Exordium of
Tears
Cover Story
Cover Story
Last week, I
discussed how the cover of The IX
told you something about the story within.
This week,
we’re going to get a hint about what you’ll find in
The IX – Exordium of Tears:
The IX – Exordium of Tears:
Before we start, here’s the blurb for Exordium.
***********************************************
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.
************************************************
How are some
of these facets related in the cover?
Let’s take a look:
Let’s take a look:
First of
all, you’ll immediately note the setting is much darker. That’s because we’re
addressing the discovery of a hidden menace threatening calamity. Our heroes
are forced to respond, and it is evident not all of them will be returning
home.
Then there’s
the title itself. The IX – Exordium of
Tears. Exordium means “origins”. This book highlights the beginning, the source of the sorrows our
refugees from Earth have had to face. Do they have what it takes to address the
genesis of all their fears? Look at the subtle differences from the last story.
Lean in
closely and look at the “I”. Do you see how the letters SPQR have faded? That’s because those letters used to represent –
Senatus Populus Que Romanus – (For the Senate and the People of Rome). That’s
no longer the case. The letters are now etched into the fabric of the letter “I”
itself, and into the character of the warriors who now defend Arden.
Yes, our
heroes fight for their new home.
Serovak
Pluserak Qen Rhomanax
(For Security Prosperity and
Rhomane)
The outworking
of the re-genesis matrix means the two civilizations are blending. That’s why the
DNA helix is much smaller and declared in a similar manner within the “X”. And
do you notice how you can’t see hints of the quantum gateway that transposed
the refugees to Arden? However, something has replaced the transporter beams.
Do you see it, cutting down from the top left hand part of the image? A laser
beam. Why?
Here’s a
clue. Look at the eagle. It’s been cast anew in iron. The words “Exordium of
Tears” are forged afresh in steel. The 9th – which now includes all
those brought from Earth on the ninth and final intake – represent the epitome
of death to the Horde, for the Senatum intends to end the monsters’ existence
in the crucible of battle.
They are
going to war, and conflict abounds.
But who lives
and who dies?
Is death
really the beginning of the adventure?
You’ll find
out, in an epic, action packed adventure that once again, pitches warriors
together into a kiln where they have but one choice:
Fight or Die!
Once again,
all thanks to Roy Mauritson for understanding the depths of my warped and
fragile mind and rendering a stunning glimpse into my thoughts.
Interested?
February 14th 2016 sees the Horde unleashed once again.
February 14th 2016 sees the Horde unleashed once again.
The buy link is to your right
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