Science Fiction
Date Published: 02-08-2025
Publisher: Magnetic Lion Productions
Everything is connected. Each event happens for a reason.
If you could remote view worlds beyond your own, where would you go?
How far could you reach?
And what would a nefarious organisation do with your abilities?
Tahra Mamoun has always known she was different. When she discovers powerful remote viewing abilities, the enigmatic businessman, Max Richardson, rescues her from a miserable existence to work at The Institute. She discovers her ikigai in the form of brilliant physics professor, Dr Paul Eldridge, seizing a unique opportunity to play a major role in a mind-bending project.
Tahra must navigate worlds beyond as a chosen one, pitting her wits against aliens with agendas in a series of quests that challenge her faith and her deepest fears.
Written in the style of a TV series, Seven Point Eight has a twist of sci-fi intrigue which combines love, betrayal and ambition with psychic powers, stunning alien worlds, ancient secrets and quantum physics in a soap opera for the soul.
Interview with K.M. Gruchelska
What is your favorite part of the book?
I enjoy the scenes featuring the vivid and diverse worlds because they’re the climax of Tahra’s journey and the validation of her power. However, the drama and intensity of the scenes between her and Max were among my favourites when it comes to writing. In particular, the interactions when they’re together in New York have that kind of fated, wistful romantic yearning that is bittersweet and I was delighted with the results of that chapter.
Does your book have a lesson? Moral?
There’s no specific moral, but there are running themes. The first is the overall connection between fate and the chain of events in our life that lead us to the inevitable purpose we discover. The concept of ‘Everything in connected’ takes on a deeper meaning as we move through both the book and the series. Another theme is that of ‘ikigai,’ where we realise our passion and purpose in life, not simply what we’re meant to do, but what we love doing. The closest thing to a moral is that even though you’re born an outsider, you can and will find your place and sense of belonging.
Are your characters based on real people, or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
They’re not actually real people, but some characters may have my own qualities. On the whole, they’re unique and developed over time in my imagination. They flesh out gradually throughout the book, although I haven’t revealed the backstory for Max yet.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?
I adore Tahra and she holds a special place in my heart because despite her talents and abilities, she’s a hot mess. I think that’s also her charm because she’s not perfect. I’m torn between her and Max, especially as he’s an enigma and a dark horse with a powerful yet tragic backstory that will be revealed later in the series.
What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?
There’s a minor character called Mr Weinberg who features little, yet his influence is more wide-reaching than we realise. He’s manipulative and a sociopath, out to exploit Tahra and her naivety.
What would the main character in your book have to say about you?
She’d probably see me as a friend, especially because I’ve often been an outsider too.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Seven Point Eight: Beyond is the foundation for the rest of the series, and Tahra has a long way to go yet not only in the development of her power, but in her journey towards maturity and responsibility. The series still has a huge mission and scope. The second book in the series deals with the aftermath and consequences of Project OOBE but also provides Tahra with dilemmas and new twists in her adventures.
She features in an additional mini-series spin-off called “The Tahra Files,’ in which we follow the initial development of her abilities. ‘The Remote Eye’ launches later this month! Sign up to my mailing list for early access.
About the Author
K.M. Gruchelska is a speculative fiction writer who travels extensively, having lived in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Her career has been varied and exciting, from a stint as a fitness instructor, to working abroad teaching English as a Foreign Language in schools and universities. She is currently based in Uzbekistan, where she coordinates a centre for academic writing.
She is a child of the world, full of conjecture and imagination, and she regards herself as a global citizen. Her characters and situations reflect the diversity and wonder that she experiences during her travels, combined with a philosophical flavour and human drama.
In everyday terms, she enjoys different cuisines and making bougie tea, and has a cat that she adopted from Saudi Arabia. She considers the cat to be her soul animal because she hates water but loves tuna. Her secret dream is to own a pancake bar and an English school.
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