Tag: science fiction

Hi there everyone. I’m so excited to be hosting the Ninja himself today as he talks about the latest book in the Cassa Series. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support. 

Putting Characters Through Trials by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Any good story contains trials. If the main character just enjoyed a good day, wow, wouldn’t that be boring? That character needs to struggle. Sometimes even fall, get his heart ripped out, almost die!

Now, throwing everything at the character, including the kitchen sink, might be overkill. Although I very nearly did that in the third Cassa book, CassaStorm. But the stakes need to be high; even higher for the next book in a series.

So, what trials and misfortunes does Bassan go through? I can’t give away the major points, but I can reveal some things that send his anxiety through the roof.

He was a hero at age ten in the third book. And that’s what most people remember about him. But being shy and non-assertive, he doesn’t think he’s done anything heroic since then. Not that he wants to put his neck out there! But the thought his one great achievement lies behind him really gets under his skin and causes anxiety.

Drent’s accident exposes his weaknesses even more. He knows he’s not assertive or a leader, but the incident really shines a light on the problem. Bassan doesn’t react fast enough, and it really adds a layer of guilt and angst on top of everything else.

Then he’s sent across the galaxy by his supervisor. Bassan, son of famous pilot parents, hates to fly! Plus, he’s supposed to speak at a conference. Add fear of public speaking on top of the ever-growing list.

Then there’s a mission to save the people on another planet. No pressure there!

And things keep piling on.

Mentally and emotionally, the poor dude has been put through the wringer even before the adventure kicks into overdrive. But what doesn’t kill him will make Bassan stronger. At least we hope so!

You’ll have to read the book to find out.

See my 4.5-star review here. 

CassaDark by Alex J. Cavanaugh

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by fear and doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each secret reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Trade paperback, 226 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, LLC
Science fiction – Adventure (FIC028010)
Space Opera (FIC028030)
Space Exploration (FIC028130)
Print ISBN 9781939844842 – $16.95
eBook ISBN 9781939844859 – $4.99

iTunes  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

Kobo  |  Scribed   |   Goodreads

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://alexjcavanaugh.com
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter