~ You'll Weep An EXORDIUM OF TEARS If You Miss Out On This Read by Andrew P. Weston ~

Isn't this an awesome tour banner? It fills me with energy! Please help me welcome back author Andrew P. Weston with his newest, EXORDIUM OF TEARS!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

My name is Andrew Weston and I am a Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with my wife, Annette, and our growing family of rescue cats. An astronomy and law graduate, I’m a contracted writer of fiction and poetry. My latest novel Exordium of Tears, is the sequel to the international #1 bestseller, The IX, and I’m thrilled at the interest it seems to be attracting across the genres. I also have the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Fantasy Society, and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers. Believe it or not, I do get a little spare time and devote some of that to assisting NASA with two of their remote research projects, and writing educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.

Why are you a writer?

Because my inner demons would drive me crazy if I didn’t. I’d always wanted to write, but a busy lifestyle at school, college, and then at work, strangled any opportunity to realize my dream. It wasn’t until I was injured on duty and forced to retire early that I suddenly found myself gifted with a wealth of time. Needless to say, I put it to good use, and now, I have a plethora of characters and ideas all queuing to have their stories told.



What is your earliest memory of wanting to be a writer?

As I recall, I was five years old, and had just completed Gulliver’s Travels (yes, I know that’s young, but I could read before I went to school). I loved the premise of the story, and decided there and then that, one day, I’d write my own story of high adventure against overwhelming odds. It took a few years, but I got there. :)



What are your favorite subject(s) and style(s)?

Without a doubt, that would be science fiction and fantasy. Although many people feel science fiction has stagnated in recent years, I feel it’s a genre that allows tremendous flexibility. (As indeed, does fantasy). You can have all the action and adventure you want, and still find room for political intrigue, criminal thrills, historical drama, and romance. It has everything an enquiring mind needs to flourish.

That’s why I had such fun with The IX and Exordium of Tears. The series is a fast flowing science-fiction opera of magnificent scope, whose premise is based in actual history. What became of the lost ninth legion of Rome? Wow, what a subject to be let loose on.



How do you work and approach your subject?

I’m something of a contradiction. Before I start work, I engage in a great deal of research. The premise of The IX, for example, took three months of dedicated hard graft to nail down. Once that was completed, I drafted out a rough plan. I call it a plot map. I know where the journey begins, where it ends, and the important ports of call in between.

However, once the voyage is underway, I allow the protagonists/antagonists and the story itself to take on a life of their own. That’s important. If your story fails to become animated, then it’s certainly not going to entertain your readers. So, as mine come to life, I allow the characters and all the unexpected twists and turns to lead me where they will. I’ve been amazed on a number of occasions, as this technique helps me come up with some imaginative plot changes and tweaks that I’d have otherwise missed.



What are your favorite written works, writers?

I have wide tastes, so I’ll start with something enduring.

Stephen Donaldson.

His depth of writing is outstanding. I don’t know if you’ve ever read any of his work, but his vocabulary is enigmatic. And while his plots are incredibly complex, they are vividly portrayed. He builds tension in a way I’ve never seen in other novelists, and he is a literary god. Absolutely superb. I can only aspire to his level of achievement. (And yes, over the past thirty-six years, I’ve collected all his books) :)


Another author who has inspired me over the decades is Raymond E. Feist.

His vision is epic, and his ability to create living, stunning, and relatable worlds, protagonists/antagonists, etc, is second to none. A wonderful example too, of weaving multiple characters into a story and not neglecting a single one of them. My bookshelves are full of his work.

Now, if I went back in time, then 1984 & Animal Farm by George Orwell would certainly be on my list. The allegorical messages contained within those tales are an extremely accurate reflection on the divisive nature of society. We have the tendency to fracture ourselves in a multitude of ingenious ways that never ceases to amaze me. If only we’d learn the lesson he so cleverly portrayed within their pages, the world would be a better place.



What are the best responses you have had to your work?

I’ll include some “shortened” brief clips here from the leading lights of speculative fiction. It will give you an accurate idea as to the nature of the responses The IX Series is drawing:

Weston deftly weaves the horrors of the Horde stealing human life-essences, with the beauty of his prose and imagery. I was right there, on Arden, while reading. Action-packed through every chapter, the story unfolds as former enemies are forced to learn how to trust each other, to trust the visions and experiences of those who walk the spirit-world, and to share information. I highly recommend this book to fans of SF/fantasy, & horror.
Amazing Stories 

The IX Series has taken me back to the books I enjoyed in my youth (Jerry Pournelle's King David's Spaceship or Gordon Dickson's Hour of the Horde) It flows wonderfully. There's constant motion, and Weston takes the story in unexpected directions that are intriguing and fun.

