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First, let's define the term "Mary Sue."​"Mary Sue" is defined as "a term used to describe a fictional character, usually female, who is seen as too perfect and almost boring for lack of flaws, originally written as an idealized version of an author in fanfiction." (* Dictionary.com )​ Is Mirov a "Mary Sue?" Short answer...NO! Let me be clear. NOOOOO!!!!​ I believe in the storytelling principle that no one in the story should get the hell kicked out of them more than the main protagonist. ​I documented my opinions on protagonists here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LN1tysv_BU ​ "I believe you should beat the living shit out of your protagonist." - Me.​ Anastasia Mirov is a female and a badass for reasons made clear in the story's unfolding. I won't spoil my book, so you'll have to read it for the answers. I wanted to have a new heroine in the spirit of The Terminator's Sarah Connor, Alien's Ripley, and Kill Bill's Beatrix. There have been many other female heroes, but I wanted one in the mold of my favorite Holy Trinity of Female Protagonists.​ I won't elaborate and try to compare Ana to those three heroes. That would only embarrass me, and I make no assumption that Mirov belongs in their company yet.    Find more on her creation here:  https://www.mirov.com/post/what-inspired-the-title-and-character-mirov Here are a few character traits Mirov has that would make her less than "perfect."​ Impatient Arrogant Impetuous Resentful Quick to vengeance Not the best transport pilot She doesn't let anything go...at all.   Her main strengths are her resiliency and tenacity. However, to her detriment, she doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. ​ When it comes to the female body's strengths and weaknesses compared to the male body's, I suggest you read the book. Everything makes sense in the sci-fi action world built in the novel.   Look, I'll be straight with you: I don't particularly care whether you're convinced. I wrote the goddamn thing, and I hate Mary Sues as much as you do — probably more, because I have to live with my characters. I wouldn't have spent years building Anastasia Mirov just to hand you a paper doll. Read it or don't. That's on you, not me. Mirov is available now on Amazon . Thanks, David C. Hoke

I'm prepping this trailer to run on marketing campaigns in select cities around the US. Hopefully, you enjoy it! Watch it at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRMSp8JcTxw Or watch it here: Anastasia Mirov was built to kill. Trained, enhanced, and unleashed by a government that needed the best weapon money couldn't buy. She was their blade — until they decided she was a liability. Big mistake. Betrayed, exiled, and stripped of everything that mattered, Mirov doesn't fold. She doesn't negotiate. She doesn't wait for permission. She kills until she wins — and she will burn down every institution, army, and alien invasion standing between her and what was taken from her. This isn't a redemption arc. This isn't a hero's journey. This is a woman who was pushed past the point of no return and decided to make that everyone else's problem. Fast. Bloody. Unapologetic. If RoboCop and Aliens had a baby and that baby had a really bad week — you're in the right place. Mirov. Available now on Amazon .

