Blog Archives
The Greater Good
In his novel, The Greater Good: A Dystopian Novel of Divided America, author Seth Daniel Parker masterfully crafts a compelling work of dystopian fiction. In it, readers envision a future where a fractured America has given rise to two distinct nations, each embracing divergent ideologies—one socialist, the other capitalist. Blending elements of dystopian literature, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry, Parker’s narrative takes readers on an immersive journey.
The story centers around Thomas, an ordinary citizen whose life is shattered when he is unjustly convicted of “crimes against society” and sentenced to an enlightenment center. Driven by unwavering loyalty, Thomas initially believes that this confinement presents an opportunity to ascend the social hierarchy and attain the coveted rank of “Blue.” However, his illusions are shattered as he gradually uncovers the true nature of his nation—a revelation that challenges his deep-seated beliefs. With the assistance of Virgil, a fellow inmate, Thomas embarks on a treacherous path in his quest for liberation, hoping to reconcile the fragmented United States. Can a single individual truly alter the course of history?
Parker’s exceptional ability to reflect elements of our present society within this dystopian landscape renders his work even more engrossing. The events leading to America’s disintegration depicted in the novel possess a disconcerting plausibility, making the reader acutely aware of the potential consequences of our present choices. The author’s world-building prowess is on full display, leaving no stone unturned and providing unequivocal answers to lingering questions surrounding the nation’s downfall.
Thomas emerges as a captivating protagonist, captivating readers with his transformation from a misguided loyalist into a resolute champion of freedom. Parker subjects his lead character to a tumultuous mental odyssey, presenting a realistic portrayal of Thomas’ psychological journey. The supporting cast is equally compelling, particularly Virgil, who assumes the role of Thomas’ guide to the elusive “truth.” Regardless of whether readers personally align with Parker’s viewpoints, the ideas he presents are undeniably thought-provoking. The enthralling conversations on ideology between Thomas and Virgil serve as a testament to the author’s ability to stimulate intellectual engagement. Indeed, the novel bears a striking resemblance to a contemporary interpretation of Orwell’s seminal work, 1984.
The Greater Good: A Dystopian Novel of Divided America is filled with depth and intricacies that could potentially have resulted in a dry narrative; Parker skillfully navigates these challenges, ensuring that the overarching plot maintains an enthralling pace. A wealth of action sequences and unexpected twists guarantees an exhilarating reading experience. For those seeking a profoundly reflective and captivating literary work, I recommend Seth Daniel Parker’s novel.
Pages: 527 | ASIN : B0BZN2P5TX
There Are No Comets Seen
Kelsey Brickl’s masterful novella, There Are No Comets Seen, constructs a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of a dystopian future. The story grapples with our present-day anxieties about an increasingly automated world, where artificial intelligence (AI) has supplanted most jobs, relegating the majority to subsist on the “Minimum Allotment,” a basic income that merely skirts the poverty line.
Brickl employs this dystopian canvas to explore complex themes such as wealth disparity, the concentration of power within capitalist structures, and the societal implications of AI domination through the lens of the fictional Apstemia corporation, the creators and purveyors of the omnipresent AI technology, Brickl probes into the human repercussions of a society where AI not only permeates work but also companionship, service, and even childhood.
Brickl’s storytelling excels in its captivating prose and seamless flow. The narrative is skillfully constructed, with poignant descriptions that transport the reader directly into this stark future. In addition, the characters are robustly fleshed out, fostering an emotional investment that enhances the resonance of the story’s themes.
There Are No Comets Seen is not just an exploration of our future; it reflects the present, rendering it highly relevant in today’s tech-driven landscape. Beyond its musings on AI, the book also delves into pressing social issues like population growth, poverty, hunger, and the essence of human connection.
Brickl skillfully weaves the narrative through the lives of various characters, each providing a unique perspective on the implications of this technological upheaval. The climax, a significant plot twist, uncovers the interconnectedness of the characters who, unbeknownst to them, have transcended mortality through AI, becoming digital avatars. This revelation underlines the chilling indifference of the profit-driven corporation that manufactured this AI technology toward individual human lives.
