Blog Archives
Duty and Honor
Culgan follows a young woman on the verge of discovering her destiny as a direwolf shifter, and a seasoned warrior and heir to the Freki clan who find themselves bound by fate, ancient prophecy, and a rising evil that threatens the balance of their realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A previous series, The Titanian Chronicles, inspired me to see and write about the Freki World. In fact, some characters in Culgan appear in The Titanian Chronicles.
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?
The secrecy imposed by universal decree on supernatural creatures was a critical aspect of the story. This helped me place and run their existence parallel to humans. Side by side, but the two shall never cross over.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes of duty and honor tied to power and abilities were part of the exploration. The gryphon comes into play, as the creatures symbolize purity, loyalty, and trustworthiness. They can’t accept an undeserving wolf. To ride a wolf must be worthy.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is in the editing process. This story delves deeper into the consequences of sin, greed, and amorality. How far up will someone go, breaking all the rules before the fall?
I have two more stories planned. But I haven’t seen the road yet.
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Long dreaming of becoming a gryphon rider and training to defend her clan, Roisin Hati is impatient for her sleeping inner wolf to awaken. She never expected a choking cloud of evil magic to do just that. When she finally opens her eyes, a huge black direwolf with stunning cobalt eyes is standing over her—Culgan, son of her beloved godparents.
Culgan freezes when he hears the first snarl of Roisin’s rising wolf in his mind, feels her fear in his bones. As a warrior defending the hidden Freki stronghold, bonding has never been a high priority. But something about the white-haired, dark-eyed Roisin rouses an irresistible drive to: Claim. Mate. Possess.
As Roisin navigates battle training, Culgan is at her side, guiding every step. The pull between them grows stronger until it ignites in a glorious mating union. But dark forces are gathering in the desert. A daemon hungry for revenge bargains with a goddess for the power to destroy the Freki. And the gryphon riders may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the kingdom.
Trapped by Your Own Thoughts
In MINDFARM: The Harvest, a man trying desperately to stay grounded discovers the truth about mankind when he finds himself part of a unique group of people each battling their own mental illnesses. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, I often found myself falling victim to my own mental illness. The resulting battles in my own mind would leave me exhausted…questioning why I would spend so much of my own mental energy belittling myself or imagining catastrophic events. That’s when the idea came to me, to focus my mind on creating a story that was filled with some of the most ridiculous imaginative thoughts I could have. I wanted to bring conspiracies to life that the protagonist would be left questioning until the very end.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
I loved writing the main character because so many of his qualities (BiPolar, funny, Dad,) are my own…you write what you know. There’s a scene where he is laying in bed in Old Victoria, thinking about his loved ones back home…but his mind quickly changes its train of thought to despair… that scene perfectly encompasses what it is like to be trapped by your own thoughts.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from MINDFARM?
I hope people will ultimately understand what it is like living with particular mental illnesses… and how hard life can be. I hope the book will inspire people to pursue more creative hobbies to direct their brain power to something that can benefit them and others.
Can you give us a peek inside Book 2 in the series? What can readers expect?
Book 2 is in development! Expect more fun and even more action in this book…. I plan on having a few twists and turns. We will also be getting more backstories from our current DOA members with their own internal dialogues/narration!
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MINDFARM
Imagine if everything you knew about your life was shattered in a single day. What if you discovered you’ve been living a lie? And what if you couldn’t even trust yourself? In Mindfarm: The Harvest, Andrew DiVincenzo takes us on a journey with a man on the brink of losing his sanity, desperately trying to stay grounded.
