Eyes of Blue
In Eyes of Blue, author S.M. Sykes crafts a riveting tale set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a catastrophic plague. The protagonist, Ava Caroline Washington, is a survivor in a secluded Delaware state park. Her relative peace is shattered, thrusting her into an uncharted and dangerous world outside. Here, she encounters enigmatic beings with unnerving blue eyes, setting her on a quest to uncover their mysteries before they threaten the remnants of civilization.
Sykes takes a unique approach to the zombie genre, introducing ‘Deaders’ who break from traditional undead narratives. The story delves into the human spirit’s resilience and the complexities of moral dilemmas, echoing current societal concerns and the impact of technology. The narrative is skillfully woven, balancing intense action with reflective moments that mirror the pace and pauses of contemporary life.
Ava Caroline Washington stands as a compelling character, a symbol of humanity’s struggle to adapt in a fractured world. Her attachment to a lost phone is a touching metaphor for our dependence on technology and the challenges of maintaining human connections amidst turmoil. Ava’s journey prompts readers to contemplate their own ties to technology, identity, and the delicate nature of societal structures. The novel also innovates within its genre by reimagining the zombie archetype. The Deaders in Eyes of Blue do not propagate their kind through victimization, shifting the focus from physical survival to the psychological and ethical challenges faced by survivors. This thematic evolution mirrors contemporary fears of existential threats, whether biological, environmental, or societal, lending the story a multi-dimensional and pertinent quality.
Eyes of Blue resonates as a cautionary narrative reflecting real concerns about bioengineering and pandemic preparedness. In a world grappling with global crises and rapid technological change, the story’s exploration of a society undone by a deadly disease is both timely and thought-provoking. It prompts readers to ponder the ramifications of unchecked scientific endeavors and the fragility of established norms.
Sykes’ debut work transcends genre constraints, providing a narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. It showcases the potential of speculative fiction to shed light on enduring aspects of the human condition in a rapidly evolving world. Eyes of Blue is not just a survival story; it is a reflection on what it means to be human in an era of profound change.
Pages: 239 | ASIN : B09X546562
Patience, Imagination and Research
Magnanotron follows an elite military team who are tasked with testing a new defensive weapon and protecting it from those who are trying to steal the technology. What inspired the setup of your story?
In my Bond of Brothers stories, I like to use current events, things that happened or could happen in the world we live in today. I have my base in my characters and the idea comes to me. Patience, imagination and research, and the game is on.
The characters in your series are well-developed and interesting. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
It’s Tex Larson, I can see him clearly, the way he moves, his imposing presence before me. This time it was Jason Patrick, his change to Commanding Officer in charge, took some time to see him clearly.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
This comes two ways for me. One way just seems natural to me as the storyline brings itself and builds into the action scenes. The other way is carefully placing the action scenes after the bulk of the story is written. This is done as I go through the story and flesh things out to give the writing the feel it needs.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Our special forces are on call, they stand ready to protect us and so will my Delta team and the Bond of Brothers.
I’m sure something will hit the radar, start the wheels rolling. Bring the fight back to protect our freedom and the need for boots on the ground. Delta will be back.
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Two years after the Black Water threat, Colonel Jason Patrick now lives a quieter life as commander of Fort Bragg Army base – but he longs to be back in the field with his Delta Team brothers, now under the steady and capable leadership of Tex Larson.
And it isn’t long before Delta Team is thrust back into the heart-pounding action, as they prepare to test the revolutionary Magnanotron, a defensive weapon that promises to change warfare forever; a literal forcefield around the soldier wearing it. The nano-magnetic technology is stirring amazement and excitement at the very highest levels of U.S. military and government.
But, as excitement mounts, enemies both foreign and domestic plot to seize Magnanotron for themselves. Russian President Baranov and his SRV operatives will stop at nothing to obtain this game-changing technology – even if it means kidnapping a brilliant American scientist and igniting an international crisis.
With tensions escalating and lives on the line, Delta Team springs into action, determined to rescue their comrade and safeguard the Magnanotron from falling into the wrong hands. In a race against time, Tex and his elite team must navigate deadly waters, and face off against cunning and ruthless adversaries.
Gripping and adrenaline-fueled, Magnanotron is a heart-stopping thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Engaging Content
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? follows a curious young boy and his parents who decide it is time to get a family pet. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Curious Chris-Why No Flamingos? was our son Chris who was very curious. He used the word, “falingmo,” for the word flamingo, and I wanted to find a way to use it in a story. I incorporated the way we got our dog, Charlie, from our local pet shelter, and thus the story was born.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As a former English teacher, I know how important it is to create engaging content, so young readers will want to read more. I want children to know that curiosity is encouraged, yet parents may need help sometimes. In addition, I want everyone to know that pet adoption is the best way for people to get a new pet. Finally, many times, children are not going to get their way, so I wanted to offer a story for young readers to see a child pivot when his/her dream isn’t available.
