Coming 2017

Prelude to Sorrow

Fight or Die.

Never has an axiom rung so true.

The task force dispatched to eradicate the Horde menace on far Exordium seemed to fail at the very last hurdle. Exordium was destroyed, obliterated in a cataclysm that wiped out an entire star system and which left very few alive.

But what of the Horde?

And what of those who were still on the planet?

Has fate dealt her final hand to the heroes of the Ninth?

Find out in – Prelude to Sorrow – the stunning conclusion to the IX saga.

Coming 2017

The darkness is always patient

Have You Considered the IX Series?

Roman legionaries, far from home, lost in the mists of Caledonia.

A US cavalry company, engaged on a special mission, vital to the peace treaty proposed by Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln.

A twenty-first century Special Forces unit, desperate to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

From vastly different backgrounds, these soldiers are united when they are snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing. Thinking they may have been granted a reprieve, imagine their horror when they discover they have been transported to a failing planet on the far side of the galaxy, where they are given a simple ultimatum. Fight or die. Against all odds, this group of misfits manages to turn the tide against a relentless foe, only to discover the true cost of victory might exact a price they are unwilling to pay.

How far would you be willing to go to stay alive?

The IX. 

Sometimes, death is only the beginning of the adventure.

Fight or die.

That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9^th Legion of Rome; the 5^th Company, 2^nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.

But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.

The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.

Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.

Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.

Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.

A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.

It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.

Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is only the beginning of the adventure.

Busy - Busy - Busy

It's a busy time for the IX Series lately. Guest Posts - Excerpts - Fun Facts (Warts and all) About little old me, and the things happening in my life

Have YOU managed to stay up with whats happening?

Yes - The IX is now in audiobook format. Want to find out more? Just click the link...

The IX Audiobook

A nice interview about my writing process - and 10 fun True or False facts about Scorpios!

Guest Post & Top 10 Interview

A post revealing a little bit more about the series itself...

The IX Series Post

Hopefully, you'll like what you see.

And Remember

2017 sees the stunning conclusion to the IX Series in...

Prelude to Sorrow

(Stay tuned to this blog for advance previews and sneak peaks)

Have YOU Heard the Ultimatum?

Fight or Die

*********

What could unite a Roman Legion and the Caledonian army they are fighting?

Or a US Cavalry Company with the Native American tribes arrayed against them?

How about a highly trained and motivated Special Forces unit and the terrorists they have been sent to wipe out at all costs?

Yes…

What could such a diverse and mutually aggressive group possibly have in common?

Arden – and the Horde, that’s what!

Arden, home to a culture that has existed for thousands of years and which spans dozens of worlds. Regardless, their sophistication cannot prevent calamity at the hands of an unstoppable nemesis. Known only as the Horde, this enemy has proven relentless. They have not only stripped the outer colonies bare, but now threaten the existence of the entire Ardenese way of life.

Realizing there is nothing they can do to prevent the inevitable march toward extinction, the Ardenese governing body comes to a drastic decision. They gather together at their capital city, Rhomane, and place their remaining genetic heritage in a vast underground ark, in the care of an advanced AI construct called the Architect. Its mission? To use Rhomane’s dwindling reserves and safeguard their race by reaching out across time and space toward those who might be in a position to help reseed a devastated world at some time in the future.

That’s how soldiers from varying eras and vastly different backgrounds find themselves together. Snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing they are transported to the far side of the galaxy. Thinking they have been granted a reprieve, their relief turns to horror when they discover they face a simple but stark ultimatum:

Put aside your former animosities and preconceptions in order to survive. Yes…

Fight or die!

How does this group of mismatched and antagonistic misfits fare?

Do they survive?

Find out for yourselves, in The IX Series.

Like them, you’ll discover death is only the beginning of an incredible adventure.

*********

Narrated by British Classical Actor Rob Goll

The IX Audiobook

Coming - November 2016 to an audio device near you.

Why Consider the IX Series

Roman legionaries, far from home, lost in the mists of Caledonia. A US cavalry company, engaged on a special mission, vital to the peace treaty proposed by Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln. A twenty-first century Special Forces unit, desperate to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.
From vastly different backgrounds, these soldiers are united when they are snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing. Thinking they may have been granted a reprieve, imagine their horror when they discover they have been transported to a failing planet on the far side of the galaxy, where they are given a simple ultimatum. Fight or die. Against all odds, this group of misfits manages to turn the tide against a relentless foe, only to discover the true cost of victory might exact a price they are unwilling to pay.
How far would you be willing to go to stay alive?
The IX. 