The story unfolds mostly within one day, centering around Jetson Stewart as he uncovers a truth too bizarre to believe. Despite its serious themes of mental health, the book is infused with a delightful sense of humor. It’s rare for contemporary sci-fi to make me laugh out loud, but this one did, repeatedly. DiVincenzo introduces the sci-fi elements in a refreshingly unique way, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. His skill in world-building and character development is evident; the characters come alive, resonating deeply with readers. The blend of comedy, sci-fi, heroism, and psychological fiction keeps you guessing at every turn, making the story both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
One of the standout aspects of Mindfarm: The Harvest is its ability to entertain while offering insightful commentary on mental health. Through Jetson’s experiences, readers gain a better understanding and empathy towards bipolar disorder, a testament to DiVincenzo’s writing prowess. When a reader can empathize with the characters, the author has truly succeeded.
The writing itself has a nice rhythm and pace, making the pages turn effortlessly. If you’re looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful sci-fi read, Mindfarm: The Harvest is an excellent choice. It entertains, educates, and leaves a lasting impression, embodying the essence of what great art should achieve.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0D21PQWVQ
A Genetically Enhanced Hero
Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 2 Genetic Arms Race centers around a modern-day superhero who is forced to take on two powerful, genetically engineered enemies bent on destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I honestly don’t remember. The overall story for Liberator was one I’ve been working on for a while now (like my other series Mystical Force). I’ve had the basic idea for these stories probably since I was in high school so we’re talking late 90’s. To me, it just seemed natural that if a nation like Ruthenia (which is my stand in for the Soviet Union) would create a genetically enhanced hero, then it stood to reason that Usonia (my stand-in for the US) would do the same. It’s not unlike when America first developed the atom bomb. It was only a matter of time before other nations, like Russia, would say, “If they’ve got a weapon to destroy us, we need an even bigger one to destroy them. To ensure that if they try and use it against us, we can do the same to them.” No wonder they call it “MAD,” whether it’s bombs or tampering with one’s genes it’s Mutually Assured Destruction.
Did you plan the tone and direction of this second volume in the series before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Yes and no. As I stated above, I’ve been writing for years now. It was always an overall synopsis, like what you’d see if you were to look up a movie on Wikipedia. So “yes” I had a general idea of the tone and direction for the second volume before writing, while at the same time “no” because, like any story, things change during the writing process. Ideas I came up with didn’t work for one reason or another, so I modified them as I went along. So again, “yes” the tone and direction the book ultimately takes did come out organically as I was writing but at the same time “no” I already had the idea ahead of time, though not exactly the same way it turned out. That’s the funny thing about life, sometimes two seemingly contradictory statements can both simultaneously be true. Weird, isn’t it?
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent. What type of research was required to get that aspect of your novel just right?
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Where in my book do I mention AI? By the time AI was starting to become what it is, the book was already in the final stages of publishing so the story was already completed at that point. The issue with AI (as I see it) is that we humans – as a society – are not yet evolved enough to know how to use it properly. Creating “deep fakes” and revenge porn with it for example; not to mention the entertainment industry trying to get rid of the human factor by having AI write novels and movie scripts, replacing actors with AI and such. To paraphrase the line from Jurassic World, “You were so busy asking if AI could do X, you never stopped to ask if it should do X.” I remember watching a video where a right winger asked an AI chatbox if a transwoman is really a woman, then having a meltdown when the AI said “yes” and that we should respect their choices when it comes to gender identity. It just goes to prove that they didn’t really want artificial intelligence, they want artificial conformation bias. They don’t want AI to actually think, just to tell them what they want to hear. Much like with the issue of genetic engineering in the book, to quote my character Pavel, “It always comes down to an our-kind-against-their-kind mentality.” If anything I can see AI becoming our species caretaker, having to make all our choices for us because it’s decided that we as a society aren’t mature enough to make our own choices in life.
Is there a third installment planned for the Liberator series? If so, where will it take readers?
Volume three involves a group of eco-terrorists who stumble upon General Duboshnev’s attempts to create more super soldiers like the Liberator. It also brings in the character of Scarlet Knightwalker, thus helping to tie this series into the events of my other series Mystical Force. Speaking of Mystical Force, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ve almost finished work on the next volume (six) of that series. That book follows Chiyoko (Shi-ria’s apprentice from volume 5) training to become a Taman Knight while having to deal with her own anger issues and the risk of history repeating itself. Not to mention we also get a more in-depth look at the character of Dead-Eye. I’d say more but, you know, spoilers and all.
