What's New

Fiction
September 29, 20240

New Genesis The Genders War Coming Soon

NEW GENESIS Update, SNODGRASS News & Censorship Concerns!

NEW GENESIS: Coming Soon! 2025

Get ready to dive into a world reshaped by war! NEW GENESIS, my upcoming futuristic thriller, is on track for a mid-December release. I’m deep in development editing, but the excitement is building with every page.

This novel explores the devastating aftereffects of global wars rooted in gender ideologies. Expect four interconnected plots that will keep you guessing:

  • The Gendered Battlegrounds: Witness a world fractured by conflicts fueled by dozens of confused gender ideals. HLGBTQRSE
  • The Feminist Resistance: Follow rebels fighting for equality and a new world order.
  • The Patriarchal Strongholds: Explore the remains of societies dominated by traditional masculine values.
  • The Search for Unity: Discover a quest to rebuild and unite a fractured world.
NEW GENESIS book cover

Industry News

Exciting News for SNODGRASS!

American Writers Awards: The ceremony will take place on November 24th. I’m honored to be among the nominees.

Kindle Book Awards: The winners will be revealed on November 1st. Keep your fingers crossed for SNODGRASS!

SNODGRASS is now also available in audiobook format on Apple Books and Barnes & Noble!

Get Your Copy Now!

Snodgrass novel cover features a detective badge novelist Mark Bertrand and book title Snodgrass

Censorship Concerns

Some of the most targeted books by Republicans in the U.S. are being challenged due to their content on race, LGBTQ+ issues, and explicit themes. Among the most frequently banned titles are:

  • “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe – This book has been at the forefront of censorship efforts, with critics citing its LGBTQIA+ content and claims of sexually explicit material as reasons for its removal.
  • “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson – A memoir exploring Black queer identity, often targeted for its LGBTQIA+ content and described as explicit by challengers.
  • “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson – A guide to sex education and LGBTQIA+ experiences, frequently banned for its inclusion of sex education topics deemed inappropriate by conservative groups.

These bans are part of a larger push to remove books with themes of race, sexuality, and gender identity from schools and libraries across the U.S., as seen in many districts.

The First Amendment protects our right to free speech and expression, and censorship limits access to information and stifles critical thinking. Let’s fight back against censorship and support libraries and schools in promoting diverse voices!

Learn more about the First Amendment and censorship via the American Library Association: https://www.ala.org/

Preorder NEW GENESIS Now!

Secure your copy of NEW GENESIS before it’s released! Preordering comes with exclusive benefits:

  1. Early Access: Get your hands on the first three chapters before the official release.
  2. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Preorders will receive a special newsletter with deleted scenes and insights into the writing process.
  3. Exclusive Digital Artwork: Receive a limited-edition digital poster featuring key moments from the novel, designed just for early buyers.

Preorder Today to ensure you’re first in line to experience this gripping new story!
NEW GENESIS

Stay tuned for more updates on NEW GENESIS! Character reveals sneak peeks and exclusive content are coming soon.

Extras
August 6, 20240

Snodgrass Casting For The Series

Mark (the narrator): The protagonist of the story, whose journey is recounted in vivid detail. Mark’s character is shaped by his experiences with crime, poverty, and redemption, as he navigates life from his troubled youth to serving as a fighter pilot in the US Navy. Younger years played by Lucas Hedges and older years in the navy played by Taron Egerton.

Josie: A significant figure in Mark’s early life, Josie is his partner during their shared struggles and adventures. She is portrayed as resilient and resourceful, often providing emotional support as they face various challenges together. Played by Maisie Williams.

Janice: Mark’s former partner and an accomplice in some of his past criminal endeavors. Her involvement in Mark’s life reflects the complexity of his relationships and the moral ambiguities he faces. Played by Melissa Barrera.

Salazar: A fellow fighter pilot and friend of Mark’s in the Navy. Salazar is known for his camaraderie and humor, providing both a sense of relief and a mirror to Mark’s own experiences in the military. Played by Diego Boneta.

Gareth: A close friend from Mark’s youth, who plays a pivotal role in some of the formative events of Mark’s life. Gareth’s departure and eventual fate leave a lasting impact on Mark. Played by Michael Trevino.

Detective Snodgrass: The detective investigating the murder of Gareth, Detective Snodgrass is relentless in his pursuit of the truth. His investigation uncovers links to ancient folklore and shadowy cults, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative​. Played by Oscar Isaac.

Eugene and Kevin: Figures from Mark’s past involved in his early criminal activities. They are described as complex characters with hidden depths, contributing to the tension and drama of Mark’s younger years​​.

Commander Theo (call sign Black Knight): A commanding officer aboard the USS Coral Sea, who interacts with Mark and Salazar during their deployments. He is a symbol of authority and the structured life Mark leads in the Navy​.

Extras
March 30, 20240

Speculative Fiction Novels About Love Technology and Spirituality

Speculative Fiction Novels About Technology and Spirituality: Where the Physical and the Metaphysical Collide

Have you ever wondered what the future holds for the intersection of technology and spirituality? Science fiction and fantasy have long explored the fantastical, but a captivating subgenre is taking root: speculative fiction that delves into the fascinating interplay between these two seemingly disparate forces.

Here, the lines between the physical world and the metaphysical blur. The human search for meaning transcends the limitations of our current reality, and technology becomes a tool for exploration, not just of the cosmos, but of the human spirit itself.

