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The Essence of a Being
The Gemini Project follows a seventeen-year-old boy who discovers his entire life has been a lie and now must find a way to escape the school he lives in in order to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration is a bit of a spoiler alert. I had a thought what if this certain event happened, and that became a brain-worm. Each day I would expand on the story and new characters would enter my head, and I knew it wouldn’t go away until I wrote something down!
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I wrote the story, it hit me that I was naturally writing about the future in past tense. At one point in the text, when something happens to the protagonist, I suddenly found myself writing in the present tense. Although this change in style just seemed natural to the flow, I hope that it also helps draw the reader into the experiences of the protagonist.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story covers parental relationships, especially those where a parent is detached from their child, as in the case of a parent who outsources the upbringing of their child. The story also explores neurological development and tries to answer the question of what the soul consists of, or more accurately the essence of a being. Finally, the story takes place in a dystopian world, however, not a fantasy world. The overarching theme is a warning as the world that is developed is in the realm of the possible.
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?
This is a stand-alone story, however my next novel Nothing but the Truth takes a very similar path in its style of story-telling.
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Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.
Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!
The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death.
The Gemini Project
The Gemini Project by Ian Moran offers a fresh take on the dystopian genre, centering around the life of Jan Ericson, a 17-year-old boy living at Corpo Academy. At first glance, Jan’s world seems like any other, filled with sports and games. However, there’s a stark difference: he and his classmates aren’t taught to read or write. Eagerly anticipating his move to New London to join his father, Jan remains unaware that the upcoming Renaissance on his 18th birthday holds a far darker reality than he imagines, as his entire life has been built on a lie.
Moran has crafted a world that feels original, revealing it gradually and naturally rather than through heavy-handed exposition. This approach allows readers to learn and experience the world alongside Jan, making his journey feel immersive and engaging. Through Jan’s eyes, we also gain insights into Dr. Osler, a pivotal character, whose depth is revealed through his interactions with Jan and his writings. There are moments where the story takes a brief pause to delve into the world-building, offering valuable context that enriches the setting. While these sections shift the focus slightly from Jan’s journey, they ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the world he inhabits. This allows for a more immersive experience, even as you eagerly anticipate returning to Jan’s unfolding story. The prologue is gripping, setting high expectations for the rest of the novel. The story takes its time to build up to the promises made in the opening, allowing for a deeper exploration of the world and characters. While it unfolds at a measured pace, the plot eventually takes unexpected and refreshing turns that add intrigue and surprise to the narrative. Though the journey may differ from initial expectations, this approach offers a unique and thoughtful experience that keeps readers engaged. Jan’s character arc is compelling and feels authentic, making the journey worth it. I also appreciated the subtle Easter eggs Moran scattered throughout the story, adding layers for attentive readers to discover.
The Gemini Project is a distinctive entry in the dystopian genre with well-developed characters. The story takes its time to build from the intriguing prologue to its eventual payoff, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world and characters. For those who enjoy a thoughtful and carefully crafted narrative, Jan’s journey offers a deeply engaging and rewarding experience.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0D5D5YCWZ
LITERARY TITAN 