READ MOREBUY on Amazon!Toriko Tales: Toriko vs. The Crowned Paw "This thing meows, scratches, explodes, and purrs its way through serious ideas without losing its playfulness ... doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions about artificial intelligence, control, and empathy."
View book info D'mok Revival Book 3 Novelette The Aloan Conspiracy
View book info D'mok Revival Book 3 Novelette Mindwalk
View book info D'mok Revival Omnibus Books 1-3 & Novelettes
Award Winning Author
Hello everyone, I'm Mike Zummo. Thanks for looking into me.
I write sci-fi and fantasy where high-tech futures meet the messiness of being human. My stories dive into identity, belonging, and the fight to find your place-set against the backdrop of superpowers, alien worlds, and cultures reshaped by AI and advancing tech.
At the core are characters who feel real: people caught between who they were and who they're becoming, all while navigating prejudice, mental health, and systems that don't always have their best interests at heart. Whether they're facing down interstellar threats or their own inner battles, their journeys are about courage, connection, and choosing who you want to be.
If you're into bold, emotional adventures with heart, high stakes, and questions that reflect our world, step into the Dmok Revival universe. As I like to say: Without further ado, allow me to take you on a journey.
14 Awards and Recognitions
2025
Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker (v2), 2025 Halloween Book Festival: Young Adult category winner
Toriko Tales: Toriko vs. The Crowned Paw (v2), Golden Literary Titan Book Award
Toriko Tales: Toriko vs. The Crowned Paw (v2), Readers' Favorite 5-stars
Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker (v2), Readers' Favorite 5-stars
2022
Toriko Tales: Toriko vs. The Crowned Paw (unpub), Readers' Favorite 5-stars
2018
Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker (unpub), Readers' Favorite 5-stars
2017
D'mok Revival: New Eden, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, First in Scifi
2016
D'mok Revival: New Eden, Readers Favorite Honorable Mention, Youth: Scifi
D'mok Revival: New Eden, Readers Favorite 5-stars
D'mok Revival: Awakening
The Nukari Invasion Trilogy
BOOK 1
Review Highlights
"I bought this for brain candy while on a flight, I couldn t put it down. The cast of characters seem complex, but have you begging for more development."
M. Walker
4 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"This book is so instantly absorbing with action and awesome SciFi it is as if Michael Crichton and Isaac Asimov got together to write an epic for the 21st century. The pacing is wonderful, the characters are unique and interesting, and it is just the start to what promises to be one helluva story. Would make a great movie as well."
allen1
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"Five stars or more for one of the top notch space operas I have read this year. What a job of character building and crafting the narrative to make this book a cohesive, living remarkable creation. I can't wait for his next installment, a terrific read for all ages."
Alrusse
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
Overview
Millennia ago, the warmongering Nukari eradicated the ancient, space-exploring D mar. Not even the greatest of their warriors, D mok, gifted with super-human abilities, could stop the total annihilation of his people.
Now, the fledgling human Coalition lies in the Nukari's sights. The first attack left a space station destroyed and one man, Rhysus Mencari, the sole survivor. But in that man awakened D'mok-like powers, sparking the revival of the only forcethat could oppose this powerful enemy.
Still distraught over the loss of his family, Mencari teams up with Osuto, the last known D mar alive. Can Mencari overcome the shadow of his past in time to master his new found abilities,gather a new team of D mok warriors, and hunt down the Nukari before the next onslaught?
This is the first book of The Invasion Trilogy, the beginning of the D mok Revival science fiction series of novels by Michael Zummo.
D'mok Revival: Retribution
The Nukari Invasion Trilogy
BOOK 2
Review Highlights
"D'mok Revival: Retribution is a refreshing blend of adventure, drama, angst and science fiction that kept me wanting more after each page and chapter. Fans of the genre will enjoy the story's character and plot developments, as well as its intense imagery. Michael Zummo utilizes vividly descriptive writing in a successful attempt to relay his tale, and the end result is a fun and catchy read."
Nika Raet
5 of 5 stars, Readers Favorite
"D'mok Revival: Retribution is action packed, leaving the reader with very little room to breathe as we're launched from one crisis to the next. Once Zummo grabs your attention he doesn't let go."
Lisa Jones
5 of 5 stars, Readers Favorite
"D'mok Revival is a meaty, fast paced science fiction novel. The author has put his heart and soul into this novel, passion seeps through his book."
Jack Magus
5 of 5 stars, Readers' Favorite
Overview
Rhysus Mencari lost everything to the warmongering Nukari. Only his superhuman abilities allowed him to survive their invasion. While assembling a team of D'mok Warriors, powerful aliens with abilities like his, he discovered Nukari deeply entrenched in countless worlds. Together the team disrupted numerous operations, a feat not left unnoticed by his enemy.
Now, a new threat has emerged. Vicious Nukari beasts with D'mok-like abilities have begun terrorizing worlds.
When an unknown group of super-aliens are found battling the beasts, Mencari struggles to discern would-be allies from another powerful foe.
Can his fledgling warriors win against those with abilities much like their own? Will the unknown super-race come to his aid or seek his destruction? More importantly, will the Nukari continue their subterfuge, or return as conquers with their mighty armada?
This is the second book of The Invasion Trilogy in the D mok Revival science fiction series of novels by Michael Zummo.
D'mok Revival: Descension
The Nukari Invasion Trilogy
BOOK 3
Review Highlights
"These books remind me of those that fostered my love of science fiction as a young adult when I would eagerly await my Scholastic book catalog. I have read the entire nukari series and have handed them off to my son who is currently reading them. These are fantastic books for readers young and old alike but especially imho for those new to science fiction."
MikenzCO (Top 1000 Review)
4 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"Engaging and easily imaginable storytelling ... scores of action scenes, fascinating alien planets, advanced technologies and memorable characters ... enjoyable read."
L. Amri
5 of 5 stars, Readers Favorite
"Zummo is fearless when it comes to allowing his world to unfold, resulting in memorable moments that will stay with you; a sign of exceptional writing and dedication to the craft. If you love Science Fiction, old and new, and Anime, you will love this entire series."
allen1
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"Another thing that stands out in this book is the descriptions. I could see the Gizel beasts with their sharp bony plates, retractable claws and fanged snouts, and the bird woman able to control with a gaze."
Anne Boling
5 of 5 stars, Readers Favorite
Overview
The Nukari invasion changed Rhysus Mencari s life forever. It tooks years for him to accept the loss of his family and understand the strange superhuman abilities that saved him. After working with Osuto, the last remaining D mok Warrior, Mencari began to master his abilities and find others like him. Together they created a new team of D'mok Warriors that fought against the advancing Nukari threat.
The challenge grew dire when the Nukari unleashed genetic creations with D'mok-like powers. Further, Mencari s own race used his genetics to create another superhuman team under control of the Human Coalition. When Anrik, the leader of the new Human team, was captured the D'mok Warriors were forced to rescue him and push back the beast menace.
Now, the infuriated Nukari have mobilized against Mencari. Even with new found allies, including the two Nukari defectors, will Mencari and his growing team be able to turn the tide? With the full strength of the Nukari armada unleashed, who will survive?
This is the third book of The Invasion Trilogy in the D mok Revival science fiction series of novels by Michael Zummo.
D'mok Revival: New Eden
The New Eden Trilogy
BOOK 1 (Series BOOK 4)
Review Highlights
"The world Zummo has created in New Eden is very lush and has so many different factions and characters vying for their own ends. The best way I can describe it is that you continue to feel this world is alive and progressing even after you put the book away."
Matt Ferrara (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"The character development is so deep and complex that you actually feel for the characters and the struggles they are going through. Actions taken by the protagonist are unpredictable, yet totally understandable. The events in New Eden open up the universe within the D'mok Revival series and in a way makes you reevaluate everything you thought you knew after the first three books and leaves you wanting so much more."
Dan (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
"This book has it all. Zummo is at the top of his game on this book and you won't believe the ending. You certainly won't be able to take your eyes away from the page when reading it. This story is amazing and when you finish this, you will finally understand just how immense Zummo's vision is and why it is unique."
allen1 (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
Overview
The Nukari invasion is over. Rhysus Mencari and his super-powered D'mok Warriors have emerged victorious. But the scars of war run deep, and his duty is far from over. Enemy remnants cling to conquered worlds, their allies lurk in the dark, and the infamous Kajlit'ga and her beast warriors remain at large.
With the New Eden station finally operational, Rhysus Mencari and his allies gain a new platform from which to create an enduring freedom and lasting peace. But a discovery leads to a far more burdensome trial. The family he thought murdered are, in fact, prisoners of war. An obsession to free them taints his every move.
Rhysus Mencari, the hardened warrior, struggles to become the husband and father he was meant to be. But is he prepared for what has become of his family? Worse still, when his team realizes his judgment is compromised, will they remain loyal, or take matters into their own hands?
This is book four in the D'mok Revival series, and first of The New Eden Trilogy, in the D mok Revival literary universe by Michael Zummo.
Review Highlights
So, I've never read a midsequel, or such, before. I honestly don't know what's the literary term for it but I still love it. I was actually wondering after the young cadet escape? and now I can continue the series. Short, sweet, easy to comprehend and lovely to engage.
Justin Pyfrom (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
Overview
It was a new day. All of Alo was rejoicing. A miracle had happened and now their moon radiated like a sun. Despite the merriment, something sinister was going on.
All Jeyla knew was three things: The alien known as Rhysus Mencari was gone. Her best friend Speru Chew was missing. And her mentor, High Councilman D abar Arenji, was being held in a maximum-security cell under HighDome.
Among the elite, rumors of treason and murder were circulating. None of it made sense. Every question she asked was met with silence or suspicion. Something was very wrong.
In this novelette follow Jeyla, Siana, and Raitr as they attempt to uncover the dark truth behind the miracle, including what really happened to their friend Speru Chew and how their mentor fell from grace.
Mindwalk: The Taming of Decreta
D'mok Revival Novelette
Novelette 1 (Book 3 timeframe)
Review Highlights
This book was an amazing experience and showcases the author's excellent writing talent. I've never read something that so well captured the essence of a dream. The insights from this short story heighten the overall D'Mok Revival series experience and is crucial reading for fans of the series.
allen1 (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
It is pretty inventive to see the back story of this vicious race via mind walking so I loved it.
Justin Pyfrom (verified purchase)
5 of 5 stars, Amazon.com
Overview
This novelette, by author Michael Zummo, extends the D'mok Revival literary universe. It takes place at the end of Chapter 6 in Book 3, D'mok Revival: Descension.
After the capture of a Nukari beast, Mencari and his allies looked to Katen and his telepathic abilities to enter the mind of his brethren and retrieve whatever it knows.
In D'mok Revival: Mindwalk, experience Katen s journey into the mind of a fellow beast warrior. Discover what the Nukari have been up to, what they know about Mencari and his allies, and what dangers lurk within.
ebook
Softcover not available
Audio - not available
D'mok Revival: The Nukari Invasion Omnibus
Books 1-3 + both Novelettes
Experience all three novels and two novelettes of Michael Zummo's award winning space saga, D'mok Revival: The Nukari Invasion. Follow the plight of Coalition soldier Rhysus Mencari on his emotional journey from grieving widower to powerful D'mok Warrior.
Key to his legacy is Osuto, an ancient D'mok Warrior who helps Mencari master his abilities. As he sets out to hunt the nefarious Nukari he doesn't find their powerful armadas, but rather a more sinister enemy embedded deeply into alien societies, corrupting worlds from within. During his travels he recruits an unorthodox cast of super powered beings, and struggles to establish a team of D'mok Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Nukari unleash a force of genetically created beasts with D'mok like abilities. When the Nukari armada is finally unleashed, will the D mok Warriors and their allies be enough to stop them once and for all? What sacrifices will need to be made?
Experience the epic saga today! As an added bonus, the prologues for the next novels in the D'mok Revival Literary Universe are included.
D'mok Revival Series
D'mok Revival is a sweeping, character-driven space opera for readers 10+. It follows Rhysus Mencari, a broken soldier who lost his family in the first wave of a devastating alien invasion. Surviving only by awakening extraordinary super-human abilities, Rhysus embarks on a journey of mastery, forging alliances with others like him and ultimately confronting the relentless Nukari.
Across the first three novels and two novelettes, readers witness his transformation from survivor to leader, and from a man haunted by loss to a force capable of reshaping worlds.
Series Plan
This literary universe spans two trilogies and a capstone novel:
The Nukari Invasion Trilogy - fully released.
The New Eden Trilogy - book one released in 2016.
What Sets It Apart
While the premise begins with alien invasion, D'mok Revival is far more than "hero beats big bad." It thrives on the deep, messy, and ultimately human dynamics between its core cast-characters who wrestle with trauma, identity, and belonging. Many of these struggles are drawn directly from my own life and those close to me, reframed through a thrilling, futuristic lens.
My hope is simple: readers will see themselves in these characters, know theyre not alone in their challenges, and find moments of insight-or even healing-within the journey.
Representation is central to the series. In a genre often dominated by macho tropes, D'mok Revival has been embraced by female and LGBTQ+ readers for its capable, complex, and diverse cast.
Inspiration
The series draws from the cinematic scope of Star Wars, the found-family grit of Firefly, and the moral complexity of Battlestar Galactica (2004), fused with the high-energy superhuman abilities seen in Dragon Ball Z and X-Men.
A Long Time Coming
What began as a short story in 1998 evolved into a fully fleshed-out role-playing game world by 1999-complete with maps, combat systems, and a detailed ability tree. By 2001, I had hundreds of pages of backstory, characters, and lore when a coworker, Lynn Murdoch, urged me to turn it into a novel.
The first manuscript topped 286,000 words before being shaped into The Nukari Invasion Trilogy. The debut novel, D'mok Revival: Awakening, launched at Chicago Comic Con in 2013, followed by Retribution in 2014 and the trilogys conclusion in 2015, alongside two novelettes that expanded the universe.
In 2016, I began The New Eden Saga with Dmok Revival: New Eden, released in 2016 to multiple awards.
Most Recently
Closing out 2025, Zummo earned a total of 14 honors and awards. Weun Academy and Toriko Tales, both spin-offs in the expanded D'mok Revival Universe released to great acclaim.
Whats Next
The next installation in the Weun Academy series is already underway. Before D'mok Revival book 5 can be written, both Weun Academy Book 2 and Wayfinder Book 1 need to be released. What is Wayfinder? It followed Rhysus Mencari and his family after the events of D'mok Revival Book 4... Stay tuned! There is so much more!
Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker
BOOK 1
Sixteen-year-old Eisah Tanner lives by one rule: stay invisible.
As an Earther on the fringes of a Martian colony, he keeps to the shadows, evading bullies who stalk his kind for sport. But when their cruelty explodes into violence, a dangerous power ignites within him—one that can't be hidden—drawing unwanted, extra-terrestrial attention.
Torn from Mars, Eisah is conscripted into Weun Academy, an alien school for gifted outcasts. With an uneasy start, he struggles to master his superhuman powers—and to finally belong. This alien realm proves just as treacherous.
When a brutal strike shatters the academy, shifting loyalties and hidden agendas drive Eisah and his friends into a fight for answers. Learning who to trust is the deadliest lesson.
As enemies close in, they must untangle a web of lies, betrayal, and something far darker—before shadow consumes them all.
Discover Weun Academy—where mettle is tested, a chosen family defended, and stepping into your power begins.
"I honestly cannot remember the last time I came across a novel with such a wholly unique world; the lore, politics, abilities, and alien species are all so varied ... and yet make it feel so real at the same time, and Zummo does so with seeming ease."
"It’s great to read about a flawed hero who actively makes the choices to be a good person, especially when that hero only continues to grow. His skills don’t come naturally to him, but he works at it. He’s not a prophesied Chosen Hero, just a kid trying to protect the people he cares about, and it makes him all the better."
"Writing is confident and flows with unusual grace. Pacing is fast and the author knows how to make readers care about his characters."
"Themes of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance are explored with raw emotional depth."
"Weun Academy is a brilliantly written, coming-of-age, school academy novel that delves deep into the inner doubts and fears of teenagers, no matter their origins."
"I enjoyed the immersive world Zummo built. Mars isn't just a red rock, it's a living, breathing setting with layered tensions between the Redborn and Earthers. And once the narrative jumps into space, it explodes into vibrant colors, fantastical tech, and unforgettable aliens."
"I found myself feeling both wonder and dread, often in the same chapter. Zummo's strength lies in his ability to inject emotional depth into action scenes, and I really appreciated that balance."
"Eisah's voice feels authentic. His fear, stubbornness, and protectiveness toward his mom resonated with me. There's a refreshing honesty in his reactions that makes the reader root for him, even when he's impulsive or defiant.
"Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker is a solid pick for fans of young adult sci-fi who love stories about found family, superpowers, and reluctant heroes thrown into extraordinary situations. It's especially great for readers who want their space fantasy with a bit of heart and a lot of flair."
The first book of the Weun Academy series is a new entry point to the D'mok Revival Literary Universe. Aimed at YA and New Adult readers no prior reading is required. From a timeline perspective it happens after D'mok Revival's book 4 (New Eden) and before Toriko Tales.
Catgal and technical genius, Toriko Purg had a simple plan for her twenty-fifth birthday: cake, a round of Super Carnage Royale, and a low-key test of her latest power armor. Instead, she accidentally gives rise to a sentient AI—illegal and degrading fast.
Forced to destroy what should've been her greatest achievement, Toriko returns to her homeworld of Tericn to face the consequences. The Elders are not a-mewsed.
Her punishment quickly unravels into something far more dangerous. Beneath Tericn's polished surface lies a tangled mess of secrets, shadowy tech, and long-buried corruption—ensnaring even her own friends and family. As Toriko claws at the truth, her efforts draw dangerous attention.
Now her name is on the chopping block. With her sister at her side, a snarky AI in her ear, and a whole world flesh and code turned against her, will her 9 lives be enough to expose it all and survive this?
Readers' Favorite 5/5
"A neon-soaked edge where emotion and satire meet."
"A richly imagined sci-fi world where AI ethics, family loyalty, and buried truths collide.
"Catgirls, conspiracies, and sentient AIs--Torikos fight isn't just for justice, it's for the truth."
"Cyberpunk intrigue meets space-opera stakes—Toriko's journey is emotional, explosive, and unforgettable."
"Vivid and fast-paced the writing ... Action scenes feel like cinematic explosions ... lightning fast, detailed, and packed with personality. There's a real charm in the way Zummo blends humor, emotion, and technobabble without getting bogged down in it. Toriko, Maro, and Ujaku all feel alive and distinct, even when they're arguing over programming decisions or dodging energy blasts. The writing balances fluff and fury in a way thats addictive. Its fun and sharp without taking itself too seriously, and that playful confidence is what kept me turning pages.
But what really surprised me was how thoughtful it is under all the noise. There's a deep vein of emotional weight running through it ... The book doesn't shy away from asking tough questions about artificial intelligence, control, and empathy. And it doesn't hand out easy answers either. That mix of chaos and conscience hit me harder than I expected, especially in the later chapters. There's loss, guilt, wonder, and even a bit of hope tied into the ticking wires and blinking lights."
The first book of the Toriko Tales series is a new entry point to the D'mok Revival Literary Universe. Aimed at YA and New Adult readersno prior reading is required.
From a timeline perspective it happens after D'mok Revival's (New Eden) book 4 and Weun Academy's book 1.
"If you liked Enders Game, Skyward, or The Expanse but wished they had more emotion, diversity, and cool alien tech, this is for you." 
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Award Winning Author
D'mok Revival is a sweeping, character-driven space opera for readers 10+. It follows Rhysus Mencari, a broken soldier who lost his family in the first wave of a devastating alien invasion. Surviving only by awakening extraordinary super-human abilities, Rhysus embarks on a journey of mastery, forging alliances with others like him and ultimately confronting the relentless Nukari.