Three moons hovered in the twilight sky. “What is this place?” Keza gasped and turned to see a girl, a spindly little girl standing beside her. The girl dragged her foot along the grass and whispered, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” p.33
Brickl’s captivating style and nuanced characters make There Are No Comets Seen an engrossing read. The narrative flow is deftly managed, and exploring thought-provoking themes and ideas is commendable. Brickl has created an absorbing tale that holds the reader’s interest from start to finish. Should further stories emerge from this dystopian future, they would be eagerly anticipated.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0C2BJ29QK
Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647
In the dystopian landscape of 2647, David A. Collier’s vividly depicted novel, Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647, immerses us in an Earth rendered nearly unrecognizable by a devastating climate crisis. This unforgiving world is beleaguered by environmental disasters such as daily downpours of avian corpses and seas spewing thousands of tons of dead fish—a chilling consequence of rampant species extinction.
Despite its futuristic setting, this novel, a chilling environmental cautionary tale, resists being neatly tucked into the science fiction genre. Instead, it uses the Paris family’s trials and tribulations in a dystopian Florida as a mirror reflecting our potential future, amplifying the urgent message of climate change. The story’s trajectory takes a compelling turn with the introduction of a cryptic entity intent on saving humanity from its self-destruction.
Collier, whose scientific background is evident in his adept handling of climate change issues, uses his narrative as a conduit for enlightening his readers. His portrayal of a dystopian future is intensely vivid, alarmingly plausible, and occasionally laced with heartbreaking poignancy. The death of a beloved character through a tragic miscommunication underscores the narrative’s emotional potency, even as it reveals the limitations of the culpable robot that can express “no grief, no sympathy, no anguish.”
The characters are deftly crafted—believable, relatable, and capable of eliciting readers’ investment in their fates. Moreover, the dialogue flows seamlessly, enhancing the narrative’s authenticity. Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647 is a deeply engaging read that implores us to grapple with our impact on the environment.
Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647 is a thought-provoking and engaging tale that intertwines environmental concerns with rich character development, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the potential consequences of our current environmental trajectory.
Pages: 248 | ISBN : 1639888659
What Tomorrow Might Look Like
Where Liberty Lies follows Finbarl and Aminatra as they set out to find a new home after the destruction of their hometown, and they discover a new civilization. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I have a keen interest in history and consider the future as nothing more than unscripted history. Of course, as a fiction writer, I have the privilege of side-stepping that inconvenient fact and making-up the script. But to source my ideas for what tomorrow might look like, there is no better place than yesterday or today. We’re in a pessimistic era (global warming, less cohesive societies, Covid etc), making dystopian fiction a natural canvas to explore many of today’s issues. Finbarl and Aminatra find themselves in a world remaking itself after civilisation’s collapse and that is a joy to construct as a writer, providing nods to classical geo-political relationships of the past while also adding unique characteristics.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
With dystopian fiction you want to have your characters face extraordinary situations: survival is at stake, after all. To highlight a scenario, you need a blend of ordinary and extraordinary characters; those that rise to the occasion and those that fall. You don’t create superheroes but complex figures with flaws as well as strengths, allowing the situation confronting them to test both aspects (It pleased me to see Aminatra’s resilience and fortitude mentioned in the review and I see her role as a mother forging such traits). You hope different personalities create a chemistry, extenuating the drama. As a sequel, some readers will be familiar with the main protagonists, so it was important to develop interesting, fresh characters and scenarios to draw out new sides to their personalities and dig deeper. Finally, despite being set in the distant future, characters still need to be relatable to the reader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As part of a trilogy, I have the luxury of delving into different aspects of the meaning of liberty for each book. Thankfully, it’s a complex and multi-faceted theme. Book one, Liberty Bound, explored how fear and ignorance impact on our freedom. For Where Liberty Lies it is deceit and delusion. ‘Hope’ is the central facet and inspiration for the characters. This core aspiration affects and drives us all – hope for a better world, a win on the lottery, a chance at love, a gadget to make the housework easier etc. But it leaves us vulnerable to deceit and delusions: the lying politician, impossible odds, a misinterpreted look, or an oversell on that gadget. Finbarl and Aminatra are driven by a hope of freedom. Their world has crumbled but dreams fuel them, largely conjured by a faint knowledge of better times in the past. I wanted to embed deceit and illusions within the landscape, the societies, and the characters they meet, providing an obstacle course for the protagonists, raising question for us in our lives today, while creating a gripping adventure.