by David C. Hoke We have finally met the enemy, and believe it or not, it is not us. Science had evolved to the point that deep space exploration was achievable and sustainable until it became standard practice. Advancements in interplanetary travel speeds cut trip times from years to days and months. The creation of artificial gravity, the ability to provide food, water, warmth, and fresh air to entire stations filled with people, had made the colonization of complete systems a reality. A new outer space Manifest Destiny had taken humanity to new worlds, but those advancements finally collided with another species capable of all we were capable of—and more. That fateful day was forever burned into the consciousness of every man, woman, and child on Earth. The audio recordings of the distress call haunted the memories of billions of souls. People changed the subject when it came up. Some committed suicide or fell into abuse or cultish behavior because of it. Some radicalized into extreme religious or political beliefs. Some ignored it and cast it all off to God's will. The videos were seldom played by the major networks anymore. You had to search hard to find the graphic images that appeared in the aftermath. Video and photos of the spacecraft's hull floating lifeless in space with the dead drifting in suspended time in the same rooms they died were leaked to the press and were seen by all. But no one wanted to remember that anymore. Even that famous distress call was barely played in public any longer. The static of the audio was memorized by people—the pops of it, the squawk of the radio. The um's and ah's and the sound of the engineer's voice on the radio was seared into people's conscience. "...uh...this is mayday...mayday, mayday...this is the US3 Charlemagne... US3 Charlemagne to the Houston...uh...to Houston...," recording starts. The voice couldn't hide its shock yet maintained a monotone calm. Then a long, long pause of nothing followed by a pop. "Houston command...we have encountered an alien vessel...it is alien, there is no doubt it is not an Earth-based craft...it just fired some kind of beam at us...laser beam...a blue light beam that crossed over our bow...we think it was a warning shot, but we have no way...to confirm that, we have no way to confirm that obviously..." the voice continued. "But I am pretty sure they want us to stop our progress. We were just about to radio in our contact, but they fired almost as quickly as we saw them...we are relaying..." Then a few words were said that were debatable as to the translation. "We are...debating whether to stand our ground or to retreat... we aren't sure...what would be more provoking...to...provoking to...the, uh, I guess...alien craft... it's a large ship, quite larger than the Charlemagne...I would say larger than any craft I have seen...this is very apparently first contact or at least first contact in this fashion..." Houston and the Charlemagne continued discussing the technical elements of their ship, course, and position. The fact that no vessel could be sent to their aid in time to be of any immediate help was made clear. Then it happened. Shouting and alarms were heard in the background. The speaker's mouth must have been pressed into the mic creating a distortion. "Mayday, mayday, Houston...they look to be charging their cannons for a second shot...we believe they are preparing a second shot...we are full speed in retreat but...oh god... Houston...oh no...shit...tell my kids I...oh god...we—" And the line went dead. In the immediate aftermath, astronomers worldwide worked together day and night in every hemisphere and on every continent to find where that alien vessel might have originated. After four days, the German astronomer Lukas Rubary successfully traced the alien vessel back to its planet of origin. He was obliged to name the planet and chose his last name for reasons only he could explain. "This planet is now the common enemy of the human race. I want no other word, surname, Christian name, creature, or idea to bear the burden of disdain that will come with being associated with this villainous place of evil. It is my responsibility to name what I discovered, and my name will take the responsibility so that no other name or word will come to be so resented or hated," Lukas told a shocked crowd of fellow astronomers. The Rubary killed eight thousand souls that day—unprovoked—without even attempting to contact them and for no apparent reason but to kill them. The world gathered and unanimously agreed to consolidate all space exploration, colonization, and defense into one global entity. Unidom was born. Unidom was to be led by a "Governor" the UN Security Council appointed. It was a lifetime appointment, but the Council could remove them if they saw fit. This position was the single most powerful position in the world. Though the post had no authority over any sovereign government, the Governor's influence weighed heavily on Earth-based politics. Within Unidom, the Department of Intelligence (DOI) and numerous other agencies and departments were formed. Comparable to the concepts of the CIA, KGB, or Mi6, the DOI reported directly to the Governor and had no boundaries on its scope of operations. The DOI could be active on Earth or in space. The threats to the Unidom mission were everywhere, and the DOI was the first line of defense against them. The many colonies on space stations and Mars had grown to be populated by millions of people. Mars itself was now home to several million citizens and fully functioning cities that resembled life on Earth: living districts, downtown districts, shopping, tourism, soccer, you name it. While they had grown in numbers, so had their desires for autonomy. Revolts and rebellions were frequent. Skirmishes and political bombings were commonplace but mostly disorganized. Over the decades, Unidom had come to be hated in the same measure it was revered. Their reputation for crushing these rebellions with an iron fist had damaged their influence and respectability. The DOI's position in stopping these rebellions, assassinating these revolutionary figures, or arresting whole cells of resistors was well known. News footage of their bloody "justice" had made their reputation one of dread or revile. Video and photos of bloody opposition leaders dead on sidewalks or in cars at the hand of DOI agents had circulated the net to provide proof of accused overreach. Where does individual freedom end, and where does protection against the threat of the Rubary begin? No one seemed to be able to answer this question. But while space exploration had increased, so had the exploration of other sciences. Minor skirmishes against the Rubary had supplied humanity with samples of their biology and technologies. The understanding of genetics had exploded. Everything had accelerated. Humanity was moving faster than it ever had before. The growing pains of that were felt everywhere. In space, in genetics, culturally, and politically. Everything was racing to an end that no one could see. The universe was under tremendous pressure, and no one knew when it was all going to blow.

