Ancient secrets have a way of reaching into the present, especially when the beings guarding them still walk among humanity. In Nightmares from Hereafter, author Fresco Jenkins, also known as Darren Jenkins, prepares to carry readers further into a universe shaped by mythology, concealed identities, and betrayal.
The forthcoming novel is the second installment of his science fiction trilogy, Zealots of Eternal Dreams, often shortened to Z.O.E.D. It promises an expanding conflict whose consequences reach across Earth and deep into the stars.
A Darker Chapter Among the Stars
Nightmares from Hereafter builds on the discoveries of Zealots of Eternal Dreams: At Last. The first installment introduces the last members of an ancient, shapeshifting alien race whom humans revered as gods for centuries. Their search for answers surrounding the murders of their own kind and the destruction of their home planet uncovers a struggle with intergalactic dimensions.
That foundation gives the second book plenty of territory to explore. Humanity occupies a vulnerable position within this unfolding story. People remain unaware of another species living among them, while their own existence carries enormous significance in a struggle rooted in events that began before Earth’s common era.
For readers entering this universe, the premise offers an intriguing question: what happens when humanity discovers that familiar legends have living identities and unfinished business? The sequel’s direction brings that question closer to the surface as revelations widen the scope of an already dangerous conflict.
Fresco has shared that Nightmares from Hereafter will bring more prominent mythological names into the conversation. As those names emerge, the conflict uncovered in At Last intensifies. Its ramifications spread through the human world and into the larger cosmic setting, giving the trilogy’s mythology further room to develop.
The involvement of Hercules, Hestia, and Thrúd adds a personal thread to that growing scale. Their conflict from the first novel will receive further attention in the sequel. Readers who followed their earlier experiences can expect those unresolved struggles to become an important part of the continuing story.
Hestia’s warning to Thrúd offers a clear sense of the direction ahead: “It only gets darker from here.” Within the context of the upcoming book, those words suggest mounting pressure and increasingly difficult circumstances for characters already caught in a dangerous mystery.
The emotional possibilities are compelling. Questions of trust carry particular weight in a world inhabited by shapeshifters, where identities and ancient reputations can complicate every discovery. As the story moves outward among the stars, the consequences for its central figures remain a strong reason to follow their journey.
Fresco’s ambitions for the trilogy also include a reflective dimension. He’s described Z.O.E.D. as a loose allegory for the real world, alongside its other creative purposes. The state of the world has brought renewed clarity to his understanding of why he began writing it.
That perspective informs the hope running through the project. His comments emphasize the will to overcome darkness and become the best version of oneself, both for personal growth and for the people nearby. It’s a thoughtful foundation for a story filled with secrecy, upheaval, and struggles over humanity’s future.
Nightmares from Hereafter is currently unreleased, with a launch planned soon. The announced fall sequence places a new edition of the first installment immediately ahead of the sequel. Called the “Rebirth Edition,” that release takes its name from the progression of Zeus, the trilogy’s central character, and from Fresco’s own journey.
The timing gives newcomers an opportunity to explore the story’s beginnings before entering its next phase. Returning readers will also have a chance to revisit the foundation as anticipation grows for the second book.
About the Author
Fresco is a 30-year-old science fiction novelist, graphic novel creator, and graphic designer whose creative interests extend into painting. He’s been painting since around the age of eight, building an artistic practice that accompanies his work with stories.
After spending time on several projects, he’s preparing releases involving novels and art albums. Nightmares from Hereafter marks the beginning of this upcoming wave of work, continuing a trilogy that connects his interest in mythology with questions about growth, hope, and the wider world.
Beyond the Next Revelation
Nightmares from Hereafter invites readers to follow a cosmic mystery into increasingly uncertain territory, where ancient names carry fresh consequences. With its expanding mythology and attention to the hope that survives difficult circumstances, Fresco’s forthcoming sequel offers an engaging reason to return to the world of Z.O.E.D.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Since our last interview, how has your vision for the Zealots of Eternal Dreams trilogy evolved?
Since last time, the state of the world has given me clarity on one of the reasons why I created Z.O.E.D. to begin with. Unfortunately, that’s a good thing, but also somewhat of a bad thing. It was always supposed to be a loose allegory for the real world, along with other things. But with all that, it brings me to the other side of the coin in terms of writing the trilogy more, which is being able to have the will and hope to overcome darkness while becoming the best version of yourself, for yourself, and the world around you.
What can readers expect from “Nightmares from Hereafter” without giving away any spoilers?
Well, the conflict that Hercules, Hestia and Thrúd find themselves in from the first book will be expanded more, and as Hestia said to Thrúd in the first book, It only gets darker from here.
What inspired the Rebirth Edition of Zealots of Eternal Dreams: At Last?
The Rebirth term came from the characters and their arcs, especially for the central character in Zeus. They all go through many chapters in their lives that shaped them, and it led them to become hidden from the rest of existence, until they’re inspired to go through a resurgence to leave the shadows and finish what they’ve started before it’s too late. Another part of the name is really for myself. I was gone for a while due to professional and personal things. Now I’m somewhat going through a personal renaissance, figuratively and literally. It’s like I’m “back from the dead” in a way. Inspiration hit me in different ways to the point that I had to return to Z.O.E.D. and other creative projects. It’s something in me that made me also feel like I had to do this, I had to finish what I started, and I still feel like I have a lot to say.
How will Part 2 expand the mythology and intergalactic conflict introduced in the first book?
I don’t want to spoil anything, but “Nightmares from Hereafter” will reveal more prominent names within mythology to be spoken about. And the more other names are spoken about, the more the conflict that was discovered in “At Last”, along with its ramifications, intensifies on Earth and among the stars.
How does your background in painting and graphic design influence the world of Z.O.E.D.?
For the most part, graphic design helped me with some of the illustrations, like the book covers and the teaser art pieces. I always play around with designing abstract and pop art every now and then. But my imagination creatively always ran wild, and I combined that with my love for some history we have in the world, along with some of the greatest mysteries that are still here today, physically and within some of our thoughts.
What are you working toward next?
After Z.O.E.D. Part 1 and 2, I’m working on a graphic novel that takes place towards the end of the 20th century. I’m also working on an art album for new fine art paintings, as well as the final installment of Z.O.E.D. to finish the trilogy. I’ll definitely have updates and news for now on my Instagram @fontayworld.
Thank you so much, Darren Jenkins, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!