The Cygnus Virus

Lysandra is the second book of a sci-fi trilogy, promising the listener a suspenseful and entertaining listen that will leave them wanting more. The author’s first novel, The Cygnus Virus, was described by IndieReader as, “an infectious cyberpunk thriller,” and Kirkus Reviews as, “a story that’s part William Gibson-style Cyberthriller, part wacky comedy.” 

Interwoven through both books are themes of cloning, virtual reality, redemption, and vengeance. Lysandra is a genetically modified Magdalene who wants to be like any other teen living on planet Terra, but the unholy Church won’t leave her alone. After it tries using its ownership of her DNA to try to control her, there’s a nasty trial and some wicked turns through which Lysandra and the listener discover Lysandra’s hidden powers. She seems to get away, at least for a while, until the Church enlists the help of the ultimate assassin - a rebooted space virus from Earth named Cygnus, she once destroyed. Now her only hope is an ex-con and defrocked lawyer, Andron, and his band of misfits. To have any chance of survival, they must learn how to work together and Lysandra to believe in herself. Desperate and out of options, they take the fight to the Church in an explosive ending, that will leave the listener breathless.  

T.J. Zakreski made his debut as a writer in 2016, although it can be said he is no stranger to crafting dialogue as a seasoned litigator.  

Early in his legal career, Zakreski received global accolades for his work in defense of Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser against Monsanto over GMO seeds in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. Dialogue from his defense is featured in the reality play “Seeds” and the case has inspired a movie presently in production in Canada, Percy.