Sci fi, dystopian, apocalyptic
Date Published: May 22 2018
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
The world you know is dead. We did this to ourselves.
The epidemic struck at the end of the Third World War. Fighting over oil, power, and religion, governments ignored the rise of an antibacterial-resistant plague. In just five years, the Earth was annihilated. Only one city survived—Etyom—a frozen hellhole in northern Siberia, engulfed in endless conflict.
The year is 2251.
Two groups emerged from the ashes of the old world. Within the walled city of Lower Etyom dwell the Robusts—descendants of the poor who were immune to the New Black Death. Above them, in a metropolis of pristine platforms called lillipads, live the Graciles—the progeny of the superrich, bio-engineered to resist the plague.
Mila Solokoff is a Robust who trades information in a world where knowing too much can get you killed. Caught in a deal gone bad, she's forced to take a high-risk job for a clandestine organization hell-bent on revolution.
Demitri Stasevich is a Gracile with a dark secret—a sickness that, if discovered, will get him Ax'd. His only relief is an illegal narcotic produced by the Robusts, and his only means of obtaining it is a journey to the arctic hell far below New Etyom.
Thrust together in the midst of a sinister plot that threatens all life above and below the cloud line, Mila and Demitri must master their demons and make a choice—one that will either salvage what's left of the human race or doom it to extinction …
Bronze Medal Winner — 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards — Science Fiction
· Gold (1st Place) Winner — 2019 Feathered Quill Book Awards — Science Fiction/Fantasy
· Finalist — 2018 Dragon Awards — Science Fiction
· Winner — 2018 New York Book Festival — Science Fiction
· First Place Ribbon — 2018 Chanticleer International Book Awards — Science Fiction
Next Book in the Series
Sci fi, Dystopian, Apocalyptic
Date Published: Aug 25 2020
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Four years have passed since the lillipads fell and Etyom slipped into darkness. The New Black Death has mutated again, spreading to near epidemic proportions. What little order existed in Earth’s last city has disintegrated into chaos.
Rippers roam the Vapid, robbing and leaving their victims butchered. The Robusts have spilled out of their broken enclaves and hide in any dark corner that will conceal them. Meanwhile, the elite Graciles, fallen from their pristine towers in the sky, have all mysteriously disappeared.
Demitri is a prisoner in his own mind. His demon, Vedmak—now known as the Vardøger—is manipulating Demitri’s body to execute a secret plan far more disastrous than even the Gracile Leader dared.
Mila, her status among the fractured resistance elevated to that of Paladyn—a protector of the people—leads the fight against zealots intent on destroying what little remains of Etyom. It is a responsibility she never wanted, a calling that prevents her from doing what she truly desires.
Yet, Mila should be careful of what she longs. Caught between annihilation and loyalties that refuse to die, she must reconcile a single immutable truth: following your heart comes at a price.
Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
Gareth: I think Stu and I wanted
to explore what it means to be human, to deal with prejudice and intolerance. To
push our characters to breaking point such that they have to question everything they believe to be
true and re-evaluate. What does that do to a person? An early reviewer said:
“… while It Takes Death to Reach a Star emphasized
the importance of honest communication between us humans, regardless of our
religion or social class or physical qualities, In the Shadow of a
Valiant Moon hammers home the message that hope is the force that will
keep one alive through all that sard.”
Our story is brutal and difficult because it had to be. I think we achieved
our goal. Star has won about eight awards so far, so we like to think we did
something right.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Stu: Finding time, 100%. That and being patient
while you’re waiting for other people(co-authors, editors, publishers) to find
the time. I too have a full time job in Law Enforcement, serve as an instructor,
a SWAT team leader, and the supervisor over a narcotics unit. That’s on top of
a wife and two kids under ten who need me at home. Good luck finding the time.
For me early mornings are best, even if it’s just a half hour before work.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Gareth: I have written
seven, four published, three of which are yet to be released. I’m working on two
more at present. I think It Takes Death to Rach a Star is my favorite as
it just has that special something.
Stu: Eight total, five
published and three in the process. I agree with Gareth. Star was really
special. It’s gotta be number one. Though recently I’ve also really gotten into
the cyberpunk series I’m working on.
If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
Stu: I love Zara Phythian, the UK’s “Lady Dragon”.
She’s a stuntwoman and actor and just has a really bold presence that would
totally vibe with the character Mila. Zara is also an accomplished martial
artist and could handle her own stunts so it’s a no brainer to me.
When did you begin writing?
Gareth: I started when I was
probably thirteen, writing short stories but seriously when I was around thirty,
with my first series. Dan Brown’s the DaVinci Code actually inspired me because
I love combining facts and conspiracy theory to produce a novel that might just
be plausible.
Stu: Around 2005 just after
starting my police career. I’ve always had a wild imagination and made short
films all through high school and college. When police work made doing that
difficult, I transitioned to writing. I had no idea what I was doing back then and
that first novel and Through the Fury to the Dawn took me 6 years to
self-publish. I never thought I’d keep doing it.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
Gareth: Well technically the
idea came when I was thirteen and final publication was 2017 so … a long time!
Stu: Six years! I had
absolutely no idea what I was doing.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
Stu: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child who write
the bestselling Agent Pendergast thrillers. I’ve loved their books and their
style for years.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Stu: The creative genesis. I love seeing the story come together. I also love
movies, so when I imagine my story I actually “see” it up on a movie screen in
my mind. That process really helps me craft all the little descriptive visuals.
I just write down what I see in my mind’s eye.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Gareth: Dark, deep, dystopian, dangerous.
Stu: Yep. This ^^^
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future
for your writing?
Gareth: So, I have a few
coming. In November is a solo project, Children of the Fifth Sun: Rubicon,
which is the final installment in the series. It took me more than twenty years
to write overall, and the series reflects that. It’s an awesome action adventure
like Indiana Jones. Of course, you need to read the first two in the series to
appreciate it. Then in March 2021 I have Condition Black with Stu—I’ll let
him talk about that—and then in May 2021 I have my first Nordic Thriller, A
Time for Monsters. It’s a very personal story, inspired by my turbulent
childhood growing up in a bad neighborhood in the 80s.
Stu:
Coming up next for me is Condition
Black co-authored with Gareth. An exciting, near-future medical/military
thriller, it represents our third outing working together. Thanks to Gareth the
science is fantastic and there’s a really interesting twist! After that I’ve
got two more solo outings in different stages of development. The first, S.H.R.E.D:
Gorgon Rising, is a superhero styled action/adventure story. The second, in
final stages of development, is an action-packed Cyberpunk thriller with a
neo-retro 80’s vibe.
About Stu Jones
A veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones has worked as a beat cop, an investigator, an instructor of firearms and police defensive tactics and as a member and team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team.
About Gareth Worthington
Gareth Worthington BSc PhD EMBA is a trained marine biologist and holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Gareth works in the pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the world's doctors on new cancer therapies.
IT TAKES DEATH TO REACH A STAR: TRAILER #1
IT TAKES DEATH TO REACH A STAR: TRAILER #2
IN THE SHADOW OF A VALIANT MOON: TRAILER #1
IN THE SHADOW OF A VALIANT MOON: TRAILER #2
Contact Links
Instagram: @garethworthington @stujonesfiction
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