About this ebook
With internal divisions amongst the Martians and relations between Mars and Earth careening towards breaking point, Ailia Bax, a war-weary journalist haunted by flashbacks from her past, is thrust into the heart of a brewing conflict where she must navigate a treacherous landscape of multilayered political intrigue, the fickleness of human nature, and her own demons.
Set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined Martian society composed of humans and sapient robots striving towards a utopian future and battling to preserve the pristine wilderness of the planet, Ailia is forced to delve deep into the complexities of Martian life. As she forges alliances, she becomes an unlikely ally in the Martians' fight for self-determination and makes decisions that will ultimately shape the fate of a new world.
That's if the planet and a terrorist bomber don't kill her first ...
"Dances with Wolves" meets "The West Wing" with an unlikely Martian heroine, EMERGENT MARS is a thought-provoking tale that combines the best elements of hard science fiction and environmentalism into a slow-burn political thriller. Compelling, immersive and realistic hopepunk from start to finish, with outstanding characters and superb world-building, it's a thoroughly engrossing read.
About the author
Russell Klyford is a pen name. The actual person behind Russell Klyford is a veteran governance expert, humanist, egalitarian and avid sci-fi reader who is inspired by the political commentary of George Orwell, the visionary genius of Ursula Le Guin, and the environmental passion of David Attenborough.
Writing in the sub-genres of political science fiction, hopepunk and utopian fiction, he has an optimistic outlook for our species, crafting stories as a means to comment on society, economics, politics, and international relations.
Klyford frequently incorporates the theme of the outsider finding their place, and his characters reveal strengths and weaknesses regardless of their gender and background, although his female protagonists are portrayed as especially capable and determined.
His pseudonym - Russell Klyford - allows him to separate his writing career from his professional career, giving him the freedom to explore sensitive and potentially controversial topics without the worry of screwing up his day job, which is in a fairly conservative and hidebound industry (construction – say no more).
He currently lives with his wife in Canberra, Australia surrounded by his small native-plant garden and enjoys stand-up comedy, bushwalking and chocolate piccolo lattes (AKA piccolo mochas).
EMERGENT MARS is his first novel, and due to the overwhelming positive response he has received for it, is busy working on a follow-up book.
Visit Russell’s website: https://russellklyfordbooks.
