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Agency and Family
They’re Not Here to Save Us is the compelling story of a young man searching for his sister and a young woman battling with the loss of her father, both trying to survive in post-apocalyptic North America. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
From the beginning, this story was about two things: agency and family. Catch-It and Penny live in a world where are there are greater, magical forces shaping its landscape. I wanted to reflect the conflict that we all have between our own personal lives and our part in the bigger picture. Family was also an important aspect – specifically the relationship between siblings. The love we have for our brothers and sisters is unique and invaluable. My sister, Gabri, was my first friend. My brother, Griffin, is my Best Man. There are enough stories about romance – this one’s a love letter to all the brothers and sisters out there.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
I had the general concept floating in the back of my mind for six or seven months, but the actual drafting went rather quickly. I wrote the first draft in two and a half months. I worked my 9-5, came home to feed and walk the dogs, then drafted in the cafe of a Barnes & Noble until they kicked me out every night.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in your characters’ development?
I wanted to force hope upon these characters. Catch-It by nature is very untrusting. He’s taught himself to be resilient so that he wouldn’t have to rely on anyone else. But when he meets Penny, an equally untrusting person, he’s forced to admit that there are good people out there. This forces Catch-It to question his outlook on the world around him and his role in it.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There certainly will be a follow-up. In fact, I just wrapped the first draft, so stay tuned. In They’re Not Here to Save Us we see what happens when someone challenges the powers that be, and fights to reclaim their agency. I don’t want to spoil too much, but in the next book, some folks in Arla are saying that it’s better the Devil you know than the Devil you don’t.
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Although the Recruits are rumored to possess magical powers capable of restoring humanity’s lost potential, Catch-It knows all too well that their interventions often lead to pain and suffering. When an order compels Catch-It to report to a bell tower for recruitment, he faces a critical choice: obey the summons and surrender to the unknown or forge his own path. During his arduous journey, Catch-It encounters Penny, a gun-wielding survivalist, and together they uncover a perilous truth about the Recruits that could prove fatal: they are not here to save us.
In this gripping tale of survival and self-discovery, Catch-It and Penny navigate a treacherous world, grappling with their own desires for safety and the pursuit of truth. As they unravel the dark secret of the Recruits, they must confront the difficult choice between submission and resistance, knowing that the fate of their shattered world hangs in the balance.
They’re Not Here to Save Us
In the realm of dystopian fiction, where societies often crumble for a myriad of reasons, They’re Not Here to Save Us, by M.P. Kidd, stands out. We’re introduced to a transformed North America, now christened Arla, a change brought about by the ravages of war.
At the heart of this tale are several compelling characters, each carved with their distinct narratives. We meet Catch-It, whose driving ambition is to find his estranged sister, and Penny, a young woman grappling with the loss of her father. As their paths cross, they encounter three enigmatic immortal siblings.
Kidd masterfully constructs a world in chaos. Instead of laying out the entirety of Arla’s history, he subtly sprinkles hints, keeping readers intrigued about the fate of the former North America. The presence of the formidable antagonists, the Recruiters, casts a shadow of menace, emphasizing their role in this new world order.
The narrative is replete with unexpected twists that, when unraveled, align seamlessly with prior hints, exemplifying Kidd’s storytelling skills. A case in point is the revelation surrounding Penny’s father, which once uncovered, brings the plot full circle.
A standout element of Kidd’s tale is its portrayal of human resilience. Characters like Catch-It, though not initially heroic, rise to the occasion, harnessing their unique abilities for the collective good. This theme is echoed in the journey of the immortal siblings.
The book’s climax has a rapid pace, with swiftly unfolding resolutions. Some readers might prefer a more extended buildup to the tension, but this pacing choice doesn’t detract from the overall strengths of the book.
M.P. Kidd brings a refreshing twist to the dystopian genre, making They’re Not Here to Save Us a must-read for both readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic novels and newcomers to the genre as well.
Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0CFC7PBL8
I Want To Bring Attention To Water Issues
Day Zero: A Novel on Water Crisis follows a woman trying to save people who are in need of water due to climate change, only to be in the middle of a murder case. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was interested in commercial fiction to draw people into a climate fiction / eco-thriller that might not ordinarily read the genre. Integrating the assassin and murder plot was fun to write and is hopefully fun to read. The underlying premise was purpose-driven around awareness of water issues. The notion was to blend climate fiction closely with reality, but in a western context. It seems that water issues are viewed as far in the future and in faraway places. By setting the plot in North America, the hope was to tell a tale that could bring the reader into the world of water crisis, while still riding a fictional wave of comfort. Coupling an environmental tale with the complexities of a murder investigation lent the ability to drive the plot forward in different ways.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Qualities of the two main characters, Carlo Cole and Mira Senna, are largely a mix of qualities from several strong woman I’ve been blessed to have in my life. It made writing their characters easier, particularly for a male author. Otherwise, there are several real-life experiences transplanted into the novel. For example, the anecdote of the homeless man on the subway who is then found teaching in a university classroom is a true story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The various approaches and mindsets to viewing water management was something I wanted to showcase to get people thinking about water and their role with it in their own lives. Beyond that was the interpersonal relationships, the dynamics between friends and family. Moreover though, I wanted to go deep on the dynamics of ideals and consequent interplay with tight relationships.
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?
There is space for more entries in the Day Zero universe given the characters that have been introduced. I’m considering a short prequel with one of the minor characters, possibly set in Seville. One of the challenges is that this first novel was over ten years in the making. We all undoubtedly change over time, and that ten-year period brought about significant change. Perhaps some new themes and life experiences can be lent to follow-up writing.
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Two convenient deaths.
Seven days to save a quarter million people.
Climate change becomes impossible to ignore. After years of drought, Las Vegas runs out of water. Its citizens are forced to become water migrants, or “wigrants.” Many make it safely to a tent settlement on Toronto’s lakeshore. But, unprepared for this massive population surge, the city can offer them no more than seven days of water.
Carla Cole, head of the global firm Axiom Water, is tasked with finding a solution. When one of the settlement’s custodians is found dead, the police suspect an assassin is at work, and Cole scrambles to seize control. But when one of the wigrants is murdered . . . anyone and everyone becomes a suspect!
Day Zero
In a not-so-distant future, where the world teeters on the edge of an impending water crisis, Day Zero emerges as a mesmerizing literary masterpiece that captivates both the mind and the heart. Global droughts have relentlessly plagued the planet, pushing cities to the precipice of water depletion, with the ominous specter of Day Zero looming ever closer. However, amidst this bleak backdrop, a glimmer of hope emerges through the pages of this thought-provoking novel.
Under the deft storytelling prowess of the author, the characters of Carla Cole from Axiom Water and Mira Senna from River Enforcement come to life, transcending their fictional existence to become symbols of resilience and determination. As they navigate a treacherous landscape, their differing approaches to managing the population’s water supply offer a rich tapestry of conflict and tension, showcasing the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity. The narrative’s pacing is nothing short of breathtaking, expertly blending moments of heart-stopping suspense with poignant introspection. The author’s words flow effortlessly, painting vivid imagery that transports the reader into a world grappling with scarcity, where every drop of water becomes a precious commodity. It is a testament to the author’s skill that one cannot help but be fully immersed in this gripping tale.
Beyond its enthralling plot, Day Zero serves as a profound social commentary on the pressing global water crisis and its far-reaching ramifications. It unabashedly exposes the stark inequalities that pervade access to water, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Through its pages, one witness the devastating consequences of water scarcity, igniting a fervent desire for change and justice. Yet, amidst the shadows cast by these harsh realities, the book effortlessly weaves in a message of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, the human spirit has the capacity to rise above and forge connections, transcending differences and working towards a shared goal. The novel’s powerful depiction of unity and collaboration becomes an inspiring call to action, igniting a flicker of optimism in the reader’s heart.
Day Zero is an extraordinary testament to the power of literature in tackling urgent social and environmental issues. Its masterful prose leaves an indelible mark on the reader, provoking introspection long after the final page has been turned. This exceptional work will become a timeless classic as it seamlessly intertwines themes of sustainability, social justice, and the indomitable human spirit. Prepare to be enthralled and forever changed by this must-read masterpiece.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0BS48CXF3
LITERARY TITAN 