This novel is the first in a trilogy by the up-and-coming author Dante Terese, taking place in the 1970s. “The story begins at the most notorious top-secret military base in America, where elite research scientists work making inventions”, she told Central Magazine. “They have a big problem, though… as the relentless Miss Venus and her network of spies and thieves constantly try to steal the research.”
Miss Venus is described in the book’s summary as smart, devious, and ruthless. “She is very persistent, and doesn’t like to lose”, it states, setting her up to be a formidable foe to our main group of protagonists. This “tempestuous super villain” has an organised crime network dedicated to the theft of valuable intellectual property belonging to the US military, the brilliant result of our heroes’ endless pursuit of knowledge, who make the most out of “the most notorious military lab in the world”, on a “run-down base hidden in a small town”.
The constant fight to maintain their secrecy is certain to test the limits of the protagonists’ mental resilience as they work to determine who exactly is a friend and who’s working for the enemy. “This is a white-hot tale of honour against deceivers, ruthless spies and thieves in wholesome looking towns that could be next door to you”, the summary reads, adding that “this is the behind-the-scenes secret battle the military fights every day”.
Mission in Portugal
The story follows three elite scientists: Cullen, “The Bug Man”, and Mr Clark. The first is the inventor of artificial cartilage, alongside other recreations of biological materials and systems, providing essential resources to combat medics nationwide.
Meanwhile, Mr Clark is a computer expert, programming robots which he then controls. Finally, “The Bug Man” is a goofy entomologist who has dedicated his life to studying the use of insects for military applications. Cullen and Mr Clark are said to be family men, loving fathers and husbands, with Dante explaining that “the scientists are trying to raise good children in a less than perfect world, and leading by example is very important to them”.
This ties into the main theme of the book, which the author recounts as being “Good versus Evil”. “They are faced with offers to sell out their principles because their work is coveted by many”, she elaborated. “Both sides are quite determined to prevail, as the scientists use every tool at their disposal, even collaborating with experts in Portugal.”
Thus, Portugal becomes a focal point in this story, with the scientists travelling there for the sake of their mission. “The American scientists are sent to join other military specialists in Portugal to collaborate and do research on a specific creature in its habitat.
They lived there for a short period with their families, exploring and learning about the country during their stay”, Dante continued. “Upon arriving in Portugal, they are given the gift of a Galo de Barcelos by their new co-workers, Marta and João. Their experiences are often told through the eyes of the young daughter, Macie, who had “love at first bite” with the country when she tried her very first Filhos.
The inclusion of Portugal in this book is inspired by the author’s own experiences visiting the country with her family back in the 1970s. “I look back on my time spent in Portugal with deep love and respect”, she shared. “I still have the tiny Galo de Barcelos from my first visit, at five years old, which has been my companion wherever I’ve lived.”
Inspired by life
Dante grew up in many parts of the United States, but her home is currently in the region of the country known as the Rust Belt. “The nickname is from the many empty factories and mines of our past era as a manufacturing and mining area”, she dove into the history behind this part of America. “The Rust Belt is experiencing a slow rebirth fuelled by artists, wineries, musicians, theatre and independent filmmakers.”
In this area, nowadays driven by various creative movements, she feels like she truly belongs. “I have been writing since I first learned how to read. I finally got the courage to put out my books and daily Facebook posts in the past few years”, Dante recalled. “Reading has always been a great inspiration. I love a good storyteller! I am very thankful for the libraries around the world preserving my writing for generations to come.”
Her own life experience doesn’t just inspire the inclusion of Portugal in her book, but also the whole story. “I am the daughter of a research scientist, so the subject really interests me. I love world-building and creating characters”, she expressed. “I also enjoy comic books with their tales of heroes and villains. The world needs more heroes now.”
“The Base – Book 1” is the first in a trilogy, and the rest of which is already available to read. “It was suggested to me by several people that “The Base” books would adapt well into a film or series. I took their advice, worked with many actors, artists, and filmmakers here, making a short film trailer to help people in the film industry visualise the book series”, Dante concluded. “It would be great to work on the project in Portugal, too. It’s a wish of mine that I hope can be achieved.”
To find out more about the author and her novels, make sure to visit: https://www.danteterese.com/