A character driven Sci-Fi/Thriller set in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. Resurgence will take you on a rollercoaster dive into the depths, home to an ancient species Known as the Sekta.
Resurgence: Blurb
Buried beneath Stonehenge for a millennia… They Awaken
Disaster strikes the Wiltshire countryside, and for a group of strangers, it’s only the beginning. Drawn underground by a force they can’t explain, trapped in a labyrinth of caverns and tunnels—home to an ancient species.
Ellen, a disheartened local reporter—where losing herself may prove more fateful than anything lurking in the dark.
Mike, an ex-soldier on one last mission: to silence the echoes of war that never left him.
Anika, shattered by trauma, driven by revenge.
Henry, a weary farmer who just wants to find his lost dog, Meg, the only thing that’s never abandoned him.
And then there’s Neo: a Neolithic preserved in time. A prisoner? A reluctant guide? Can Ellen unravel his secrets before it’s too late… or become lost forever?
As the colony’s grip on its harvest tightens, strangers must unite to survive. Because this species didn’t awaken by chance—and what comes next could threaten all of humanity.
Get lost in this mysterious, character-driven sci-fi thriller.
The awakening has already begun. Read the first two exciting chapters
Resurgence: Synopsis
When local reporter Ellen interviews eccentric farmer Henry—who claims a sabre-tooth cat has been preying on his flock—she’s sceptical, but intrigued. He insists his loyal dog, Meg, chased the creature into a cave. The next day, Ellen returns to find Henry gone—drawn into the cave’s depths. She follows.
Meanwhile, a series of unprecedented tremors ripple across the Wiltshire countryside, culminating in a violent eruption of megalithic stones. Stonehenge appears to be the epicentre. The devastation along the A303 is only the beginning.
Driven by an uncontrollable compulsion, survivors descend into a labyrinth of caverns and tunnels—home to the ancient, species known as the Sekta. For those who escape the colony’s grasp, survival means confronting their inner demons and forging fragile alliances.
Deep within the hive, Ellen encounters Neo—a Neolithic man preserved beyond time. Is he a prisoner of the Sekta, a reluctant guide, or something far more entwined with the colony’s purpose?
As the truth unfolds, it becomes clear: the Sekta’s awakening was no accident. And the threat they pose reaches far beyond Wiltshire—into the heart of humanity itself.
Explore Resurgence — The Eternal Colony™
The Making of Resurgence
A Personal Journey Through History, Vision, and Persistence
Origins & Inspiration
Over twenty-five years ago, the seed for this story took root. Back then, I was a sales engineer travelling across southern England—pre sat-nav, pre-mobile phones. My solitary drives often took me past Stonehenge and through Avebury, where the ancient standing stones stirred something mystical in me.
One such journey along the A303 sparked a vivid, cinematic scene in my mind: screeching tyres, shattered glass, a fireball swallowing a fuel tanker. I saw the full inciting incident. At first I had loose ideas—aliens, underground caverns, spaceships, and explosions. No real depth, and not character-driven, just raw energy. But once I put pen to paper, the story evolved, and the characters took shape.
Research & World-building
Before and during the writing process, I immersed myself in research. I studied RAF Typhoon fighter jets, British Army operations, and even the behaviour of wasps. And before anyone says, “Wasps have no purpose, unlike bees”—please dig deeper. Their struggle is real, and their behaviour around sweet foods has a fascinating biological basis.
I visited Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, often dragging my partner and kids along for the ride. The smaller Bluestones in the inner circle always made me wonder: why these specific stones, dragged almost 200 miles from the Preseli Hills in Wales? Did they not passed other suitable stones along the way? I created a reason behind this incredible feat, and expanding on the mystery of the monument. Like, how did ancient humans discover the Bluestones’ ability to block the Sekta mind probe? Did someone tell them about the stones hidden power? And if so, who?
Wookey Hole caves also played a major role. I visited multiple times to immerse myself in the environment, capturing images that later helped shape the cover and promotional imagery.
The monument and the caves inspired my creativity—one a force of nature, the other a testament to human will. They reminded me to marvel at life and strive for greatness.