Sometimes, death is only the beginning of the adventure.

Fight or die.

That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them. But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well. Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made. Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.
Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is only the beginning of the adventure.

The IX Series

Out of this World

If you haven't managed to journey into the world of The IX Series yet, here are a few little pointers to help you decide if this might be the adventure for you:

Introduced to the world back in January 2015, the series still dominates the Goodreads Charts, holding the #1 slot in thirteen categories, and maintaining a top 5 position in thirteen more.

The trials and tribulations of the Ninth Legion and their comrades have been highly acclaimed worldwide - reaching #1 in the USA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and the UK repeatedly in the last 18 months.

Leaders in the field of speculative fiction: Black Gate, Amazing Stories, Epicstream, and Fanboy Comics to name a few, have also critically acclaimed the series, comparing it to the likes of works by Jerry Pournelle & Gordon Dickson.

Interested?

You know what to do...

And please, ENJOY.

Why Consider the IX Series?

If you're still undecided about dipping your toes into the world of the IX Series, consider what recent reviewers have to say about this, the epic sci-fi adventure that takes Roman Legionaries, US Cavalry troopers, and modern day Special Forces  soldiers and throws them together in a kiln where the choice is simple:

Fight or Die!

*********

The IX is the most inventive science fiction novel I have read since Stranger In A Strange Land. That's saying a lot. The plot is highly complicated, and yet so clearly and gracefully written that it is easy to follow. In the far future in a galaxy far far away the Arden are besieged by the Horde and though it will take a long time it is clear that their defenses will eventually crumble and they will be destroyed ... unless. The Ardenese, in an act of creative self-immolation sacrifice their lives to save their DNA, in hopes that someone will eventually reseed the planet with its original inhabitants. Their lead computer, The Architect, also recruits defenders through time and space, specially selected for qualities that are not apparent to the Ardenese, from a far off planet called Earth. They snatch great fighters from different eras just before they were about to die anyway. So they're thrown into a probably suicide mission with bonus time. There are problems integrating fighters who were snatched in the act of trying to kill each other, and from far different times, the IX Legion of Rome and Scottish tribesmen, the US Cavalry and Indian tribes, and 22d Century Royal Marine Commandos and terrorists, all welded into an integrated force.
The ending is to wildly inventive and too brilliant to give away here. Suffice it to say I ended the book with tears in my eyes.

Enjoyed how Mr. Weston weaved several time periods, types of warfare and people's custom into this story. I learned several historical facts along the way. This was hard to put down! I’d like to see a prequel of this about the other eight groups.

First off, I have to say this book has been sitting on my kindle for over 1 1/2 years. I’m not sure why I bought it, but I’m glad I did. Since I started publishing my late husband’s stories, I’ve read nothing but indie books for the past three years. Don’t get me wrong, I love indie books and their authors, but I miss the feeling of reading a professionally published book. So when I started reading this little gem, my reading persona gave a big sigh of relief.
This is a long book, so be prepared to spend some time devoted to it. And it’s not a fast-paced story, but there were times when I couldn’t read fast enough. I loved the premise of the story, bringing different cultures and times from Earth to Arden to save the people and the planet from the Horde. I could tell this was written by a military man as there is a lot of military jargon and strategies throughout the book.
I became attached to quite a few of the characters, but like all war, people die. So, this book is laced with emotions. Especially the Epilogue, which brought tears to my eyes. Now I read some 1 star reviews that felt the Native American aspect wasn’t used to its full advantage, or not needed at all. I didn’t feel that way. For me, it meshed nicely with all the other cultures that were trying to adapt to an extremely violent environment. I also have a soft spot for the Native American culture, so I very much enjoyed their inclusion.
If you love alternate history, military stories, and sci-fi, you’ll want to read this book. This is book one in the series, but this ended so well, with no loose ends, I don’t feel compelled to read the next book. I give it my 5 feathers.