Mindscapes and Machines: Exploring the Themes

Imagine a world where virtual reality isn’t just a game, but a portal to a collective consciousness – a digital reflection of our hopes, dreams, and fears. Or perhaps humanity has developed neural interfaces that allow us to interact with this consciousness directly. This is the kind of world explored in novels like This Could Be It, Starzel, and The DOT. Does such technology offer enlightenment or a seductive escape from reality?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents another thought-provoking theme. What happens when machines become not just intelligent, but capable of experiencing something akin to consciousness? Can AI understand or even possess a sense of spirituality? Novels like A Conscious Thing grapple with these questions, exploring the potential for a symbiotic relationship between humanity and AI. Perhaps AI can become a guide on our spiritual journey, offering perspectives beyond human comprehension. However, the potential for manipulation or even replacement of human spirituality by AI creates a thrilling narrative that compels us to consider the ethical implications of advanced technology.

But amidst the technological marvels, the human spirit endures. Speculative fiction that explores technology and spirituality often reminds us that the core of our existence remains unchanged. We still yearn for connection, meaning, and a sense of belonging. Even in worlds augmented by advanced technology, characters grapple with age-old questions about life, death, and our place in the universe. This enduring focus on the human experience is what makes these novels so relatable and emotionally resonant.

A Journey of Self-Discovery: Why Speculative Fiction Matters

Speculative fiction isn’t just about thrilling narratives and fantastical worlds. By exploring fictional realms where technology and spirituality collide, these novels allow us to examine our own relationship with these forces in a safe, detached environment. We can consider the potential pitfalls and blessings of advanced technology without the immediate consequences in our own lives.

Furthermore, encountering characters on a spiritual quest within a fantastical setting can mirror our own struggles with faith, purpose, and connection. By witnessing these characters grapple with existential questions, we gain insights that can illuminate our own paths. This introspective journey is what makes reading speculative fiction a deeply personal and rewarding experience.

Unveiling the Worlds: A Glimpse into Your Novels

Starzel explores the concept of a technologically-induced collective consciousness. Does this consciousness offer a sense of unity or lead to a loss of individuality? How do the characters navigate this new reality, and what are the spiritual implications of being part of a collective whole?

In This Could Be It, the complex relationship between humanity and AI is explored. Does the AI in this novel become a spiritual guide, or does it pose a threat to humanity’s spiritual well-being? How do the characters grapple with the ethical considerations of a potentially sentient AI?

By offering a glimpse into the unique worlds I’ve created, you can pique your curiosity and compel you to dive deeper into my novels.

The Call to Adventure: Embark on Your Own Spiritual Journey

Speculative fiction invites us not just to read, but to participate in a grand thought experiment. By exploring the intersection of technology and spirituality, these novels challenge our assumptions about the nature of reality and the human experience. They present us with a future where the possibilities are limitless, but where the fundamental human questions remain the same.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a thrilling adventure of the mind and spirit, delve into the world of speculative fiction. Explore the novels that challenge your understanding of technology and spirituality, and discover how these themes can illuminate your own journey towards meaning and connection.

Ready to Dive In?

Are you curious about the future of technology and its impact on our spiritual lives? Are you seeking a captivating story that will challenge your beliefs and spark introspection? Then explore the world of speculative fiction, and consider picking up This Could Be It and Starzel. Within their pages, you’ll encounter unforgettable characters, explore breathtaking worlds, and grapple with profound questions about the future of humanity. Prepare to be challenged, to be inspired, and to embark on a transformative journey alongside these characters.

Mind Bending Speculative Fiction Novels Direct – Amazon – Apple – Barnes & Noble – Google – Kobo

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/markbertrand.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbertrand/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.bertrand.750

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mark-bertrand

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/markbertrand

Amazon Authors: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Bertrand/author/B09MWMCXJ4

  • *SCI-FI*
    Register to Win a Novel

  • If a story could be described as powerful, this one is. I enjoyed reading Starzel In my opinion, the story's main strength lies in its compelling storyline, multi-genre infusion, immersive descriptions, and compelling characters. Niskak Edet

  • Starzel is a really exciting story. I was really entertained by how you took events that have happened recently and pulled them together into this really dark potential future. Fingers crossed we don’t go down that road, though honestly, I wouldn’t be too surprised. Allison Collins

  • the image of a book cover for The Dot and The Page Turners award logo.
  • Get a Free Story Every Week
    Win A Novel

  • The most striking and intriguing part of this story (The Dot) for me was the unique fusion of science and Buddha principles. I found it very engaging and enjoyed how the science and Buddha principles were consistent throughout the story. It was a unique point in a futuristic story such as this being that some civilizations in the future came not just to reconcile science with religion but also to make them complement each other.

  • R. Dawson

  • Amazing storyline! The storyline was unique and easily engaging after I read The Dot’s introduction, I became increasingly interested in the story. Although I feel the prologue and introduction need to be tightened up more, They achieved its purpose of capturing my attention and building interest in the story. 

  • S. Stewart

  • The conversation style was fluid and very easy to follow. I liked the simple prose of the story; it made the story very easy to read, such that I understood the thoughts and actions of the characters. Although the discussions included the scientific details involved such as quantum fields, vector, scalar, and even vibrational frequency which may be hard for non-science-inclined readers to follow, the overall narrative helped readers to easily grasp what it is about.

  • K. D. Montoya

  • Interesting Characters! The Dot is packed with distinct and well-fleshed-out characters. Each character felt distinct from the others. This is something I find most authors struggle with. For instance, Kelv’s calmness radiates and fits his character. Also, Zosimos is superior but then still has some weaknesses which he built on throughout the story. The characters were vivid and relatable.

  • T. Howards