When I first started writing, I was drawn to the pulse-pounding excitement of sci-fi action stories. There’s something about blending futuristic technology, high stakes, and relentless adventure that keeps readers hooked. Crafting these stories is both an art and a science. You need to balance imaginative world-building with fast-paced plots and relatable characters. Over time, I’ve learned some key techniques that help me create thrilling narratives that resonate with fans of sci-fi, Westerns, and action-adventure novels alike. Building Exciting Sci-Fi Adventures That Captivate The foundation of any great sci-fi action story is a world that feels alive and immersive. I always start by asking myself: What makes this universe unique? Whether it’s a dystopian future, a distant galaxy, or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the setting should fuel the story’s tension and possibilities. Here are some tips I use to build exciting sci-fi adventures: Create vivid environments: Use sensory details to paint a picture. Describe the hum of alien machinery, the flicker of neon lights in a cyberpunk city, or the eerie silence of a deserted space station. Introduce compelling technology: Sci-fi thrives on innovation. Think about how futuristic gadgets or weapons affect the plot and characters. For example, a character might rely on a neural implant that enhances reflexes but has dangerous side effects. Establish clear stakes: What’s at risk? Whether it’s survival, freedom, or the fate of a civilization, stakes drive urgency and keep readers invested. Blend genres for freshness: Since I also love Westerns, I often mix elements like rugged frontier justice or outlaw heroes into my sci-fi settings. This fusion creates a unique flavor that stands out. By focusing on these elements, you can craft a world that feels both believable and thrilling, setting the stage for unforgettable adventures. Futuristic cityscape setting the tone for sci-fi adventure The Art of Pacing in Sci-Fi Action Stories One of the biggest challenges in writing sci-fi action is pacing. You want to keep the adrenaline flowing without overwhelming readers with nonstop chaos. I’ve found that balancing action scenes with quieter moments of character development is key. Here’s how I approach pacing: Start with a bang: Open your story with an intense scene that hooks readers immediately. It could be a chase, a battle, or a daring escape. Use short, punchy sentences during action: This quickens the rhythm and mirrors the characters’ adrenaline. Insert breathing room: After a high-octane sequence, slow down to explore characters’ thoughts, motivations, or relationships. This adds depth and makes the action more meaningful. Build tension gradually: Layer smaller conflicts and mysteries that escalate toward a climactic showdown. Vary scene length: Mix brief, fast-paced scenes with longer, more detailed ones to keep the narrative dynamic. For example, in my Mirov series, I often alternate between intense firefights and moments where the protagonist reflects on her past or strategizes her next move. This ebb and flow keeps readers engaged and emotionally connected. Is Terminator Sci-Fi or Action? This question comes up a lot, and it’s a great example of how genres can overlap. The Terminator is often cited as a classic blend of sci-fi and action, but what makes it fit into both categories? Sci-fi elements: The story revolves around time travel, artificial intelligence, and a dystopian future dominated by machines. These are hallmark sci-fi themes. Action elements: The film features relentless chases, shootouts, and physical confrontations that drive the plot forward. What I take from The Terminator is the importance of integrating sci-fi concepts seamlessly with action sequences. The technology and futuristic ideas aren’t just background—they directly influence the stakes and the intensity of the action. This synergy is what makes the story so compelling. If you want to write thrilling sci-fi action stories, study how The Terminator balances these elements. Use sci-fi ideas to raise the stakes and create unique challenges for your characters, then deliver action scenes that feel earned and impactful. Futuristic robotic arm symbolizing sci-fi technology in action stories Crafting Characters That Drive the Story No matter how exciting your world or action scenes are, your story won’t resonate without strong characters. I focus on creating protagonists and antagonists with clear goals, flaws, and motivations. Here’s my approach to character development in sci-fi action: Give them relatable desires: Even in a futuristic setting, characters should want things readers understand—survival, revenge, freedom, or redemption. Add complexity: Avoid one-dimensional heroes or villains. Maybe your hero struggles with trust issues, or your antagonist