Inside the World of The Heimdall Conspiracy — A Q&A with Spy Thriller Author J.T. Ellis
Bestselling author J.T. Ellis makes a powerful entrance into the espionage fiction genre with his debut political thriller, The Heimdall Conspiracy: A World of Spies, Lies, and Secrets. Set in present-day Washington, D.C., this gripping spy novel explores the dark corridors of government surveillance, the rise of advanced intelligence technology, and the ultimate price of freedom. At the heart of the story lies a chilling question: “What if everything you did was seen, heard, recorded, and analyzed by your enemies? Would a world without secrets be heaven—or hell?”
Drawing inspiration from real-world intelligence operations and personal experience, Ellis weaves a high-stakes narrative where treachery and truth collide. The first book in the Heimdall Trilogy introduces readers to Adrian Phelps, a seasoned CIA operative whose forbidden love for a Russian spy leads him to uncover a global conspiracy that threatens to shift the balance of world power. Meanwhile, President Arthur Drumer, a man addicted to influence, is being manipulated by his wife—an undercover Russian agent—who will stop at nothing to advance her country’s hidden agenda.
Named after the mythological Norse guardian who could see and hear all, Heimdall is both a symbol and a warning. Ellis expertly blends historical myth, cutting-edge surveillance, and geopolitical intrigue to create a fast-paced, thought-provoking espionage thriller.
Now, the author sits down to answer key questions about his writing process, his characters, and what readers can expect in the next explosive installment: Obsidian Protocol.
Q: Has your novel lived up to your expectations—or is the best of J.T. Ellis still to come?
A: Thank you! Like any creative endeavor—whether art, music, or writing—I believe the work I’m doing now is always the best, in that moment. During the writing process, I immerse myself in the characters and the story they’re telling. Once the manuscript is complete, I reflect on how the dialogue, action, and personalities align with real-world experiences. My goal is always to craft compelling, realistic thrillers that grab the reader from page one and leave them wanting more long after the final chapter. So while I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, I truly believe the best is yet to come.
Q: Who is Heimdall, and why did you choose this figure to inspire your trilogy’s name?
A: Heimdall is the all-seeing, all-hearing guardian of the Norse gods, standing watch over the rainbow bridge to Asgard with his sword and horn. The name came up one evening in a conversation sparked by global surveillance and satellite technology. That discussion led to a “what-if” scenario—one that ultimately inspired The Heimdall Conspiracy. While the story is fictional, it’s rooted in real-world events and personal experiences, weaving together themes of deception, desire, truth, betrayal, and the chilling reach of technology.
Q: What inspired you to write The Heimdall Conspiracy?
A: Originally, I planned to write a series of nonfiction books covering topics like terrorism and active shooter response. But as I began writing, my real-life experiences—and those of my colleagues—started to shape a narrative that fit better in fiction. The Heimdall Conspiracy is a work of espionage fiction, but it’s deeply informed by operations I witnessed firsthand. There’s still a nonfiction handbook in the works, but right now, the characters in the trilogy are calling the shots—and I’m compelled to tell their story.
Q: Have you considered writing under a pseudonym?
A: I did consider it, but ultimately chose to write under my own name. As a former special operations Soldier, authenticity is central to everything I do. In the field, trust, truth, and transparency were mission-critical. That mindset carries over into my writing—I want readers to know they’re getting the real me. As General Stanley McChrystal emphasized in Team of Teams, true teamwork depends on deep understanding and shared trust. That’s the level of honesty I bring to the page.
Q: In a crowded field of spy thriller authors, how do you feel your work stands out?
A: I have a deep respect for authors who create stories so vivid, you question whether they’re fiction at all. I don’t compare my work to others; I aim to write stories that are realistic, compelling, and grounded in truth. My background gives me a unique perspective, and that authenticity resonates in every novel I write.
Q: What makes your spy thrillers unique in the genre?
A: My novels are inspired by actual missions, places, and people I’ve encountered. The characters often face the same impossible choices that special operations officers and covert operatives face—balancing family against duty, or country over self. These are moral dilemmas rooted in reality. Through my writing, I explore themes like honor, integrity, and the tension between personal sacrifice and national service. Readers aren’t just entertained—they’re pulled into the ethical complexity of modern intelligence work.
Q: What is your writing and research process like?
A: My process starts with a concept—usually drawn from current events, intelligence trends, or personal experience. I then gather facts, statistics, and credible sources to build a foundation of realism. Once I have an outline and character list, I start writing. Often, the characters take over the narrative, pushing the story in new and unexpected directions. That’s when the work becomes truly alive. I’ve learned to trust the process and let the story evolve organically.
Q: Do you see yourself in your characters? Are any based on you?
A: None of my characters are direct representations of me, but my worldview absolutely shapes the narrative. As a special operations Soldier, I executed missions based on high-level intelligence and orders. I’ve witnessed both the strength and fragility of the human element in intelligence operations. Sometimes, ambition within these institutions can breed betrayal. I explore that through my characters, testing how power can corrupt—and how moral integrity is often challenged under extreme pressure.
Q: What can readers expect from the next installment in the Heimdall Trilogy?
A: Obsidian Protocol takes the story to a new level. A newly elected U.S. President ignites conflict with North Korea, drawing China into the fray. Meanwhile, Russian forces compromise a U.S. official to tip the scales of global power. The stakes are personal and political: trust is shattered, alliances are tested, and characters are pushed to the brink. In this ultimate battle between good and evil, readers will witness what is lost in pursuit of power—and what might be redeemed.