The Sekta & Neo
As the pages formed, I realised a more natural threat fit my ancient theme. Enter the Sekta: a dormant species of arthropods, operating as a social hive like ants or bees. They’ve been here longer than man, arriving as single cells drifting through the cosmic dust that birthed the universe.
I didn’t want mindless monsters. That’s where Neo came in—the mystery man. In early drafts, he was a prisoner helping the survivors escape. But he evolved into something far more complex: a scheming, manipulative, tragic antagonist. The colony changed him, and he changed the colony.
In the first draft, I wrote a 4,000-word backstory for Neo, centred around the construction of Stonehenge, however, slowed the main narrative, so I pulled it—but it’s safe on my computer, waiting to be explored. He’s had a rich and colourful life. I shouldn’t have a favourite character, but…
Henry & the Power of Memory
Working as a head chef in care homes exposed me to the devastating effects of dementia. I saw how it steals moments, identities, and connections. It made me value the now, and I must live each day to its fullest.
In Resurgence, I turned Henry’s dementia into his greatest strength. The Sekta can’t control him because the part of the brain they manipulate has been affected. His vulnerability becomes his shield. I pay tribute to those I’ve known and cared for, and this reminds me that even in decline, people can find dignity and strength. For more information, or if you’re caring for someone affected by dementia, visit www.dementiauk.org for support and resources.
Ellen, Billy & the Cost of Connection
Ellen was supposed to escape the colony a better reporter—sharper, more seasoned. But as the story unfolded, she discovered something deeper: tending to the injured, connecting with survivors, and witnessing raw humanity proved far more rewarding than chasing headlines.
Her relationship with Billy was another challenge. Should the spark they felt in the beginning lead to love? In the end, however, Ellen’s entanglement with Neo extinguished any chance of a happy ending. The thrill of this mystery man led her astray, and she paid the price.
Building the Cast
I built a cast of flawed characters, each carrying more baggage into the depths than they could bear. My biggest challenge was making them a group—perhaps a reflection of my introverted nature. I’m the one at the edge of the gathering, deep in a one-to-one, never centre stage of a group discussion.
Physical descriptions are minimal. I believe our actions are more important than physical attributes. Our character and emotional imprint are what others remember long after hair colour or eye shade fades. Every character carries pieces of me—my stubbornness, naivety, courage, fear, and hope.
Crafting the Book
This journey has been one of stress, discovery, pride, and persistence. I’ve changed careers, supported my family, and faced personal trials, therefor my only creative window often would be the dead of night.
Each stage required new skills—writing, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing. It’s been stressful, but rewarding. The story structure has changed little since the first draft, but the writing has evolved—from basic descriptions to vivid action and raw emotions.
Meet the Characters of Resurgence — The Eternal Colony™
There is a diverse cast of Characters in Resurgence, all with their own hang-up and inner conflict before their lives get turned upside down. Expand to explore each character’s role, traits, and secrets.
Ellen – The Empathic Investigator / Lost Soul
Click to reveal Ellen’s story
A local reporter for The Amesbury Post, torn between narrating the story and conveying the truth—because words can be more destructive than any force on earth. When Henry ventures into the cave in search of Meg, Ellen follows—not for the story, but out of concern for him. Her fixation on Neo—a man claiming to be as old as Stonehenge itself—leads her down a dangerous path. And a realisation that she has been lost, long before entering the cave. Can she discover herself or become entrapped for eternity?
“Why would I want to live forever? So I can watch friends and loved ones die again and again?”
Henry – The struggling Farmer / The Recluse
click to reveal Henry’s story
Twin Oaks farm has been in the Billington family for generations, however, Henry fears he will be its last. He cares little about the growing tremors shaking the Wiltshire countryside—he’s got enough problems of his own.
Everyone Henry loves has abandoned him, so when his faithful border collie, Meg, disappears, he makes it his mission not to abandon her. Deep in the Sekta colony, he discovers that the early stages of dementia may be his greatest strength.
“I’m coming, girl.”
Billy – The Loyal Sidekick / Comic Relief
Click to reveal Billy’s story
From an early age, Billy has had to step up and support both his younger brother and his father, all while grieving the loss of his mother. Easy going and sociable, Billy brings levity and heart to the group. Down in the perilous depths, he discovered Ellen’s hidden qualities: a vulnerable, caring, yet strong-willed person, igniting a flame in his heart. That fire fizzled out when Neo entered the picture, forcing him to step back and be there—not if, but when she needs him.
