Breakfield and Burkey, the creative minds behind The Enigma Series, channel their tech expertise into thrilling, globally inspired fiction. Photo by Ashlee Bratton
Masters of Tech Suspense, Storytelling, and Cyber Intrigue
Breakfield and Burkey fuse technology, suspense, and humor in The Enigma Series, using real-world expertise and collaborative creativity to craft compelling technothrillers with global settings and unforgettable characters.
Breakfield and Burkey, the visionary duo behind The Enigma Series, are reshaping the technothriller landscape with an extraordinary blend of storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and a spark of humor. Known for infusing their novels with elements of suspense, romance, and real-world tech concepts like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, these authors have forged a style all their own—gritty, clever, and deeply relevant to the digital age.
Their flagship work, The Enigma Series, follows the high-stakes adventures of the R-Group and its elite spinoff, the Cyber Assassins Technology Services (CATS) team. But beyond gripping plotlines and action-packed scenes, the authors bring global insight and cultural nuance into their narratives—thanks to a rich background in technology consulting and extensive international travel. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant in Zurich or a tense data heist in a South American bank, Breakfield and Burkey paint locations with an authenticity that pulls readers into their fast-paced literary world.
Breakfield and Burkey redefine modern storytelling with their brilliant fusion of technology, emotion, and suspense, setting new standards in the technothriller genre.
“We can kill annoying characters and not go to jail,” they joke—humorously summing up what pushed them from non-fiction into fiction. Both seasoned in the world of tech, their transition began with a simple but fateful phrase from Burkey: “I have an idea.” That idea blossomed into a unique partnership that now spans multiple books, audio adaptations, and an ever-growing fan base. As technologists-turned-authors, they’ve harnessed their real-world expertise to make fictional threats feel dangerously possible.
Their writing process is as inventive as their plots. They describe it as “Literary ping-pong,” where chapters bounce between them for edits, rewrites, and refinements—sometimes inspired by dreams, always grounded in collaborative spontaneity. Whether fueled by late-night Zoom calls or brainstorming sessions over a favorite drink, this method has resulted in a vivid, interwoven universe with over 150 recurring characters.
Managing such a complex cast requires meticulous tracking. From detailed spreadsheets to audio archives maintained by series narrator Derek Shoales, continuity is non-negotiable. “Consistency in individual personas, names, and characteristics is essential,” they say—especially after a sharp-eyed reader once flagged an inconsistency in a returning character.
Settings in their novels aren’t just backdrop; they’re essential ingredients. Every city, street, or corner café is pulled from their real-life travels and photo journals, adding texture and credibility to the narrative. “The difference between fiction and nonfiction,” they note, “is that fiction has to make sense.” That philosophy keeps their stories grounded while allowing the action to soar.
Emotional depth is another hallmark of their work. Humor diffuses tension. Romance humanizes their cyber-warriors. Suspense keeps readers on edge. Their three-dimensional characters grapple with fear, love, frustration, and triumph—creating a rhythm that feels genuine. As they put it, “Storytelling is always about multiple emotions sloshing back and forth while the drama is unfolding.”
Breakfield and Burkey also give back to the writing community. Whether chatting with new authors or conducting interviews, they thrive on creative dialogue. Burkey, in particular, relishes posing open-ended questions that ignite passionate responses. Their advice to aspiring writers? Stay persistent. Connect with other authors. Write every day. Most importantly, believe in your vision—especially if you’re writing in an emerging genre.
When it comes to co-authoring, they emphasize the importance of compatibility and conflict resolution. Their secret weapon? “Best three out of five rounds of rock, paper, scissors.” As Breakfield admits with a laugh, he’s never managed to win.
In a genre often dominated by dystopian futures or science fiction extremes, Breakfield and Burkey bring something refreshingly grounded: high-stakes fiction powered by today’s real-world tech threats. As the world becomes more digitally entwined, their stories offer both a thrilling escape and a sobering reminder of what’s at stake.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Breakfield and Burkey
