Fantastic Elite Fiction Launch goes from Fantasy Star System to Real Planetarium

June 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Following stratospheric progress of the first book in its authorised Elite fiction series, Elite: Mostly Harmless by Kate Russell, Fantastic Books Publishing has set its next one on its way. Drew Wagar's, Elite: Reclamation charts galactic intrigue and betrayal in the Prism system of the Elite universe.

Dan Grubb, CEO of Fantastic Books Publishing says of Drew's book, 'Elite: Reclamation was the first of the Elite series that we signed up. I already knew Drew from his contribution to our anthology, Fusion, so I knew he could write good science-fiction. We signed him on the basis of a synopsis and a few sample chapters, which is unusual, but I never had any doubts and the book is a winner. It's an excellent read and a gripping story.'

All the authorised fiction must be set in the Elite universe and must adhere to specific rules. Was this a difficult restriction for an author?

Not for Drew Wagar who has been an avid adherent of the game since it first came out in the 1980s. 'Elite changed the landscape of computer gaming,' says Drew. 'From the standard three lives and you're out, the game opened up a whole universe in which you could play for years. And although Elite: Reclamation had to be set within the world of the game, I was allowed to create my own star system and I did just that.'

And Prism, the star system Drew created for Elite: Reclamation, could actually exist. Author Drew is a keen amateur astronomer who says, 'I work hard to make my writing as scientifically accurate as I can.' Does this put restrictions on his imagination when he's writing in what is after all a fantasy world? Drew shakes his head. 'No, this is fiction. The story comes first. But it's important that it's credible, that the reader can believe in it, or the story won't grip them.'

It looks like Drew got the right balance. Not only do initial reviews of Elite: Reclamation heap praise on the book calling it ‘an absolute belter of a space opera’ and ‘a rip roaring space adventure’ but one review explicitly praises ‘the attention it gives to being real.’

Having built his own star system, where does Drew go from here? It turns out he’s staying with the stars but leaving fantasy behind. His next project will be built from real bricks and mortar. He is currently raising funds for a planetarium and observatory in his home town.

Drew will appearing at Fantasticon in August in Hull where Fantastic Books Publishing will be holding a fantasy and sci-fi extravaganza featuring celebrities from the worlds of Elite, Star Wars and Dr Who. Included will be an official launch party for Drew, Kate and all their authorised Elite fiction authors. https://www.facebook.com/events/715235208506964/