveness and Trust
The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption is an intriguing fantasy novel. Why was it important for you to write this book?
There are many positive messages that relate to our own world that I hope my readers take away from The Cycle of Eden. In many ways, Eden is obviously a representation of our own Earth and the moral dilemmas we as humans put it through. A major lesson in The Young Revolution is “…the best way to find kindness is by sharing your own.” No matter how dark and lonely the world feels, kindness will always be what unifies us, for we all seek and deserve it. In Two Sides of Corruption, Seth’s ideals and morals, the contagious kindness he showed in Book #1, are what give him a chance at redemption in Book #2. Forgiveness and Trust are also two aspects of life we as humans in the real-world struggle to accept, which is why it was important for me to write about them in this series.
I also wanted to show a more mature take on romance that isn’t overblown by needless drama like we see in most media. In general, another major message I discuss as the series goes on is the importance of history. The Cycle of Eden is chock full of connected and complex relationships, all of which built the world the heroes are learning about as they continue on this journey. As long as we learn from our past mistakes, the hope for changing for the betterment of the world will always exist.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Ria and Duo, the two blessed children in the ways of Light and Dark, were both introduced towards the end of The Young Revolution. That only gave the readers a taste of their personalities and strengths, but now I was able to show the potential of their individual journeys and delve deeper into their characters. Both of these naive teenagers are without a doubt the most powerful characters in the series. Because of that, what made writing them so fun was finding ways to limit their abilities, finding ways so they don’t overpower or crush the competition so easily. This is achieved throughout the novels via their individual personalities, through the fact that they are both growing kids still learning about the world and who they are. Like all characters should, Ria and Duo possess certain traits that make them stick out and determine what is more important to them in a situation compared to others. For example, we learn about Duo’s personal duty in Two Sides of Corruption. In a fighting scenario, there could be a moment where Duo could easily destroy the threat but will instead choose to stick by Ria’s side in order to not risk her getting hurt. Meanwhile, another character in that situation, such as the rambunctious Ryder, would dive right in with zero regard, and that is exactly what makes character writing and development so fun to me. Ria is on a whole other level technically because not only does she have her power under control compared to Duo, but she can literally do anything her creative, hyperactive mind comes up with! A power like this can be outstanding in the hands of a child, but at the same time Ria is a sweetheart that cares for the wellbeing of others and will choose to heal someone as her main priority over destruction. These are just two examples of how I balance them through their personalities, which makes it feel natural in the novel and the world itself. There are also moments I tease my readers with the potential these two have. One example in particular in Two Sides of Corruption is when Ria mentions how she can summon a “dragon” in order to reach a goal. This tease not only confirms that Ria can perform such a feat, but also leaves the potential of readers seeing this “dragon” in a future installment.
When it comes to combat, I’ve made it a point to make every single interaction fresh throughout the entire series. This is done through a variety of methods, whether that is a new weapon being acquired, an additional power-up, a new location such as a narrow hall or a wide-open marketplace or introducing new enemies with different abilities to tackle. Focusing on something different from the previous action sequence keeps the writing from getting repetitive. For example, introducing a new character is like unlocking a whole new framework of ideas that I can now branch off of. All of my characters also have unique weapons or abilities that aren’t shared with anyone else, which allows them to shine in their own ways. When multiple heroes are fighting together, I also practice following one character at a time to reduce reader whiplash. For example, instead of swapping sentence to sentence, I will dedicate a paragraph to Valentina describing everything she is doing with her fists and then transition to Seth by having him save her with a well-placed bullet, a weapon Valentina does not use, drawing a clear contrast of characters. The sequence then follows Seth for a bit, making use of his kit in the particular scenario which would be very different to how Chase would approach it, who I may switch to next to show his side. This process flows until a conclusion is reached, making each character show their unique usefulness for the situation at hand.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
The reason why the moon and the stars are a focal point in my series, a huge source for conveying a message, especially in the later installments, is because the hobby of stargazing is related to my own mother. It is a personal form of bonding her and I have, and I dedicated this series to her. When I look at the moon, I see and feel something completely different due to my upbringing while others may just see a floating rock reflecting the sun’s light. What they see is true, but we as humans attach our emotions to things, and our feelings are what give things power and meaning. The moon and the stars are beautiful for many reasons to me, and viewing them is a source of comfort, so it is rather easy for me to write about them symbolically. I see a symbol of hope, an image of unity, an inspiring guide showing the way, a sense of closeness and a reminder that we aren’t alone, because each and every one of us, no matter how far away we are from one another, all see the same moon in the night sky.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The plan with the Cycle of Eden series has been solid from the start. The entire series is finished, but I am constantly improving and expanding on the world and characters practically every day. Readers should see the third novel next year, which will pick up right where Two Sides of Corruption left you. If things keep going as smooth as they did for the first two books, the fourth novel should also be getting published in late 2024!