believes they’re saving humanity. Show growth: Characters should evolve through their experiences. Facing impossible odds can change their outlook or force tough choices. Use backstory sparingly: Reveal past events gradually to add mystery and depth without bogging down the pace. For example, in my Pistol Jake series, the protagonist is a gunslinger with a haunted past. His internal conflicts add emotional weight to the explosive action scenes, making readers care about what happens next. Tips for Writing Your Own Sci-Fi Action Story If you’re ready to dive into writing your own sci-fi action adventure, here are some practical tips to get started: Outline your plot: Map out key events, including action sequences and character moments. This helps maintain pacing and coherence. Research sci-fi concepts: Even if you’re creating a fictional technology, grounding it in real science or plausible ideas adds credibility. Write vivid action scenes: Use active verbs and sensory details to immerse readers. Show the impact of every punch, explosion, or chase. Keep dialogue natural: Avoid info dumps. Let characters reveal the world and plot through their interactions. Revise for clarity and excitement: After your first draft, cut unnecessary scenes and tighten descriptions to keep the momentum. And if you want to explore more about crafting thrilling sci-fi stories, check out resources like sci fi action for inspiration and guidance. Embracing the Thrill of Sci-Fi Storytelling Writing exciting sci-fi adventures is a rewarding challenge. It lets you explore limitless possibilities while delivering heart-pounding excitement. By focusing on immersive world-building, balanced pacing, compelling characters, and seamless genre blending, you can create stories that captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you’re crafting a tale of intergalactic battles or a futuristic Wild West showdown, remember that the best sci-fi action stories are those that combine imagination with emotional depth. Keep experimenting, keep writing, and most importantly, have fun bringing your thrilling visions to life.

by David C. Hoke I grew up loving Star Wars . Having the pleasure of having been born in 1976, I saw Star Wars (A New Hope) at the earliest of possible ages. One year old, to be exact. Well, one and some months. Of course, I do not remember seeing it at age one, but it's a real memory for me. We saw it so many times it became a part of my childhood, much like any other memory. I am a child of the late '70s and early 80's period of complete cultural renewal— The Star Wars trilogy, The Indiana Jones movies, ET, and Jaws . Lucas and Spielberg were gods. But there were also many other great movies we would grab onto as kids— Rocky, Rambo, Red Dawn, Alien, Aliens, Die Hard, Back to the Future, Predator, and Star Trek II. In my home, we would have to wait and see most R-rated movies on TV. And when I say "On TV," this is when you only had three networks and sometimes PBS. When showing these movies (when they finally got to TV), all these channels watered them down. There were no F-bombs, no excessive blood, no sex, no fun. We were lucky enough to have a tall antenna and live in the country where we could get an independent channel out of Dallas that showed classic sitcoms and monster movies all day during the summer. So here I am, a kid in the late '70s to mid-'80s, soaking up all this great content via video discs, VHS, or edited showings on television. Meanwhile, I am gorging on Star Wars , GI Joe, Transformers, and He-Man toys. Keep in mind the most influential comic book of the time was X-Men , which was HUGE. Keep in mind music videos and MTV were a thing, and Madonna, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith , and more were making these fantastic short films put to music. Generation X is soaking this stuff up. I was born at the right time for once. But what happens while I play, watch, and live these fantasies? I wanted to join in on the fun. Like thousands of my generation, we wanted to make our own stories and movies. We wanted to be a part of this revolution. I was the youngest of all my family—the youngest in my own family and the youngest among the first cousins on my mom's side. The youngest amongst all the kids I grew up with regularly. This meant I was often left out of most things and by myself—a lot. Everyone else had already moved on by the time I was old enough to do more things. (I learned to become my own best friend out of necessity.) So, one day in 1987, my brother got to go to the movies. I don't remember what he got to see. I only remember he got to go. I was jealous and wanted to go to the movies too. My dad felt sorry for me, which I am not sure he often did. He let me pick the movie. I looked at the newspaper to find the movie times listed and see what was out. This place in time