My favorite sci-fi stories are the ones that have compelling characters. Strong, thoughtful, interesting characters can breathe new life into even the most commonly used settings and tropes. That’s what I aimed for when creating the core cast of the Neskan Chronicles. Pouring my heart into crafting Adan, Bo, Garun, and Jenra allowed me to build more than just a thrilling sci-fi adventure. It let me explore the intricacies of human connection, showing how love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and familial—serves as the ultimate strength. These characters are the beating heart of the world, each one reflecting the universal truths we all seek on our own journeys.
As we get ready to announce book four of the Neskan Chronicles, I have to say that shepherding the growth of a character like Adan has been a true labor of love.
Once a lowly laundry worker, Adan Testa now wields the incredible power of lost Colony Tech. But his true strength is his unwavering loyalty to his found family. He’s gone from dreaming of the world beyond the shadow of the Osbak Mountains to traveling the length and breadth of Neska seeking the truth of his existence. Hunted at every turn, his resilience tested as he fights not just for survival, but for justice, Adan has grown beyond his simple life and become a true leader.
Bo Shen has been a steadfast best friend and reliable presence for Adan throughout his journey. In Adan’s queer experience, Bo’s friendship highlights the importance of love beyond romance. He provides Adan with a crucial sense of non-romantic intimacy, and a strong foundation of trust and understanding that supports him through hardship. While Adan carries the weight of destiny and newfound power, Bo offers unwavering loyalty and a grounding perspective. Their deep connection proves that love takes many forms, and that true friendship is an enduring strength in Adan’s life.
Jenra Tabata is many things to Adan. She’s an ally, a mentor, and a friend. Perhaps, most importantly, she’s the wisest of Adan’s companions. Like all of Adan’s friends, she serves as a grounding force and connection to the world around him. But his former training squad leader turned best friend’s girlfriend also shares a deeper understanding of the issues facing Adan with a direct, no-nonsense approach that makes it easier for him to understand.
For Adan, his smart armor is more than just a suit. It’s a character. It’s the power he inherited from a forgotten past, turning an ordinary young person into a force to be reckoned with. But it’s also a heavy burden, pushing him to his limits, sometimes dictating his choices and blurring the lines of his own control. As he fights for answers, it forces him to confront the brutal costs of heroism and reshapes the very meaning of who he is.
