In the world of literature, stories emerge from the passions of writers who yearn to share captivating tales with eager readers. For me, that passion was ignited at childhood and led to the creation of the Linked series, a thrilling trilogy set in an Urban Fantasy world, tinged with supernatural wonders. This epic journey draws inspiration from the magic of science fiction and the mysterious allure of the animal kingdom. Linked, and each book that followed, became a tale of courage, growth, and unexpected connections. Linked helped me explore my writing journey and adventure. The invaluable lessons learned and the exhilaration of crafting a series added to my passion for storytelling.

 The journey of Linked began a year after I published my first science fiction novel, The Orb. As much as I wanted to continue with the science fiction genre, I wasn’t confident that my writing would be as original as I’d hoped. With this in mind, I was driven to explore different genres. I ventured into the enchanting realm of Urban Fantasy, infused with a spine-tingling touch of Supernatural Suspense. It was during this voyage of creativity that Linked was born—a spellbinding tale revolving around a traumatized and introverted child, whose life intertwines fatefully with that of a mystical kitten. Little did he know that this enigmatic feline shared supernatural gifts, allowing them to perceive the world through the mysterious lens of a cat.

 I sought to create a reluctant protagonist endowed with extraordinary powers. However, giving a quiet child powers was the first challenge. The answer came in a long-ago pet I always believed had special abilities. Thus, the concept of mind-reading was born—a gift befitting a tale where animals’ intuition melds with the human soul. The connection between man and beast became paramount, and our young hero, Tommy, was bestowed with the wondrous ability to peer into the thoughts of others. To capture this visual magic, I envisioned a mesmerizing display of projected images and ripples of thoughts that would emanate from people and objects, pulling readers into an immersive experience.

 Drawing inspiration from the enigmatic nature of cats, I sought to elevate Tommy’s feline companion, Snowy, with an extraordinary ability. My first choice was invisibility. I remember losing track of cat companions over the years, wondering how they could vanish without a sound. However, I soon embraced the allure of teleportation. This remarkable power helped Tommy overcome the boundaries of childhood, granting both Tommy and Snowy freedom no one else could match.

 In the grand tapestry of hero stories, loss often serves as a catalyst for transformation. Linked embraces this tradition, as Tommy grapples with the haunting absence of his father from the very start. The miracle of Snowy’s escape from drowning adds more questions for another time, leaving the reader to wonder about the fate of Snowy’s siblings. These shared experiences forge the foundation for Tommy and Snowy to emerge from the depths of their traumas as they begin their destinies as heroes. I also wanted to maintain forward momentum with the series and readers found our heroes growing older with each novel, allowing them to mature and evolve across the series.

 I planted many seeds of foreshadowing and hid clues throughout the series. Hints about Tommy’s future, glimpses into Snowy’s past, and fragments of Tommy’s father were woven into each book. This provided rewards for readers with many revelations and surprises, inviting them to unlock the mysteries that await.

 With a child and a cat as the heart of the tale, the narrative posed unique challenges. Alongside perils like kidnappers, killers, and the specter of school shootings, I delved deep into the everyday fears of an introverted child. Themes of bullying, loss of friends, solitude, and depression added emotional depth, defying any neat categorization within the young adult genre. The Linked trilogy embarks on a darker path than most. In Linked, the traumas of childhood are faced while introducing a beloved pet and companion. This soon takes an unpredictable turn with Ripples Of Mind, where Tommy’s gifts become both a blessing and a curse. This leads to the emotional crescendo in Echoes Of Innocence, where Tommy endures a personal loss that rivals the tragedy of his father’s death. This creates a separation from Snowy that allows both Tommy and Snowy to grow as individuals, ultimately highlighting their unbreakable bond and the strength they draw from each other.

 As the Linked trilogy reached its conclusion, I discovered an undeniable love for writing and crafting interconnected tales. The process of weaving the intricate destinies of each character became an irresistible draw. Fueled by this newfound passion, I resolved to continue spinning tales that are interconnected, promising readers an immersive journey that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary.

 The inception of Linked marked an extraordinary milestone in my writing odyssey. Fueled by the love of science fiction, urban fantasy and the allure of animals; this series weaves a tapestry of remarkable abilities, personal growth, and the enduring power of connection. As readers embark on this thrilling adventure, I invite them to delve into the resilience of a child’s spirit, the intricacies of the bonds we share with animals, and the triumph of heroes forged in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

 The Linked series is available on Amazon. Your embrace of these first tales warms my heart. I always welcome feedback, reviews, and comments. Stay tuned by visiting alexgzarate.com and feel free to engage with me on social media platforms. I can always be found under alexgzarate. I’m grateful to have you join me into a world where the extraordinary awaits, and the spirits of heroes are forever Linked.

Below are the trailers I've created for Linked.  I will be creating new ones with the latest cover designs and a few additional visuals. Now that I work with videos and images on a regular basis, I can do things I could only have dreamt of those many years ago.  (Gotta love finding new ways to share)

The last trailer is a teaser I created.  A little less detailed but hopefully can still draw the viewer in.