was well before phone apps let you buy tickets in a few clicks. Coordinating a trip to the movies was equivalent to navigating a submarine through a deep ocean trench. I scanned the showtimes, found one I thought looked neat from the pictures, picked it, and we went to the movies. I guess we got there too early because we waited a long time. I even stepped out to ensure we were in the correct theater at my dad's command. We were. I guess I looked at the time wrong. It finally started. For some reason, there were no previews. The lights had barely even dimmed. Boom, the movie started. An assault of music and sharp graphics hit me. The movie starts with a fake news report from a nonspecific time frame. Old Detroit has issues. Before we know it, we’re in a boardroom meeting to discuss crime prevention. A big giant robot walks in within moments. Okay, so remember, I'm ten years old. I'm not paying attention to the boring talking stuff going right over my head. I want to see cool stuff—robots, car chases, explosions. You get the idea. So, I'm eating popcorn and enduring the boring stuff until the cool stuff happens. But little did I know my life was about to change forever. In the boardroom demonstration, this yuppy in a suit drops a gun on the floor. The giant robot takes an authoritative step toward him and growls. Say what? The movie has my attention. I can tell my dad got tense. The growl and the footstep seared into my brain, even to this day. Then the robot starts counting down. The man tries to flee—the robot doggedly tracks him with its guns. People shove the hapless bastard away from themselves. The robot keeps counting down. The guns on the robot go off. Giant balls of fire erupt. The man is hit, and chunks of red meat go flying. Bloody mist fills the air. He is gyrated violently by the stunning blasts from the cannons. For some reason, this moment froze in time for me. I remember seeing every frame of the scene while looking at my dad and seeing his reactions simultaneously. You must understand this—my parents were fundamentalist Christians. My father was also an absolute psychotic asshole. He abused all of us mentally and some of us physically. I didn't get too much of the physical stuff. But he would pretend to be this perfect little angel when the moments suited him. He would probably be diagnosed as bipolar and need medication in today's world. He was easily affected by movies. Seeing this absolute blast of violence on the screen, he covered his mouth. He overreacted and rocked back and forth. He was big, easily over 6 feet and over 300 pounds, so these motions were not small. He was so horrified by seeing this giant robot butchering the corporate yuppie he let out sounds of grunting and anguish. I knew in that moment I was witnessing a perfect storm. This movie was what I had been waiting for, and I didn't even know what was hitting me. This movie is where the fantasy of my childhood would meet my arriving adolescence. This movie is where the imagination of Star Wars could meet the R-rated world so greatly tempting my sensibilities. My dad had no idea Robocop was R-rated before we went, but he fucking knew it now. This marriage of the wonder of fantasy with the violent themes of more adult entertainment has been my creative driving force ever since. This marriage is what I hope to bring to an audience so they can enjoy that marriage as much as I do. There is one other thing Robocop did I thought was pure genius, and I wondered why more movies didn't do it—a nondescript time for its story to take place. I usually wince when I see content that says something akin to "The Year 2089" in a title at the movie's beginning. Robocop had futuristic elements that are still, at the time of this writing, not possible to achieve. But those elements take place right next to gasoline cars, gunpowder, and other contemporary world realities. All the while, no year is mentioned. No timeline to break the fantasy of the story. You see the reality of the movie in Old Detroit of Robocop . I tell you this story, and I publicly admire these elements of Robocop for entirely selfish reasons—I want to frame Mirov (Muh-rahv) for you, the reader, correctly. Mirov is a fantasy married with the blood and guts of adult-targeted entertainment. Mirov takes place in a non-designated time in human history where gunpowder and AI are contemporaries with hypersonic speeds and traditional water toilets. We colonize Mars while still brewing coffee in a countertop coffee maker. I want to sweep the stage, put new bulbs in the projector, pop some fresh popcorn, and ensure you have all you need to enjoy this story. And enjoy it the way intended. I thank you for indulging me and this essay, and I thank you for reading Mirov . If you like it, you can thank the kid that picked Robocop . If you don't like it, you can blame my dad.