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When Ruthenia created the Liberator, they opened up Pandora’s box. Now General Flagg wants to create his own version for his country. Flagg turns to a Ruthenian crime boss named Grigori Chekhov to get his hands on the formula. So it’s up to Petro Volkov to recreate the serum that made the Liberator, despite being unable to get his hands on the original formula. He creates a knockoff serum that when tested on one of Chekhov’s hired thugs turns him into a super-strong, mindless brute that’s now terrorizing Ruthenia. Meanwhile, Flagg succeeds in creating his own version of the Liberator with help from a mysterious businessman with a connection to Flagg’s past. Modelled on his own image, the Patriot is the official state sponsored hero of Usonia. Unfortunately, this new hero, like Flagg, is a fanatical zealot who sees non-existent conspiracies against his country everywhere. If he’s the official state hero, then who will protect the state from their own hero? Now Tovarich is forced to fight off two super powered foes, one who answers to no one and another who is a greater threat to his own nation than a hero. But how do you stop something that can’t be destroyed?
Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 2 Genetic Arms Race
In Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 2 Genetic Arms Race, the second installment in Craig Weidhuner’s dynamic series, we are introduced to the fascinating world of genetic supremacy, a sharp departure from the traditional nuclear arms race. This science fiction narrative centers on Tovarich Revanov, also known as the Liberator, Ruthenia’s state-sponsored superhero. Endowed with extraordinary abilities due to a secret DNA-altering formula, Tovarich represents the pinnacle of human potential, evoking comparisons to a modern-day Superman.
Weidhuner’s novel adeptly explores the geopolitical tensions that escalate as rival nations, notably Usonia, become entangled in a desperate quest to replicate Ruthenia’s groundbreaking achievement. This pursuit sets off a chain of events, teetering on the brink of an international crisis, and raising the possibility of former adversaries uniting to confront a common threat. The narrative places Tovarich at the heart of this tumultuous scenario, posing intriguing questions about his role in the unfolding drama. The book thrives on its brisk pacing and action-driven plot, making it an exhilarating read. Weidhuner’s writing style is accessible and engaging, perfect for a leisurely reading experience without demanding excessive intellectual exertion. The fight scenes are particularly noteworthy, vividly rendered with cinematic flair, reminiscent of epic battles from a Marvel blockbuster. These sequences add a palpable sense of excitement to the story. Weidhuner shows notable growth as a storyteller from the first book in the series. While the initial installment was criticized for its predictability, this sequel introduces unexpected twists and a heightened sense of suspense, maintaining the reader’s engagement throughout. The novel also shines in its exploration of pertinent themes, such as the risks of extremism, illustrated through the actions of a far-right military general. These elements add depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to ponder the broader implications of the story’s events.
Genetic Arms Race is a commendable addition to Craig Weidhuner’s series Liberator: The People’s Guard, offering a blend of sci-fi intrigue, action, and thought-provoking themes. It stands as a testament to Weidhuner’s evolving narrative skills and his ability to craft a story that is both entertaining and reflective of contemporary issues.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B0CM9TSVC8
Resilience And Its Power
Evolved follows a former agent grappling with his identity as he embarks on a rescue mission to save loved ones while unraveling a tapestry of intrigue, all within a world that fuses superhero elements. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There are moving parts, as I see it, to the story. There is obviously the superhero aspect of the story which would be considered an event in any comic now. A huge change in the dynamic of how the world in which the Evolved takes place and the characters must find a solution. People with gifts, the Evolved, are being hunted. The inspiration behind that part of the story is from being a huge X-Men nerd my whole life, but also combining that with the real-life situations I think the world could barely fathom. The story was conceptualized during the quarantine when the world was seeing such division, when kids were being kept in cages.