If you're in need of some fast-paced storytelling, lots of action, and an army of characters drawn from Earth's past and future, The IX should serve you well.
Black Gate Fantasy

Weston knows how to keep the reader on the edge of the seat without feeling as though the mission will never end. This is a complex combination of history, imagination and science fiction magic as is available today. A strong book by a solid author.
Grady Harp: Hall of Fame/Top 100 /Vine Reviewer

When it comes to science fiction, I want a book that captures me from page one and never gives me a reason to want to escape. I want a book that forces me to stay up until 3 a.m., because there is no point at which it is ideal to put it down. I want a book whose characters and plots are complex and intelligent, but elegantly crafted with the minimum of distraction. The IX delivers.
Fanboy Comics

Weston continues his tradition of mixing the best of the best with new, thrilling storylines. The attention to detail is astounding. If Exordium of Tears is any indication of the growth Weston will continue to undergo as a writer, the story will only get better from here.
Epicstream



What do you like about your work?

I love the fact that I can see it improving with every novel I produce, and that it continues to bring pleasure to those who are drawn to read them. It’s so rewarding to witness its appeal to people across a broad spectrum of ages and backgrounds. What’s more, I’ve been told on a number of occasions that my work bridges the boundaries between genres. That’s exactly what I need to hear, as it helps me direct my energies along the right track, and spurs me on to greater efforts.



What advice would you give to other writers?

Never stop trying to improve your craft. You owe it to yourself and to your readers to be the very best you can be. That means continued hard work, application, and having the sense to listen to those who have more experience than you do, and who are in a better position to offer constructive criticism.



Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Where George R. R. Martin is now, only writing more books to keep the fans happy. :)

Thank you, Andrew! Now let's hear more about EXORDIUM OF TEARS...

Blurb ~

Fight or die.

That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.



But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.



The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.



Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.



Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.



Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.



A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.



It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.



Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…



Death is only the beginning of the adventure.

Excerpt ~

The final gate proved seamless. Like the walls, it was made from lydium, and Joe knew they couldn’t force their way through. Fortunately, only a simple keypad and retinal scan security pod still barred their way.

Fonzy examined the setup and took out his box of tricks again. Andy and Stu shuffled to one side and completed a series of equipment and ammunition checks.

“The Architect downloaded several old ciphers into my database,” Fonzy murmured, “along with the ocular imprints of the previous command staff, so I should have this open in a jiffy.”

Joe turned back to cover the corridor and seized the unexpected opportunity to give himself a once-over as well. He didn’t have long. A prolonged buzz sounded, quickly followed by a loud clunk.

“Heads up!”

The huge door swung silently inward under its own weight. The blackness within seemed to leach out into the corridor.

Joe stepped across the threshold and scanned the interior.

The storeroom was a soldier’s nightmare. At over a hundred yards wide and more than twice that long, multiple aisles branched away from a main access corridor. Every one of them was stacked floor to ceiling with rack upon rack of packing cases and assorted boxes; a veritable maze of blind spots, and hidden nooks and crannies. Even the advanced photosensitive capabilities of Joe’s HUD failed to illuminate some of the darker corners.

“What do you think, Boss?” Andy enquired.

Joe considered his options.

Too many unknowns. Too many variables.
“Are there any residual energy readings?” he asked. “And if so, where?”

Fonzy stepped up and waved the radar gun backward and forward a few times. He studied the readout and jutted his chin toward the northeast quadrant.

“That way, a hundred and sixty, maybe a hundred and seventy feet. Levels are low, but indicative of depleted cells. If there are any mutants about, they’ll be congregated in that vicinity.”

“Why?” Andy chipped in. “Surely you’re not thinking we go in there?”

“Nooo . . . but I am thinking of going fishing.” Joe produced a thermos-type flask from his kidney pouch. He held it up. “I took the liberty of visiting the quartermaster before we set out. Remember, if any strays have been holed up in here, they’ve had to exist on low grade dross for nearly twelve months now. They’ll be famished. This contains a gram of pure berydium, a highly energetic, short-lived isotope. Once I crack the seal it’ll only last for ten to twelve seconds before it breaks down entirely, but that’ll be sufficient to flush our soul-sucking fiends out into the open. Of course, once they’re roused, we can expect a rather focused reaction . . .”

He let the thought sink in.

“Is everyone ready?”

Three affirmatives rang back.

“Right . . . Fonzy, you’re with me. When I deploy the bait, we will cover the hatch and ensure nothing escapes. Andy, Stu, you’ll be the main fire team. Take up position over there, behind those containers. Overlap your arcs. If the Horde are here, they’ll come fast and they’ll come hard. Take them out. If you experience any stoppages, don’t hang about. Use a micro-singularity grenade and get your ass back here. We will cover your retreat. If one of you has to withdraw, the other will follow immediately. No one gets left behind. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” they chorused.

“Right, you know the drill. Set active-cam and motion diffusers to maximum.”

Joe hunkered down by the doorway, watching through his HUD as the team got into place. They went still, blending into their surroundings as if they didn’t exist.

