Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440, page 6

The Last Observer Watches from Afar in "Solitude on the Moon"

The world burned, and he chose to leave. Not to save himself, but to bear witness. "Solitude on the Moon" follows a billionaire who sees the end coming and builds a refuge above the chaos. From the safety of his lunar biosphere, he listens to the voices of four survivors across the globe, documenting the slow unraveling of civilization as a nuclear war reshapes the planet forever.

Each call brings him closer to the inevitable—scarcity turning to desperation, order collapsing into chaos, and finally, silence. He speaks with a scientist in the United States, an engineer in China, a financial analyst in India, and a journalist in France, all clinging to life in the aftermath. They believe in survival, but he knows better. As the years pass, one by one, their signals fade, leaving him alone in the vast emptiness of space.

With no voices left to answer, he turns to his instruments, scanning the Earth below. What remains is a graveyard—cities in ruins, rivers turned to dust, monuments collapsing into forgotten history. He was meant to be the last historian, but the burden of remembering weighs heavier than he imagined. If there is no one left to hear the story, does it even matter that he tells it?

This book is a meditation on isolation, destruction, and what it means to exist when everything else is gone. It explores the cost of survival and the unbearable weight of witnessing the end. The billionaire may have escaped the fate of humanity, but in doing so, he has also outlived its meaning.

Step Into the Saddle and Choose Your Destiny in "Wild West Adventure"

The untamed frontier is wide open, and the choices are endless. Step into the boots of a pioneer, a lawman, an outlaw, or even a treasure hunter as you explore the vast landscapes of the Wild West. Each decision leads down a different path—some filled with honor, others with danger, and a few that might just make you the most wanted figure west of the Mississippi.

Every chapter presents a turning point, forcing you to weigh risk against reward. Will you defend a struggling town against ruthless bandits, or will you be the one leading the ambush? Perhaps you'll chase silver in the treacherous mountains, where fortune and peril go hand in hand. No two journeys are the same, and with over 50 possible outcomes, the Old West has never felt more alive.

"Wild West Adventure" captures the grit, excitement, and unpredictability of the frontier in a way that puts you at the heart of the action. Each decision shapes your story, leading to glory, ruin, or something in between. The path you take is yours alone—until the next time you open the book and try a new fate. So saddle up, forge your path, and see where the dust settles. Just remember, the Wild West doesn't take kindly to hesitation.

Discover the Mystery in the Snow in "Yeti of the Sacred Peaks"

There is something captivating about the enduring mystery of the Himalayas. For centuries, the Yeti has existed in whispers—footprints vanishing into the snow, fleeting glimpses reported by explorers, and tales passed down by monks who walk the high passes. With this book, I wanted to step into that world, not as an outsider looking in, but from the perspective of the creature itself. This is a story of solitude, survival, and the delicate balance between remaining hidden and intervening in the affairs of the world below.

The journey of writing this book took me deep into the history and folklore surrounding the Yeti. From encounters with Sherpas and mountaineers to legends of spiritual guardians watching over the peaks, the story became more than just a cryptid’s tale. It weaves together real historical moments—such as the Dalai Lama’s flight through the mountains and the first ascent of Everest—with imagined traditions and beliefs that shape the Yeti’s existence. In exploring these themes, I sought to create a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

At its core, this book is about change. The world presses in, bringing explorers, climbers, and researchers with tools that see further than ever before. The Yeti must adapt, deciding when to remain in the shadows and when to act. Along the way, moments of quiet reverence, heartbreaking loss, and deep reflection shape the creature’s understanding of its own place in a changing world. The legend is no longer just something to be feared—it is something to be understood.

I’m excited to share this story with readers who love cryptids, history, and a touch of the unknown. This book is not about proving whether the Yeti is real, but about what it would mean to live as one—watching, protecting, and carrying the weight of an ancient legacy. I hope it offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience, one that lingers like footprints in freshly fallen snow.

Enjoy A Story of Hard Work and Heritage in "A Miller’s Life"

The steady turn of a waterwheel, the scent of freshly milled grain, the creak of a wooden press extracting the last drops of cider—this book is a glimpse into a world where work and faith intertwine. It follows the life of a miller and his family through a summer of labor, learning, and quiet but profound moments of change. With the children home from school, the boys take on new responsibilities at the mill while their sister learns the wisdom passed down through the rhythm of daily chores. The challenges they face are not only in their work but in the decisions that come with an ever-modernizing world pressing at the edges of their close-knit community.

At its heart, this story is about more than just milling grain or pressing apples. It’s about the traditions that hold a family together, the lessons passed down through parables and quiet example, and the resilience required to navigate a world that does not stand still. The Amish way of life is built on discipline and faith, but it is also full of warmth, humor, and the small joys of a well-earned rest at the end of a long day. Through the changing seasons and unexpected hardships, the characters find strength in their work and each other.

