Bolts of Leadership: Alien Fighters Book 1 (DISCUSSION TIME!!!)

 

So, I’ve been deliberately holding off on talking about this book (even though it’s what I really wanted to post right after the blog makeover two days ago).

But I had my reasons!

First, I needed to make sure you all were familiar with the series premise (read this post if you’re not), and those buggy alien terms too (check out this post if your brain melts every time I say “Mystarmour”).

But now… it’s finally time. Time to meet the first book in the series I’ve been hyping forever. The book that has been giving me all sort of writer trouble imaginable.

Bolts of Leadership!!!

Meet the MC: Cleophas “Cleo” Macklin

He just got a mysterious (and super dusty) scholarship letter to a high-tech martial arts school on Mount Tams: Tamalpais Academy of Martial Science (aka TAMS).

But guess what? He doesn’t want to go.

Can you blame him? He doesn’t think he’s fighter material. Not built for it. He’s Black, scrawny, easy to pound into pancakes. Only sport he ever did well in back in elementary school was running.

But that’s exactly why he got the letter. His speed? Unbeatable.

His mom (they're broke and struggling, we clear?) forces him to accept, hoping the opportunity will help them both. But Cleo’s in for a surprise. Not only is he destined to be the team’s speedster and lightning hurler (aka the Phoenix Bearer), he also ends up being chosen as their leader.

He doesn’t want that either. 

(Grudging hero alert)

Especially since there’s the looming threat of eviction back home. His mom’s job was disturbed during the first Rokus attack, and now she can’t pay rent. 😢

But as Cleo steps into leadership, more sinister forces rise, and soon, his best friend wants the leadership role too. 👀

Meet the Team (Mystarmour Bearers):

There are four heroes total, because one of the Mystarmours was destroyed in the last war like i said in “Alien Fighters: What's it about? Post”. (Or was it? 😏)

Christabel Aim: Kitsune Bearer. (Lazy).

Amanda Shawl: Griffin Bearer. (Aggressive).

David Key: Salamander Bearer. (Mischievous).

Don't worry, we’ll do a character spotlight on each of them later. You’ll love it.

Though, my vision for Alien Fighters is a five-book series (and then... spin-offs... comics... movie deals... alien-themed cereal boxes... sigh 🛸✨).

But each book will follow a different hero as they navigate their slice of life while also trying to save the world. This includes the Dolphin Bearer… whom we shall not speak of yet.

What to Expect in Book 1:

Action

Heart

Humor

Grief

First crushes

Shocking secrets

Epic elemental battles

Basically, all the things that make a great middle grade book, plus aliens. Lots of aliens.

Questions to Ponder On:

What really happened to Cleo’s best friend?

What does it have to do with Prince Xoxan?

Will Cleo save his home?

Can he handle the pressure of leadership?

You’ll have to read to find out…

IF the book ever meets the world. 😩

I’m still stuck in the whole querying/editing phase (ugh! I’ll tell you all about the process later), but don’t worry, our first excerpt drops tomorrow. 🥳

So, back to YOU:

What do you think of the story so far? Good? Bad? Get a grip?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m ready for anything.

(Okay maybe not anything... but I’ll try 😅)

—Henry✌️