Cries of the Disillusioned

Cries of the Disillusioned is a nihilistic space opera that explores how humanity’s arrival on the galactic scene reshapes the galaxy, mostly for the worse, over a period of 100+ years. Each book takes place several decades apart from the previous one, featuring a mostly new set of characters. This means each installment may be treated as a standalone, though it's still recommended to read them in linear order. Book 1: Dark Horizon The peaceful albeit aristocratic alliance of alien races known as the Galactic Union has proven successful in its thousand-year effort of building a prosperous galactic community. But all that changes dramatically for the worse when Union science gives birth to a revolutionary new warp drive, suddenly granting access to the aptly named 'Unstable Regions'. A trio of brave aliens working for the infamous Exploration Division is bullied by the Union’s highest authorities into testing the experimental drive: Agozi, an adventurous if not snarky female belonging to the cat-like Mevik race of aliens, her Captain and lover, Kaz, and the intelligent but fragile Xeno-psychologist Zelana Song belonging to the batlike Langa species. While their haphazard quest appears to be successful initially, things quickly go wrong when their journey places them into direct contact with an unimaginably dangerous and barbaric new race. That race is Humankind. Book 2: TBA Release schedule: Chapters are usually uploaded every 3-4 weeks. ETA for Book 2: Act 1: Q4 -- 2026.  The series features original artwork. Author's Disclaimer: After receiving feedback from several readers regarding the story's pacing, I feel it necessary to add the following disclaimer. This is a slower paced series than some of you might be accustomed to, focusing on character growth and a gradual narrative build-up. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action adventure in space, it might not be your cup of tea. Cautionary Note about the Setting: Since reviewers keep making a big deal out of this, I'll clarify it explicitly: this series has the grimdark tag for a reason. And it's not the watered-down kind where the setting is merely bleak for atmosphere. This is actual, genuine grimdark. Reading these books will make you depressed. One critical reviewer described it as "Idiocracy without the parody," which honestly isn't far off. Likewise, there is no attempt to pander to the reader's insecurities by softening the world. The characters are flawed, abrasive, and written to feel like products of whatever society (human or non-human) they inhabit, regardless of how triggering that may be. That's simply how this dystopian world works, which apparently upsets some people. If that doesn't sound like your thing, that's fine, but be aware of what you're getting into before you start reading. Take it or leave it.