The following is a list of important events leading up to the beginning of the novel, Mirov. The Rubarian Timeline: An introduction to the Timeline of the Rubarian Age The ability to perform artificial atmospheric transformation (making atmospheres suitable for humans) was discovered. Atmospheric transformation was begun successfully on Mars. Mars colonization by humans commenced in earnest, leading to eventually millions of people living on Mars. Mars has been inhabited for over a century. In a new and unparalleled space race, the first deep-space cruisers initiated exploring the farther reaches of the solar system with increasingly larger crews. China developed the first deep-space station, allowing city-sized populations to colonize space as opposed to the smaller cruisers. Other nations soon followed suit, and dozens of deep space stations scattered across the universe. The Space Cruiser Charlemagne suffered an attack by an alien vessel without provocation. 8000+ lives were lost. The attacking aliens were named the Rubary (roo-bar-e), taken from the surname of the astronomer who was able to track them to their home planet successfully. The world united in an uproar. The Emirates Accords were signed, merging all space exploration, discovery, colonization, and defense into one global entity: the creation of Unidom. Unidom created a complete defensive and intelligence apparatus (the DOI) that crossed all boundaries and maintained its own unique sovereignty. The space stations and Mars were placed under Unidom jurisdiction. Space exploration via cruisers and space stations began to boom in the hunt for extraterrestrial life. Mars and the stations have now been around long enough to have multiple generations born aboard them. Many human beings have never been to Earth. Mars colonization boomed as resources became more attainable with improved living conditions. Mining Mars' natural resources became the next major economic boom. Mars and the space stations demand more and more self-governance and reduced oversight from Unidom. Small insurrections and rebellions rise and fall across the entire system. Growing unrest fueled by conspiracy theory, social media, and here-say has begun to create small pockets of distrust of Unidom, space colonization, and alien exploration. The Unidom Towers were erected in Houston, a unifying symbol of universal order and control.

