Local author Martens releases new novel
Kathleen L. Martens, author of “Wanderlust” and “Rising Women, Rising Tides,” has announced the release of “Under a Jungle Moon” from publisher Byzantium Sky Press. The novel launched on Oct. 12. It can be found on the publisher’s website, byzantiumskypress.com, on amazon.com, and at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.
“Martens’ novel is intriguing and tense and full of fascinating cultural differences between those living in modern times and those still living a Stone Age existence,” said Crystal Heidel, owner of Byzantium Sky Press. “I was riveted to those differences.”
“Under a Jungle Moon” follows world-renowned American investigative reporter Vanessa Gold, who uncovers crimes and builds cross-cultural bridges. While exposing flaws of others, she conceals dark secrets and lies about her own past. In 1990, an American company constructs a gold mine on a remote Indonesian jungle island. Previously untouched by modern society, an isolated tribe is living a Stone Age existence. When indigenous tribal woman Lukeem reports her first sighting of the miners’ mysterious helicopter to her tribe, she is accused of being a sorceress. By tradition, she is to be sacrificed to the river spirit. Tribal tradition links the timing of her sacrifice to the next full moon. Vanessa intercedes in the intercultural drama along with her life partner, cameraman Tony, best friend and anthropologist Canyon and Turning Prism, their Oscar-winning documentary team.
The unexpected unveiling of her estranged mother’s identity and the appearance of a nemesis from Vanessa’s past threaten to destroy her life’s work, her relationship with Tony and the reputations of Canyon and her colleagues.
Fascinating cultural norms are explored as Lukeem, her son, and Vanessa escape together through the jungle seeking Lukeem's salvation. Can Vanessa bridge the vast cultural gap between the Paleolithic past and the 20th-century present? Can she prevent the devastating and consequential exposé of her own life?
Kathleen L. Martens, a Delaware-based author, developed her passion for writing, travel and foreign culture while working as an intercultural communications consultant. “Under a Jungle Moon” is informed by her experience in her 20s, consulting in the remote mountains of Irian Jaya, Indonesia among a rare society still living a Stone Age existence.
Recently, Martens’ novel, “Wanderlust: A Wartime Search for Hope and Home,” was awarded first place in the Delaware Press Association’s statewide communications contest. Her engaging short story collection “Rising Women, Rising Tides” also took a top award. Martens curated three anthologies by women writers, the Seaside Scribes, raising funds for women’s causes. Her works are known for their varied voices and dramatic settings.
For more information or to contact Martens write to Byzantium Sky Press at byzantiumskypress@gmail.com.