When he deemed everything ready, Joe entered a three digit code into the pad on the lid of the canister. As a digital readout started counting down from ten, he tossed it along the gangway, and fixed it in his sights.

Tsssssst!

The lid cracked open.

They waited . . .

And waited . . .

Is that bloody thing working? They assured me —

Crash! Crash! Crash!

What the fuck?

Joe couldn’t prevent an electric jolt from surging through him. He peered into the far reaches of the chamber, alarmed to see several distant storage shelves toppling. Closely ranked, each tier smashed into the next in line, falling toward him like oversized dominoes.

“I’ve got movement!” Fonzy snapped. His announcement made Joe jump again. “Sixty yards out and converging on us from all sides. Signal’s clean.”

“No shit?” Joe glanced toward his fire team’s position. “Andy. Stu. You’re safe where you are, but it’s going to get a little loud. Don’t be surprised if one or two things bounce over your hea–”

“I’m not just talking about the metalwork,” Fonzy said. “They’re fifty yards out.”

“Contact!” Joe warned. “Coming straight at us. Hold your fire until they’ve swarmed the isotope. Fonzy? Give us an indication of numbers.”

“At least two dozen.”

Two dozen? Shit!

“Guys, change of plan. Too many to deal with all at once. Fall in on me and we’ll hit them with —”

Booom!

A colossal fireball erupted from the center of the warehouse. Joe threw himself to one side in an effort to avoid the wash of searing light and heat thundering his way, but he was caught by an invisible fist and smashed back against the wall.

Air exploded from his lungs, and the room about him shook. He saw stars, as overwhelming pressure threatened to rupture fragile capillaries.

“Report!” he yelled above the din.

Although his ears were ringing, Joe heard a guttural roaring from somewhere in front of him. It got louder and louder with each passing second.

Head spinning, he dragged himself into a sitting position and looked up. Only then did he notice the bottom of his coveralls were on fire.

How in the . . . ?

He beat at his legs with his free hand. Pain lanced through his shoulder with every movement. Ignoring it, he continued searching about in hope.

“Andy? Stu?”

The area where they had been concealed was now a pile of twisted metal and burning debris. Of his colleagues, there was no sign.

Fuck! What the hell happened?

“Report!” Joe yelled again in growing desperation. “Assault group, sound off!”

A smoking heap of clothes and charred flesh lay on the floor beside him.

Fonzy?

The background shrieking got louder.

Confused, Joe wiped his face and raised his weapon. His hand came away covered in blood. An odd feeling of detachment trickled over him as he blinked repeatedly, trying to make his eyes focus. Waves of dizziness consumed him. Mesmerized, he peered into the growing inferno.

Was it alive? It acted as if it had a mind of its own. In some places flames warped and contorted in on themselves before disappearing into shadow, but in others they flared into incandescent effigies, possessed of terrifying horns, talons, and fangs.

Horde!

Joe fumbled for his grenades and came up empty. The cruel inevitability of his situation struck home.

They must have been stripped from me in the blast . . .

. . . ah well.

The nearest ogres spotted him and howled. An angry skein of midnight-blue and orange passion skittered through the pack’s combined essence.

Somehow, Joe found the presence of mind not to panic, and set about methodically checking his surroundings. He was rewarded by the sight of Fonzy’s G40A, discarded on the floor next to the still-open door.

Oh no you don’t!

He came to an instant decision.

Grabbing the additional weapon, Joe leaped to his feet and staggered toward the hatch. For a moment, he considered simply running and shutting it behind him on the way out.

Leave no one behind . . . or nothing!
Instead, he put his back to it and heaved. With infuriating slowness, the door swung to and slammed shut. The reassuring sound of a vacuum seal engaging sighed above the ruckus.

Satisfied, Joe took a deep breath and turned to face his death. He flipped the switch on both guns to full automatic.

“What are you fuckers waiting for,” he teased, “an invitation?”

With a final howl of rage, the wall of monsters collapsed on him, and a blistering hail of bullets met their charge.

Author Bio~

Andrew P. Weston is Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with his wife, Annette, and their growing family of rescue cats.



An astronomy and law graduate, he is the creator of the international number one bestsellers, The IX, and Hell Bound, (A novel forming part of Janet Morris’ critically acclaimed Heroes in Hell shared universe), and also has the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Fantasy Society and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.



​When not writing, Andrew devotes some of his spare time to assisting NASA with two of their remote research projects, and writes educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.

You can find Andrew at:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

You can buy EXORDIUM OF TEARS at:

Amazon | Amazon UK

Giveaway ~

Soldiers from varying eras and vastly different backgrounds, including the IX Legion of Rome, are snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing, and transported to the far side of the galaxy. Thinking they have been granted a reprieve, their relief turns to horror when they discover they face a stark ultimatum:


Fight or die.

a Rafflecopter giveaway