When Bots Go Bad

Monsters take many different forms. If you’ve read Elthea’s Realm and Elthea’s Gambit, you’ll understand the suffering caused by the Bots in my novels. In case you’re not familiar, the Bots I write about are not benign software programs operating mundane tasks.

In my books, the Bots kill without remorse. They are evil creatures that came to life from today’s computer viruses. We all understand the problems when a virus infects one of our tech devices. Now, imagine that destructive force as a living, breathing entity with magical powers.

I’ve taken what already exists in our world and turned it into something more deadly in my stories. During my time as a corporate marketing manager, I had frequently considered how technology could evolve in beneficial ways for civilizations or become disastrous to all.

Even though I include monsters like the Bots, my books are not primarily dark fantasies. Most of my writing centers on the love and friendship amongst a small group of friends, and the magical beauty of a strange new world.

Elthea’s Paradox, due out in a few months (maybe sooner), is an ambitious step forward in the series. The Bots become more sinister, and the risks more dangerous for our reluctant hero, Philip Matherson. The lives of his closest companions hang in the balance, and only he can save them. But others, in addition to the Bots, stand in his way, even as he tries to grapple with a new power awakening inside him.

Without giving too much away, here is a passage from Elthea’s Paradox. This is a poem told by a benevolent entity whom Philip meets in his travels. The lady in the verse refers to the spirit of Elthea, and the tribe is the Bots.

As was foretold by her long ago
A tribe would one day arrive in her land
Their ill intentions if left unchecked
Would demolish all that is good and put an end to her power
Thus ending her reign to protect and nurture.

A champion will she entrust
To prevent her foe from doing harm
By channeling all her strength
To the one who can save her land.

I’ll provide more glimpses of the new book as we come closer to the release.

Until then, stay safe and healthy.

John

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