I love it when an author has the courage to step outside the box and try something different. This is exactly what you get here with Weston's, The IX. It is a fantastic idea of combining the historical with the modern in a sci-fi tale. This is a stunning book that you will struggle to put down. I can't recommend this book enough. It's fantastic

Death is only the beginning of the adventure. This is the complete premise of this book and from the first page until the last, I was entranced. I’m a huge science fiction fan and you throw in historical elements, I’m in reader heaven.
This sequel picks up where The IX (book one) left off. The threat of the Hoarde is gone (or so everyone on Arden believes) and you can feel the communal exhaling of breath. Things can go back to normal but like with anything, life is rarely peaceful. There’s always the next challenge, the next obstacle to overcome and the soldiers must be prepared for what’s to come. People will die, secrets will be revealed and everyone will be pushed to their limits. Just when victory is at hand, death will rear its ugly head and no one is safe.
It’s been a long time since I read such a wonderful epic science fiction book. Andrew P. Weston’s storytelling style reminds me of Neal Stephenson. Andrew takes the time to detail meticulously all the action, through multiple points of view, but only revealing what he wants the reader to know at the time. The plot progressed at a steady rate. There were several characters to keep track of but Andrew made sure the reader followed along without getting lost.
What truly made this one of the best science fiction books I’ve read in a long time was his world-building technique. His concept is original, the motives of the species are realistic, the planets and technology are believable, the conflict is easy to understand and the commonality of survival is thread throughout the book.
Exordium of Tears is a roller coaster ride of adventure and suspense. Not everyone survives and that only adds to the shocking conclusion. Yes, I gasped in disbelief! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
If you love science fiction and/or pulse-pounding fiction, this is a must-read! It’s no wonder Andrew P. Weston is an International Best-Selling Author.
Favorite Character:
There were so many intriguing characters it was hard for me to pick just one. But the one character I identified most with is Sam. What he has to overcome against insurmountable odds is beyond incredible. Yet when his back is up against the wall, he still manages to keep his sense of humor. I loved that!
Favorite Quote:
“Bloody hell,” he quipped, “who organized the Liberace convention?” ~ Sam

A fan of the first book 'The IX' of this fabulous series, I was excited to lay my hands on 'Exordium', excited that it came out at long last.
Oh what can I say? Another great read doesn't come close to describing my reading experience. Like the description said "death is only the beginning of the adventure" that starts the story of warriors who settled their new home planned, wishing to rise their families in peace. Too much to hope for with the inhuman Horde still lurking on the outskirts, waiting for its chance. Apparently not all of those foes joined the original battle. Far from it! "As worlds are sundered, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated, a universal conflict proves again..." that no peace could be achieved without the need to fight for it unless the other side is prepared to listen and talk. Not the case in the Exordium colonies.
This brilliant work is a mix of fantasy and history, science fiction and drama, breathtakingly realistic warring scenes and action-adventure aplenty. It covers every aspect and provides a wonderful study on human nature, it educates while entertain, it offers a realistic and epic ride that rivals every classic and actual historical happening. I simply couldn't put this book down!

I’m kind of amazed. Vivid scenes and a continuation of an epic tale. It just keeps getting better. “Exordium of Tears (The IX Series Book 2)” by Andrew P. Weston is a wonderful addition to this stunning series. Recommended. Five stars.

Andrew P. Weston has given us yet another stellar masterpiece from his epic arsenal. Having had the privilege of previously reviewing his debut novel the IX, I must admit how thrilled I am to having dived into this one. This sci-fi/Adventure/History novel draws inspiration from all around to make it into this unique tale of war, death, blood and gore. It follows the same crisp and beautiful writing style of its predecessor and the editor, Janet Morris, did an amazing job in editing. No wonder it hit the bestsellers list. Mr. Weston has a bright and brimming career ahead of him and one that looks like he will enjoy much longevity.
Al-Khemet Book Club

This is a continuation of Weston's incredible tales of the fabled IXth Legion of Rome. I just adore the way that Weston manages tocombine historical elements with science fiction and fantasy. This book is no exception and is as brilliant and inspired as the previous. Any reader who has already discovered Weston's series, will absolutely love this and for new readers it is a great opportunity to delve into this series. Highly recommend.

*********

If YOU feel drawn to the adventure of a lifetime, you know what to do:
The links are in the side column.

The IX Series - World Building - Part 12

Hello Again.

Hopefully, by now you'll be getting to know Exordium quite well. As you no doubt remember from last week, we zoomed in on Origen, the only major continent to grace the once beautiful world that was reduced to nothing more than a dust bowl by the advent of the Horde.

