RRHS teacher publishes science-fiction novel

RIO RANCHO — Once Aaron Montgomery’s students at Rio Rancho High School see the “Star Wars” posters adorning a section of his classroom, he hopes students ask about another one that might seem out of place.

It contains the cover art of his new novel, “The Shadow of War: Book One in the Ashes of Arcadia Series,” released in May.

In an interview last week, Montgomery, a science teacher and soccer coach, described the series as a post-apocalyptic, science-fiction fantasy that takes place on Earth after a meteorite hits Yellowstone National Park’s super volcano.

“(The meteor strike) kind of threw the world into disarray, and out of the ashes was born a world of magic,” Montgomery said.

A short book, called a novella, explained this event and provided the foundation for the series.

“The Shadow of War” takes place 1,000 years after the meteor strike, when city-states formed but struggled to maintain peace, according to Montgomery and a summary on the back book jacket.

The city-states are guarded by “the immortal wizard Draco Lobo and his elusive order of warriors,” but Mad Dog, commander of the “Crimson Empire’s brutal legions,” wants to fight back, according to a book summary on Audible. The Empire wants to achieve peace through oppression, while Draco Lobo wants peace through prosperity, Montgomery said.

A group of heroes bands together to save the Empire, but Montgomery will only go so far in explaining the plot of his book. Like any author, he said he does not want to give away the ending.

Montgomery described his work as “’Star Wars’ meets Tolkien,” referring to John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the author of the famed “Lord of the Rings” series.

Through all the science-fiction elements, however, Montgomery’s book offers a relatable message to readers.

“The take-home message I tried to write into the characters was that we are more than what we appear. We go through our lives with expectations, and sometimes, we let those expectations define us,” Montgomery said. “But I think part of the experience in life is breaking those expectations and becoming who we are, not who the world necessarily views us to be.”

He said he sees new students come into class with “a perception of who they think they should be,” but “kids are so much more than that.”

Montgomery always thought it would be neat to write a book but did not know how much work it entailed until he started writing.

“It’s part of pushing myself beyond what the world thinks I should do,” he said. “It’s part of my growth along with the characters in the book. I’m doing something hard, something different, without the hope of reward. If I make money — great! But if one person likes it, I consider that a win.”

“The Shadow of War” is available in hard copy and paperback as well as audiobook formats on Amazon, Audible, Apple Books and Barnes & Noble. The novel is also available at the RRHS library, where there are two copies.

Jeff Tolley, library media specialist, said Montgomery’s book has been checked out by students and teachers, who have provided favorable reviews.

“It’s always a proud moment for the school and the district to see a colleague publish, and there are a fair number of faculty who write fiction, nonfiction and professional works,” Tolley wrote in an email. “I’m happy that Aaron shared his work with me, and I’m thrilled to have ‘Ashes of Arcadia’ on the shelf.”