N.B. Austin

Author of the Civilands Series

Bonus Content for Novels

Linchpin, Husband, Big Brother: Who is William Keagan?

Welcome in for another character bio post of the Civilands series. To what lengths would you go for your family? Is the bond you share unshakable? Today I detail the complex leader of the Keagan Gang, William Keagan!

Background

William Keagan grew up wealthy in the city of New Berkeley thanks to his magnate mobster father, Leonard Keagan. Despite the importance of his family’s name in the city though, his childhood was not pleasant. Along with his younger brothers, Clovis and Daniel, William was mostly neglected by his father.

When his brothers and he came of age, William decided to set out on his own. With the additional help of their cousin Walter, they left the city together and went west the Chorisma River into the Murrieta Territory.

A natural leader, William was able to gather a following along the way. Much like other collectives of Easterners in the territory, his growing posse took the form of a gang. However, he was much better equipped for this role than others, given his upbringing. Starting in the central region of the Territory, in the town of Fayette, William and his brothers first took a hold there behind the muscle of his brother, Clovis.

In Pursuit of Pride

The relationship between William Keagan and his father, Leonard, is what drives his actions. Instead of accepting that Leonard considers his brothers and him not good enough, William uses it as fuel to defy the odds. At all costs he will prove his father wrong, with earning love and pride an even greater motive.

Despite all the bad blood between them, William believes he can overcome it by accomplishing what Leonard’s accomplished. Whether or not his brothers share the sentiment is another story, but it doesn’t matter to him. They’re only further motivation as the outcome is as much or more for them as him.

Of the three brothers, Clovis–the youngest–was treated the worst. Both William and Daniel have always cared dearly for their brother and done everything they could for him. The three were bonded in this way more than most siblings. This bond is why William knows he will secure the fatherly love his brothers and he deserve at all costs . . . and if they can build their own empire in a new world along the way, all the better.

“A time will come when you’ll have to make a choice, William, between the relentless pursuit of your burning passions and your dedication to those who you love the most. Only then will you understand how difficult it is, no matter which path you might choose. Only then will you understand my choice.” ~Leonard Keagan, from book 2 Crystal Eyes

Thank you for reading and for everyone’s continued support for the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for free book giveaways, including best-sellers!

 

Crescent Heart Blurb (The Civilands Series #3)

With only about a month-and-a-half left until release, I am excited to present the Crescent Heart (Civilands #3) blurb! The third installation in the Civilands series picks up where book 2 left off. With the Murrieta Territory approaching a breaking point, which of our favorite characters will rise? Which will fall? The final wild-card point-of-view in this book is Henry Abigale, who’s story presents an interesting new wrinkle as well. Hope you enjoy and excited to publish this wild ride!

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An ultimatum goes unfulfilled. War is coming to the Murrieta Territory.

Crescent Heart Blurb. The Civilands Series #3
Working cover for Crescent Heart

The negotiations with the natives of the Riverlands have failed as Clovis Keagan heads north.

However, the truth will finally be revealed to Daniel Keagan about the fire at the Morrell home. How will he maintain the order he seeks in the Riverlands? At the same time, Jeannie, Dominic, and Harrison make their return to Harran. Will their presence and the coming threat of Hanzah’s vengeance-hungry V’ahani impact Daniel’s goals?

In Fayette, William and Henry must cope with a devastating loss. On the other hand, further south, Latera must strike while the iron’s hot after a successful escape. She’s already come so far, but could her journey just be getting started?

The third book of the Civilands series, Crescent Heart provides edge-of-your-seat tension, with no shortage of surprise or excitement as it sets a grand stage for the penultimate installment of the series.

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Thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for free book giveaways, including best-sellers!

How Black Mirror Reminded Me of Civilands: Charles Langston

Black Mirror is a TV series which always manages to make you wonder. The ‘what-if’ scenarios presented in this re-imagined Twilight Zone range from twisted to trippy to hopeful and back.