Those who have read Exordium of Tears know that most of the action takes place on the Elvetine Peninsula, a place where Arden's top scientists established the CIART

(Cosmological Institute of Advanced Research and Technology)

Do you remember the brief description given in the story when our adventurers first touched down on the plateau? Here it is again:

*********

Their landing site was once the quadrangle of the facility, occupying a huge open space in the center of four main buildings. Freshly downloaded plans from Exordium’s database showed them to include a laboratory and teaching wing to the north, with a combined astrometrics and deep-space observatory overlooking the plains to the south; an impressive administration block to the east and even larger habitat/recreation center, due west, completed the setup.

The Ballarat had dropped them off fifteen minutes ago, and Mohammed had been keen to make his way to the power plant some four hundred yards beyond the campus precincts: If another override net-link existed inside, the legion’s task would become much simpler.

*********

You no doubt imagined what this facility looked like in your own minds?

Well, here's something to help...
(And don't worry about the size. Just click on the image and it will enlarge)

*********

When the task force first lands, they have to take control of a small power sub station just south of the peninsula. Then, after five of the six cave mouths are sealed off, and all three sinkholes mined, the Legion moves in through the most westerly entrance to engage the Horde Masters underground.

Meanwhile, Mohammed and the Special Forces team head up to the CIART to commence their assault of the main power station just beyond the precincts of the facility.

Once again, you'll see a few details that never make it into the story...(Free of charge)
hee hee.

What comes next? - Ah you'll have to wait for Prelude of Sorrow for that...but rest assured, it will be worth the wait.

The IX Series - World Building - Part 11

 Damone

Hello again.

Last week we took a closer look at the Exordium Star System where we learned that Exordium was once one of three planets: Exordium - Vilen - Liberty.

This little system is governed by Damone, a brown dwarf aurorae, one of the few stars capable of surviving the ravages of so many black holes within the Verianda Nebula.

*********

Now, I know you'll have envisioned what Exordium looks like as you read the book, and I won't spoil that, as her natural diversity of flora and fauna was ravaged by the emergence of the Horde. 

BUT - do you remember the first "glimpse" we got of Exordium's surface when Caym and his companions completed an astral long-range survey of the planet?

Here's an excerpt:

*********

Back to back, two sentinels whirled slowly round and round in midair, maintaining an ever-vigilant watch over the five individuals in their care.

Below them, safely ensconced within a protective barrier of infrared, thermal, and photonic properties, Caym, Zagam, Roth, Urium, and El’chan appeared to be relaxing, sitting as they were in a circle, holding hands.

In reality, while their bodies rested within the cool interior of the Shadow of Autumn’s main engineering deck, their minds were far away. Light years away, in fact. And at this very moment, the nucleus of their conjoined psyches was descending upon the broad expanse of a gray and ochre colored world, bathed in wan light from a brown-dwarf sun.

As executive of the concert, Caym lightly sounded the biosphere.

Fibril echoes lingered, teasing him with spectral reminders of the teeming diversity which once graced this planet with vibrant life. Today only a desolate husk remained, where dust storms ravaged brittle, wind-scoured deserts.

An impressive chain of islands still stretched more than halfway across its globe, splitting a vast ocean and connecting both sides of an immense, world-spanning continent in a lopsided grin like a string of broken teeth.

The mélange of flora and fauna here must have been breathtaking, Caym remarked, can you sense it?

*********

Well can you? Sense it?

Here's the map I devised during the World Building stage to work from.
(Don't worry about the size, just click on the map and it will enlarge)

Yes, I added a spot of color to make it pretty - AND - as you can see, it contains details you don't actually get to read about in the books.

The action takes place within the environs close to the capital - Barsoonet - and the CIART (Cosmological Institute of Advanced Research & Technology)

Keep that in mind as you revisit the continent of Origen, because next week, we'll take a closer look at the CIART headland so you get a better idea of what our heroes had to contend with.

See you then :)

The IX Series - World Building - Part 10

Last week we took a peek inside the Verianda Nebula, a place where black holes, pulsars and dwarf stars abound. This week, we'll home in a bit on the Exordium Star System and take a look at the birthplace of the Horde themselves.

