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What is the criteria for an author/work to be considered for the Literary Compass?
Literature - Your series must be primarily literature based. There are many works which now incorporate different mediums such as lit, art, comics, music, etc. to create a rounded entertainment experience. For this article, the featured author/series must have a strong literary focus. We do not accept web-comics or other primarily visual-art works.
First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been supporting this series and the group. I am excited at the feedback the article has been receiving and the show of support for the authors and works featured. We hope to continue publishing the series throughout the year, and I have plans for periodic "special articles", too. Stay tuned for more word on that.
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Barricade by *Know-Kname FANTASTIC FOUR colors by ~dmonkey1000 Poison Ivy by ~payno0 The Punisher by ~FrankAKadar Icon and Rocket by ~torch73 Z is for Zatanna by ~jksketch Loki by ~TooLackadaisical Wasp by *SirTiefling dsc 51 - Alfred Pennyworth by ~Biram-Ba Harvey Dent by ~DiegoOlortegui
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Welcome
If one is looking for Literature, you don't need to go far on deviantART. There is a large community of writers and a plethora of work to peruse. Featuring genres such as fantasy, mystery, horror, and romance, one would be hard-pressed to find an area not covered. However, due to the nature of the site, shorter works tend to get more focus. It's easier to quickly read a poem or a short story, and thus many of the feature articles on dA showcase those works. However, there are many novelists and serial writers among the mix, oftentimes fighting an uphill battle to have their works seen and appreciated.
With that in mind, I have started an article to spotlight some of those artists and their literary-worlds. The works covered in this feature will exclusively be long-form fiction such as novels, trilogies, etc., or fiction serials. This article series currently publishes on a tri-weekly basis.
Current Stop - The Interstellar Covenanted States
Our fifth stop on our Literary journey is the Solaris System, located in a far corner of the Milky Way--an area filled with conflict and war as democracy struggles to remain the guiding force of its inhabitants. Welcome to the World of The Covenanted States created by Isaac Thomas Riley (~The-Port-of-Riches) and featured in the novel series "Pulse of the Universe."
What better way to find out what a book is about than reading the back cover. Grab the virtual paperback and flip it over to see what the Pulse of the Universe is about...
"There is war in the Milky Way as two galactic empires battle in the dangers of the deep. The democratic Interstellar Covenanted States forms in an unremarkable suburb of stars in the outer rim known as the Solaris. They fight among themselves regarding how and who should control this democracy. All the while a massive slave nation known as Atlantis threatens the whole of democracy and those allied to it in the central Milky Way. Democracy spreads farther than the nation that formed it. Atlantis strikes with fearsome vengeance as the Covenanted States uncovers the seeds of its past.
Even as the two countries fight and hidden evils are awakened, the pulse of the universe has never been stronger. On the brink of defeat, democracy finds itself stranded on the very worlds that formed it. As it wails in misery and the onslaught of Atlantis, the unveiling truth stumbled upon decades ago is realized.
Read on as the Interstellar Covenanted States and her alliances fight for their survival, as they fight against the evil unleashed by fascism on and off their worlds, and feel the Pulse of the Universe through seven books of science fiction glory, and define the meaning of friendship, courage and liberty in the shoes of nations."
“...I have never spoken a word in my six years of service to this senate – because the causes of my people – of our people – have been ignored. Because the causes are being swept underneath the most foulest of rugs and the most darkest of corners. Factually, I have voted for every cause that would help make our society better, and yet to everyone else in these hallowed halls, they were nothing more than a night at the theater". - Senator Malkon of Costellon
Excerpts
Of course, the best way to learn about a Literary World is to visit it yourself. Here are some works from series, Pulse of the Universe, to help whet your appetite. (Note that the first two thumbs do not appear due to matur filter, which has been placed on the pieces as they deal with sensitive ideological subjects.)
Book 7 - Prologue
[The Bastion Of Freedom]
Bright and glistening in the light of the distant and youthful sun, Planet Costellon sat. Over four times the size of our Earth, yet earth-like in every way, the young planet was. Her two massive landmasses, Genetia and Nadian, were prime examples of the fertility of the land long since tamed and mastered by the race of men whom it sustained. Yet something odd on this now peaceful world kept many people going. A recent discovery under the ruins of a temple now going on it's four hundredth year. An ancient relic of ancient beliefs and superstitions, this temple was atop another, far more ancient place of worship know
Book 4 - Chapter 1[Last Day Of Reconstruction]
9:00 AM, Amani Unus Time. August 6th, 5771/2371
City Of Amani Unus, Planet Costellon
Interstellar Covenanted States
1945 Naez Road, Bakah District
Hash-Nadasem City Library, Freedom Square
The skyline of Amani Unus looked very different several months ago. Since the invasion, private companies were called in to rebuild the city. An effort that brought the once slagging economy to a jump start, and brought in billions of jobs. The people were quick to rebuild the city, a process that was made somber by the fact that two-thirds of the city's population was now dead, and workers had to be brought in from othe
ICS National Poem - Valousa A Pacif
In The Valley Of Peace (Nas Na Valousa 'A Pacif)
Poem By Delgada Mons – 1803 AD/ 2103 CE
Translated By Isaac Thomas Riley – 2011 AD/ 2371 CE
In the Valley Of Peace, unto god we are!
A sacred ablution, for we are the ones of love and peace
Unto the heart we have become, from the way of war to the path of peace
We are the sojourners!
In the Valley Of Peace we are, seekers of the way, players unto the harp strings of love!
The ones of tolerance!
The harbors of happiness!
They who come from the skies, unto which every head shall see them fear not!