Civilands, my own dark-fiction adventure series, isn’t nearly as tech-driven and modern as this show. However, there was a parallel I couldn’t help but reflect on. What is this common bond you might ask? The characters Robert Daly (Jessie Plemons), of the episode USS Callister, and, “Mayor of Harran,” Charles Langston.

Black Mirror parallels to Civilands.

Robert Daly

Robert is a genius coder and co-founder of the game Infinity, a virtual-reality version of his favorite TV show, Star Fleet. The show (equivalent of Star Trek) involves classic space adventures which are carried over into the game. However, Daly’s role in his company is diminishing, due to his being at odds with his partner and CEO, Walton. Along with setting deadlines Robert doesn’t feel he can make, Walton also connects better with the other people in the office. Some of those employees are hardly even aware of Robert’s role as founder.

Charles Langston

As he tells the people of Harran, Charles was designated the Mayor of the small town by governing forces in the cities of Eastern Duresia. No one knows the comings and goings of Harran better than Charles. Whether it is the history, people, or environment, he’ll have an answer. He also claims to know what’s best for its future, having guided it for so many years and seeing its people grow as a community. Moving to the Murrieta Territory was the best thing he thinks ever happened to him, because of his position.

Why are they similar?

The above section is mostly from their own point of view. In reality, both characters are bastards.

  1. Anti-social – If you’re at odds with everyone, I imagine it’s probably something like 95% of the time your own fault. That’s both of these characters. At his company, no one is aware of Robert’s position because he makes no effort to make it known. Not only that, but he is also impolite and straight up steals their DNA, which is totally uncool. As for Charles it’s much the same. No one in his town respects or acknowledges his position as mayor. The problem is, he doesn’t make any effort to earn their respect either.
  2. Delusional – If these were ranked by importance to the stories, this would be #1. The opinion Robert has of himself makes me question whether new-hire, Annette Cole, is actually even saying nice things to him at the beginning. She is in awe of him and the genius of his code, but it almost feels like we’re in his own head when he reacts to it. He almost certainly tells himself these things on a daily basis. In Charles’ case, he was actually never even designated mayor. In fact, there are no formal “governing forces” in Duresia at the time of his settlement in the Murrieta, let alone ones that delegate positions in this separate territory. Since the people of Harran certainly never elected him, he truly has no claim at all to the title.

More about Black Mirror

Moving past the similarities of these two characters, I highly recommend Black Mirror for a binge-watching session. It’s not for the faint of heart or those who don’t wish to be challenged mentally while watching a TV show. The concepts are meant to make you think and typically not in a comfortable way. However, this makes for some great episodes which are also relevant to our ever-changing society.

Thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for free book giveaways, including best-sellers!

The Resourceful Illusionist: Who is Dominic Turner?

For the second character bio post of the Civilands series, we will be talking about Dominic Turner. Time to find out what makes this crafty illusionist one-of-a-kind!

The resourceful illusionist. Dominic Turner.

Background

As industrialization grew in the eastern cities of Duresia, demand for entertainers shrank. Like many, this shift hit illusionist Dominic Turner hard and prompted him to make a move to the Murrieta Territory. What he was to find there however, would be more impactful than any trick he could perform.

Dominic’s journey into the territory was dangerous and his early days of inhabiting it were lonely. The struggle of not finding work back home was hardly worse than the isolation he felt in the tiny settlements of this massive place. Though he loved the adventure, it all made him feel so small as he went it mostly alone. Devastating winters and intimidating wildlife became harder to adjust to as well without support. Once all other options were exhausted, he had no other choice but to turn to the gangs.

Gangs were expanding quickly in the territory as a means of safety and fraternity for easterners. In the early days of Dominic’s involvement, he was provided just those things. Food, shelter, and regular relationships were no longer luxuries. It was all just starting to feel right when he started noticing a change.

A Day That Doesn’t End

As more gangs formed, so too did rivalries. Dominic’s group was no exception, as its leadership began arming followers. Orders were given to conduct raids he felt he couldn’t refuse in his debt to them. Over time, he started utilizing his resources as an illusionist to steal goods for the gang. This caused his skills to improve significantly. Though he still felt a pit of guilt in his stomach, he couldn’t deny his enjoyment to be doing his craft in any capacity.