Say hello to Exordium

I originally envisioned Exordium as the innermost planet of three. At least, it used to be. Several rogue black holes passed through the system thousands of years prior to our story, ripping Vilen and Liberty - the sister worlds - apart. Their shattered remains now form planetesimals around their former centers of gravity. (And as readers of Exordium of Tears will know, they come in pretty handy to our heroes aboard the Shadow of Autumn.)

Of course, following the Horde outbreak, life as it was ceased to exist. Flora and fauna shriveled and died, and the planet became a husk of what it once was.

And as you can just make out from the picture, Exordium's sun, Damone, is a brown dwarf.

Now say hello to Damone.

This is a view of Damone through the Taloran Veil.

Damone is a brown dwarf aurorae, a class of star similar in many ways to a pulsar in that it constantly broadcasts energy. However, instead of emitting electromagnetic radiation, an aurorae emits lighthouse beams of radio waves.

Just looking at the planet and its star sets the scene, doesn't it?
It's the kind of place Dante might feel inspired to write about.

If you'd like to find out more about the conditions our heroes encounter as they land to take on the Horde on their home turf, come back next week and I'll reveal some in-depth features you won't find elsewhere.

See you then...

The IX Series - World Building - Part 9

Last week, I introduced you to the Verianda Nebula where most of the action takes place in Exordium of Tears: It's an interstellar dust cloud, light years across, comprised of regular and rotating super black holes. I also explained why you see the red tinge in the outer dust field - an effect caused by excessive gravity that tends to bend light toward the red end of the visible spectrum.

But what do our intrepid explorers find inside?
Let's take a look into my mind's-eye and  start building an impression:

Remember, you can't see black holes. But you DO see what they generate; super bright accretion discs created by everything that falls prey to their gravity. It all gets crushed.

So, imagine looking all around you, and seeing nothing but endless black, interspersed by frozen photo negative halos of white (and red-shifted) light. An incredibly, awe inspiring sight. Mesmerizing, haunting, and deadly, because don't forget, this area of space would be full of conflicting gravity shears, that would tear all but the densest materials apart. 

Now you begin to appreciate why I envisioned such a strong ship to take our heroes into battle.

Do you remember this close representation of the Shadow of Autumn?

(Thanks, once again to DeviantArt)

HOWEVER,

there are some things that could exist within such a nebula, especially in the less cluttered parts of the dust cloud. What might they be? 

Say hello to the neutron stars of the Verianda Nebula.

Neutron stars are the smallest, densest luminaries in the universe. They result from the gravitational collapse of massive stars after supernova. (In a way, you could say they're 'failed' black holes - after all, they're halfway there). They average only seven miles in diameter. Even so, such a neutron star would contain twice the mass of our own sun. Incredible, eh? And, they are more than capable of parenting planets. 

(Do you see how we're setting the scene for Exordium?)

The thing is, some neutron stars rotate. Those are called Pulsars, highly magnetized rotating neutron stars that emit massive beams of electromagnetic radiation, hundreds - even thousands - of times per second. In addition, you might also find a variety of incredibly small, dim, dwarf stars - such as brown or black dwarfs).

Now, think about such an environment and what it would do for creatures that feed on energy?Do you see? Such a banquet would be a great source of sustenance for the masters of the Horde race, and help explain why they've become so strong.

So, we set the scene for the next stage of our world building experiment as we home in on Exordium itself and the tiny star system that surrounds it.

What do we find?

Aha! You'll see...

The IX Series - World Building Part 8

This time around, we're starting to look into the facets that helped Exordium - the planet from which the Horde emerged - come to life. Those of you who who have already read Exordium of Tears will no doubt remember how one of the main characters from the series - Chancellor Calen - described how it was believed the great enemy (Or as the Ardenese call them, the Kresh, came into existence).

Here's an excerpt from the book:

*************************

“These are the colonies,” he began, “with Arden, represented by the crimson beacon, partway along the Pessian Spur. From what I am led to believe, the plague broke out here, on Exordium.”

One of the dots along the Ularan Spur winked on and off.

“Once the problem was recognized, the infection quickly spread to Latinus Prime and Illumina . . .” two more lights began blinking, “for they were the first to respond to calls for aid. You will note how tightly clustered that region is. This is no coincidence, for each of those planets was devoted to highly classified research and development projects. They were protected by the Verianda Nebula, an area saturated with rogue black holes. You must understand, we were at the height of our power; the sciences we delved into there were extremely vigorous. The very latest of engine designs. Weapons that could shatter worlds or destroy suns. Devices that could alter structures at the molecular level, or mutate DNA. Ah, the ignorance of the self-absorbed and mighty.”