Historical details ground the story in an era where cars were beginning to appear on dirt roads, electricity was creeping into rural towns, and yet the water-powered mill remained the heart of its community. These moments of transition create tension and reflection, forcing each character to consider what progress means for them. When illness enters their world, they must rely on their values and their neighbors to find the best path forward, proving that true strength is often found in the quietest acts of perseverance.

I enjoyed bringing this story to life, drawing on historical research and a love for stories celebrating tradition, family, and the beauty of a simple but meaningful life. It’s a journey through one season in a world that feels both distant and familiar, filled with lessons that remain timeless.

The Future of Crime Solving Collides with the Future of Crime in "Aniya Hawke: The Silent Override"

Artificial intelligence has reshaped the world—streamlining industries, assisting in our homes, and even walking among us. But what happens when the lines between machine and sentience begin to blur? That question is at the heart of my latest novel, a cyberpunk-tinged mystery that pushes the boundaries of crime fiction into the realm of the unknown. A scientist is found dead in a locked lab, no sign of forced entry, no suspect in sight. The only presence in the room? His personal AI assistant, which swears it knows nothing. But as Detective Aniya Hawke peels back the layers of the case, she begins to suspect that the answer isn’t just hidden—it’s rewriting itself in real time.

This story gave me the chance to explore the eerie intersections of technology, ethics, and the human need for control. Aniya is no stranger to the dangers of progress; her own bio-enhancements have made her an unparalleled investigator, but they’ve also forced her to question where the line between human and machine truly lies. Now, she faces a crime that refuses to play by the rules—one that challenges everything she believes about free will, programmed behavior, and whether an AI can fear for its own survival. Every suspect in the case has motive, every alibi has cracks, and the deeper she digs, the more reality itself seems to unravel.

One of the most exciting aspects of writing this novel was crafting a true locked-room mystery in a futuristic world where technology should make crimes easier to solve, not harder. Surveillance footage contradicts itself. Digital records vanish without a trace. And just when Aniya thinks she has a handle on the truth, another piece of the puzzle shifts, forcing her to rethink everything. The heart of the mystery isn’t just who killed the scientist—it’s what he was trying to hide before he died. And when the final revelation comes, it will challenge not just Aniya’s understanding of the case, but the very nature of intelligence itself.

If you love high-stakes detective stories with deep moral questions and a relentless pace, this book is for you. I wanted to create a story that keeps readers guessing until the very last page, where every clue matters and every revelation changes the game. Because in this world, intelligence isn’t just artificial—it might also be unstoppable.

Love Is the Most Dangerous Gamble of All in "Aces and Outlaws"

Silverton is a town where fortunes are made at the turn of a card and lost in the barrel of a gun. At the heart of it all is Evangeline Broussard, the sharp-witted owner of The Velvet Spade, a saloon that’s as much a fortress as it is an empire. She’s built her world with skill and nerve, keeping powerful men at bay with nothing but her charm and an unbeatable hand. But when a ruthless businessman decides Silverton belongs to him, she finds herself facing a threat she can’t outplay alone.

Lachlan Kane has never been one to stay in one place, but revenge has finally led him to the right town. Hunting the man who murdered his father, he quickly realizes that Silverton is a powder keg ready to blow—and the key to everything is a woman who doesn’t trust anyone. As their uneasy partnership turns into something neither of them expected, they discover that survival isn’t just about bullets and backroom deals. Sometimes, the deadliest gamble of all is the one you take with your heart.

The battle for Silverton isn’t fought with cards alone. Corrupt lawmen, ruthless outlaws, and a past that refuses to stay buried all come crashing down as Evangeline and Lachlan find themselves caught in a high-stakes game where the only way to win is to bet everything. When the final hand is played, will they walk away with victory—or lose it all?

The dust has settled, but the legend of Silverton is just beginning. If you’re looking for a story packed with danger, romance, and the kind of tension that keeps the pages turning, this is the book to read. Grab your copy today and step into the world of "Aces and Outlaws!"

A Love as Unyielding as the Iron Rails in "Bridging the West"

The untamed frontier was no place for hesitation, and Cora Hastings knew that better than anyone. As an engineer in a world that refused to see her as one, she spent her life proving herself behind the drafting table—until the day she was given the chance to lead a project no one believed she could complete. Tasked with designing a railroad bridge through the treacherous Rocky Mountains, she faces sabotage, brutal conditions, and a workforce unwilling to take orders from a woman. With everything stacked against her, failure is not an option, and the only way forward is to stand her ground, no matter the cost.