The collaboration with illustrator Sally Garland resulted in exceptional art in this book. How was the process managed, and what were some of the key factors that contributed to the successful outcome?
Sally Garland is an amazing illustrator, and she and I consulted prior to her illustrating my story. She wanted to create a scene where Chris dreamed of a perfect scenario of Chris and his falingmo which is how she created the swimming pool scene.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
As of right now, this is the only book and not a series, and I have not thought of a follow-up book as of right now. However, I will never say never.
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“Why is the sky blue? Why doesn’t the sun smoke if it’s so hot? Why can’t it rain cotton candy?”
His exhausted parents decide it’s time for a pet. For the first time, Chris has no questions to ask because he knows exactly the pet to choose. But when adoption day finally arrives, Chris needs to make a choice. Will he find his pet at the local animal shelter?
A Successful Life in America
The Journal of Aaron McClare follows a congressman settling the estate of his stepfather in Ireland who discovers a hidden journal detailing his life and how he ended up on a plantation during the Civil War. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the nineteenth century, the conditions of the ordinary people in rural Ireland were harsh in the extreme with evictions taking place at the whim of the landlords. They had to either move to the cities or large towns to get work or in a lot of circumstances emigrate to America or Canada. I attempted to imagine what it would be like for someone arriving in a foreign country.
Your novel takes readers on a journey with Aaron as he documents his life in his journal. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I had to undertake extensive research, mostly in history books and Google for the following:
(a) conditions on board the ships taking emigrants to the new world and what awaited them when they arrived there;
(b) life on the plantations in the Confederate states and how slavery affected the coloured population;
(c) life of a blacksmith in the Union army and research battles during the American Civil War to attempt to get correct timelines of the conflict;
(d) the aftermath when the civil war ended.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think the indomitable spirit of some human beings makes great reading. In the case of Aaron McClare, he rose from abject poverty, grief, and adversity to carve a successful life in America before returning home to the land of his birth.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The third book in the Silver Helmet trilogy entitled The Silver Helmet The Last Battle at Stalanger Fjord is with the beta readers at my publishers and I await the feedback on this one. I am working on a new story with the working title Part Of The Nation. It deals with the deportation of a section of the community and how it affects two families in particular.
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AARON MCCLARE WAS A BLACKSMITH IN HIS HOMELAND IN COUNTY ANTRIM BUT FINDS HIMSELF EVICTED FROM HIS HOUSE THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN.
AFTER TRAVELLING WITH HIS WIFE AND BEST FRIEND TO BELFAST IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET WORK IN THE SHIPYARD HE FINDS THERE IS NO WORK TO BE HAD. THE THREE TRAVELLERS DECIDE TO EMIGATE TO AMERICA TO FIND A BETTER LIFE.
DISASTER STRIKES ON THE VOYAGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC WHICH FORCES HIM TO TAKE PATHS WHICH WOULD HAVE SEEMED INCONCEIVABLE WHEN HE FIRST SET FOOT IN THE NEW WORLD. A JOURNEY WHICH SEES HIM ENGULFED IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH.
Is Love Enough?
All The What-Ifs follows a woman from an abusive marriage who is recently divorced and looks back into her life in an effort to find happiness for her future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always wondered about the “what-ifs” of life. What if I had done this or that differently? It intrigues me to think that one single decision can alter an entire lifetime. Or can it? Is what meant to be going to find its way to you regardless? The inspiration for this story centers around that concept.
Mae questions how she ended up where she did and what she can do to pull her life back together after her divorce. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
While I have never gone through a divorce, I have encountered instances in which I had to pull my own life together. I found myself wallowing or maybe feeling some self-pity. Although I couldn’t necessarily change the unfortunate circumstances I was in, I realized that I could change my attitude about it. I definitely gave Mae a similar kind of mindset in the later part of the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that is probably quite obvious is simply love. Is love enough? Is there really only “one true love” that a heart desires? And what do you do when the person you love instead loves another? Another theme that was important to me to be able to relay through this story was also self-trust. Mae is very indecisive at times. She questions everything and wants desperately to do the right thing. Through her abusive marriage, her self-trust really breaks down. She shelters a lot of the blame and holds herself accountable for a lot of the problems she faced. However, her journey to healing pushed her outside of her comfort zone and forced her to make some quick decisions — many that she didn’t have time to weigh out the what-if’s to. This gives her the ability to trust herself again.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Summers I Had With Her will be available July 2024.
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Deciding to leave her abusive husband leads her to revisit her past while simultaneously trying to create a new future. However, her past will ultimately dictate the kind of future she has.
