Arbitrary Equilibrium

Visitor's Blood #3

by Sahreth 'Baphy' Bowden

In Malook's absence, the rebellion moves forward with its plans. While John is focused on the battle and protecting his new daughter, Connie continuously attempts to reconcile their alien friend as a villain. Sulru struggles with his betrayal, seeking to drown him out of her mind with anger so that she may start anew with her past lover, Zofra. Tensions and conflict are on the rise, leaving the entire group in a state of fear and uncertainty...and oddly enough, hope.

But the Empress won't go down easily. What vile acts will she resort to in order to keep her power? How will the Emperor react? As the rebellion fights for control, new enemies are discovered which divide their attention from the primary goal. Soldiers, citizens, and rebels alike question who is truly responsible for the current chaos of their world and if any of it will be worthwhile in the end. As friends fall and good intentions are challenged, how will Galdelier know which path is right?

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2021

About the author

Born in Arkansas' southern delta region in the early 90's, I was raised in an extremely conservative and sheltered environment that did not look kindly on those who were different, such as myself: a non-religious, pansexual weirdo with alternative fashion sense. Psychiatry wasn't very supported either, leading me to struggle through my youthful years with undiagnosed schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression. As a teenager, I started secretly delving into forbidden books and websites to learn more about the world. Learning continues to be a passion to this day and being physically disabled has given me plenty of time to study. Upon leaving home after graduating high school and acquiring my psychiatric diagnoses, I steered my lifelong interest in writing to stories that promote understanding and nurture compassion, whether in the form of mental health advocacy or a COEXIST mindset across all spiritual beliefs.

In writing, I prefer to focus on character development rather than genre. I want characters to be felt and I want readers to either connect with the characters emotionally or come to understand something about the way others work psychologically. It has been a while since I published because I am seeking traditional representation at this time.

In reading, I'm interested in narrative nonfiction and everything fiction. I'm a book reviewer for indie, beginning, or otherwise 'small time' authors. I have found so many hidden gems over these last few years.

Education over fear; understanding over hatred.

Find out more about me and my work at http://baphy1428.com
or follow @baphy1428 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads

Reviews

[Nick Braker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story chronicles the lives of several people, both alien and human, who find themselves embroiled in a revolution that started decades earlier. Both humans and vampires struggle for the right to exist as equals both to each other and ultimately between worlds. The author is an amazing storyteller and easily pulled me into his world, recounting the joys and heartaches that each experience. I have to mention that the parallel to our real world struggles, here on Earth, is not lost on me and I'm sure the foundation of the story is based on that. Kudos!
This Sci-Fi story is as realistic as it gets. The characters' have their own goals and desires... driven by both who they are and the experiences in their lives that changed them. The author does an amazing job in describing the histories and present day actions from characters that are believable and true to themselves. John, Connie, Malook, and a host of others fight for equality against an empire clinging to slavery and bigotry.
Book 3 completes the present characters' fight and goes on to briefly discuss the realities of the human condition. One that entails the constant struggle against oppression and hardships, with each generation picking up the mantel to continue the fight for good. I struggled with the ending as I wanted to follow their lives further, but the author found a way to 'close the book' in a very epic way... the revelation of how much each character came to respect and admire a single individual whose life experiences were hellish, but persevered through those horrors to be the instrument of salvation for all of them. I'm not crying... okay, yeah, I am. Brilliant.