Stephen Salaka’s Elysium Rising ventures into a realm where the line between imagination and reality fades, and every dream holds the power to reshape the world. Drawing inspiration from the mind-bending layers of Inception, the comedic whimsy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and the sinister chill of Insidious, this novel delivers an electrifying read that blends futuristic tech, cosmic dread, and personal ambition into one enthralling package.
A Dream-Fueled Revolution
The story revolves around a tech manager who stumbles upon the Eternal Engine—a revolutionary invention birthed from his own subconscious. This surreal device offers humanity nearly unlimited possibilities: efficient energy generation, faster-than-light travel, and the capacity to bend reality’s rules. At first, the discovery seems like a dazzling gift, one that could propel civilization far beyond its wildest dreams.
But there’s a twist. With the power to build entire worlds comes the risk of dismantling them. As the protagonist’s invention gains traction, unforeseen challenges emerge. The more this Eternal Engine draws from his dreamscape, the more it appears to awaken an ancient threat, an entity lurking just beyond the boundaries of what humans can understand. Suddenly, the prospect of endless progress collides with the fear of losing control over forces best left undisturbed.
The Menace of the Pointers
Amid all this, peculiar figures called the Pointers begin appearing across the globe. Their sole action? Pointing silently at the sky, as if urging humanity to look beyond itself. These eerie visitors vanish as abruptly as they arrive, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Their presence sparks curiosity and paranoia in equal measure. Conspiracy theories ignite, governments scramble for explanations, and experts struggle to interpret the Pointers’ cryptic message. Are they harbingers of doom? Cosmic observers? Or something else entirely? As these silent onlookers multiply, reality itself starts fraying at the edges, hinting that there may be far more at stake than simple technological breakthroughs.
The deeper the hero digs into this mystery, the more he is forced to confront an otherworldly force that is both terrifying and mesmerizing. This cosmic menace—seemingly awakened by the Eternal Engine—threatens not only humanity’s newfound utopia but also the fabric of existence itself.
Meet Stephen A. Salaka
Stephen A. Salaka’s personal journey adds another layer of intrigue to his novel. In January 2024, like many professionals in tech, he faced a sudden career upheaval. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, he poured his energy into finishing the very manuscript that would become Elysium Rising.
For two decades, he balanced high-stakes corporate roles—ranging from global aerospace projects to resolving IT crises—while harboring a fascination for cosmic horror and sci-fi. Backed by a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and an MBA, his work explores the complex interplay of human ambition, organizational psychology, and the relentless march of technological progress. In his writing, skyscrapers and software meet eldritch terrors and existential challenges, weaving a tapestry that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned whether innovation is always a blessing.
Salaka’s approach to storytelling marries the thrill of cosmic horror with the sharp edges of cyberpunk. He dives deep into characters facing impossible choices, haunted by the prospect that what they create might one day spiral beyond their grasp. His novel is an engaging reflection on humanity’s drive to push forward and the creeping shadows that follow every leap.
A Final Reflection
Elysium Rising poses a question that cuts to the heart of innovation: What if the technology we birth in our dreams ends up blurring the borders between our reality and something far darker? This tension infuses every chapter, delivering edge-of-the-seat suspense and flashes of humor that evoke classic sci-fi wit.
Readers who crave intricate plots will be captivated by the intricate conspiracies swirling around the Eternal Engine and the Pointers. Fans of cosmic horror will relish the lingering dread that weaves through the pages, and those who appreciate thoughtful social commentary will find abundant material as the novel investigates the price of unrestrained progress.
To explore a reality shaped by visions and haunted by possibility, Stephen Salaka’s Elysium Rising can be found on Amazon. With its blend of sci-fi spectacle, cosmic terror, and razor-sharp insight, this debut stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the courage it takes to face the unknown—be it in the depths of space or the recesses of our own minds.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Thank you so much for joining us today! Please tell us about your journey of writing the book ‘Elysium Rising’.
Hi, so, after decades, I finally did it. I wrote and released my first book!
In January of 2024, I found myself in the same boat as thousands of others—caught in a reduction in force, staring down an uncertain future.
Like many in tech, I dove into side projects, trying to balance job hunting with something that felt productive, something that I could build.
One of those projects? Finishing my first sci-fi novel.
I’ve always had ideas rattling around in my head—stories blending cyberpunk, cosmic horror, and existential dread—but between work, family, and life, they always took a backseat.
Suddenly, I had time.
So, I poured my energy into something I could control: Elysium Rising.
Thank you so much, Stephen, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!