My next book, Dark Vector, will be released on February 4. This book will make a transition to include some new characters in David Slaton’s world.
Thanks to #1 New York Times Bestselling author Brad Thor for the great review of Dark Vector!
One of the challenges in creating contemporary thrillers is to “look ahead,” to predict where the world’s new hot spots are developing. Here are a few of the geopolitical trends that went into the making of Dark Vector.
The New Axis: Military, economic, and political goals are increasingly driving state actors into alliances of convenience. The most striking in recent years is the deepening ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These nations share varied but parallel grievances with the West, and are supporting one another via exchanges of natural resources, military technology, and diplomacy. Dark Vector takes their cooperation to the next level, putting the superiority of Western air power at risk.
Corruption and Kleptocracy: The commonality among New Axis nations are regimes that maintain power through cronyism and the misappropriation of national wealth. This is nothing new for any of these countries, but in Dark Vector I’ve highlighted the complications that arise when upper-level leaders ignore the good of the people in favor of self-preservation.
The Ukraine War: The War in Ukraine has been running for well over two years, and the human cost on both sides has been horrendous. Even if it were to end tomorrow, the effects will be felt for a generation. And as is true for all conflicts, deep personal tragedies, which might otherwise be lost in the greater fog, can sometimes alter the course of world events.