Hymn of the Dark Forest is an upcoming Sci-Fi novel by Creative Director and Motion Designer Daniel Wulfing. Set in the far future after devastating global, environmental and political collapse, Hymn of the Dark Forest focuses on a star-crossed mercenary named Yumi Étoile.
After an ill-fated mission goes sideways, our protagonist finds herself ensnared in a system-wide power struggle between what’s left of Earth’s faltering government and a mysterious and dangerous group known as Solomon’s Keys.
Now, Yumi is forced to align herself with shadowy tech moguls, space-faring terrorists, and the very regime that has brought so much ruin to the plant, all in a desperate gambit to stave off something far worse.
Set to launch in late 2026, Hymn of the Dark Forest is the first book in a mind-bending, dimension-splitting trilogy that weaves elements of mystery and science fiction with theological horror and is a love letter to all of those raised on the epic space opera’s of the 1990s.
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Cast of Characters:
Yumi Étoile
Mercenary
Yumi harbors a deep secret that if brought to light, could upend the world, but what some would call the greatest blessing, she would argue is an unfathomable curse. Time is running out and events beyond Yumi’s control could soon force her to divulge her extraordinary truth.
Saoirse Ondine
Imperium Director of Research
Brilliant, abrasive and ruthless, Saoirse Ondine is the darling of the Imperium Directorate. Her breakthroughs during her time as head of the Department of Research have further allowed the Imperium to rule with an iron fist, but her most fantastic project has drawn the attention of an obscure and dangerous organization.
Sive Kerrigan
Tech Mogel
Once a dazzling public figure and a leader in advanced technology, Sive has since dropped off the radar and is now considered a has-been and a recluse. She spends her days hiding beyond the reach of the Imperium, but as fate would have it, Sive’s time on the sidelines is coming to an end.
Edgar Gallatin
Commander of Blackcell
If there is an unsavory job that needs to get done, Edgar Gallatin and the mercenary group Blackcell are the ones to call, for a price of course. It would seem this time old man Gallatin might have bitten off more than he can chew when he accepts a commission that will shake the Imperium to its core.
Royal Mirren
Chief of Operations of Blackcell
For every outrageous request that Edgar Gallatin recklessly says yes to, Royal is there to be the voice of reason. This ex-Imperium officer is the cool, calm and collected brains behind Blackcell, though he wonders if his boss has finally gone to far with this latest operation.
Esmé Bennet
Imperium High Cardinal
As the moral and religious center of the Imperium, Esmé views her government through a different lens than most others. For all its faults she still sees the possibility for good, and the last, best chance to fight off the encroaching darkness.
Saara Eshe
Commander of Tenkamuhi
Without a doubt, Saara is the beating heart of the resistance group, Tenkamuhi. Her ultimate goal is to overthrow the Imperium, however the closer she gets to achieving this, the more she is forced to stop looking at the world as black and white.
Gideon Rand
Chief Tactical Officer of Tenkamuhi
The public servant turned freedom fighter, or terrorist depending on who you ask, Gideon is close to the top of the Imperium kill list. He’s resourceful and pragmatic but finds himself unprepared when his organization is swept up in an existential crisis of biblical proportions.
Edie Barns
Imperium Vice Director of Defense
Quite possibly one of the last, honest vice-directors in the Imperium command structure, Edith “Edie” Barns is a dedicated patriot and effective bureaucrat, but her loyalty is under constant strain due to the odd nature of the orders she’s been receiving.
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