The title Mirov comes from the Russian word for worlds.  It is also a Russian surname.    In my research a long time ago, I found the poem Sredi Mirov  by Innokenty Annensky. I loved it and was deeply inspired by its sense of longing. ​ My favorite translation is this: ​ Amongst the world, amid glimmers shown, A single star whose name I repeat.... Not because I loved her, But because I am weary of the rest.   And if I find doubt a burden, I seek only from her an answer, Not because she shines brightly But because with her no light is needed. ​ I like the sleekness of the title, the sharp edges of the V, and the two quick syllables. I'm introducing English-speaking audiences to a new word and a new world at the same time. ​ The character of Anastasia Mirov was primarily inspired by a combination of female protagonists. Sarah Conner, Ripley, and Beatrix (The Bride) from Kill Bill.  But the single biggest influence from a female hero is from the film Smilla's Sense of Snow. ​ Julia Ormond is incredible in that film, and her work in it is criminally under-appreciated.  I have been very open about her work's influence on Mirov, and she is the primary influence on my creation. It is specifically what Ormond does in that role that I found fascinating. The boiling inner rage is of particular obsession to me. ​ I will be doing more content about the creation of Mirov as time progresses. ​ Thanks, David C. Hoke

When readers dive into my novels Mirov and Pistol Jake , they enter two distinct yet thrilling universes. Both stories offer unique blends of sci-fi action and western elements, creating immersive experiences that challenge traditional genre boundaries. This post explores the core themes, characters, and settings of these novels, revealing what makes each one a compelling read. The World of Mirov: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure - One of Best Sci-Fi Novels of All Time Mirov is set in a future where technology and human ambition collide. The story follows a protagonist navigating a complex society shaped by advanced robotics, space exploration, and political intrigue. The novel’s sci-fi action sequences are fast-paced and intense, designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Key Features of Mirov Futuristic Setting The world of Mirov is a sprawling metropolis with towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and sprawling spaceports. This setting creates a vivid backdrop for the story’s high-stakes conflicts. Complex Characters The protagonist is a skilled pilot and reluctant hero who must confront both external enemies and internal doubts. Supporting characters include AI companions and rival factions, each adding depth to the narrative. Themes of Technology and Humanity The novel explores how technology shapes identity and power. It asks questions about what it means to be human in a world dominated by machines. Why Readers Enjoy Mirov Readers who love sci-fi action appreciate the novel’s blend of thrilling battles and thoughtful world-building. The fast-moving plot combined with philosophical questions makes Mirov more than just an action story—it’s a reflection on the future of society. One of the best sci-fi novels of all time. Pistol Jake: A Western with a Twist In contrast, Pistol Jake transports readers to a rugged frontier town where lawlessness and survival define everyday life. This novel embraces classic western themes but adds a fresh perspective through its characters and storytelling style. What Makes Pistol Jake Stand Out Authentic Western Atmosphere The dusty streets, saloons, and open plains come alive with vivid descriptions that capture the spirit of the Old West. Strong, Gritty Protagonist Pistol Jake is a gunslinger with a mysterious past and a strict code of honor. His journey involves facing outlaws, corrupt officials, and his own demons. Blending Action with Moral Questions The novel doesn’t just focus on shootouts and chases; it also explores themes of justice, redemption, and community. The Appeal of Pistol Jake Fans of western stories find Pistol Jake refreshing because it respects the genre’s roots while offering new twists. The novel’s action scenes are gripping, but its emotional depth keeps readers invested in the characters’ fates. Comparing the Two Novels While Mirov and Pistol Jake differ in setting and style, they share several important qualities: Strong Protagonists Both novels feature main characters who face tough choices and grow through their struggles. Action-Packed Plots Whether it’s a space battle or a gunfight in a saloon, the action drives the story forward. Exploration of Larger Themes Each book uses its genre to explore ideas about identity, society, and morality. This combination makes both novels appealing to readers who enjoy stories with depth and excitement. Writing Process and Inspirations Creating these novels involved extensive research and imagination. For Mirov , inspiration came from classic science fiction and modern technological trends. The challenge was to build a believable future world that still felt relatable. For Pistol Jake , I studied historical accounts of the American West and classic western films. The goal was to capture the atmosphere authentically while telling a story that resonates with today’s readers. Both novels required balancing action scenes with character development to keep readers engaged throughout. What Readers Can Expect Next If you enjoyed Mirov or Pistol Jake , there are plans to expand these universes. Future stories will delve deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and introduce new challenges. Expect more sci-fi action in the world of Mirov and additional western adventures with Pistol Jake. Final Thoughts on Mirov and Pistol Jake Both Mirov and Pistol Jake offer readers exciting journeys through richly imagined worlds. Whether you prefer the futuristic thrills of sci-fi action or the rugged charm of a western , these novels provide engaging stories with memorable characters and meaningful themes.