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Seth, the prophesied Young God destined to revive the Light, finds himself corrupted by his very own brother, the Neo God. Like an addictive drug, the Darkness infecting his soul twists his resolve, transforming him into a carrier of malevolence aiming to deny his gift of salvation to Eden.
However, no one else knows of this parasite, and they must never find out. As Seth struggles to resist the haunting lies etched into his mind, his desperate attempts to survive ultimately result in heinous actions against his loved ones. With each passing moment, the horrible symptoms intensify, driving the hero further into servitude to his brother as they journey toward the ominous Dark Continent.
In The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption, Daniel Varona delivers visceral action and delves deeply into the internal conflicts brewing within the heroes, expertly exploring the fragility of trust, teetering on the edge of collapse and creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.
The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption
In The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption, Daniel Varona creates a captivating sequel to The Young Revolution. Picking up where the previous novel concluded, readers dive deep into the tempestuous journey of Seth, the prophesied young hero. As he endeavors to reclaim the light of Eden, he unwittingly descends into an abyss of shadow. The sinister forces of the Neo God menacingly ensnare Seth, molding him into the embodiment of the malevolence he’s desperately battling.
Varona’s storytelling prowess shines through, ensuring that the sequel doesn’t get overshadowed by its predecessor. Rather, it enhances the allure, magnetizing readers into a more intense, immersive, and spellbinding realm. The Cycle of Eden claims its rightful place among the top-tier fantasy series I’ve delved into this year. Its world-building strikes a harmonious balance—neither overwhelmingly intricate nor skimpy but brimming with ingenuity and fresh concepts. Echoes of themes and ideas from the first novel reverberate throughout, underscoring Seth’s evolving narrative.
The characterizations are brilliantly etched, with palpable evolution seen from one book to the next. Varona’s riveting ensemble of characters and his pulse-pounding, action-laden plot ensures readers are tethered to every page. One particularly compelling element is the intricate web of relationships and Seth’s internal strife to fend off encroaching shadows. It serves as a poignant reminder: while shadows lurk in every heart, our true mettle is tested in how valiantly we resist their pull.
Pages: 465 | ASIN : B0CK5BX6ZJ
Night Owls: A Moon Colony Sci-fi Adventure
Envisage a future where the moon, Luna, becomes a nexus of societal division and clandestine exploits. The year is 2195, and amidst this celestial body’s barren landscapes, two disparate classes – the affluent and the destitute – jockey for their respective agendas. Enter Ethan, a charismatic thief and the unexpected hero of Stephen Gay’s enthralling novel, Night Owls.
As the head of a vibrant, colorfully eclectic crew of misfits, Ethan navigates through a daring narrative, expertly meshing the adventuresome spirit of “Guardians of the Galaxy” with the shrewd ingenuity reminiscent of “Ocean’s 11.” The Night Owls, however, are no mere accessories to Ethan’s escapades. Each member brings a wealth of emotional complexity, elevating the stakes as the peril enveloping Luna gradually unfurls.
Stephen Gay’s narrative commendably intertwines razor-sharp dialogue and meticulously choreographed action, all whilst endearing us to an antihero who could give Han Solo a run for his money in charm and audacity. The triumph in Ethan doesn’t solely lie in his leadership but, notably, in the enchanting lure of his rebellious spirit, which is apt to entice even the most law-abiding reader into his lively, lunar underworld.