Each of the highlighted green discs started pulsing.

“What you see here is a rearguard action fought over fifteen months. Twelve thousand years of civilization gone.” — he snapped his fingers — “just like that.”

Calen’s eyes came back into focus as he turned to face the sub-commander. “You asked for numbers, Shannon De Lacey, and an assessment of the threat they represent. Our best guess would be that less than a hundred Kresh survived on each planet, if that; by now they would have stripped all life bare and starved. In addition, as the war dragged on, certain protocols were put in place to ensure any remaining technologies were drained to the point of depletion. We did what we could to assure that the enemy couldn’t use them as a source of sustenance.”

Shannon wasn’t satisfied. “Buuut? I can tell by your face there’s something else.”

Calen’s eyes narrowed. “Very well. Because of the nature of the experiments undertaken on Exordium in particular, and the speed with which the Kresh spread to Latinus Prime and Illumina, no clear picture ever emerged as to their actual strength or deployment on those colonies. As I mentioned, that area is protected by the Verianda Nebula. Time dilates throughout the whole region. Simply put, while the enemy may have withered and faded elsewhere, it is entirely plausible they remain numerous at those particular locations...”

*************************

I think that sets the scene rather nicely. So, lets work our way in:

Welcome to the Verianda Nebula...

What do you think?

The Verianda Nebula was inspired by actual science. How so? 
Well, areas where black holes exist generate a lot of warped physics. Remember, you can't see a black hole, but you can see what they create - accretion discs - halos of interstellar dust and debris crushed by the immeasurable gravity of their parent celestial body.

They also produce a lot of heat, electromagnetic radiation, and a thing called "redshift" whereby light is bent toward the red end of the visible spectrum. So, while the interior of such a giant gas cloud would be a tribute to photonegative shock, (as you'll see in a future blog), the outside would be a glorious tribute to deep ruddy colors. Thus, after a great deal of searching, I selected my inspiration from the example above.

Initially, its beauty catches your eye and draws you in, and it isn't until you look closer that you notice the darker, more menacing details. Exactly what I wanted.

You'll get to know the Verianda Nebula well during Exordium of Tears, because half of the book is set within its confines. But what lurks within?

Ah, for that, you'll have to pop back next time.

The IX Series - World Building Part 7

As I mentioned in previous blogs, Exordium of Tears was never originally going to be written. The IX was a one-off story about a group of heroes snatched from Earth at the moment of their deaths to go and fight someone else's battle on the far side of the galaxy.

When I realized my publishers were serious in their desire to see an extension to this tale, I had to revert to my Plot Book - (A catalog I compile for each novel containing a list of characters, descriptions, archive and traits, maps, sketches, background history, etc) - for help.

Each of my Plot Books is quite detailed, as I usually spend many months researching the histories of the peoples I'll be writing about, along with the setting in which the story will take place: Eg, where they are in the universe; what kind of sun do they have; the size and composition of the planet; what flora and fauna do we find there? And of course, who are the people that populate it.

Remember, I was fortunate with The IX in that our heroes had fantastic enemies - the Horde - and I'd managed to develop quite a background story for them too. BUT - you never really got to witness that in The IX, as the information was for my benefit and something I could dip into when I needed a little extra substance for their scenes.

So, once I knew for certain the Ninth's story was going to expand, I spotted a wonderful opportunity to delve into Arden's history and culture that little bit deeper. In doing so, I could reveal more about the Horde themselves. Where they came from and how they came to be.

By blending the two points together, we'd have an evolving story where our survivors come to a realization that the battle isn't over.
Remember the blurb for Exordium of Tears?

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Fight or die.

That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2^nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.

But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.

The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.

Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.

Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.

Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.

A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.

It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.

Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is only the beginning of the adventure.

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That's the concept that immediately sprang out to me, and the building block for what takes place. Now, some parts we've already discussed: 
(The Avenger Class dreadnought - Shadow of Autumn - That was a great module to develop, as much of the action is based on or around that ship). However, there's much more to the story.

Here's a clue:

Next time, we'll start to delve into the different facets that led to Exordium itself - the planet from which the Horde emerged - and the startling environment in which the Horde grew to power. See you then.