A review of old man’s war by John Scalzi, a seminal work of science fiction with an unusual twist: It is the elderly, given newly cloned and enhanced bodies, that fight wars for earth throughout the galaxy. The transition is a wonderful insight into the human condition. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell ..read more

Onesimus: A Novel of Early Christianity in the Roman Empire, by Markus McDowell, is a riveting historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the first century Roman Empire. The novel centers around the character of Onesimus, a slave who seeks freedom through a nefarious scheme. When betrayed, he runs away, trying to navigate complex socio-political-religious landscape of the Roman Empire. Onesimus' journey offers a compelling exploration of faith, identity, freedom, and the human spirit against the backdrop of one of the most transformative periods in human history ..read more

A book review of Lois McMaster Bujold’s Labyrinth, part of the Vorkosigan Saga series, a science fiction series set in the future with memorable and realistic characters and engaging plot lines. Reviewed by Dr. Markus McDowell ..read more

The apps used by author Markus McDowell uses to write novels for, project and tasks management, timelines, research notes, and the actual writing and editing ..read more

"Ethan of Athos" by Bujold is a Vorkosigan series sci-fi novel exploring gender dynamics on a male-only planet through protagonist Ethan. Review by Markus McDowell ..read more

Here is a scene from the speculative fiction novel by Markus McDowell, Mortals As They Walk. The benefits and evils of genetic engineering ..read more

Here is a sneak peek of the first scene in the historical fiction novel about Desert Steve Ragsdale, the founder of Desert Center, California ..read more

Dr. Markus McDowell describes finishing the first draft of his historical fiction novel, about Desert Steve Ragsdale: process, background, and the 2nd draft ..read more

A review of “Middle Earth Lore” by Jeb Smith, a comprehensive view of Tolkien's world in Lord of the Rings trilogy and beyond. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell ..read more

Pegleg Smith was a historical character known mostly for his legendary lost mine in the California desert. Read this brief introduction to the man, as a character in Markus McDowell’s forthcoming historical fiction novel about Desert Steve Ragsdale, the founder of Desert center, California, in 1921 ..read more