Bullet Rain
Bullet Rain is a full-length sci-fi saga that merges the thrill of fiction with deep reflections on sociopolitical turmoil. This saga is more than just a story; it’s a journey that not only delights but also inspires.
Warning: Spoiler Alert!
The Story
The narrative of Bullet Rain revolves around Leon, a university student with a burning desire to overthrow a totalitarian regime. His ambitions seem unattainable until he crosses paths with Blackbird, an extraordinary character who is both a brilliant physics student and an avid gambler. Blackbird’s fascination with gambling stems from his passion for randomness, a concept he explores deeply in his research. He has even invented a device capable of reverting predetermined dice rolls back to a state of unpredictability. While Blackbird uses this device to enhance his gambling endeavours, Leon sees in it the potential for something greater—a tool to realise his dream of revolution.
However, Leon’s path to overthrowing the government is fraught with moral dilemmas and steep sacrifices. To succeed, he may have to pay a heavy price, risking the lives of hundreds, including his closest allies and, inevitably, Blackbird himself.
Worldbuilding
In crafting the universe of Bullet Rain, I’ve strived to create a sci-fi world that is both imaginative and grounded in rationality. This balance is achieved by hinging on the concept of randomness, serving as the cornerstone of a philosophical and historical debate: Is the course of our existence and the state of our world predetermined, or are they shaped by a series of random occurrences? This question then opens the door to the concept of parallel worlds, a notion that further enriches the narrative: If destiny governs our world, what significance do our efforts and struggles hold? Conversely, if randomness shapes our existence, does that reduce the most cherished human emotion, love, to a mere byproduct of chance?
In Bullet Rain, these themes are not just explored but are woven into the fabric of the story, challenging the reader to contemplate the very nature of reality and human experience.
Characters
One of the key challenges in Bullet Rain was managing a vast cast of characters integral to the narrative’s complexity. To address this, my approach was character-first; I began by sculpting the core group, the major characters of the story. This foundational layer guided me in understanding what supporting characters were necessary to fully flesh out the major characters’ personalities and stories.
From this starting point, I developed the second circle of characters, expanding the narrative ecosystem. This process continued, organically growing through the third and fourth circles, each layer adding depth and connectivity to the story. The final layer, the fifth circle, consists of background characters—present in the world, but less prominent in the narrative.
This systematic yet creative approach resulted in a diverse and interconnected ensemble, where each character, no matter how small their role, contributes to the broader portrayal and development of others.
Troops and Battles
In Bullet Rain, conflicts range from ancient tactics outsmarting state-of-the-art weaponry to non-lethal methods overcoming real guns. These sci-fi-style confrontations are seamlessly woven into the storyline, offering an exciting reading experience.
While these battles are thrilling, they also play a crucial role in character development and advancing the story. Each confrontation is a defining moment, unveiling and shaping the characters’ depths, relationships, and evolving dynamics. In this saga, the battles stand out, not merely for their action-packed sequences but for their significant impact on the narrative’s progression.
Endnote
Throughout my writing career, spanning both fiction and non-fiction, my style has evolved periodically. These changes often reflect my shifting objectives: at times focusing on entertainment to attract a broader readership, and at other times adopting a deeper, more literary approach for greater depth and introspection.
However, I’ve come to realise that these two elements—entertainment and depth—need not be mutually exclusive. Reflecting on the works that have profoundly influenced me, I find that the most impactful stories often masterfully blend these aspects. Consider Terranigma (1995, SNES), a game that is as enjoyable as it is thought-provoking in its exploration of our world’s creation. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) is as terrifying as it is insightful, inviting us to delve into the nature of horror. Similarly, Liu Cixin’s sci-fi The Three-Body Problem (2008) captivates with its extraordinary narrative while also engaging readers in contemplation about the future of human civilization. These are the types of works that I hold in the highest regard.
In creating Bullet Rain, I have endeavoured to achieve this synthesis. Bullet Rain is my testament to the belief that a story can be simultaneously enjoyable and profoundly meaningful.