The gang soon started expanding in influence thanks to people like Dominic, prompting its leaders to grow more power hungry. One day though, a red line was finally crossed . . .

An order came one morning for Dominic to kill a member of a rival gang–something he’d never had to do. This enemy group was also growing, and went by the surname of the brothers who led them, the Keagans. Whether or not he follows through on the order is answered in the books, so you’ll have to read them to find out! 😉 The event changes him as a person and has a big impact on his development in the series. It is also the subject of the soon-to-come short-story prequel blog post series, An Illusionist’s Tale.

“And from your pain, your fortunes will be awoken. Because what you see here isn’t beyond your own reach or ability. This ‘magic’ as you will see it, it’s drawn only from the magic you provide back to the world.” ~Dominic Turner in Crystal Eyes (Civilands #2)

Ready to see what this crafty, Daryl Dixon-esque illusionist is made of? Come one, come all because the show’s about to begin. Start the series now readers are hailing a “wilder, richer adventure,” available at the links below:

Crimson River Amazon linkCrimson River nook linkCrimson River Kobo link

Thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series. Feel free to subscribe for more updates, or click here for your chance to earn free books, including best-sellers!

From Fearful Hermit to Fierce Female Lead: Who is Latera?

Welcome to the first character bio post of the Civilands series. Today I detail as fierce a female lead as you’ll find, Latera of the V’ahani!

Fierce female lead. Latera.

Background

Latera is the daughter of the V’ahani Chieftain Arkouda and sister of Hanzah. Her clan, the V’ahani, are known for their ancient connection to the land and ability to control of the great grizzlies of the Murrieta Territory’s Riverlands.

Under the tutelage of her late mother, she learned to be a nurse for wounded clan warriors. Even now though, Latera remains sheltered and disengaged in the politics of her clan. The larger world of the Murrieta Territory is simply not a worry of hers in the harsh, northern Riverlands.

Will she be able to remain closed off from the world when the Keagan gang makes their presence felt?

Ground to be Gained

Latera is one of my favorite characters to write because there is so much for her to still figure out about herself. Let me be clear, she isn’t the youngest point-of-view by any means at age 20. However, when we first meet her she is in a state of misconceiving her own identity and desires. Because of this, there is a lot she needs to unlearn, before she can learn.

This forced cloudiness is something many of us go through, myself especially included. Too many times I’ve experienced periods where I pretended I was satisfied with my circumstances, while simultaneously knowing I could achieve more. Have you gone through something similar? If so, how important was this period of transition to you becoming stronger today? Most of the time, we are broken out of this haze by some shock event. Latera is no exception to this rule.

Her own trauma will shake her in a way that doesn’t turn her into something. Instead, it makes her realize what her potential is and pushes her to turn it into her reality.

“The characters are all well drawn and I felt that, with Latera especially, there is great growth throughout.” ~Amazon Review for Crimson River (5 stars, User PeaceLoveHope)

So can you wait another year or more for Daenerys Targaryen’s return to satisfy your kick-ass craving? Let Latera quench your thirst now and start the series readers are hailing a “wilder, richer adventure,” available at the links below:

Crimson River Amazon linkCrimson River nook linkCrimson River Kobo link

Thank you for reading and for everyone’s continued support for the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for a FREE e-book!

World Building the Western That Wasn’t

World building in the Civilands series was an interesting process. The story didn’t begin with the continent of Duresia or the Murrieta Territory within it. It started only with Jeannie Morrell and a chase through the woods. So how did it expand as a function of my own experience? And how will it relate to you?

World building the Civilands series.

The Western That Wasn’t

In book 1, Crimson River, the focus is on the Murrieta Territory. The power struggle which occurs there is also the major point of conflict in the series. Its story develops from an interest in nature, manifest destiny, and the west.

