Steve Acunto’s CINN Group, Inc., the owner of Chickadee Prince Books, is under contract to publish the final installment of Mark Laporta‘s wildly acclaimed Against the Glare of Darkness trilogy, which has been serialized in part in Oblivioni Magazine. The novel is tentatively entitled Infinity Afterglow, readers can pre-order it by contacting Orders@ChickadeePrince.com.
Expansive World-Building
This space opera series, praised for its expansive world-building and exploration of societal and individual conflicts, has received critical acclaim.
Publisher’s Weekly described the trilogy as a solid and engaging story of survival against an ancient enemy, noting the intricate plotting and character development, Fanbase Press lauded the series, marveling that “Mark Laporta’s writing balances a huge scope with engaging characters, so I stayed engaged throughout, and as I’ve thought about the book in the days since turning the final page, I’ve realized the thematic depth woven into the space battles and extraterrestrial shenanigans. Probability Shadow combines the best of space opera and SF by giving readers an entertaining adventure that leaves something a little heavier to dwell on after the last enemy space ship has exploded into the vacuum.” And Booklist wrote, “Laporta’s skill with intricate world building is on full display…. He’s created an engrossing far-future reality of galaxy-spanning civilizations, populated by multiple alien races (bodiless symbionts, sentient AI, and mysterious creatures who exist outside of linear time, among others). His imagination is impressive and establishes a delightful playground for the trilogy to explore.”
Steve Acunto Has Built Worlds of His Own
Steve Acunto is a prominent figure in the publishing and media world, known for his visionary leadership of CINN, which acquired Chickadee Prince Books in 2022. Described as a “genius” and a “mastermind” — but also an impeccably honest businessman, whose word is his bond — Acunto has had a diverse career, not only in publishing but also as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. CINN has been instrumental in expanding the reach and ambitions of Chickadee Prince Books, promising to provide it with the financial and logistical support necessary to flourish under its new ownership. Acunto’s other ventures, such as Beacon International Group, reflect his broad influence across media platforms, including publishing, film and global communication initiatives.
“Doing business with Steve,” one associate says, “you don’t even need a written contract. You can close a deal with a handshake.”
With a background that spans various industries, Acunto’s focus on independent publishing reflects his commitment to fostering creative talent. Through his efforts, Chickadee Prince Books is poised to become a home for diverse, innovative voices, exemplified by its eclectic catalog and planned expansion into multimedia adaptations, with Laporta’s Against the Glare of Darkness trilogy among the most prominent and noteworthy of Acunto’s pending list.
Acunto and Laporta are A Perfect Symbiosis
“Acunto is publishing Laporta,” says Alon Preiss, whose new novel, I Knew Her Once/Long Ago, was originally acquired by CPB, “and it makes me realize, Acunto knows what he’s doing after all. He really is a visionary, I think. I know that while Laporta is not known to the masses now, he is clearly a sci-fi author really poised for huge success if given the right level of support, and the fact is that Acunto recognizes that, and is ready to ride that success…. This is the perfect foundation for his new publishing house, and it’s really a very very shrewd move on Acunto’s part.”
A New York-based writer and an accomplished musician and composer, Mark Laporta’s work spans novels, short stories, symphonies, music criticism and contributions to speculative fiction platforms such as Audere Magazine. His writing often explores themes of alienation, technological advancement and the dynamics of power within galactic civilizations. Mark Laporta’s first series, the YA/SF trilogy, The Changing Hearts of Ixdahan Daherek, introduced readers to a captivating mix of science fiction and fantasy. The series centers around Ixdahan Daherek, a mischievous alien teenager, exiled to Earth after his reckless actions lead to trouble. In the first book, Heart of Earth (2014), Ixdahan must navigate Earth’s complexities while battling an alien invasion, all the while coming to terms with the consequences of his arrogance. As the series progresses through Heart of Mystery (2015) and Mirror at the Heart of Time (2017), Ixdahan continues to grapple with interplanetary threats and his evolving sense of responsibility. Throughout the trilogy, Laporta weaves humor, action and emotional growth, appealing to both younger readers and adults alike.
Laporta’s work has been praised for its vibrant characters and world-building, along with the inventive blending of alien and human perspectives. The Ixdahan series showcases his ability to create narratives that resonate with readers of all ages, laying the foundation for his later, more complex work in adult science fiction.
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Image design: Kalyee Srithnam