I used to think I knew all the answers; now I no longer even know the questions. - Goro
Book Title: Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes
Category: YA fiction, 262 pages
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Release date: July 19, 2016
Tour dates: May 15 to June 2, 2017
Content Rating: PG (No F-words, no sexual content, only one kissing scene and mild profanity)
Book Description:
I used to think I knew all the answers; now I no longer even know the questions. - Goro
Under the totalitarian reign of the 23rd century's world's government- The Sovereign Regime- control is made possible by the identity chip implanted in every human being, recording everything that is seen, done, and experienced.
No more bank accounts.
No more smart phones.
No more secrets.
When Goro inadvertently overhears an exchange of sensitive information, causing him to confront the truth about his world and prompting him to choose his true loyalties, his dream of revolution kicks into high gear. Goro doesn't know he has covert intel in his possession both the SR and the resistance movement are desperate to acquire.
Determined to attempt the impossible task of bringing down the world government, he and his closest friends gain access to the key to ultimately deciding who has sovereignty.
But who will get to Goro first: The resistance or the Sovereign Regime?
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Meet the Author:
With master's degrees in education, special education, and counseling, Anjenique "Jen" Hughes is a high school English and math teacher who loves teaching and mentoring young people. She enjoys traveling and has worked with youth on five continents. Saying she is "young at heart" is an understatement; she is fluent in sarcasm, breaks eardrums with her teacher voice (students have complained when they were within earshot), and cracks sarcastic jokes with the best of her students. Her work with ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth has inspired her to write books that appeal to a broad variety of students seeking stories of bravery, perseverance, loyalty, and success.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Interview with Anjenique Hughes
I understand this is the first in a trilogy. Do you have the stories already in your mind for the second and third? Will it definitely stop at three?
Yes ☺ I pretty much have the plot for the second book, which I have started, and the third is mapped out. It’s funny, because my brother had drilled into my head to know how the trilogy ended before I even started writing- he quoted other authors, such as J.K. Rowling, as someone who knew way ahead of time how she wanted her saga to conclude. I have a somewhat solid idea of how the third book ends; I’m sure it will morph over time before it’s published!
Dystopian novels are so appealing, perhaps because they seem so possible. What is the main appeal to you?
The main appeal to me is that palpable rush of trepidation I feel when I stop and realize that this could actually happen someday. Government control, genetically implanted technology, loss of freedom, censorship, etc. It’s not a scared type of fear, it’s more of a cautious awareness of a probable future. The “what if’s” of a dystopian genre are so exciting, because you can play with your created world in so many different ways. Also, there is something about the future, or the unknown, that is really intriguing.
What is the hardest part when writing for the young adult category?
Probably the hardest part is keeping the action continuously going in a manner that doesn’t cause them to drop the book on the floor and doze off! As a teacher in this day and age, I know how difficult it is to motivate students who would rather sit for 8 hours in freeway gridlock than pick up a book and actually read it. -__- Also challenging are keeping the dialogue witty and making sure there is zero cheesiness in the plot. ☺
What research is required when you are writing dystopian/futuristic stories? (Or is it mostly imagination?)
For me, a lot of it was my imagination. However, I did conduct research surrounding the military training segments. I also consulted a friend who is SWAT, as well as doing research on Navy Seals Ops.
What is the main lesson you would like your readers to learn from Sovereignty?
Basically, do NOT give up. Soldier on. Persevere. You can and WILL do it. No matter what the odds are, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You too can be a resilient survivor, making your own glorious way in life!! ☺
Your story takes place hundreds of years in the future. Can you see your vision of our world happening? What do you think our world will be like fifty years from now?
Yes, I can see this happening in our world. Especially the identity chip implantation, for sure! Maybe not in fifty years, but definitely down the road. In fifty years from now, I see world problems such as starvation, war, earthquakes, etc becoming exponentially worse. I see terrorism increasing, even newer technology, possibly even having “flying cars” by then. ☺
It is a terrific debut novel. Have you written other manuscripts that led to this one?
Thank you so much!! I started two other books years ago, both based on true stories in my life that I never ended up finishing. I always knew I wanted to write a novel and have it published and with my propensity to drop projects, I’d have to say it’s a miracle that I even finished it!
BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:
May 15 - Elsie's Audiobook Digest - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 15 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
May 15 - Corinne Rodrigues - book spotlight / giveaway
May 16 - Books, Dreams, Life - book spotlight / author interview
May 16 - The All Night Library - review / guest post
May 17 - 100 Pages A Day - review / giveaway
May 18 - T's Stuff - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 19 - Literary Flits - review / giveaway
May 22 - Zerina Blossom's Books - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 23 - Hall Ways Blog - book spotlight / author interview
May 24 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
May 25 - Reviews in the City - review / author interview
May 26 - Cheryl's Book Nook - review / author interview / giveaway
May 29 - The World As I See It - review / giveaway
May 30 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy, + Sissy, Too! - review / giveaway
May 31 - Books for Books - book spotlight
June 1 - Reading Authors - review / giveaway
June 2 - Haddie's Haven - review / giveaway
June 2 - Sharing Stories - review / giveaway
June 2 - Teresa Edmond-Sargeant - review / guest post
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends June 10
This book sounds very intriguing. I love the cover.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, put it on my must read list.
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