The intrigue doesn’t end with heists and hairbreadth escapes. Darkness shrouds Luna, quite literally, as unexplained power outages beset the colony, the occurrence of which bears an uncanny correlation to the unfolding drama. Ethan, discerning a connection, propels the Night Owls into a race against time, where each revelation threatens to rupture the very foundation of their alliance.
Night Owls is far more than a standard sci-fi adrenaline dash. It excels in orchestrating a moral symphony, where the lines between heroism and villainy blur into a mesmerizing gray. Readers find themselves ensnared in a delicate dance of ethics, perpetually reassessing the purity of motivations on both ends of the moral spectrum.
Stephen Gay doesn’t just tell a story; he invites readers into a robust, moral contemplation, cleverly ensconced within layers of thrilling technology, audacious expeditions, and convivial camaraderie. The Night Owls don’t merely traverse through adventures; they sweep the reader along, enticing them into a world where the dichotomy between virtue and vice is as elusive as the dark side of the moon.
Night Owls is an exploration of the moral cosmos, where each star shimmers with ambiguity and uncharted potential. It is an unequivocal must-read for those who seek heart-thumping adventures that do not shy away from posing philosophical quandaries amidst the enthralling chaos.
Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0CDZBX9ZD
I Strive to Connect My Stories to the Past
The Recyclers’ Paradise: Dust of the Gods unveils a dystopian world where seven interwoven stories explore the dire costs of rebellion, the perils of a society bound by mechanical obedience, and the dance between free will and destiny. What inspired you to write this collection?
The inspiration was twofold.
First, my wife shared with me stories from her childhood, where she grew up under Stalinist communism. The hardships they experienced were a sharp contrast to my own, even though Medellin, Colombia, my hometown, had its own share of unique problems. Her family fled their native country and sought refuge here, in the United States. While we always hear people stating that Americans take their freedoms for granted, her family’s accounts really hammered that home.
On one hand, there were the ideals espoused by her native government, where everybody would, in theory, get what they needed. But it was also a central-planning regime, where people had little say in their futures.
The stories in this book borrow from her experiences, and magnify certain aspects by orders of magnitude, but they are not a recounting of any specific incident. After all, these stories are fictional and set on another planet.
Second, there is a famous line in the Bible that states that we are created in God’s image. This was an opportunity, for aside from surveillance and punishment, the galactic authorities have their hands in creation, too. As a result, humanity’s origins, as well as its ultimate demise, takes on a narrative very different from the typical theories of nuclear Armageddon, boiling ourselves in a climate-induced hell, or an AI revolt.
How did you conceptualize the dystopian society in The Recyclers’ Paradise, and what influenced the creation of the mechanical brain implants as a mechanism for control and maintaining order within this universe?
The implant offers the ultimate form of control. It allows the authorities to monitor people’s thoughts as well as direct punishments remotely. With a realm spanning the galaxy, it would be inconvenient to have fleets squashing rebellions in far-flung regions, so this offered a means of absolute and immediate domination over the populace.
But the implant has its benefits, too. People can use it to exert control over themselves, as several characters do in the book. Balancing it was important, so it would not just be an instrument of terror.
As a basis, I borrowed from the ideals espoused by the communists that ruled over my wife’s native country. For example, there is no currency or wealth, and everybody automatically gets everything they need. Scarcity is non-existent. However, they also get no say in their future. Everything is perfect and harmonious insofar as people enjoy the mandates assigned to them by bureaucrats.
But people always want to push the boundary. That is evident all around us here on Earth. This opposition took various forms throughout the stories, with the most overt coming from the privateers.
And finally, all of this could not have just popped up out of nowhere. As we see here on Earth, decisions made during times of hardships or war tend to outlive their original purpose and take on a new role. Thus, the historical elements of the society feature prominently, and, much like former Soviet cities exhibit the aggrandized architectures showcasing the Soviet Imperial style, so, too, do the galactic authorities have their own flavor of that. This also borrows heavily from my wife’s experiences, where entertainment primarily focused on heroic clashes during WWII. Here, the Great Galactic War takes the place of Earth’s world wars, and the heroic victories and defeats in that past conflict decorate all the government buildings, as well as drive such mundane things as children’s lullabies. An example of this was when one of the characters recalls his mother singing the Hymn of Falaclaza, which celebrated a notorious defeat.
