Check out D.K. Neville’s, “World of the Damned”

Halloween is just a few short days away, and everyone is getting their fix by watching scary movies and TV shows, reading horror books, decorating, and planning costume parties. If you enjoy the zombie genre, then you might want to give D.K. Neville’s newest novel, “World of the Damned,” a try. It is the first book in D.K. Neville’s new series, “The Chronicles of Thomas Briggs,” and is a good mixture of action, horror, and emotional drama. Unlike most zombie books/movies, the main character is just an average guy who knows nothing about violence and survival. Thomas Briggs and his sister, Mindy, must learn how to survive in a world swarming with the undead, and that often requires the use of brutal (and possibly inhumane) tactics. Their mission seems impossible: traveling from Seattle to Albuquerque to find their parents. They knew it would be dangerous wading through the hordes of zombies, but they had no idea just how horrifying their experience would be. Thomas is forced to change his ways if he wants to keep his sister alive, and his transformation is a drastic one. From benevolent architect to ruthless leader, Thomas Briggs offers the reader an interesting look at how we justify our actions. When there is no governing force in place, who decides how much is too much? How far would you go? World of the Damned sets the stage for the rest of The Chronicles of Thomas Briggs series, and D.K. Neville promises a hell of a ride. Check out the eBook on Amazon: World of the Damned, by D.K. Neville

We’re Only Here for a Short While

Darkness calls upon us all, no matter what.

You might be an unfortunate individual with even more unfortunate luck coming your way. Or you could be a rich CEO, who owns two yachts and his own private jet. You could be the greatest scientific mind that the world has ever seen, solving complex formulas and successfully resolving the issues surrounding classical physics and modern quantum physics. Your work could bring about a huge change in how the smartest people in our world do business. You can already smell the Nobel prize. Even so–no matter the miraculous impacts that your decisions and interactions might have on those around you–we cannot forget that we are human. The proverbial timer is ticking down, no matter what your position within society might be. Man is on Earth for but a short while. And what happens when someone has shed their mortal coil? Everything about them disappears. Their brains turn off and every single part of their being is…gone. Well, “gone” as much as we can say with certainty. But there is something left. Something we often forget about. And that part is: Legacy.

Yes, the absolute goal no matter what you do in this life is to leave a legacy behind. Whether or not people will continue interacting with the leftover pieces of “you” (things you drew, painted, composed, sang, played, wrote, or something simple like a life philosophy that you helped others see and follow.) Whatever your medium for creative expansion might be, we have to acknowledge that it is something.

So again, the darkness always wins. No matter what we have done, or how many people we have changed for the better, we will still cease to exist at some point. Even if you believe in carrying on into the afterlife, it still doesn’t negate the fact that your reputation prior to death will continue to impact others for years to come (hopefully). Death itself doesn’t frighten me as much as it used to, but destroying a legacy does. I want to make a difference in the lives of the people who read my books/articles. I want people to promote my works even after I am long gone from this mortal realm. That, dear readers, is my idea of dying a happy death. For it comes to us all…we might as well feel good about the impact we have made upon others. The thoughts that never would have existed, had you not allowed them to see your work. Whether it’s music, or writing, or some other type of creative medium, someone, somewhere likes it and incorporates it into how they view the world around them. That is a true legacy, when you have done things in your lifetime that will cause others to still take an interest in your name. After all, we all seem to be on the same bus, nervously awaiting its final stop.

“Pale death with impartial tread, beats on the poor man’s cottage door and at the palaces of kings.” –Horace

Romance? Pfft…Not for D.K. Neville

I often dabble with several different storylines at the same time, even while actively writing my next book. It gives me perspective, as well as giving my mind a break from whatever it is that my mind is focused on. Think of it as a change in scenery. Anyway, I am frequently encouraged by others to write a romance novel. The excerpts below are from a romance novel that I plan to write in the near future (yes, you read that right–romance). My typical style is often action & adventure, dystopian, emotional dramas, and fantasy. This will be an attempt to write something I have never written before. Keep in mind that these are excerpts from a book that does not yet exist. I wrote them at random, whenever I felt the impulse to do so, and this is what I have so far. Check it out:

He saw her standing there, under the dim glow of the streetlight. She hadn’t seen him yet. David  stared at her for a long while, his heart racing and his legs feeling weak. As much as he wanted to run up to her, he found that he was completely content just watching her. Her long, soft hair. The way she innocently stood with her hand behind the back of her neck, obviously in deep thought. What was she thinking about? Him, perhaps? A gentle smile spread across David’s face as he watched her gracefully walk across the street. Oh, how he longed to run up to her and wrap her up in his embrace! Lift her feet from the ground and spin her in circles and stare deeply into her eyes until they were both dizzy. Kiss her softly, hold her gently. But none of that could be. The Order would have none of it. She was the daughter of a senator, and he was the son of a factory worker. And even though they had had an intimate moment once long ago, it was still forbidden. Especially now that they were so much older. Running into her the other day had been the worst kind of punishment. Seeing her, remembering her, feeling that old familiar warmth inside his heart. And knowing it would all have to fade away without ever having her. Even if she wanted him, there was nothing either of them could do. David would be thrown in prison. If they happened to make love and The Order somehow found out, he would be exiled and left to wander the Great Divide and die of exposure. Such a horrible death he would face. But perhaps it was worth it? Was it worse than wandering though his life, safe from persecution but suffering from a stabbing pain in his heart?

Later in the book….

Deeply into her eyes he stared, as if all the secrets to all the questions he had ever asked were hidden within. Inside himself he felt a strange sense of peace, and yet a giddy anxiety burned like hot embers alongside it. David was totally consumed by her. This was the first time they had held each other for many years. And yet, it was bittersweet. David was constantly reminded that their love was forbidden every time he looked down and saw the familiar Mark of Aristocracy tattooed on her left wrist. His smile suddenly faded as he gently brushed his thumb across her wrist, across the simple symbol that separated them more than any physical wall ever could. He looked back up to see the glimmer leave her eyes as well. She pursed her lips and looked down at David’s left wrist, at the Mark of Serfdom that was tattooed on it. She suddenly stepped away, bringing her hand to her mouth as she did so. David felt tears fill his eyes. He knew it would be best to just turn and leave each other. More than anything, he wanted her to be safe and happy. And yet… Both of them stepped into each other’s embrace once more, but they did not kiss. It wasn’t necessary. Together they felt complete and right and happy. They simply held each other tightly, as if they were the same soul and words didn’t need to be spoken. It dawned on David that the two of them had actually spoken very little since meeting again by happenstance just a few days prior. It was so strange. He didn’t feel the need to speak to her, not now. For now, all he wanted to do was hold her and feel her warmth, smell her hair and press his face against hers.

This style is obviously much different than The Fall or World of the Damned. If you’re into romance novels, your feedback is welcomed. Comment below and tell me what you think!