Hostile Remnants: The School of Ancestral Guidance received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Thorn Osgood.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Hostile Remnants: The School of Ancestral Guidance, Book 5; eCopy published, February27, 2021; Audiobook, May, 2021; Paperback, September 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
“A group of World Assembly members waited for the formal closing of the day’s public interface . . .”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
In the natural, pure, world that the aliens have created and taught Corilan and everyone that chose to follow her when legacy Earth died, they have lived in tranquility and prospered for centuries. Many people have bonded with the aliens and established the start of a new generation of corporeal life-forms. Corilan and her mate, Earthos—the alien Prime—have four living adult off-spring, and Earthos has designated their eldest son, Raekon, to be World Sovereign of Earth.
During an interface with the public, Raekon is told by one of the merchants of Astridia—the isolated neutral zone for trade with Thistlebriar’s inhabitants bordering its other side—that people called meeks are being abused and killed for sport for being docile. Raekon takes action to do something about their plight and gets approval from the World Assembly to send a spy team into Thistlebriar. Leaving Thistlebriar on its own for centuries fills him with guilt, compelling him to sneak into Thistlebriar after the spy team to see the problems for himself.
Exploring Thistlebriar on his own, Raekon soon lands himself in a dire and potentially deadly situation, along with possible exposure of the spy team. When intervention by his protector saves him, the spy team informs him that the world is on the brink of obliteration by a group of Thistlebrians. While working with the spy team and their support to find a solution, he attends an urgent meeting with Prime Earthos and discovers alien spaceships are routed to their world.
Raekon must marshal a way for their non-violent, unpolluted world not to be destroyed and continue its existence.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I am disturbed by the indifference about Planet Earth’s condition and the denial that most of its atmospheric and physical issues are man-made. Being a huge sci-fi and fantasy fan, I was compelled to create a world that would hopefully trigger people’s thoughts and be entertaining at the same time.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
For those among us that like science fiction and fantasy that provokes “what ifs” on the plight of our current world, they should read (or listen) to this book.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Raekon’s motives are characteristic of superheroes but he is committed to non-violence under any circumstance and must resolve his actions through peaceful means.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I had thought about writing stories off and on through the years but never took the time to do so. After years of reading books and listening to audiobooks, I decided to publish one-hour audiobooks. While publishing audiobooks, I began reading creative writing books and took a course in creative writing. I haven’t stopped writing or thinking of stories to write since.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This book is the fifth and final book in the School of Ancestral Guidance Saga.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I listen to audiobooks while housekeeping. I watch Netflix and Hulu, or spend time outside with my dog. Since the Syrian migration and then the Covid-19 pandemic, I have ceased world travel.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I spend at least three hours a day writing during the morning. When I’m obsessed with a particular story—in specific sections, I spend eight to twelve hours a day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The most difficult part of being an indie is the publicity. Being an introvert, makes my ability to interface verbally with others weak and inadequate.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would likely say yes to the publisher’s offer. Since my skills in marketing or publicity are poor, it would be very beneficial in exposing my work.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My goal is for my book(s) to be read and enjoyed by others. Anything else is a windfall.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
When I began reading fiction, I read James Patterson and loved his stories and style. I discovered John Hart’s Iron House in 2011, and his prose captivated me, compelling me to immediately read all his prior works. His writings are poignant and rewarding.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I wish that I could have written a book that stirred readers as Peter V. Brett’s The Warded Man of The Demon Cycle series.