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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.
The Wall
In The Wall, we delve into the intricate life of Asher, a smuggler trapped by an insurmountable barrier that starkly divides the affluent state of Zion from the impoverished MiddleLand. Driven by the haunting memory of his late fiancée, Sarai, and the mystery surrounding her untimely death—believed by some to be more than just an unfortunate accident—Asher’s journey is one of determination and heartbreak.
As the narrative unfolds, Asher is confronted with an ethically challenging proposition by his uncle: to impersonate a soldier of Zion and thereby ensure his liberation. Recognizing the monumental risks, Asher valiantly embarks on this daring endeavor. In doing so, he grapples with a seemingly invincible foe, pushing his limits in unprecedented ways. Amidst these trials, his unwavering resolve to reunite with his beloved Sarai remains steadfast.
The Wall proved to be a captivating young adult dystopian novel blended with Christian values. Its characters are richly developed, pulling readers into the labyrinth of their aspirations and fears. The meticulously woven plot keeps one riveted, eagerly anticipating each subsequent revelation. The romantic narrative that anchors the tale is moving, resonating deeply, and leaving an indelible mark.
Admittedly, the book’s momentum does wane slightly as the story unfolds. Nevertheless, this fleeting lapse in pace hardly diminishes the novel’s overarching allure. Asher’s tribulations strike a chord, endearing him to readers and invoking empathy.
For readers of dystopian and science fiction tales, this novel is a must-read. Penn’s adept storytelling, combined with the riveting character dynamics, make The Wall an absorbing read—one that challenges you to reflect upon the depths of love and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CJMT4NY6
The Freeze
In the year 2064, humanity is reeling from the devastating effects of a deadly virus that has ravaged the global population. Despite valiant efforts by scientists to develop vaccines, the virus continues to take its toll, and the government is forced to take drastic action. With nearly a third of London’s citizens dead, the government divides the city into four zones and asserts that a naturally occurring temporal anomaly causes certain areas to freeze at specific intervals.
In this world of chaos and uncertainty, James is a young man trying to make sense of the new reality. His life changes when he meets Sasha, a passionate advocate for an organization called “The Thaw,” which seeks to free citizens and allow them to leave the confines of the city walls. Convinced that the government is behind the temporal freezes, James joins Sasha and the organization in their mission to overthrow the system. But can a group of teenagers really take on the might of the government and emerge victorious?
R. D. Steven’s fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the story. Unlike many young adult dystopian novels that focus on the scenery, the author skillfully delves into James’ traumatized mind, creating a unique and emotionally engaging experience. The description of James’ feelings is relatable and realistic, making his character all the more compelling. As the story progresses, the latter half of the book focuses on James’ mental growth as he transforms from a broken and worn-down character to a stronger, more resilient person. Witnessing this transformation was deeply satisfying, and it gave me hope for the future of the world in the story. The novel’s conclusion is hopeful, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and the belief that change is possible. This book is a great read, with a storyline that feels eerily possible in our current global situation. It made me reflect on the lengths to which governments might go to contain a pandemic and the importance of individual agency in shaping the future.
The Freeze is an excellent young adult dystopian novel that expertly blends action, suspense, and emotional depth. The story’s plausibility and relevance to contemporary issues regarding disease control and government intervention serve as a warning about the potential consequences of government overreach. In short, this is a fantastic novel that will leave readers thoroughly entranced.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0BSH74BJY
LITERARY TITAN 