"The Empty Swing" Continues Brian C. Austin’s Exciting Survival Series
The anticipated sequel to Where Eagles Never Fly finally arrives, diving deeper into a world where technology's collapse reveals humanity's true nature
In The Empty Swing, the second instalment of Brian C. Austin's series, readers return to a world where technology's failure has reshaped society into something both familiar and frightening. Austin has crafted a narrative that explores the delicate balance between survival and humanity in an increasingly authoritarian landscape.
The story follows Roland Handson, who must navigate the complex moral terrain between self-preservation and the duty to help others. His underground shelter represents both sanctuary and burden as he grapples with the decision to open his doors to survivors. The story takes a powerful turn when Roland encounters an Old Order Mennonite community facing persecution precisely because their traditional lifestyle has left them uniquely resilient to the technological collapse.
In a world filled with persecution and hostility, it's up to the brave ones to soar where eagles never fly.
Austin, whose writing has been praised for its unique blend of apocalyptic and survival elements, continues to build on themes established in the first book, where readers were introduced to Roland's transformation from tragedy-struck individual to reluctant hero.
Austin brings over four decades of writing experience to this series, which began as an idea sparked by a 1977 Popular Science article. His commitment to craft is evident in the multiple rewrites and refinements the story has undergone, driven by his philosophy that "voracious readers don't always become great writers—but they become obsessively unwilling to settle for mediocre writing."
The first book in the series garnered praise for its detailed portrayal of Canadian landscapes and its intelligent approach to the apocalyptic genre. One reviewer noted, "While the technology seems unbelievable there is just enough detail to make me think maybe it's not science fiction after all."
The Empty Swing promises to deliver the same careful attention to detail while raising the stakes in this thought-provoking exploration of human nature, technology, and the price of survival as the story sets itself up for the compelling conclusion, set to release in 2025.
The Empty Swing is available in paperback from the publisher at chickenhousepress.ca, or Amazon - where it is also available for Kindle or KU readers.
Paperback | 185 pages | Christian Fiction, Action and Adventure
About the Author:
Brian C. Austin's love affair with books began in his country school library and has never waned. His dedication to the craft of writing, combined with his unwillingness to settle for mediocrity, has shaped him into a meticulous storyteller whose work challenges genre conventions while delivering compelling narratives.