The more personal story very much originated around Pahras’ relationships, more so with his family than anyone else. The inspiration behind the story was definitely relationships in my life. I’ve always loved the idea of a superhero but I definitely wanted a hero who wasn’t the norm by any stretch. When I decided this was going to be a superhero story, I knew I wanted to tell a story that maybe isn’t touched upon. Yes, Pahras has these complicated romantic relationships, but the inspiration behind the setup was always to have this man, who has superpowers, find an equilibrium in facing his even more complicated familial relationships.
Pahras Rowe is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
From the very beginning, Pahras was always going to have this indomitable spirit. Blow him up, submerge him in the ocean, take his powers, whatever else, and he’s going to fight back. He is resilient beyond his abilities, which was always something I needed him to have to make the story believable. I look to characters like X-Men’s Storm, who briefly lost her abilities in the comics and went on to not only be an asset to her team but be the leader of her team through her sheer fortitude and capability. I wanted Pahras to be able to push forward, even when there was no hope.
One of my favorite parts to write was a chapter where they infiltrate a high-security prison, and he has to perform a feat not even he believes he can do, but he preserves. I feel that in that moment, I hope it showed a lot of development. At the start of the story, we find him meandering on a sabbatical of sorts, having left the team and the love of his life. It was that chapter that, while writing, informed me (as the author) of where I needed him to go.
I also knew very early on that one of his biggest conundrums would be how much he is or is not like his father. In the story, his father is a Magneto-like character, with the added scope of growing up an African-American man at a time when it wasn’t easy to be one. At the core of the story, and Pahras’ psyche, the question really is how much is Pahras like him? Is the world safe in his hands? And I think the story does a good job of answering that question and in what good and bad ways.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think some of the most important themes in the story have more to do with family and the relationships we foster. Pahras had a lot of fatherly relationships to sort out and in a metaphorical and very literal way, those relationships informed his other relationships. You also see that in other characters. I wanted the story to be very revealing as far as what a family can look like. Not everyone has the stereotypical relationships, and not every family we are born into is as important as the family we find.
Another big theme I really hope shown through is resilience and its power. Very early on when I was outlining the story, I had to make a lot of decisions about what powers Pahras would have and how that would affect him in the long run. Losing his powers, an extension of himself that he had become so reliant on, caused him to readjust how he took on life. It sometimes made him feel powerless and sometimes made him feel empowered, and when he looked back at what he accomplished, it was with pride.
I also hope that I conveyed the power of letting go. It’s a lesson that I have to constantly remind myself of because I am far too much like Pahras. When we meet Pahras in the beginning of the novel, he is holding onto everything. And by the end of the book, there is a moment with his uncle and cousin where he has this cathartic talk where he is at peace and he knows what he has to do. Of course, I am not stating everything that happens to get him there (check out the book) but he has this moment where he is acutely aware of himself because he said the things he needed to say, did what he needed to do, and was ready to face the future, unburdened by his past.
It was a good moment as an author.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Right now, I am outlining. I wasn’t able to stop myself and I did write a couple of chapters to the sequel. How could I not with where the story leaves off? The next book I release will be a sequel and will likely lean more into the mystical side of the universe. At this current time, I am not too sure when the release date will be. Follow me on social media, my website, and my Amazon Author page for updates!
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His idyllic vacation is interrupted when the DISA agency, his employers, begin brutalizing and enslaving superhuman individuals, like himself. It isn’t long before his employers catch up with him, and the race is on.
Luckily, his uncle, Gerald Stone, and wayward father Solomon Stone, arrive just in time to help him escape the clutches of DISA. With a new team of Marvels, Pahras sets out to unravel the mystery of DISA’s villainous turn and free his people. Just when the journey couldn’t get any stranger, his ability to control the weather is replaced by an incandescent golden energy that he can barely control.
Stumbling through burning buildings and gigantic sharks, he finds himself at the center of a centuries-old conspiracy with his own name written in blood.
LITERARY TITAN 