Zepharius by Mel Snyder ~ Spotlight

Posted July 23, 2020 by karenbaron in Contest - Giveaway, Science Fiction, Spotlight / 1 Comment

Zepharius

Volume 1

Author: Mel Snyder

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

Release Date: January 28, 2016

Summary:

“What do you mean you weren’t aware?” He smiles, questioning my lack of concern for my own status.

I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.

He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?
__________

The planet Gisaawek is prospering in its government and is growing in military power and security. Everyone is dedicated to their assignments. Their objective is serving their planet to the best of their ability.

Zepharius is a soldier in Gisaawek and works with that objective in mind.

Throughout the years, however, she becomes aware of abnormalities that reside within her world. People do not speak to each other unless it is necessary for them to do so. Improving strength on the planet is their only objective. Events and memories before a certain point in time have been obliterated.

More importantly, there are people within the planet which disappear faster than they are appearing. Their existence is dubbed “dangerous and forbidden”. They are Gisaawekians who have an ability to choose their own objective, which can lead to destruction of both themselves and the planet. They are called dïfakàténs.

She comes to realize that the world she lives in is not as perfect as it seems. What will happen when she comes across secrets that could explain why?

Zepharius

Volume 2

Author: Mel Snyder

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

Release Date: March 4, 2019

Summary:

“I’ll give you a few weeks to try to fix that enslaved mentality of yours, but if you don’t show any signs of change…”

They step closer to me and glare threateningly into my eyes. I feel my hearts shaking and my fingers go cold.

“I will kill you myself,” they threaten me, “to spare you from ending up left for dead elsewhere.”

My entire body grows cold now. I had gotten accustomed to Lïtsubavïr’s empty threats, but this feels completely different.

Trakyuuserrïa was right. The aura of the community around me and the correlation between the dïfakàténs here have given me a false reassurance. They all get along and have peace because they are already established here in the underground.

They all belong here.

I don’t.

———————-

The planet Gisaawek is hiding in a lie, its citizens corrupted by a force unleashed years ago known as the “Repression”. The planet’s drive for power and war is increasing on an unrelenting level. Planets that were once allies have turned against them.

Zepharius, now a former soldier of Gisaawek lives as an outsider in her own world.

She is one of the dïfakàténs, people whose existence is forbidden by the government. They refer to themselves as “Restored”; people who have overcome the Repression and are seeking to restore Gisaawek. Zepharius sets out to join their movement, tasked with the prospect of leadership, and providing aid to a counterattack.

With chaos enveloping the planet and the loss of their leader putting them at high alert, the Restored are wary of anyone who enters their domain. Zepharius seems trustworthy but holds information that could destroy her potential for joining them, being the last person to see their beloved leader alive.

With trust becoming the dividing line between life and death, Zepharius struggles to adapt to the new community around her. When an unexpected infiltration puts them on unknown grounds, will she be able to gain their trust and help her people survive?

About the Author

I am a self-published author currently creating science fiction works that introduce readers to new worlds and characters while maintaining a parallel reflection on the world today. Using inspiration from life and the cosmos, I use my creative works to emphasise the subjects of existence, the effects of societal expectations, overcoming the barriers of mental and physical illness, and the continuous struggle of understanding oneself.

Aside from writing, I also enjoy drawing and painting. My art is also heavily inspired by the same subjects that my writing includes; using my pastime studies of psychology, astronomy, and other sciences to depict my personal interpretation of the world around us. I do take breaks, sometimes! I use my downtime to play drums, read science books, play the occasional video game, or just curl up on the couch to watch sci-fi with my three-legged cat, Matrix.

I hope that in the future, I can finish up my first series and move onto the next several book ideas stored away. I want to be able to share my ideas and worlds with others, to give people a place where they feel they belong and a person they feel they can relate to. As fictional as the stories are, I want to make them as real as possible so that no one feels alone.