"Amaranthine"

"Amaranthine" has been released through INGRAM & Amazon, by Unquiet Reserve. This book is also available through your favorite bookstores. Give them a call.

AMARANTHINE

“All told, Earth’s one true enemy was age-old malice.” From the journals of General Felix Bell. 

Two people inspired me as I worked with this project, and they deserve a note of thanks: Richard Ong, my content advisor, friend, and muse. Don Webb, senior editor at BwS, for critique and encouragement. 

On a personal note: My writing is controversial and FULL of contrast. JEE villains and heroes elicit visceral reactions. I’m never surprised by that fact. I’m aged enough to know that we wink out quickly on this Earth, so we might as well blaze whenever possible-- perhaps never to know who we set alight. A small spark can ignite the planet. 

08-2021: The Kirkus Review has just been released:

  "An artificial intelligence unites with humanity to try to defeat an ancient enemy in this SF novel."

"With the world in cataclysm, can humanity and a benevolent AI prevail? Ellison gives his third novel an enormous, captivating scope that spans history, time, space, and dimensions, with many rich, philosophical musings." Kirkus Reviews

The Bewildering Stories version of "Lethal Life" is old and outdated. Since its publication, it has undergone changes that include subduing some of the violence. Additionally, the newest version has the A.I. ruminating about itself in the first paragraph. Unless BwS decides to update this early version the BwS release remains a bit of history-- for all of you Lilith buffs. 

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue772/lethal_life1.html

Richard's note, below, about the image above, gives some insight as to where the novel will take you:

"Evolution comes in many forms. It need not be a direct lineage of our faulty human nature. Many of you have heard of cybernetics – a branch of engineering that attempts to either replace or augment human functionality with technology. 

 
"The second artwork for Lethal Life is a satirical abstract representation of this controversial branch of science. I drew part of my inspiration from earlier literature by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. By showing how the human brain can be brutally augmented by puncturing the proverbial grey matter in several places using a network of pulsating fiber-optic implants, I hope to depict an artistic protest that we need to slow down and perhaps appreciate the snail's pace elegance of our own natural evolution."

“Parisienne”

A young woman is in deep thought at an apartment in Paris. Media: acrylic

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue406/parisienne.html

“Viking Queen”

This artwork is in keeping with our love of traditional savage, fantasy, sword-wielding women like Red Sonja and History Channel heroines such as Shieldmaiden Lagertha from "Vikings." Media: acrylic and digital

http://bewilderingstories.com/issue730/viking_queen.html

“Siege of the Ice Fortress”

As the last of her kind, this avian warrior will risk everything to defend her fortress. Media: acrylic and digital

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue742/siege.html

“Queen Titania”

With just a wee bit of fairy dust, Queen Titania can wipe away all your troubles. Media: acrylic and digital

http://bewilderingstories.com/issue747/titania.html

“Crossroads to Martyrdom”

This artwork is an homage to all the saints and martyrs of Christendom. Media: acrylic and digital

http://bewilderingstories.com/issue804/martyrdom.html

"Daughter of Helios"

The First Daughter of the Sun sits in repose. Media: charcoal and acrylic

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue403/daughter_helios.html

"Dance of the Water Nymph"

A sea nymph dances in rhythm to the waves. Media: charcoal and acrylic

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue402/water_nymph.html

“Battle at Hell’s Gate”

A bloodied and battle-weary Warrior Angel makes her last stand at the Gates of Hell. Media: acrylic and digital

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue669/hells_gate.html

“Snow Queen”

This visual rendition of the Snow Queen and Kay is an homage to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fairy tale. Media: acrylic and digital

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue743/snow_queen.html

“Beowulf and Grendel”

Machine Knight Beowulf hacks off Grendel's cybernetic head with his quantum axe, thus ending a 3,000-year old galactic war between the two species. Media: graphite and digital

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue723/beowulf_grendel.html

“Sea Nymph”

Legend has it that throughout the centuries, the siren's song led many hapless sailors astray from their course. The bewitching voice is far more potent than any aphrodisiac and anyone who breaks free will spend the rest of their days tortured by an irresistible longing to be part of the sea. Media: acrylic and digital

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue670/sea_nymph.html