Hello friend! Today I am chatting with author, Alex J. Cavanaugh, about his latest book, CassaDark. Published by Dancing Lemur Press, LLC, this is a Science fiction – Adventure/ Space Opera/ Space Exploration so if that’s the kind of book you are craving, check out the excerpt and the book. 🙂
Get to know the author: Alex
Welcome to Armed with A Book, Alex! Tell me and my readers a bit about yourself!
I work in web design and graphics, plus I play guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Often you’ll find me reviewing movies or prog rock on my blog. Online I’m known as Ninja Captain Alex and I’m the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a Writer’s Digest Top Site for Writers.
What inspired you to write this book?
The Cassa trilogy was complete and I’d written a stand alone book (Dragon of the Stars) that didn’t need another instalment. I didn’t intend to return to the Cassa universe again, but I started thinking about the main character’s son. Bassan was just ten in the third book, but readers really liked him. The main character was getting too old for adventures, so I started to imagine one for a grown-up Bassan. It took some time to come together, and while writing it many things changed, but it’s now a worthy addition to the series. And since it follows a different main character, it can also be read on its own. (So, anything who thinks they need to read the first three books, they don’t. I won’t discourage it, but it’s not necessary to understand the story.)
How long did it take you to write this book, from the first idea to the last edit?
Too long! The first draft took over two years. Add edits and it was probably two and a half years. I’d taken a really long (as in years) break from writing full length novels and was very rusty. My other four books were written and edited in less than a year.
What’s something you hope readers would take away from it?
First and foremost, I always hope my books will take people away from the insanity of the world and give them a happy adventure. But I hope Bassan’s story reminds readers that no matter what they’ve accomplished in the past, greater things still lie ahead, and they should trust in their abilities. We’re all a lot stronger than we think!
Do you have a favourite quote or scene in the book that you find yourself going back to?
Bassan and his best friend Drent have some great banter scenes. So do Bassan and Zendar. But probably my favorite scene is with Bassan and two brothers on the planet. All Bassan wants is a sip of the alien ale, but with the brothers taking jabs at him (sometimes literally), his drink eludes him. I think it’s a funny scene, so I’ve decided to include it as the excerpt here.
CassaDark
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?
Content Notes: None declared by the author.
Book Excerpt from
CassaDark
This time, the route to the dining area came easy. The bar resided at the opposite end, radiating a warm, welcoming glow. The man handing out drinks recommended a light brew. Trying one couldn’t hurt, could it?
He grabbed his mug and eyed the tables. Witz sat to his left. Bassan froze. Their gazes met, and Witz waved him over.
Really? Better not call me soft boy.
A man sat across from Witz, and Bassan took the open spot next to him. Settling on the bench, he glimpsed the man to his left and did a double take. Witz sat across from him, didn’t he? Bassan gawked from one to the other.
“Seeing double?” Witz said, crossing his arms and leaning forward on the table. Clothed in a green, shirtless vest, the bandage around his left arm stood out. Definitely Witz. And the stranger beside him…?
“I’m Hetz,” the man said, offering his right hand.
Bassan returned his grasp, trying not to stare. Dark eyes gazed at him. The wild edge, a hint of crazy adding a sparkle, was a mirror match to Witz. Twins. They were identical twins.
Great! Two of Witz. Just what I needed.
Hetz bore the same pointed chin and high cheekbones, although his darker skin revealed extended time in the sun. Red hair hung in long, twisted locks from his head. A long, winding serpent tattoo spiraled down his arm, the head positioned on the back of his hand. Startled by the realism in the artwork, Bassan released the man’s hand. The men laughed.
“Don’t like snakes?” Hetz said, his grin twisting at the corners of his mouth.
Feeling foolish, Bassan dropped his hands into his lap. Hetz slapped him hard on the shoulder. Bassan grabbed for the table to keep from tumbling off the bench.
“Maybe some time out here in the desert with the rest of us vermin will change your mind.”
Bassan steadied himself and faced Hetz, his mind searching for a suitable response. None came to mind.
“Now you know why I was so adamant about coming here and finding my brother,” Witz said, lifting a large mug to his lips.
Bassan nodded, his gaze still on Hetz. “I didn’t realize he was your twin brother.”
“Twins, but I was firstborn.”
Witz erupted in laughter. “So you enjoy reminding me. Didn’t help you when the Narcon shipment went south.”
“And I lied my ass off so they wouldn’t trace anything back to you. I knew you couldn’t handle life here on Ugar.”
