So what’s MAKO about?
A down-and-out history professor leads a team of old friends to virtual glory as the first-ever group to beat Mako Assault, a revolutionary new game that has emerged from nowhere to take the online world by storm.  As a reward for their achievement, and under the guise of publicity, the group is flown to meet the game’s mysterious designer, only to learn that Mako’s intent was never to entertain its players… but rather to train them.

An epic science fiction thrill ride of action, suspense, laughter, and romance; MAKO is the story of five ordinary people rising to the challenge of extraordinary events, driven only by their faith in each
other.

What genre is it?
Technically, MAKO is military science fiction, and while it definitely “brings the goods” for genre fans, it also brings with it all the elements of good storytelling.  First and foremost, that starts with really rich characters that anyone (genre fans or otherwise) can relate to.  These are real people, with real struggles, and at the end of the day… you as the reader really care what happens to them, fantastic
circumstances or not.

Action, suspense, romance, and laughter — plus one serious hot rod of a starfighter… this book brings it all!

So what kind of readers will it appeal to?
Everyone, really.  Genre fans will love it for the action and tech.  Suspense readers will love it for the mysteries and betrayals.  Romance readers will love it for the “will they or won’t they” between some of the characters — others, simply for the witty pop culture references and character dialogue.

On the other hand, some may be drawn to this story because they’ve been through a divorce, or they’ve lost a loved one to illness, or their careers went into the tank when they got laid off… real life stuff that people can relate to, and that’s very much a part of these characters.

So, like I said… everyone.

We’re going to try and tie you down a little and make this more specific. What else out there is like MAKO?
Stargate.

How would you like the reader to feel as they read the last word of your book?
“HOLY $#*T!!!  THEY’RE IN IT NOW!!!”

Tell us a bit about yourself.
As a graduate of Florida State University, I’ve written in a number of arenas over the years ranging from public health to news and sports.  When it comes to my fictional work, however, I’m a firm believer that nothing shapes an author’s writing like experience.  That’s why I credit my tenures in radio, law enforcement, sport management, and the military for much of my thematic inspiration, not to mention the legion of friends and family who stood with me through all of it.

Beyond writing, I’m an avid fan of audiobooks and athletics, though it’s also not uncommon to find me at a concert (LOVE music!), a movie, or somewhere outdoors.

A native of Florida, I currently reside in Raleigh, North Carolina with my wife (“Smalls”), our superhero-in-training (“the X-man”), and our family’s Boston Terrier (the “legendary” Denny Crane).

How can we follow you online?
www.ianjmalone.com
@IanJMalone.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ian-J-Malone/100004762178802.
What’s next?
Mako 2, then 3… then who knows?