A port awaits in the Valley of Peace, for every head shall see them, and make c
Pulse of the Universe Art
Literary Universes are worlds created out of words on pages, but many authors now expand beyond that. Creating or commissioning art of their characters and settings is a way to help enrich the reading experience for their fans, as well as help inspire the creators themselves. We asked the creator to pick out three of his favorite pieces and tell us why they are so special to him.
1. This image showcases the similiarities in technology between the super power of Sparta and it's ICS allies.
2. ICS space ship classes as of Book Seven. Showcasing the massive technology of the democracy.
3. Founded by Planet Costellon, the Intergalactic Nations is the UN of the Universal Era. Atlantis has never joined nor petitioned to join this alliance. In fact, those who have joined it, do so in the full knowledge that democracy is losing the fight, and they will soon be picked off.
"...Father god,” Isaac began. “Who art in heaven, who leads us to green pastures; and whose light guides us everlasting; I ask for your forgiveness for the transgressions of the Interstellar Covenant. I ask that you not forsaken us in our time of need, and show that I myself bow down before you. That Interstellar Covenanted States humbles before your works and your wisdom. Amen.” He looked up, as the troops all said “Amen.” and saluted their commander. “God speed, and give them hell,” he said, as a TIV landed behind him...” - Head of State Isaac Thomas Riley
Interview
The second-best way to learn about a literary work is to talk to the creator. Isaac Thomas Riley was nice enough to sit down for a Q&A about her series and other works.
Please introduce yourself. My name is Isaac Thomas Riley, of Boston Massachusetts. I currently live somewhere in Raleigh, North Carolina. My nick name, the Port Of Riches, regards my belief in the sanctity of imagination and the idea that the mind is like a port city. Accepting all who bring ideas into its fold.
How long have you been writing?I've been writing since I was twelve years old. Around 2003 was when I started writing. My current series however, wouldn't be started until I was sixteen. Likely around 2006 or 2007. I am twenty-two years of age.
Tell us a little about your novel/series?My novel series has a lot to do with the battles I face with my schizophrenic demons. I'm very stable now, but the bad memories persist. So rather than drive myself mad, I figured I'd write about them in a way that was coherent and made sense to me.
The Pulse of the Universe is a project that is set in the exact same time period as we are now, though that time span may seem different due to the calenders in use by the nations of the day. It follows the path of one nation through the eyes of many different characters both old fashioned and contemporary. Seven books tell the story of the fledgling Interstellar Covenanted States. It's history, present and future; and teaches lessons for everyday readers as I have learned them in a most humble of fashions.
When/How did you come up with the idea of your novel/series?My best friend ~soundwave3591 and I both came up with the series and occasionally use each others ideas, back in 2006.
Who are your two favorite characters and why? (Yes, I know picking only two is hard.)Oh, it's so hard! My two favorite characters are
1) Jaquelin Mass - She's based off a friend of mine who I know and am very close to. She has that friend's beauty and humility, but my mother's loving nature.
2) Uliye-David Al'lon - Uliye is based off me personally. He is schizophrenic like me, and is certainly my alter ego. Uliye however, has a dogged personality that can't be defeated, and a sense of purpose and wisdom that few can penetrate.
What’s one of the best compliments you’ve gotten on the novel/series?People tell my my series is very in-depth and developed.
What would you estimate the readership of the work has been/is?Probably just my family and best friends ~soundwave3591 and ~Princess-Meta. I feel people mostly see more of the artwork than the written work though.
Just for fun, if you could pick an actor or actress to pay the lead protagonist and antagonist, who would you choose?Jennifer Lawrence to play Jaquelin Mass. Will Smith to play Uliye.
Aside from this novel/series, what are some of the other works you’ve done (if any)?I've started a related series recently. An idea called The Citadel, to discuss the times pan of events eons BEFORE the Pulse Of The Universe.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?The finished result. But I so do love the process of writing and seeing the ideas flow before me as I'm writing them in.
What are your goals for the series/novel?I'd love to publish my series as four novels and three graphic novels on Lulu.com before branching out into other markets and mediums for the project.
Final words?Well, I'd say go on ahead and read. Take from it what you will and share it! The whole point of me writing is to share my ideas on whatever mediums I have the intelligence to share. I hope you all can take from my ideas what you will and share my work responsibly.
"In her mind, Jaquelin was trying to assess the situation. She was panicked. Her body felt as though it were hit by an atom bomb, and she felt her entire left side was painfully numb. She couldn't feel her left arm which felt like it was torn off, and she could hardly feel the left side of her hip. Crying, she remembered Amani Unus. The city that two years ago ended her innocence. Was she going to die in the city of her birth? In Diana? She heard someone say something. “Medic! We need a god damned medic in here!” She awoke slightly, breathing calmly. “I got you Jaquelin. Hold my hand,” she heard Uliye say. “I got you.” His voice sounded calm. Almost sweet and yet commanding. She grabbed his hand and held it tight even as she passed out. Never letting go as she felt herself being lifted by a cloud ever so gently. Ever so peacefully.” -Head Of State Acting Jaquelin Mass in Knod
Want More?
You can follow the Pulse of the Universe series through ~The-Port-of-Riches deviantART page, as well as through the website
More Compass?
You can view past editions of the series here ---> [link]If you would like to recommend a novel or series to be considered for Literary Compass, please drop me a note. A series or novel must have a deviantART base , be fairly established, have supporting art, and offer some 2-3 excerpts/literary pieces for reading. You MAY self-suggest your own work.
Guidelines and FAQ for the series can be found here ---> [link]
Credits
Commissioned journal CSS and map background created by `GillianIvy Coding modified and formatted by `Ravenswd Art featured in article courtesy of ~The-Port-of-Riches
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