“Think I’m too soft?”
Don’t say it…
Witz pointed a finger at Bassan. “That’s soft boy right there. If the desert is going to swallow anyone, it’ll be him.”
Bassan gritted his teeth. He scooped up his mug and held it to his lips.
“I’ll keep the desert from eating you,” Hetz said, elbowing Bassan.
The jostle caused part of Bassan’s brew to spill. Suppressing a grumble, he mumbled a thanks.
Hetz leaned back, flexing his thick arms. “After all, you’re supposed to save us.”
Apprehension pressed against Bassan’s chest. Memories from his tenth year flooded his thoughts. The Kintal code in his head—the key to the survival of all ten races. Eleven now. While that responsibility weighed heavier, somehow the prospect of saving one small group of people scared him more.
“Yes, I understand you’ve been working on the ship,” Witz said. He gestured with one hand. “Progress?”
No one told me it was classified. Besides, they already know about the Kintal ship.
“The issue was life support. It’s working now,” Bassan said.
Hetz let a whoop and slapped Bassan hard on the back. More liquid sloshed out of his cup.
At this rate, I’ll lose all my drink.
Witz rapped his fist on the table. “Excellent job. Damn, Zendar was right about you. You’re a genius. I had my reservations.”
Bassan dried his fingers and cleared his throat. “Not a genius. I have a connection with Kintal technology and know where to look for answers.”
“Why is that?”
Bassan sat bolt upright. How to answer? Zendar knew. Bassan had disclosed his secret in the session on the space station. Not willingly though. But how many here knew his identity?
“I…” he began, focusing on the mug in front of him. “I’m the one who carried the code to the Vindicarn home world when the probe threatened all of us fifteen years ago.”
Witz gasped. “The code that stopped the probe from destroying the home worlds?”
Bassan nodded and glanced up. The men stared at him. The shield around Witz’s mind evaporated and astonishment broadcast loud and clear. Hetz echoed a similar sentiment until his shields locked back into place. But in that one brief moment of exposure, their respect rang pure. Bassan gathered it close, letting the feeling boost his confidence.
“Damn!” Hetz said. “I’d heard it was a Kintal child, but that’s it.”
“I heard he was the son of a war hero,” added Witz.
“Yeah, well, I guess my father is—”
“Something about the war between Cassa and Vindi fifty-some years ago,” Witz said. “Something big.”
Ha! Something big all right.
“My father is the one who destroyed the Vindicarn disrupter ship that led to the end of the war sixty years ago.”
Hetz pounded his fist on the table. “Your family is destined to save the world. Is that it? Did your mother do something heroic as well? Bet my ass she did.”
Bassan’s shoulders sagged. He detested bragging. “When the probe first appeared and threatened Tgren, she was the one who stopped it from destroying all life on my planet.”
His response sent the men into colorful calls of exuberance. Those gathered at the other tables grew still and stared. Bassan shrank in his seat.
“Bassan, I underestimated you,” Witz said, a wicked grin plastered across his face. “You might not be physically tough, but you and your family have guts where it counts.” He turned to Hetz. “Did I tell you the kid’s also a jumper?”
“No!”
“Yes! Got our ass out of a tight spot and brought us to Jaree.”
Another thump across his shoulders. More drink spilled. Bassan gave up and set down his mug.
“You’re all right in my book, then,” Hetz said, curling his thick fingers around his half-empty mug. He leaned closer and nudged Bassan’s elbow. “Man, you’ve hardly touched your drink. I’m on my third one.”
Placing both hands on the table, Bassan turned to him, eyes open wide.
Witz laughed and rapped his knuckles on the table. “That’s because you keep shoving him. Let’s let the poor guy drink. Besides, you were telling me about the raid last year. Finish the damn story.”
Thankful for the diversion, Bassan took a long draught. As promised, the drink slid smoothly down his throat, bubbling and quenching his thirst. He set down his mug and turned to Witz. The man winked.
You’re all right, kid.
Interested? CassaDark is available at iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, Kobo, Scribed, and Goodreads.
Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Connect with Alex on his website and Twitter. If you are writer too, also check out The Insecure Writer’s Support Group that Alex manages and has written about on the blog here. Find them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
If you are an indie author and would like to do a book excerpt, check out my work with me page for details. Check out other book excerpts here.
Cover Photo on Unsplash
Thanks for hosting me!
Great excerpt! Congrats, Alex, on your book!
Great interview. I love this book. How hard it must be to follow in a famous dad’s footsteps. Bassan has to find his own way.