What can readers expect in the third installment of this series, and when will it be out?
I already have a title, The Will of Liberty, and it will explore the vulnerability and durability of liberty. The three books are one journey, broken into self-contained episodes. So, Finbarl and Aminatra will travel further afield, meet new challenges but, hopefully, reach a happy ending! I am still in the planning stage and the day job does not allow for such extravagances as a novel per year, but I will aim for late 2024/early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A new world opens up for Finbarl and Aminatra as they escape the claustrophobic restraints and smoking ruins of their isolated hometown, Athenia. Hopes and dreams drive them across the near impregnable mountains in their quest for freedom and a better life in the aftermath of civilisation’s collapse.
Amid a more conducive environment, new dangers and surprises hinder their progress, until, eventually, they find an inspiring civilisation reborn amidst the ruins. Have they reached destination’s end and found a place of sanctuary and freedom or is there more to this new world than meets the eye?
An epic adventure set in the future, with a taste of the past, and a nod to the present.
The Drama Of A Personal Vendetta
Harshest Dawn: Beyond Cascadia: Four follows a husband and wife who are trying to escape a sadistic enemy with a revenge-filled plan to destroy them. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?
Harshest Dawn picks up plot threads that were laid in the second installment of the series, Eclipse Rising. I had readers tell me how much they liked the rapport between Owen and Sofia, plus how menacing they thought Hayden Singer was, so it felt natural to continue those themes. I also liked the idea of having the drama of a personal vendetta enacted against the broader elements of a realistic political scenario. As I got into the nuts and bolts of how this might play out, I really had fun setting up obstacles and narrow escapes for the characters!
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
I always get inside a characters’s head as I’m writing, even the ones on the side. It was challenging emotionally to get inside the antagonist, Singer, but I felt he needed to be depicted as believable as possible. However, I think the character I related to most closely was Sofia, especially when she switched to ‘mama bear’ mode and became more engaged in the action.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That’s a really tough question! I certainly enjoyed plotting Enrique’s rescue sequence, but overall, my favorite was the final escape scene, because I really felt I was alongside Owen and Sofia, holding my breath until the last line of that chapter!
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
While the main plot of Harshest Dawn is resolved by the end of the book, it’s obvious there’s much more political intrigue and personal drama to explore. The setting will deal with the U.S.’s response to China and Russia gaining a foothold in Pacifica, but the main focus will be on Owen’s entanglement with the insurgent movement, and Singer’s lust for more power in the new country. Of course, those two goals are going to end up on a collision course!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
The progressive “Successor” party has seized control of the West Coast, further isolating the region from the decayed and feckless United States. Imposing their warped utopian vision on the defenseless citizens, the leaders of the new nation of Pacifica swiftly ramp up persecution of all social and religious opposition.
In a haven far from the chaos, American cyber defender Owen MacIntyre hears disturbing rumors about conditions in his former home, but there’s little he can do to help. Frustrated and powerless, he wonders if it’s time to abandon politics and focus instead on building a peaceful life elsewhere with his wife, Sofia.
But Owen’s ex-supervisor, Pacifica’s Chief Enforcer Hayden Singer, has other ideas. Even a world away, he has MacIntyre dead in his sights and is determined to make him pay for his disloyalty.
Thus politics becomes personal when the fugitive couple is caught in a revenge-fueled scheme that rips their family apart. Desperate and driven, Owen and Sofia will need every skill at their disposal—and some top-secret, risky new technology—to overcome the nightmare of Singer’s sadistic plans.