The subtle and varied acts of rebellion by different characters in the stories are intriguing; can you delve into your process of character development and how you navigated embedding resistance within individuals in a world stringently opposed to such defiance?
Rebellion is a key component of these stories, but the implants definitely make it challenging to pull off successfully. And few do. For some of the characters, such as Silfreda and and Colfred, they are natural emotional responses to the things happening around them. Crushing your own dreams or willfully ignoring the safety of your family are not things people are used to doing, especially in a world where hardships have mostly been eliminated.
Solla, in The Illness of Wayward Citizens, brings a new dimension to rebellion. Inspiration for this character came from the many procedural shows that fill television’s primetime, where the police run informants to root out crime. Simple concept, but the combination of technology and enforcement transform it into something far more perilous than simple crime-and-punishment. That offered some interesting dynamics, especially with the bouts of paranoia Solla experienced. But it also offered a great opportunity for him to expose how life in the shadows can survive despite the authority’s total control.
The trailing stories, starting with The Refugee Conundrum, really begin to take on a new dimension. These give the Nosfelen a lot more prominence, both in the distant history as well as with recent events. For Danfirth, it was important to put this starship captain in a position that his mandate never really considered, both with having to deal with a rescue of a brutish race of primitives, as well as putting him on a collision course with the galaxy’s nemesis. But his journey was also very emotional, both in having to cope with things beyond his control, as well as feelings of connection and loss. For the ships behaviorist, Jellumis, I took inspiration from the political officers that would oversee the commanders on former Soviet naval vessels.
To further deepen the controls that the authorities exert over the populace, it was key to make citizens infertile. Control reproduction, and you can control everything else. This is the origin of the galaxy’s ruling Institute, for example, which shares its acronym with a rather notorious agency right here on Earth. As a result, The Recycler’s Apprentice gave me a chance to peek under the hood of a process that is critical to this centrally planned society. Galhan represents, as much as he can, the elite citizen. He has a cushy job with a lot of latitude. For him, like with the cat, curiosity is what gets him in trouble.
The final stories, Doomsday and Brew of Chaos, are transitions to the main series. For Doomsday, Deepallan represents the typical radar technician stationed in Alaska that had to watch for incoming ICBMs or nuclear-armed bombers. That Cold War post was what drove both his role as well as the Doomsday story itself.
In addition, each story tackles a different aspect of the galactic society. Whether it is family life, infiltration, environmental stewardship, war, law enforcement, or creation and recycling, each story puts a character in place to expose that facet of control.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on two books. The first is the Book 1 of the Dust of the Gods series, which will pit the galaxy’s rulers against the mysterious angels that appear in Doomsday and Brew of Chaos. At this point I should note that The Recyclers’ Paradise is part of that series, and as a Book Zero, represents an ancillary collection of prequels.
The other book is a historical sci-fantasy that takes place in the Amazon jungle. While this will be a fictional tale with sci fi elements to it, it is rooted in actual events.
As a student of history, I always strive to connect my stories to something from our past. Even Dust of the Gods upholds that principle, though the tie-in is more subtle, and is reserved from the core books in the series.
It will probably be about a year, give or take, before either of these hits the market.
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Sure, there is safety. Everybody receives a predefined purpose before birth. And scarcity is nonexistent! But there is a hidden cost.
The law has reduced free will to a fantasy. People can make any choice they want, but obedience and selfless dedication to purpose are the only ones that do not invite punishment. Beneath the imposed veil of peace and abundance, however, is a grim reality where torture is but one thought away and war continues to fester in distant outposts. This collection of interconnected stories exposes the pitfalls ordinary citizens face under the watchful regime that rules our Milky Way, but they also redefine the meaning and origin of life itself.
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 