Frank Almendra is set to release two compelling novels in 2025, each exploring vastly different worlds yet bound by themes of survival, transformation, and resilience.
Far Beyond the Ocean takes readers on a captivating journey through the 18th and 19th centuries, weaving history, romance, action, and adventure into a masterful tapestry. At its heart is the Albergaz family, whose fate is intertwined with some of the most pivotal events in Portuguese/Brazilian and world history: the devastating Lisbon earthquake, the political rise of the Marquês de Pombal, the regicide of Portugal’s king, the upheaval of the French Revolution, the Portuguese royal family's escape to Brazil, and the colony’s long struggle for independence. Against a backdrop of intrigue, betrayal, and upheaval, the Albergaz family must navigate loss and reinvention in a rapidly changing world. Frank crafts a vibrant and emotionally charged historical narrative that explores the strength of familial bonds, the resilience needed to overcome adversity, and the human capacity to forge new paths. Spanning continents from Europe to South America, the book is an epic saga of survival and rebirth, proving that even in the face of life’s fiercest storms, hope and a prosperous future can be found Far Beyond the Ocean. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, this novel marks the arrival of a promising literary voice set to inspire and move readers.
It will be available in both English and Portuguese by the end of the year.
The Hemisphere is a gripping dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world reduced to ashes by nuclear war. The last 10,000 survivors have spent nearly three centuries sealed beneath a massive glass dome on a remote island, shielded from the bleak, irradiated wasteland outside. Holographic projections have long concealed the grim reality, maintaining the illusion of golden sunrises and starry nights. But as resources dwindle and cracks form in the dome, the illusion begins to fail. On the annual Day of Truth—when the projections are shut off, and the colony is forced to face the real, desolate sky—unrest ignites. Secrets unravel, betrayals come to light, and a shocking revelation changes everything: for the first time, radiation levels outside may be survivable. As rebellion brews and their fragile world collapses, humanity faces an impossible choice—cling to the safety of a failing sanctuary or risk everything for the chance at rebirth.
A thought-provoking, plot-driven dystopian novel, The Hemisphere explores themes of survival, control, and the power of truth. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Station Eleven, and The Maze Runner, this compelling tale will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into a world where hope and despair collide and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
The Hemisphere is slated for release in the first half of the year via Amazon Books in Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle formats.
Besides writing, he is a Brazilian musician who lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three kids. Known for his talent, versatility, and graceful blend of rhythms, he brings a rich diversity to his songwriting. In Brazil, he is known as Ico Almendra.
Writing songs in both English and Portuguese, Frank is an active member of several local Brazilian music acts, as well as other musical genres, performing live on a weekly basis. He also works as a studio session musician. Proficient in acoustic and electric guitars, cavaquinho (four-string), and Brazilian viola (ten-string), he seamlessly navigates between genres.
Drawing from his deep musical roots in Brazil and his love for American music, Frank creates recordings and performances that leave audiences wanting more.