'Worthy or Unworthy: we bleed the same' reads the subtitle for my upcoming dystopian fantasy sequel. After publishing Sun of Endless Days in June, I'm apparently not slowing down, even though it's Summer, but I had my holiday in early June (we went to Finland - it's lovely but watch out for the tics) so I've been full of energy to release... wait for it... Storm at Dusk!

Building on the dystopian themes
Packed full of questions and secrets, the second book in the Merit-Hunters Series builds on the foundation of Sun of Endless Days where readers are given many classic dystopian tropes. While Sun of Endless Days was exploring the way modern working culture and a drive for productivity steals our individual expression and our ability to build authentic relationships, Storm at Dusk focuses on the political and ideological consequences of such a society.
Ajay must face the consequences of what he's done (no spoilers) but he finds himself entrenched in a community of Unworthies who are outcast by the system or themselves and this has led them down some dark paths. However, as he starts to engage with the individuals, it raises all sorts of questions around how similar they are and who the real enemy might be (cue Finnick Odair from the Hunger Games - if you know, you know).
Meanwhile, Genni, Ajay's girlfriend is left in the catastrophic debris of Ajay's lies and actions. And this girl needs answers, so naturally, she goes looking for them and she gets more than she bargains for. I guess while the first book sets the scene, Storm at Dusk probably explores some inherent dangers when it comes to judging others and the 'groups' they might associate themselves with. Firstly, we shouldn't judge others, period but we all fall into the trap and it leads to a lot of unhealthy attitudes and habits.
The danger of misconception
I've really enjoyed exploring this in a dystopian setting. Being so closely exposed to a new community, both Ajay and Genni begin to unravel some misconceptions they've had about other people. Mainly because they've quickly believed what Command has advertised in propaganda and the structure of the merit system.
The danger of turning to hate
Having been wronged by the system, many in these communities turned to hate, bitterness and revenge. As Ajay gets to know them, their lack of life and everything they're losing by holding on to these things becomes gradually more apparent. And these behaviours have been inspired by my own life and the way these things have been a choke hold for me and people close to me in the past.
The danger of cancel culture
With this one, I'm thinking of one particular character who suffers a harsh fate when she promotes rest on Personi (their social media - any of this sound familiar?) Now, the book certainly doesn't condone anyone saying whatever they like, but it does offer an interesting insight into how cancel culture can become a group 'jump on the bandwagon' activity that preaches the majority opinion rather than anyone actually trying to reach out or gently correct a person. Now that individual is angry, hurt and 'cancelled' and the opportunity for them to potentially explore or be educated is very often lost. In Charlene's case, in Storm at Dusk, we also see Ajay realise she might actually be on to something but culture shut her down and again, any opportunity for mutual progress is shunned.
Obviously, with a 85,000 word dystopian novel, there's a lot more going on that these three things and this rambling gives you an idea of what I was exploring at the time of writing.
Storm at Dusk is out this month! Watch this space...
Looking forward to the next instalment!