Description
US Army lieutenant of artillery, Jules ‘Oculus’ Jones, has a fascination for clocks, watches, magnetism, and steam. Realizing he could put his passions into reality, Oculus resigned from the US Army in 1895 and used his connections in the War Department to create an agency he named ‘The Office of Curiosity Studies and Strategic Implementation.’ With a staff consisting of a crotchety, gout-ridden, steam engineer and a one-eyed cat, he did not know how soon unknown forces would put his office, and his ideas to the test.
In 1896, Major Balzar, his steam-powered airship, and crew of Prussian mercenaries set out to establish a hidden cell in the western hemisphere where the German High Command could prepare for a war the world’s leaders knew was coming. As Balzar and his mercenaries covertly establish their presence in Cuba, Oculus finds himself, along with an ex-Pinkerton operative, a former New York City detective, and a current Secret Service special agent, Detective Grady Pettimore, in a life-and-death struggle in the skies over Cuba, and beyond.
Goodreads Link
Publisher’s Comments:
“I’m pleased to let you know that our editorial and publishing teams have completed their full
assessment of your manuscript, Major Balzar’s Complication: An Oculus Jones Peculiar
Expedition, and it has been exceptionally well received. The blend of historical adventure,
intrigue, technological wonder, and richly crafted world-building stood out immediately. Your
vivid depiction of 1896 Cuba—interwoven with espionage, political tension, and the looming
threat of a steam-powered airship—creates an immersive, cinematic reading experience.
The story’s compelling cast of characters, from Oculus Jones to Major Balzar and the crew of the
Der Fliegende Sturm, delivers the perfect balance of tension, intellect, bravery, and mystery.
Because the book merges historical authenticity with imaginative speculation, it appeals strongly
to both adventure-fiction fans and readers drawn to alternate-history, steampunk, and military-
espionage narratives.
Because of its strong narrative drive and unique market position, we are eager not only to move
forward with publishing but also to expand the book’s reach beyond digital platforms.
Specifically, we’d like to explore physical placement opportunities in bookstores, specialty
shops, and retail outlets, particularly those that cater to historical fiction, military adventure, and
genre-blending titles.”
Prime Publishing Labs, 2025