Blog Archives
No Easy Answers
In Entheóphage, children worldwide fall victim to a mysterious illness which reveals their compelling empathic connection to the coral reefs in the South Pacific. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I’m a very Earth-minded person. It bothers me to see so many people ignoring the warning signs of environmental degradation and climate/habitat destruction. The idea for Entheóphage came to me when, in a moment of high frustration over these issues, I wondered what it would take to wake people up to the harm our actions are having on our world and the other beings who share it with us. It occurred to me in that moment that maybe, just maybe, if our children were being more immediately and directly affected or threatened by our actions, in ways no one could deny, that might finally wake us up to the consequences of our behavior.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
While I love science and read many articles about discoveries, I am an average layperson, not a scientist. I was fortunate enough to find specialists in the fields relevant to my story, professionals who were willing to help me get the science correct. But I also knew that I needed to keep it easy to read for lay readers like me, and not bog them down with too much detail.
I utilized a number of beta readers who provided me with honest feedback on the readability. They were so helpful in keeping the science approachable!
Even so, it was a delicate balance, one I played with over multiple drafts before I got it right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to look at reasons why people (like Isobel, in the story) would damage fragile ecosystems without a second thought. Not just greed. Real-life reasons. Hard reasons. Not everyone who contributes to environmental destruction is a bad guy; sometimes there are no easy answers. We just need better, more sustainable ways to accomplish our goals, and too few of us–especially those in the corporate world, who have the means to really make a difference–have made it a priority.
In addition, I tried to explore the theme of ignorance so many of us share. Even Luk, when his daughter gets sick in the story, doesn’t believe the things she’s saying. It took a lot to convince him – like Kyndra’s knowledge of the wildfires, when she could not have known about them any other way.
Evolution and the interconnectedness of nature were important to the theme of this book, as well as how humans (to a large degree) have considered themselves to be disconnected from that web. I tried to imagine how Gala/Earth might speak to us if she could – and found it flowed well to show her using natural processes, as in accelerated evolution, to enable the phages to communicate with us through these children.
Can readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’m about to release book two in a science fantasy trilogy called The Founder’s Seed, a story about a shapeshifter whose uniqueness sets her apart and, at the same time, puts her in the perfect situation to save her people—even if she’s still learning how to wield her special abilities. Book one, Fallen, is available now in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Book two, Broken, is coming in November. Book three, Driven, is coming next summer.
I also have a dark ecofiction novelette entitled Deer in Headlights coming on State of Matter’s online webzine (https://stateofmatter.in) in November. I’m really proud of this story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Niveym Arts | Amazon
Dr. Isobel Fallon thinks she’s found a treatment that will help her son and others suffering from Milani Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. What she doesn’t realize is that harvesting the source of this treatment in the only accessible place on earth it grows, a coral reef in the Nlaan Islands, is going to have consequences far beyond the disruption of the fragile ecosystem on one small reef.
CDC researcher Nadine Parker and her team are baffled. Lukas Behn’s daughter Kyndra has contracted a bizarre new virus that leaves her screaming in pain. But they can’t identify any physical, biological source for that pain, not in Kyndra, nor in the dozens, then hundreds, and finally millions of children worldwide succumbing to the same virus. And no one seems to have made a connection between what’s happening with the infected children and the events on a small coral reef in the South Pacific.
Eventually, Nadine has to face the unlikely truth, and the enormous implications of it. The children aren’t sick, they’re changing. But will anyone else believe her?
Entheóphage
Entheóphage, by Drema Deòraich, is a captivating narrative centered on environmental crisis and human accountability. The story begins with a gripping and tragic event: Lukas Behn’s daughter becomes the first known victim of a strange pandemic affecting only children. What sets this illness apart is not just its mystery but the victims’ profound empathic connection to the environment, a link that reveals the broader impact of humanity’s reckless actions. Lukas finds an unexpected partner in Nadine, the CDC’s lead investigator, whose fearless determination uncovers the disease’s chilling correlation with environmental pollution. As the plot deepens, Dr. Isobel, a scientist working for the pharmaceutical giant Holschtatt, is revealed as a pivotal figure. She oversees the destructive exploitation of coral reefs around the Nlaan Islands, ignoring the ecological devastation caused in pursuit of corporate interests. Together, Lukas and Nadine confront a world in denial, battling public indifference and corporate resistance to expose the true costs of environmental neglect. Deòraich’s novel is more than just a dystopian warning—it’s a powerful reminder of the irreversible damage we risk by ignoring the earth’s warnings.
One of the novel’s standout features is its seamless integration of science. Deòraich has clearly done extensive research, crafting a fictional disease whose symptoms and underlying mechanisms are not only plausible but are explained with impressive clarity. The scientific elements are woven naturally into the plot, never feeling forced, and they contribute to the unsettling realism of the pandemic’s portrayal. The balance between hard science and the development of complex, relatable characters is masterful, making for a story that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.
A key strength of Entheóphage is its refusal to offer easy solutions or to vilify any one character. Instead, the author delves into the intricacies of human impact on the environment. Dr. Isobel, for example, is not depicted as a simple antagonist. Her motivations and internal struggles are given depth, illustrating the gray areas between corporate ambition and ecological destruction. This nuanced approach adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the characters feel real and their conflicts compelling.
Entheóphage is an engrossing blend of scientific insight, moral urgency, and thought-provoking storytelling. Its message is clear: the time to act is now before it’s too late. This book is an excellent read for all ages, offering both a warning and a call to action for those concerned about the future of our planet.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0BHH7SDQR
LITERARY TITAN 