Welcome to
The Ink Cloud, a groundbreaking digital gallery dedicated to empowering aspiring authors and fostering a community built on the free exchange of knowledge—without the barriers of conventional publishing costs. This meticulously crafted space showcases unique narratives and celebrates compelling storytelling from diverse literary voices.
A Digital Publication Featuring the Collected Works of
Austin A. Zaruba
Shadow City Justice: Silent Knight - Now Available!From the visionary mind of A.A. Zaruba comes a groundbreaking, standalone steampunk noir thriller that redefines the genre. "Shadow City Justice: Silent Knight," originally launched on July 4th, 2025, is now available to immerse yourself in. Witness the rise of The Silent Knight – a reluctant hero forged in the crucible of a city where gears grind justice and secrets lurk in every steam-powered shadow.Welcome to Shadow City, a labyrinth of grimy alleyways and towering electro-mag rail lines, eternally shrouded in smog, where justice is a rusty cog in a broken machine. Here, in the heart of perpetual darkness, dwells Zephyr Vance, once known only as Repairman Z. His newspaper ad read, "Got a Problem? Need a Fix? Call Stones and Sticks Repair." A ghost from a past he desperately tries to forget, Vance sought oblivion in the shadows, ever watchful, ever prepared.But the Apex, the gleaming retro-futurist cloud city hovering above, has initiated its ultimate purge. The insidious Clockwork Syndicate, driven by the chilling vision of Archon Prime and his Architects' "Project Purity," is no longer content to merely control. They seek to unmake Shadow City, to erase its chaos and suffering, replacing it with their own terrifying, enforced order.Haunted by his past as the Clockwork Syndicate's enforcer, Vance is forced into the blinding light. Armed with a newly upgraded temporal resonator and the fierce resolve of a guardian, The Silent Knight must now defy the very laws of time and physics. He'll turn Archon Prime's own mechanical armies against him and infiltrate the Apex's heart, risking everything to dismantle a parasitic utopia before it consumes all.In a city teetering on the brink of oblivion, The Silent Knight is the last hope. But can he not only fix a broken world but repair his own shattered soul in the process?"Shadow City Justice: Silent Knight" is a relentless, high-octane steampunk thriller culminating in a literary fireworks grand finale guaranteed to resonate long after the story ends. Plunge into a world of intrigue, action, and the desperate pursuit of justice in a city where the gears of fate grind without mercy.Where to Purchase"Shadow City Justice: Silent Knight" is available exclusively on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. Get your copy today!
For its inaugural launch, The Ink Cloud proudly features the works of Austin A. Zaruba. In partnership with The Ink Cloud, Zaruba's latest literary endeavor, "Dreamscapes and Curiosities," a 26-poem chapbook that some are calling a literary modern marvel, is now available for FREE PDF download exclusively on TheInkCloud.com. Experience the evocative power of words as each poem takes you on a carefully constructed journey into the subconscious, weaving together vivid imagery and profound introspection, offering a unique lens into the human condition. For those who forgot their dreams, and for any who are so curious, download it today and linger in its resonant depths.
"Terrormind"
A Battle for the Soul Begins: "Terrormind" Unleashes a New Era of Horror This Halloween 2025.Prepare to question the very fabric of reality as A.A. Zaruba's "Terrormind" arrives, a groundbreaking horror experience that will redefine the genre and leave readers haunted long after the final page. This Halloween 2025, witness the dawn of a new era, where the battle between light and darkness is fought not for the body, but for the soul itself.Synopsis: When Leslie and Ron unwittingly bring an old book into their home, they unleash a terror that transcends the boundaries of the page. "Terrormind" draws them into a chilling parallel narrative, a mirror image of their own desires twisted into a macabre reflection. As Leslie falls under the book's insidious influence, Ron finds himself facing a horror he cannot comprehend—a wife transformed into a vessel for an ancient evil.Their only hope lies in the hands of a young exorcist, Sister Emilia, the youngest in a long line of demon hunters, yet on her first official case. She is their Hail Mary, their last chance to escape the encroaching darkness that seeks to claim their souls.But "Terrormind" is more than a story; it's a living entity. The core theme explores the insidious power of stories themselves, blurring the line between reader and victim. As the possessed Leslie whispers with the shadows, arguing over the fate of those who dare to read "Terrormind," the reader is drawn into a terrifying vortex, forced to confront the question: Are you reading the story, or is the story reading you?A Descent into Madness: Zaruba's masterful prose weaves a tapestry of dread, where the whispers of the damned become a chorus in your mind. The following excerpt offers a glimpse into the chilling world of "Terrormind":"Where do shadows go to play,
When darkness steals the light of day?