“I knew you were a fun-guy.”
Neo – The Tragic Antagonist / The Enigma
click to reveal Neo’s story
Neo is as mysterious and old as Stonehenge itself—or so he claims. Dysfunctional, but is that the result of years in solitary confinement, or does he carry sinister revelations? He craves connection, yet everything he does serves his own ends. His love for his mother and sister is unconditional—and eternal.
“A hundred eyes on me when all I wish for is yours. None of them trust me, and I do not blame them, but I am also a victim.”
Mike – The Mentor / Self-Sacrificing
Click to reveal Mike’s story
Mike takes his co-worker Chris under his wing, determined to mould him into a responsible man. A retired soldier haunted by the past, he carries the burden of safeguarding the survivors. This could be one last mission to silence the echoes of war that never left him.
“You can’t elude it, but when you become its master, fear keeps you alive.”
Lucy – The Grounded Pilot / Dual Leader
click to reveal Lucy’s story
Shot down by her own wing commander under Sekta mind control, Lucy is determined to uncover the truth. From her grounded perspective, and without her sophisticated Typhoon jet, she feels vulnerable. Can she lead these strangers to freedom—and is exterminating a newly discovered species morally right?
“Do you consider eliminating the Sekta in this manner ethical?”
Steve – The Lost Salesman / Purpose-Seeker
Click to reveal Steve’s story
Despite a picture-perfect life, Steve battles disillusionment and self-doubt. Alone underground and free from the distractions of the surface world, he’s forced to confront what truly defines him. His drive to return to his wife and daughters gives him focus—and helps him redefine success, not by possessions, but by purpose.
“I love you, and I know you loved me.”
Anika– The Archaeologist / Grief-Stricken Fighter
click to reveal Anika’s story
A passionate archaeologist searching for answers to the past, Anika’s calm resolve is shattered by tragedy. Lost without her moral compass, grief turns to anger—and anger fuels her lust for vengeance.
“They offer no mercy, only mindless killing. So no, they don’t deserve to live.”
Chris – Rebellious Youth / Hesitant Hero
Click to reveal Chris’s story
A driver’s mate, but with no direction in life, Chris resists guidance. When chaos reigns, he discovers a quiet strength and a natural knack for navigating the underworld. Maybe Mike was right—he can make a difference.
“I’ve spent my life making enough money to blow on the weekends, with no thought of my future.”
Kamau– The Broken Soldier / Last Man Standing
click to reveal Kamau’s story
Stationed at Larkhill Barracks, Kamau is part of a unit deployed to investigate the A303 disaster. He cherishes the pain of past loss, numbed only by the bottom of a bottle. When it’s only him against the swarm, he makes his stand—one bullet, one redemption at a time.
“This is our land. We will never stop fighting!”
Lyrraq – The Radical Offspring / Rebellious Visionary
Click to reveal Lyrraq’s story
Biologically engineered by the Sekta queen as a gift to Neo, Lyrraq is a free-thinking entity—an experiment in human independence. But under Neo’s influence, she absorbed unhealthy traits and grew restless beneath the hive’s dormant decree. She launches a bloody insurrection, rebuilding the portal to unleash a Sekta army on Earth—determined to reclaim their place at the top of the food chain.
Lyrraq acts on impulse—but this time, she may have thought of everything’ — Neo
Julie– Protective Mother / Hidden Backbone
click to reveal Julie’s story
Frustrated by her husband’s indifference, she flees to her sister’s with her children—without a plan, only instinct. Caught in the devastation on the A303, she wakes with a concussion, a terrified daughter, and a missing son. With Sophia under Sekta control and Jayden somehow communing with them, protecting her children may be beyond her reach.
“Back off. You’re scaring me”
Map to Resurgence
Resurgence – The Eternal Colony™ is set in the heart of Wiltshire’s historical countryside. Stonehenge might be the most famous of landmarks, but it is surrounded by many more equally important links to humanities past. Click on the purple highlights and uncover information about some of the significant locations, some of which tie into the lore of Resurgence – The Eternal Colony™.
Warning: This map contains spoilers. Proceed with caution!
