Rook Winters - Weight of Ashes

At some point, I will edit that story and release it. You can sign up for my newsletter at rookwinters.comto make sure you get a copy when I do.

When it came time to write this novel, I didn’t want to do a comedic story, but I was intrigued by the notion of a gradual, non-military invasion. On the recommendation of sci-fi author Cary Caffrey, I read The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man while conceiving the plot of this book. It was a good reminder not to underestimate the terrifying potential of economic influence combined with targeted violence. Big military actions aren’t the only way to devastate a people group.

In Weight of Ashes , we don’t see the first contact event or the early decades when the aliens are peacefully building up their economic and political clout because a lot of that time period would have seemed like utopia. Instead, we start in the dystopian aftermath in which humans are second-class citizens and the colonizers are taking away even more rights. Writing it made me wrestle with some tough realities. I hope reading it does the same for you.

Thank you to everyone who read the various versions of this story. Your feedback and encouragement were critical. Special thanks to Ally, Ann, Craig, Gavin, Jacqueline, Kim, Mark, Mel, and Steve.

Most importantly, thank you to Beth, my great love. I never take your support and trust for granted.

I have pledged a minimum of ten percent of my proceeds from this book to global relief and development aid. Please join me in supporting the work of organizations that tackle poverty and injustice. If you aren’t sure where to give, I recommend World Vision Canadafor its financial accountability and the integrity of its leadership team.

WEIGHT OF ASHES

Copyright © 2018 by Rook Winters

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author except for brief quotations for review purposes or as otherwise allowed for by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

For inquiries regarding this book, please email rook@rookwinters.com