Fast forward 200 years into the future and imagine living in a world where an implanted microchip documents your every move. Anjenique Hughes’s dystopian thriller, Sovereignty will catapult you into a world where your life is not your own. Set in futuristic Los Angeles, the story follows the life of its young protagonist, Goro. Along with his brother and friends, Goro becomes part of a rebellion against the Sovereign Regime (SR). Under the dictatorship of a sinister leader, the Sovereign Regime exercises complete control over the entire world. Microchips are implanted in humans to record their entire life. For the most part, people have acquiesced to this type of life, and all should be perfect for the SR. However, Goro and his band of teenage rebels are upsetting the totalitarian world balance. Soon Goro learns that he could potentially be the key to dismantling the control of the Regime, igniting a full-on battle between in the fight for freedom. Told from the perspective of Goro, this story is brimming with interesting characters and a well-developed plot. Admittedly the story is slow-moving in the beginning; however, it later builds momentum. To its credit, the book uses characters that are both multidimensional and diverse in ethnic portrayals. Strong language is used quite often throughout the story making it more appropriate for more mature audiences. If you like post-apocalyptic fiction would lots of action and suspense, this book will thrill your imagination.
Meet the Author (Interview): 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.
How long have you been writing?
I actually have been writing my whole life. I used to write creative stories when I was a child, often reading them aloud to my mom. I had such an imagination! All throughout college I would start novels, sometimes even screenplays, but never finish them. It wasn’t until I was established in my teaching career that I wrote and published a book in its entirety. I wrote it somewhat as an homage to the students I mentored over the years. I had finally finished something I was proud of.
What is your most recent literary/artistic project?
Currently I am writing, plugging away on the sequel to Sovereignty! The story picks up pretty much where it left off, with more action and suspense than the first novel.
What inspires you to write?
My students. I want to leave something meaningful in their hands.
Who’s your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Michael Connelly. He was instrumental in helping me fall in love with Los Angeles, as I wasn’t very fond of the city when I initially moved to the City of Angels. I love being able to read about places that I can recognize and even visit. I also love the way he keeps a story’s momentum going, keeping you on the edge of your seat. My favorite book by him is Echo Park.
What advice can you give to other authors or writers?
Write a little bit every single day, do NOT give up, writer’s block comes and goes (every author encounters this), put various scenes down on paper without getting too bogged down in the detailed sentences, start with an outline, research research research, create a quiet place to work, listen to whatever gets you in “the zone,” talk to as many authors as you can, ask as many questions as you can, read a plethora of books yourself, always be kind to everyone, etc., and believe in yourself!!!
Where can readers go to find out more information about your work?
They can check out my website at www.sovereigntyseries.com, where my new book trailer has been posted! Also, my Facebook
account.
Book Details: Book Title: Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes Category: YA fiction, 262 pages Genre: Dystopian Publisher: Morgan James Publishing Release date: July 19, 2016 Available for review in: print and ebook (mobi) Will send print books: USA 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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