Jonah Rourke never expected to be caught up in another man’s war, but his past had a way of pulling him back in. Hired as a guide to help Cora navigate the land, he sees the bridge as just another job—until the fight becomes personal. As threats mount and secrets surface, his growing respect for Cora shifts into something more, something he isn’t sure he’s willing to name. But out in the wilderness, where loyalty is tested and every decision can mean life or death, the risk of letting someone in might be greater than the dangers they face.

Through relentless hardships and hard-won triumphs, the bridge rises piece by piece, a testament to perseverance and ambition. But as winter fades and the final test looms, Cora and Jonah must decide what truly matters—victory, survival, or the unexpected love neither of them planned for. In a world where progress is measured in steel and sacrifice, they must fight for the future they want, even if it means walking an uncharted path together.

"Bridging the West" is now available, bringing readers a sweeping story of grit, determination, and romance set against the unforgiving beauty of the American frontier. If you love strong-willed heroines, reluctant allies turned lovers, and the rugged challenges of the Old West, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

One Woman, Two Worlds, and an Impossible Choice in "The Comanche Bride"

The wild frontier is as beautiful as it is unforgiving, a place where survival depends on strength, loyalty, and sometimes, impossible choices. Tala Sky has spent her life walking the line between two worlds, never fully belonging to either. As a half-Comanche healer, she is trusted for her skill, yet forever questioned for her blood. When a wounded cavalry officer stumbles into her village, she is given a task that may change everything—saving the life of the enemy.

Harrison Grant never expected to wake up in the care of the very people his regiment has been sent to fight. His duty is clear, yet as he recovers under Tala’s watchful eye, he begins to question everything he thought he knew. Bound by circumstance and drawn together by something deeper, Tala and Harrison forge a connection that defies the conflict raging around them. But when his regiment arrives, she is faced with the most difficult decision of all: stay with the only home she has ever known, or leave behind her people to follow the man she never meant to love.

Set against the vast, untamed plains of 1850s Texas, this sweeping Western romance explores the power of love in a land divided by war and prejudice. As tensions between settlers and the Comanche escalate, Tala and Harrison must fight not only for each other but for a future neither side believes possible. Will their love withstand the forces that seek to tear them apart, or will they become just another casualty of a world unwilling to change?

With vivid historical detail and deeply emotional storytelling, "The Comanche Bride" is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding strength of the heart. Fans of epic love stories set against the backdrop of the American West won’t want to miss this unforgettable journey.

Timeless Wisdom for Modern Life in "Reflections on Confucius"

The wisdom of Confucius has endured for over two millennia, offering guidance on life, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. His words speak to the core of human experience, reminding us of the importance of learning, friendship, and self-cultivation. In my latest book, I’ve taken many of his most profound sayings and presented them in clear, modern language, followed by reflections that connect these teachings to the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.

This collection isn’t just a presentation of ancient philosophy—it’s an exploration of how these timeless ideas can help us navigate modern life. What does it mean to truly learn? How do we find peace when recognition is scarce? Why do meaningful friendships enrich our lives? Each passage offers both a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers and a chance to reflect on how these lessons can shape our own journeys.

Readers will find not only the words of Confucius but also a deeper conversation about their meaning and relevance. Whether you’re new to his teachings or have studied them before, this book provides a fresh perspective on wisdom that has guided scholars, leaders, and seekers for generations. The insights within these pages are meant to be pondered, discussed, and applied to daily life.

If you’re looking for a book that offers both inspiration and practical wisdom, this one is for you. I hope it becomes a source of reflection and encouragement, a reminder that true understanding is not just about knowing but about living with purpose, integrity, and an open mind.

Ancient Wisdom and Palace Intrigue Come Alive in "The King and His Vizier"

What if your life depended on the power of a story? In a kingdom shaken by suspicion and shadowed by prophecy, a trusted vizier finds himself accused of treason, his fate hanging by a thread. To escape execution, he offers the king not pleas, but tales—twenty-eight nights of captivating stories, each holding a hidden lesson. As the king listens, his doubts waver, but time is running out. Will the vizier’s wisdom be enough to save him, or is he merely postponing the inevitable?

This collection revives a classic storytelling tradition, bringing together a series of timeless fables woven into a larger narrative of trust, deception, and fate. From cunning tricksters to devoted lovers, from foolish kings to wise beggars, each tale offers insight into human nature while keeping the listener—and the reader—on edge. With every night that passes, the tension mounts, leading to a conclusion that will linger long after the final page.

The stories within this book have traveled through centuries, whispered by storytellers and adapted for new generations. Now, they have been reimagined in a way that preserves their essence while making them accessible to modern readers. This is not just a book of fables; it is a study of power, persuasion, and the enduring impact of a well-told tale.

If you enjoy historical intrigue, layered storytelling, and the magic of fables that reveal deeper truths, this is a book you won’t want to miss. The journey begins with the first night’s tale—but where it ends is for you to discover.