End of Year Revelations

For those who have followed the IX Series since its inception back in 2015, I think you’ll agree, it’s been a blast! To think that an idea spawned by true events, and mingled with a sprinkling of mythology here and a touch of fiction there, would grow into an epic critically acclaimed by some of the leading lights of speculative fiction – and enjoyed by readers from across the globe – still warms my heart, even now.

And it’s the readers especially that I’d like to thank, for they proposed a wonderful suggestion I’ve been chewing over for some time.

Yes, by way of review, messenger and email, fans kept asking if I’d ever considered writing more about the world of the IX, and in particular, those events leading up to the summoning of the Ninth Legion. Was it really necessary to call them? How did the previous intakes fail so badly? What was the fall of Arden like? And how did the Horde rampage manage to catch a civilization at the height of its power, one that had existed for more than twelve thousand years, by surprise?

When those queries started arriving, I must confess, I found it rather flattering. To think that I had touched readers deeply enough for them to want to delve into the history behind the IX was a dream come true. That’s what every author strives to do.

However, as the volume of those inquiries increased, I began to give them serious consideration. I thought about it some more and raised the question with the esteemed Janet Morris, owner of Perseid Press.

The result?

It is with a great deal of pleasure – and not a little trepidation – that I announce the undertaking of a new venture into the IX Universe. Starting in January 2019, I will begin laying the foundations of an IX “origins” story whereby the questions raised above – and more – will be answered.

It’s going to be a long ride, but I look forward to seeing where the journey eventually takes us.

(Stay tuned to my website and blog for more details/titles, etc, as things progress)

THE PERSEID PRESS

Black Gate Fantasy Review

Prelude to Sorrow

The most excellent folk over at Black Gate Fantasy recently expressed their thoughts on the final book in the IX Series , Prelude to Sorrow.

Here's the gist of what they had to say:

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Weston’s done a good job with this series. He took an idea that had been used before and breathed real life into it. In the Horde, he’s created one of the most intriguing and monstrous villains of late. The battles, whether on the grounds of alien worlds or of ancient Earth, are gripping, and the reader feels every slash; every explosion. The exploration of the mysteries at the heart of the Horde’s onslaught and their gradual discovery is compelling. And the answers won’t make you groan with their obviousness. Above all, the ending is pretty cool. I should’ve expected it, but I didn’t, and that’s something that always make me happy. Yeah, The IX trilogy is a solid addition to the ranks of military sci-fi.

If you have a yen for the sort of military sci-fi written by the late Jerry Pournelle, then Weston’s series is for you. Actually, I take that back a little bit: something for which I praised Weston in my review of The IX was that he avoided the insufferable political pontificating of much military sci-fi. The series is also wonderfully lacking in glibness and the strawman villains that blight some contemporary military fiction. Weston has a big — nay, huge — story to tell. It’s packed with “Doc” Smith-worthy spaceships, self-sacrificing heroes, formidable enemies, and a few clever big ideas lurking in the background.

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For the full review, please clink the link below:

Prelude to Sorrow - Beginnings & Endings 

Thank you to John O'Neil and Fletcher Vredenburgh in particular:

You guys rock!