As you may recall, the fate of the third World Spectrum novel, Human Again, has been somewhat uncertain. Publishing a book is a pretty difficult process, even with a service as easy as Smashwords, and I wanted to be sure the demand is there.
I don’t want to make any definitive announcements right now, but Human Again‘s future is looking better. I’ve been looking into options for cover art that won’t be as costly — cover art is by far the biggest obstacle to my putting out more books.
It’ll still be a few months at least before Human Again sees the light of day, but progress is being made. I’ve started editing it, and I’m making much quicker progress than I expected to. Partly this is because it’s a relatively small book compared to the first two, but a lot of it is down to my being caught up in the story.
I’ve said it before, but Human Again is the first book I’ve written that I also enjoy reading. Normally, I hate reading my own fiction, and editing is like pulling teeth. But with this book, I’m genuinely enjoying reading through it all.
I can only hope other people will enjoy it as much as I do.
Stay tuned for more updates on Human Again‘s progress, as well as more hints on its story and tone.
It’s now time for the final installment of the soundtrack for the second World Spectrum novel, Children of the Gods. Make sure to check out the firsttwo installments if you haven’t already.
WARNING: There will be MAJOR SPOILERS this time around. I’m not even trying to hide them at this point. You’ve been warned.
9: Dawn Over Tallatzan:
Humanity has suffered terribly. The Arcanids rule much of the world. Garribis stands on the precipice of achieving ultimate power.
But against all odds, Tallatzan City has been retaken. Friends, family, and lovers have been reunited. Past wounds are still raw, and more horror awaits, but for this one moment, all is calm, and Leha’s forces have claimed victory.
I chose to pair this moment of fragile hope with Wander My Friends from the soundtrack of Battlestar Galactica. It’s a bittersweet piece that holds hope for the future, but also remembers the losses of the past.
10: Twilight:
But hope is short-lived. It’s impossible to ignore all that’s been lost. Humanity teeters on the brink of defeat, and even if they were to somehow achieve victory, the world is broken. Nothing will ever be as it was before the wars, and it’s hard to imagine the human race ever recovering.
Humanity has reached its twilight hour.
My choice for this darkest of periods is The Land Will Weep from World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. It’s easily one of the most tragic pieces of music I’ve ever heard.
11: Funeral Dirge:
“Though no one gave the order to, the Pirans worked together to reach the body of their fallen leader. Tyrom’s body was covered in grotesque, blackened scars, but they carried it like a sacred relic, singing a mournful dirge and exacting savage vengeance upon any enemies who came close. There were tears in their eyes, but their backs were unbowed.
“They were noble and majestic in their grief.”
12: The Engine of Life:
Ancient beyond compare, the Engine of Life is rumored to be the machine that gave birth to the human race. Now, it offers humankind a second chance, a rebirth.
The Engine represents a chance of redemption — not just for the Arcanids’ slaves, but for all of humanity. The war ends not in violence, but with an act of great mercy. The darkest aspects of the human race have been overcome.
To close out the book, I’ve once again dipped into the World of Warcraft soundtrack, selecting the Nordrassil theme from Cataclysm. Both tranquil and awe-inspiring, it’s a good match for the Engine of Life and its profound effect on humanity’s future.
Bonus Track:
Leha and Tyrom.
* * *
And that does it for my novel soundtracks, at least for now. Maybe someday soon I’ll be posting tracks for Human Again…
I don’t want to make any definitive announcements right now, but Human Again‘s future is looking better. I’ve been looking into options for cover art that won’t be as costly — cover art is by far the biggest obstacle to my putting out more books.
Superior Realities 