Although Harshest Dawn builds on the events in Eclipse Rising,the author includes enough backstory that readers new to the series will have no trouble getting up to speed and enjoying this fast-paced tale of high-stakes personal drama, played out against a backdrop of all-too-believable political turmoil.
Where Liberty Lies
Where Liberty Lies by Nathaniel M. Wrey is a captivating continuation of the journey of Aminatra, Finbarl, Karlmon, and their companion Bokanda. Departing from the mountains, the group discovers a lush environment, replete with new life forms but also fraught with dangerous encounters with wild animals and ferrals. Nonetheless, this environment brings hope to their quest to find Madelaton. However, as their journey progresses, the group expands with new and unexpected members before they are abruptly torn apart, leaving them to confront the trials of survival alone. Will they reunite or succumb to the challenges in their path?
Wrey’s masterful storytelling in Where Liberty Lies delivers a gripping narrative filled with a thrilling blend of action and adventure. The plot brims with an abundance of unexpected twists and turns, provoking a sense of anxiety and excitement that sustains throughout the book. The novel’s midpoint marks a significant shift in the plot, adding to the intrigue and keeping readers engaged until the end. The characters in Where Liberty Lies are equally compelling. Aminatra, the strong and caring mother of Karlmon, is a standout character whose resilience and fortitude are thoroughly explored in the story. Finbarl, Aminatra’s husband, exemplifies loyalty and protection, treating Karlmon as his own child and consistently placing the family’s welfare first. The supporting characters are equally noteworthy, and although Bokanda’s role was limited, it was essential, and he served his purpose well. Maddy, another character in the novel, is unforgettable, and readers will appreciate her unique qualities.
Overall, Where Liberty Lies delivers a seamless plot that expertly progresses. The story’s twists and turns are perfectly executed, and the characters are well-rounded and memorable. Nathaniel M. Wrey’s writing style engages the reader and keeps them invested in the story, leaving a lasting impression long after turning the last page. Fans of adventure, fantasy, and action will undoubtedly appreciate this second installment in the trilogy and anticipate the third book’s release.
Pages: 472 | ASIN : B0BYT73W8N
Harshest Dawn
In S. Kirk Pierzchala’s Harshest Dawn: Beyond Cascadia: Four, readers are transported to a world where the former American states of Washington, Oregon, and California are now under the control of a political faction known as the Successors, following a well-planned coup. The novel follows the story of Owen MacIntyre, a fugitive cyber defender, and his wife, Sofia, who were fortunate enough to escape the country before the borders were shut. However, Owen’s former supervisor, Hayden Singer, the Chief Enforcer of Pacifica, is eager to punish him for his betrayal, putting Owen’s family in harm’s way. The novel is a multilayered dystopian thriller that centers on Owen’s struggle to protect his family and seek freedom while facing the harsh realities of a nation slipping into oligarchy and cronyism.
Kirk masterfully weaves technology into the narrative, adding mechanical rodents used in an escape plan, artificial womb technology, life-like sex androids, and other intriguing technological elements. The book’s well-developed political setting provides an immersive and high-risk environment, where every action against the populace increases the stakes and makes the story more intriguing. Readers will also be drawn to the story’s relatable elements as Owen and Sofia try to maintain a sense of normalcy amid chaos. Their everyday issues, such as Sofia’s insecurities about her pregnancy, help readers connect with the characters on a deeper level. However, some readers may find the book’s shifts in tone and perspective too abrupt. The book’s themes and moods jump from one idea to another. Readers are kept on their toes following the fast-moving plot and character development. Harshest Dawn offers a diverse range of stories and characters. The novel features kidnappings, rescue operations, religious quests, retribution schemes, hidden societies, dystopian objectives, technological innovation, and other themes. Its intricately woven storylines and the thrilling plot will appeal to readers who enjoy dystopian and thriller genres.
Harshest Dawn is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of oppression and brutal leadership, making it a must-read for those who appreciate great world-building and powerful narratives. S. Kirk Pierzchala’s skillful crafting and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the novel, creating an immersive and unforgettable world.
Pages: 436 | ASIN : B0BZF56ZSV
LITERARY TITAN 