(The following is a free form essay I wrote about the world inhabited by Mirov. A lot of the hypotheticals here influenced me throughout my writing. The Houston description at the bottom is certainly the novel's intended depiction. Aside from Houston, I don't consider this essay to be canon. It's more like a brainstorming of themes I possibly wanted to explore. It also explains why section three of the book is dubbed "More and Peace." Yes, it's my cheeky play on War and Peace, but I do think it's a fair description to where our current world is headed. Anyway, if you want a little insight into the mental homework I went through to write Mirov, this essay is an essential window into my thinking.) In the current age of this story, the threat of the Rubary had dwindled to a headline. "Someone else will handle it when the time comes," was the zeitgeist of the day. Perhaps the real tragedy for humanity was there never came a post-Apocalypse. In its stead, the modern world grew, deepened, and deepened until layers of modernism, post-modernism, and post-post-modernism blurred into one future-come-present world of shit. Perhaps the often predicted Biblical Second Coming was meant for a million millennia from now. What if we were never meant to be The Chosen Generation that would be raptured out of here? What if all of the religions with an end-of-day prophecy were wrong? What if there was no "Second Coming" coming? What if all we had now only intensified and magnified? More electricity, not less. More oil, not less. What if oil was a renewable, molten-core-produced-goo and not dissolved dinosaur bones? What if we improved public transportation to reduce the need for personal vehicles, but we kept owning cars anyway? What if the microwave cooked even faster and light bulbs lasted even longer? What if what awaited humanity was only more concrete, more marketing, and more progress? What if the government became even more extensive, but individuals increased too, with even more social media to showcase more of our ordinary lives? What if the future was simply a whole plethora of "More?" No reset buttons were ever pushed. No lives were re-evaluated. No cleansing nuclear wars. Only ample amounts of more. Aside from the Rubary and the turmoil of the colonies, what if everything was okay? Aside from the Rubary and turmoil in the colonies, what if corporations brought about world peace and the common good? Aside from the Rubary and the turmoil of the colonies, what if all of us do have equal rights? What if 'war and peace' had given way to 'more and peace'? Can we handle such an abundant world? Houston Flashing marketing and non-stop video graced the glass skyscrapers of the Bayou City. Everywhere you turned something was now electrified, interactive, and branded—a Ridley Scott Orgy with a trillion-dollar budget. The oil money, investment money, and import money had now mixed with the new capital of alien technology and created an unforeseen hub of American culture near the Gulf of Mexico. The roots of humanity's endeavors in space will forever be tied to Houston. We had NASA and the Space Race of the 1960s. Those days led to the Gulf Coast becoming the international hub for the "fight" against the Rubary via Unidom. A true Third Coast had formed to be a capital of thought and commerce. New York City stood tall to the East. Los Angeles anchored the West. Houston now took its place in the South. There was no light from the North. Each capital had its beacon. Houston had its own. The Hollywood Sign and the Empire State Building immediately told a moviegoer where their movie took place. So had the Unidom Towers taken their place in our consciousness. To the side of the downtown skyline, the two tall towers of Unidom stood out, hovering over the city—a glass and steel Godzilla. Black and lean, the towers were attached three times via skywalks connecting them. The South Tower stood one floor shorter than the North Tower, which came in at one hundred and fifty floors. Below the towers at its base, glistening socialites soaked up the marketing, ate the food made by the ever-diversifying working class, and hopped from nightspot to nightspot. But make no mistake. The working class was not the only class with increasing diversity. The American WASP had now been joined amongst the so-called "elite" by the oil-producing Arabs, the resource-mining Africans, and the technology-centered Asians. The curveball of exploding industry had thrown out many of the cultural rules and replaced them with the one thing that could replace them—money. The divisions and class boundaries were no longer cultural but strictly monetary. Despite the Cold War mentality versus the Rubary permeating everything, this was the most golden of the Golden Ages. There was peace between the nations, plenty to eat, and plenty of water. The time was now the era of More and Peace.