Children of Alpheios

 

 

Children of Alpheios

by Diana Fedorak

GENRE:   Sci-fi/fantasy

A genetically engineered colony on a new world. A baby born different than  everyone else. A mother who will do anything to save him.

On planet Eamine, twenty-one-year-old Alina must protect her baby when Mandin is born with a remarkable DNA anomaly. The colony’s central  corporation wants Mandin for an experimental treatment program. Trained by the Expeditionary Academy, Alina knows how to survive Eamine’s harsh environment and flees to keep Mandin safe.  

While Alina tries to uncover the truth, she finds herself relying on Kiean, a  gruff pilot who protects her from threats in the midst of her new  surroundings. As an upcoming rebellion brews, Alina must discover who  she can trust, facing choices about family, life, and love. Despite the risk, Alina is determined to safeguard Mandin from the colony‘s most  powerful institutions.

Excerpt:

Alina rolled the vial in between her fingertips, noting Mandin’s blood sample contained a purplish undertone. They had never requested her permission for

an experimental lab test. Dr. Olek would have informed her. Did Dr. Daxmen draw the sample himself when she had stepped away for a moment? She fumbled with

the vial and wrapped her first around it. “And if Mandin’s body accepts the treatment, what’s the outcome?”

“We should be able to preserve his very special talents while ridding him of his seizures.”

Goosebumps rankled the nape of her neck at the sight of the purplish undertone. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place it. She wanted to dispose of the vial, but instead, passed it back. Ms. Silver placed the tubes in the refrigerator.

“Are you sure it’s safe for infants?”

Ms. Silver brushed a piece of invisible lint off her lapel. “We believe so. Although we need some paperwork from you before you bring him in.”

“What exactly?”

“We can dispense with the non-disclosure agreement we discussed earlier, provided you consent to Mandin’s Phase Three treatment. The other item

would be your agreement in allowing us to file a patent for Mandin’s DNA.” The director picked up the glass tablet and scrolled through the screen. “As a matter of

fact, I have the forms right here.”

About the Author:

Diana Fedorak is a speculative fiction writer from Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Saigon, South Vietnam, she grew up in a Pan Am Airways family who frequently traveled overseas. Her prior career was serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. 

Diana’s debut sci-fi novel, Children of Alpheios, was acquired by The Wild Rose Press in 2022. Set on planet Eamine, the story is about a young mother who finds herself pitted against the colony’s corporation when she discovers they desire her baby’s DNA anomaly for their genetic engineering program.

Q&A With the Author

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 

Surprisingly, the romantic sub-plot. I’m not a romance author but I did include romance as part of my protagonist’s story. Alina is a young mother at age twenty-one, and she needs a father for her baby. I wrote her male counterpart, Kiean, with the intention of him being a memorable character. Alina immediately notices him. Readers will also discover his character isn’t what he initially appears. To complicate matters, there’s unresolved questions about baby Mandin’s biological father, Chance, and his role in both his son’s upbringing, and Alina’s life. 

Do you have any other books you are working on that you can tell us about? 

Yes, I’m working on the sequel to Children of Alpheios. I’m planning a three-book series. I also have a military science fiction novella I’m revising.

Can you tell us about what you have planned for the future?

I’ll have a book launch party at the end of February with some friends. Beyond that, I’m writing and planning appearances at some literary festivals and writer’s conferences local to Las Vegas, Nevada, where I currently live. I usually announce my events in my newsletter, and readers can sign up for it at https://www.dianafedorak.com . 

How long have you been writing? 

I’ve been writing fiction seriously for about eight years, maybe a little longer. I did have the itch early since middle school when I wrote short stories and poems. I’ve always loved literature and spent hours growing up at the library. My parents would drop me off there and return when I was ready, usually with an armload of books. But in the daily grind, my reading habits slowly withered away. I rediscovered it after I had kids because I wanted them to learn to read early. 

One day, I came across an announcement for a local fantasy author giving free writing classes at the library only a few minutes from my home. I decided to attend his lecture. He was an engaging and approachable speaker. Every month, he gave a lecture on a different writing topic, and basically taught us about the craft of writing. For nearly a year I listened and didn’t write anything at all. I just took notes. I also joined some local writer’s critique groups at the instructor’s suggestion. It was terrifying at first, to hear others criticize what I knew was in these writer’s hearts, who held their work out for scrutiny.  Still, I knew I had to write. I signed up for on-line writing classes through UCLA-Extension to discipline myself. It was through the UCLA-Extension Writer’s Program that I gained some valuable mentors and drafted the manuscript for Children of Alpheios. And I kept up with the critique groups because they ended up making me a better writer.

Anything more you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Children of Alpheios can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Apple Books.

After working on the novel for several years, I was gratified that it received three five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite. Astrid Lustulin, a reviewer, stated, “This is one of the best books I have ever read.” Keith Mbuya, another reviewer said, “Children of Alpheios is a magnificent story that I loved.” It really helped to hear that they enjoyed the story.

Children of Alpheios is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQGMN1H8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KVNA6BPQ2KB3Y6J0KZQ0

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/children-of-alpheios-diana-fedorak/1142852307?ean=9781509247769

More information about Diana can be found at these sites: 

https://www.dianafedorak.com/

https://www.facebook.com/dianafedorakauthor

https://twitter.com/diana_fedorak

GIVEAWAY

Diana Fedorak will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway