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The First.
When the world shook, they were taken.
One moment Max and Maria were living ordinary lives on a dying Earth... unconnected, unaware, and unprepared. The next, they woke in a place beyond understanding, watched by beings who had chosen them for reasons they refused to explain. Strangers to each other. Bound by circumstance. Cut off from everything they had ever known.
There are no answers at first. Only white rooms. Soft light. The quiet pressure of proximity and the growing realization that whatever took them has no intention of sending them back. Earth continues without them. Time moves differently. And the longer they remain, the clearer it becomes that they were never meant to return as the same people who left.
What begins as survival becomes something far more dangerous. Trust forms in the spaces between silence. Desire rises where resentment once lived. The irreversible choice to stop fighting what is happening and start becoming part of it settles over them like a second skin. Around them, others are chosen. New connections form. Bonds are tested under the weight of a purpose larger than any one of them.
They are the first.
The first to be kept. The first to be bound. The first to stand at the edge of a new world and decide what comes next.
On a planet untouched by human hands, with the old Earth already fading into memory, the first steps will decide everything... not only for themselves, but for every life that follows.
The First is a standalone science fiction story of abduction, forced connection, and the quiet, fierce decision to begin again when the only world you have ever known is already gone.

Welcome to
Books by B. B. Hartwich!
Step into a world where fantasy and sci-fi come to life. At B. B. Hartwich, I believe in the power of imagination and creativity. My creations are designed to inspire and transport you to realms beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re looking for captivating characters, immersive worlds, or unique stories, you’ll find it all here.
Explore my portfolio, discover the latest projects, and join me on a journey through the extraordinary. Let your imagination soar with B. B. Hartwich.
B. B. Hartwich is a dedicated family man. Originally from Denmark, he visited Washington State in 2004, where he met his wife, Angela. In 2006, he officially moved to Washington State and married Angela. He became a stepfather to two wonderful girls, and shortly after, another daughter and a son joined the family.
B. B. Hartwich worked as a security officer for four years. During this time, he wrote his first book in 2008, although it took four years to find an editor he believed could do his book justice. Kimberly Dunn, of Dunn Editing, accepted the challenge, and together they transformed the manuscript into a finished product.
In August 2022, B. B. Hartwich published his second book, the start of a new series titled "The James Hamill Chronicle." This ambitious series will span five books, each comprising over 500 pages.
In 2024, B. B. Hartwich's writing career has flourished, leading him to complete three captivating book series. His works include "The Dungeon in the Wall," a four-book series; "Beyond the Blaze," a two-book series; and "The Search for Atlantis," another two-book series. All three series are rooted in the fantasy genre, showcasing his talent for creating immersive and imaginative worlds.
First and foremost, B. B. Hartwich is a family man who spends most of his free time with his wife and children. When not at home, he works in a Shipping and receiving position , a position he started on March 1, 2022, following six years as a delivery driver. An injury led to his job change, allowing him to continue providing for his family.
B. B. Hartwich has many hobbies. In addition to writing books, he enjoys the outdoors and engages in prospecting, metal detecting, coin collecting, and computer gaming when time permits.
B. B. Hartwich’s inspiration for writing stems from his love of storytelling and the desire to create immersive worlds that captivate readers. His experiences, both personal and professional, have provided a rich tapestry of material to draw from, fueling his imagination and passion for crafting compelling narratives.
B. B. Hartwich’s creative outlet is writing. His love of storytelling and the desire to create immersive worlds that captivate readers drive his passion. Writing allows him to express his imagination, bringing his ideas to life and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with his audience.
B. B. Hartwich's books draw meaning from his rich experiences and imaginative storytelling. Themes of family, resilience, and human connections reflect his life as a devoted family man and his diverse background. His immersive worlds and relatable characters create captivating, emotionally resonant stories that deeply connect with readers.