A dystopian thriller set in the very near future.
Which side are YOU on?
Protopia
by John Calia
Genre: YA Dystopian Thriller
In a world ravaged by ideological war, can two lifelong friends, torn apart, find their way back to each other, or will conflicting visions of a perfect society destroy their relationship or, worse yet, prove fatal?
Olivia and Alexandra, inseparable since childhood, stumble into the brutal conflict between Cygnus, a bastion of ultra-libertarian ideals, and Elyria, a socialist commune that promises equality and justice. As tensions escalate, the women are forced to make a choice: which community to join.
Olivia, haunted by anxiety and self-doubt, is drawn to the promise of security and equality in Elyria. Alexandra, ever the adventurer, chooses the independence and freedom of Cygnus. As they settle into their respective communities, Olivia and Alexandra encounter rigid ideologies and corruption at the highest levels of government. They challenge the leaders of their respective communities and realize their lives are under threat.
Olivia must confront her own demons and the limitations they’ve imposed on her life. Growing in confidence and self-awareness, she starts to envision a different future—one that balances individual freedom with collective well-being. As the conflict between Cygnus and Elyria reaches a boiling point, Olivia and Alexandra must navigate the treacherous landscape of their own divided loyalties. Can they turn the obstacles into opportunities, or will the divide between them prove insurmountable—even deadly?
Protopia is a heart-pumping, thought-provoking tale of politics, adventure, and loyalty set in a dystopian world that eerily echoes our own.
Fans of Emily St. John Mandel and Matt Haig will love this new adventure from the author of Parallel Lies and the best-seller The Awakening of Artemis.
John Calia is a multifaceted author, born in Brooklyn and formerly a naval officer, banker, entrepreneur, and consultant. His debut business fable, The Reluctant CEO: Succeeding Without Losing Your Soul, earned a five-star rating and sparked a passion for writing. Calia’s fascination with artificial intelligence and its societal implications led him to craft The Awakening of Artemis, a near-future speculative fiction novel that soared to #6 on the Amazon Science Fiction Adventure bestseller list. His latest release, Parallel Lies (2023), is the highly anticipated sequel to his bestseller.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 