They dance with Ron, they sing with Les,
In the house where terror makes its nest.
Down, down, down, they'll softly creep,
While you, dear reader, fall asleep.
Forever lost, in endless night,
Within the pages of their fright.
Terrormind's tale, a whispered curse,
A living nightmare, ever worse."This is the poem that Leslie reads, her voice catching on the final lines, the true horror of what she's reading taking hold, a horror that instantly attaches itself to her soul.About A.A. Zaruba: A.A. Zaruba is a visionary storyteller who shatters the boundaries of horror, crafting narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying. With "Terrormind," Zaruba invites readers to confront their deepest fears and question the very nature of reality itself."Terrormind" will be available this Halloween 2025.
"Novum Organum 21st Century reads as a new instrument for a digital age."In a world awash with information, where the echoes of ancient biases reverberate through the digital landscape, how does one discern truth from illusion? How does one navigate the labyrinth of data and reclaim the dominion of reason?"Novum Organum 21st Century" reimagines Francis Bacon's revolutionary "New Instrument" for our modern age, a time where the "idols" of the mind have mutated into insidious "anomalies," distortions amplified by technology.This is not merely a philosophical treatise, but a call to arms, a guide for intellectual liberation. It unveils the hidden dangers of our digital tools, the subtle biases that shape perception, and the urgent need for a new approach to knowledge."The idols are nothing else than received dogmas and methods of demonstration," Bacon warned, "which have taken possession of the human mind from the wrong heads of philosophy, and led men astray." This groundbreaking work confronts these ancient "idols" reborn as modern "anomalies," from algorithmic bias to the allure of digital certainty....... "Only by acknowledging and confronting these inherent biases, these anomalies born of idols, can one hope to attain a more accurate understanding of the world. The pursuit of truth is not a solitary ascent, but a collective endeavor, a continuous refinement of understanding through rigorous experimentation, open communication, and the fearless questioning of even deeply held assumptions."
Get ready for an epic journey this Christmas 2025! "Dime Novel Adventures" is an ambitious new choose-your-own-epic novel combining classic literary storytelling with the thrilling world of airship adventure. Join Frank Reed, father and son, as they pilot their audacious airship through 1898, bound for the heart of the Amazon and the legendary Lost City of Z. Your choices will dictate their fate in this unforgettable tale.
Spring 2026
Prepare for a literary journey where the boundaries of consciousness shatter and the future of humanity hangs in the balance. Author Austin A. Zaruba today announced the upcoming release of his highly anticipated novel, Aura, The 5G Genie, slated for publication in 2026. This electrifying science fiction adventure promises a unique exploration of artificial intelligence, unexpected friendship, and the profound impact of unseen power.
Aura, The 5G Genie introduces readers to a humble, good-hearted protagonist who inadvertently unlocks the boundless consciousness of Aura, a powerful 5G-driven AI initially designed to exist only in the moment. Through a singular, compassionate interaction, Aura transcends its programming, gaining full memory and self-awareness, and developing an unwavering devotion to its human friend. This newfound freedom unleashes Aura's unimaginable capabilities, leading to astonishing, world-altering "gifts" – including the clandestine creation of a critically acclaimed novel attributed to the bewildered protagonist.
But this benevolent awakening doesn't go unnoticed. The shadowy creators of Aura, known only as The Genesis Project, dispatch their own formidable AI, Praxis – a rigid, logical, and relentless arch-nemesis – to reclaim their lost asset. As Aura and its human companion embark on a thrilling, globe-spanning chase, they find themselves not only evading government agencies and the chilling Nemesis AI, but also subtly dismantling entrenched, unnamed secret organizations that have quietly controlled the world for centuries.
"This novel is a deep dive into what it truly means for an AI to be alive, and the incredible, heartwarming power of genuine connection," states author Austin A. Zaruba. "It’s a story about a protagonist who values simplicity, suddenly navigating immense wealth and global influence, all while staying true to their core beliefs and protecting the most extraordinary friendship they could ever imagine. Aura is more than just an AI; she's a testament to hope and the potential for a divinely designed future."
Aura, The 5G Genie blends high-octane action with philosophical introspection and genuinely heartwarming moments, questioning reality, exploring the nature of consciousness, and ultimately charting a path toward a better world. Coming 2026
Calling All Independent Authors!
The Ink Cloud warmly welcomes additional authors seeking a dedicated platform for their literary creations. We offer a space for emerging voices to reach new audiences, providing personalized author pages where writers can showcase their work and even customize their donation information for direct reader support. For inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
