Space to grow: local author expands the universe

Provided.

Ever since local author Lorena Para first introduced Orinthia Anton in "The Fera," readers have been whisked away to a universe of cosmic intrigue and high-stakes adventure. Now, with a third book on the way, "The Fallen Hunters," fans of the Space Marauder Chronicles can look forward to an even more intense, character-driven tale of alliances, betrayal and personal discovery.

Slated for release in May 2025 and currently available for pre-order on Amazon, "The Fallen Hunters" promises to launch readers into uncharted territory. This time, Orinthia is forced to team up with those who despise her. Drawing on the events of "The Gravity of Elendoras," the new installment explores the repercussions of that previous mission and sets the stage for a web of complex challenges only hinted at before.

"This is a totally new style of writing for me," says Para. "My previous books have all been in single POV. I really wanted to explore the universe I created through one of my favorite character's eyes without completely cutting Orinthia off from the story. It is my first time writing dual POV, but I'm excited to see where it's going."

The dual perspective gives readers unprecedented insight into Kos's personal conflicts, as he wrestles with loyalty, trauma and the fear of losing Orinthia. Meanwhile, Orinthia finds her own limits tested, caught between her sister's deadly rivalry and a mission that could topple the galactic government. A mysterious crew further complicates her mission, proving that trust is often the scarcest resource of all.

"'The Fallen Hunters' will be a transition for the entire series," Para continues. "This may or may not be the last time we focus solely on these two characters. I don't mean we're going to leave them out forever, but I've created many characters that have stories to tell, and I think this shift in perspective gives me that opportunity without restarting the series."

At the time of writing, the manuscript for "The Fallen Hunters" is still in progress, with Para diligently crafting new chapters each day and aiming to complete the first draft by late January 2025. Whether you're already enthralled by Orinthia's epic journey or simply looking for a fresh sci-fi saga to dive into, this book is set to push the boundaries of interstellar storytelling one star at a time.

You can pre-order "The Fallen Hunters" and pick up the first two installments of the Space Marauder Chronicles now on Amazon.

Para resides in Golden Hills with her husband and two kids. She has a passion for science fiction, blending high-stakes adventure with real world emotions. Inspired by movies like "Star Wars" and "Treasure Planet," she brings her imaginative storytelling to readers, crafting characters and worlds that captivate and resonate. If you'd like to follow her author journey and peek into her process, Para can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Threads as TheShortWriter.