Love, Power, War, and Corruption
The Wall follows a smuggler living in the middle of a civil war who has been separated from his fiancee and will do whatever it takes to be reunited with her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It seems every year, our country is becoming more and more divided. I wanted to use The Wall as an analogy for that, and what would happen if you were on one side and your soul-mate was on the other? It also explores love, power, war, and corruption between two completely different societies divided by The Wall.
What do you think were some of the defining moments in Asher’s development?
I think when Asher finally discovers the truth about his parents and that shakes him from Zion’s robust grip where he has been living in opulence. Also when he is finally able to forgive his Uncle as well as himself for the bombing that killed innocents.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore what would happen to humanity if man had the power only God was meant to wield and how absolute power corrupts. Also, what would be the downfalls of being able to live forever? What would be the cost? Just because we have a second chance does that merit wasting the first one? What does this say about human nature? Some other themes explored are: can love not only survive war but also societal differences that exist on the different sides of The Wall?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is book 1 of a planned trilogy. Book 2 and 3 are being worked on now with the hopes of a release date sometime next year. Book 2 takes place ten years later from where book 1 left off. Sarai leads Zion West as Prime Servant. Asher commands its army against the growing threats of Zion East’s burgeoning military as Renatus’s power continues to grow. But when Renatus finds out Asher and Sarai’s son has the same disorder as his “wounded prince,” he kidnaps him for his LifeCell in an effort to resurrect his own son. As Sarai tries to hang on to power, Asher does everything in his power to save their son.
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It’s 2099, and the former United States of America is in the midst of another civil war. In the wake of a revolutionary technology that grants people a second chance at life, an impenetrable wall divides the prosperous nation of Zion from the slums of MiddleLand. Stuck inside the wall and desperate to reunite with his fiancée, contraband smuggler Asher is hell-bent on finding a way out.
When his uncle offers him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Asher is faced with an impossible task: impersonate a talented Zion soldier and risk his life in the Canonization, a brutal gladiator duel against a champion who never loses. But defeating an unbeatable opponent and reuniting with his one true love is only the beginning. Asher thought the second life policy was outlawed. But the truth is far more sinister, and he soon finds himself caught up in the middle of a terrifying rebellion that will decide the fate of both sides of the Wall.
As an explosive and futuristic sci-fi adventure that artfully weaves together high-octane action and heart-stopping romance, The Wall presents an unforgettable YA dystopia that’s perfect for fans of Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Dune.
Posted on November 2, 2023, in Interviews and tagged author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Brian Penn, christian, christian fantasy, ebook, fantasy, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, science fiction, story, teen, The Wall, writer, writing, YA Dystopian, YA Fiction, ya scifi, young adult.. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
LITERARY TITAN 
I love the premise for this novel series. I’m glad I read your interview and learnt more. The themes are universal and thought provoking. I’m unaware of any other story that has explored immortality as a possibility for many. It’s always been a god’s gift or the vampire’s curse. I’m hooked.