Will she accept things as they are and keep herself wondering about all the what-ifs? Or will she finally find all the answers she’s been looking for by simply speaking up?
Twists and Turns
Once Upon a Crime follows a veteran homicide detective who needs to find a vigilante serial killer before she kidnaps her daughter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Once Upon A Crime came from my reading about the hunt for the Son of Sam. He’d sent a taunting message to an NYPD detective threatening the detective’s daughter.
Another part of the inspiration came from a criminal case I worked on when I was a police officer about the sexual assault of a young lady.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In writing Once Upon A Crime, given that most sex crimes have women as victims, I wanted a female character hunting for sexual offenders to be the antagonist. At first, she was a disgruntled police officer whose back story was about her being dispatched to do a preliminary investigation of the brutal sexual assault of a young girl. A news item gave me the idea for a different antagonist: Penny Grimes.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
When I started writing Once Upon A Crime, I had fairly good idea of where I was going with it. As the story took root, several ideas came to mind for the twists and turns used in it.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Detective Madison Chase and the direction of the next book?
At this time, I haven’t decided whether to write a sequel to Once Upon A Crime.
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In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Detective Madison Chase must outwit a serial killer targeting sex offenders—before her own daughter becomes the next victim.
October in Fort Worth takes on a sinister hue for Penny Grimes. She’s not just a vigilante; she’s a poetic executioner, leaving headless pedophiles as her gruesome calling cards. Each murder scene is adorned with a chilling rhyme, taunting the police and, in particular, haunting veteran homicide detective Madison Chase.
But Penny has a darker agenda. She’s set her sights on Chase’s daughter, Emily—a blonde, blue-eyed four-year-old, living image of the child Penny has always yearned for. Unbeknownst to Chase, while she’s hot on the trail of Fort Worth’s most elusive serial killer, Penny is plotting to kidnap Emily.
Unrelenting Optimism
Stolen Lives follows a journalist who uses her intuitive gifts to draw a connection between endangered children during the Spanish Civil War and babies missing in present-day Spain. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In 2019, I made my second trip to Spain to research settings and story ideas for Stolen Lives, the sequel to Zahara and the Lost Books of Light. I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to meet María Bueno, who at the time was President of SOS Bebés Robados (SOS Stolen Babies). María shared her personal story with me in the same openly emotional way that, in the book, Fabiana Carrasco tells Alienor about the kidnapping of her own baby. I admired María’s honesty and courage and promised her I would bring as much of the story of Spain’s stolen babies to light as I could in my next work of fiction.
Back in Seattle, I started to write while continuing to do background research—and that’s when found what I immediately recognized as an important story thread—the shipping of children by their parents to the USSR for “safe-keeping” during the Spanish Civil War. Hadn’t their lives been stolen too, when Stalin refused to let them return to Spain for more than twenty years? What if one of the Niños de Rusia was recruited by the KGB and had conflicting loyalties? Finally, I had enough “what ifs” to get down to serious storytelling.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I’d say that humankind is constantly evolving, moving forward into the unknown no matter how much we pretend to control our lives. Hence our fascination with history, our way of trying to cope with events that were overwhelming at the time they happened. This is one reason that Alienor, the protagonist of the Zahara Series, has the gift of second sight – Vijitas. She sees through the eyes of her female ancestors and this allows the reader to do the same—to feel and touch the past. Although a seasoned journalist, Ally also believes that if we preserve knowledge we just might start to learn from our mistakes. This unrelenting optimism is one of the things I find most interesting about the human condition.
The other human quality that fascinates me is the duality built into the human psyche. As a novelist, I am sworn to endowing each character I create with enough flaws and illusions to balance their occasional heroism or selfless acts. This constant tension from dueling energies serves to soften the clay, allowing me to populate the page with humans who readers can identify with and care about.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in main character Alienor?
Alienor is an investigative reporter with lots of heart, which in her case means being willing to take sides when she can make a difference rather than merely observe, write, and email her copy to the Seattle Courier. In Zahara and the Lost Books of Light, she literally swears allegiance to the librarians who are guarding precious books saved from the Inquisition. In Stolen Lives, she is cunningly pulled into a decades-old struggle over ownership of a crate of stolen gold coins. Although she always emerges with words on paper, the stories she ends up writing are much more complex, exciting, and dangerous than expected. Her love affair with Mico also challenges her to learn how to compromise, a skill she’s never successfully practiced.
Can fans of the Zahara series look forward to a third installment? What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am enjoying playing simple classical guitar pieces as I let my subconscious cook up some ideas for Book Three.
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Stolen Lives begins during World War II on the Island of Rhodes and takes the reader on a suspense-filled journey through the decades to present day Spain.
LITERARY TITAN 