However, I’m not from the west, nor am I ready to abandon my roots altogether just yet. The big city is a part of my non-fiction story as much as it is this fictional world. So, starting in book 2, Crystal Eyes, we start to see more of Duresia’s east and its sprawling cities. This is where it all began for many of the main characters like Jeannie and the members of the Keagan gang. Their transition to what are literally greener pastures is a major theme throughout.

And thus, from the country-convert that isn’t yet, comes the western that wasn’t!

How World Building Will Be Familiar to Readers

Whether you’re the type to start east and go west or do it the other way around, the transition to the unfamiliar will be familiar. Supplanting ourselves into new environments shapes the way we see the world. If you’ve experienced this in any capacity, the following concepts should be all too familiar and presented in exciting ways. If you haven’t yet, the journey will be more enlightening! 🙂

1. Personal Growth Through Change

When you leave home you observe a new way of living. When you do return though, you get to see the contrast in-depth. In Crystal Eyes, William Keagan goes through this during his trip back home to the city of New Berkeley. Along the way he’ll come to discover more about the place he left and whether his decision to leave was the right one.

2. Figuring Out Where You Belong

Not a fan of westerns? Good–industry is on the rise in New Berkeley. Do you prefer the more natural west? Good–let’s go to the Murrieta for a wild ride. Not sure which is for you yet? Even better to find out the hard way! And you will not be alone. Some of the characters also have these same questions to answer for themselves.

3. Sociological Impact

If you’re one of the less selfish among us, you’ll get to see how these budding societies will either come together or fall apart. Will responsible governments develop or will power be controlled by the few? Also, how will new relationships impact connections with longtime family and friends? Will you change too much while you’re away for their liking?

Find the answers and more in Civilands and thank you for reading with me thus far! Let me know in the comments about a time you changed environments. How did it impact you either positively or negatively? Which place did you prefer and why? If you do share, I’ll tell you which character you’d most relate to in the series 🙂

I Created a New Religion, Here’s What I Found

World-building is one of the most exciting parts of creating a series. One aspect of world building is developing a new religion. In the Civilands series, there are actually two major religions. In this post I will highlight each briefly, but will end with something more profound I realized once they were created.

New Religion created in the Civilands series.

Cerebism

This is the most prevalent belief system amongst Eastern Duresians. It is monotheistic and views the mind as man’s greatest gift. Cerebs are conscious of the world their deity, the Enigma, grants them. If they follow the Cereb Hymnal, they will perceive a better world in the next life. Their favorable reincarnation is what gives them faith and drives the expansion of their religion.

The Murrieta Maiden

The natives of Western Duresia (the Murrieta Territory) follow the will of their own deity, the Mother. Unlike Cerebism though, the followers of the Maiden are more focused on their world around them as its own entity and gift. They draw faith from what the Territory gives them and their unique connection to the place itself. For more on this connection, read on in the series!

What Creating a New Religion Taught Me

Perception on one side and secular appreciation on the other. It wasn’t an entirely intentional effort for these belief systems to be based around each of those concepts, respectively. However, I realize now it was no coincidence either.

Since my college years I’ve come to understand the power of the mind. It can be influenced by so many things. When it is though–whether in a positive or negative way–the world around us and what it all means, can change. The loss of a loved one might make life seem cruel the same way a new relationship can make it heavenly. Our world can shift over time with a switch of thought and to me, there is a spirituality in that.

On the other hand, the Earth is a magnificent place and there is more to it than just what we perceive. It is a privilege for us to be a part of the life that exists here. Personally, I love to hike and explore different environments. Doing so provides a type of energy. It runs through you and gives you purpose. It is a connection which feels as spiritual as it does physical.

Discovery: The Combination Makes Up My Concept of Spirituality

In a way I guess you could say it’s my own little belief system. A balance between there being a greater purpose than life here in our world and the great purpose of life here in our world. Maybe this qualifies as “religious” and maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it was really cool to me to see somewhat subconscious values come to life this way 🙂

Look for the conflict of these two belief systems to really build in book 3, Crescent Heart, coming March 2018. Thanks so much for reading!