Behind the Scenes of Book 4: From Dream to Reality

Why a Book 4?

It’s true, after all, wasn’t the story supposed to end at the conclusion of Book 3?
As a true Rouennais, I’ll answer “Maybe yes, maybe no!” The most attentive among you will have noticed that mysterious message at the end of Book 3, “Les Triades”:
“Hello, Ace of Hearts? Ace of Clubs here. You’ll never believe what’s happening…"

But I know you, dear readers, had already figured it out: something else was going to happen! Is that what Book 4 is about? Not quite… Since it’s “incredible”, the story must build up to make us believe it. So let’s go back to the start!

"Kürşad" cover

Reveal: Book 4 is NOT a chronological sequel to Book 1!

So here we are, back where it all began: Earth, at the end of the 21st century, when communications broke down between Adam and his scientist friends in Chooz. I’m going to tell you what happened—not after Book 3, but during the first three books, from another perspective.

Thus, Book 4 is the first in a parallel trilogy that recounts the Earthly adventures leading to the final answer. You’ll find some old friends returning, and you’ll meet many new characters—including, of course, those ultimately responsible for all this horror: Ad Vitam. It was a true pleasure to reunite with my old writing companions, breathe new life into them, and let them experience new adventures.

Is it going to last even longer?

Books 1, 2, and 3 form Adam’s cycle. Since we’re rewinding to the chronological beginning, Books 4, 5, and 6 will form a second cycle. Both cycles will then merge in Books 7, 8, and 9, which will be the final cycle.
But… will that really be the end?

Unavoidable challenges

Keeping the chronology straight

Since Book 1 was written and published four years ago, there was no way I could deviate by even an inch from what’s already been told! I had to create cross-reference tables—so complex, they gave me a fair share of headaches. At one point, I thought everything was fine (about halfway through the story) until I realized there was a 20-year time shift! After the initial panic, I had to start over from the beginning.

Planting seeds

You surely know me by now: I love planting seemingly trivial bits of information that only come to fruition much later—sometimes the very next book, sometimes even later! I went back to all these little seeds planted in Book 1 to see them blossom in Book 4. I just love gardening with words! Of course, the seeds that will bloom in Books 5 and 6 are, in some cases, already sown.

Fear of the future

It won’t surprise you to learn I’m terrified by the current geopolitical events: the rise of fascism, ultra-liberalism, climate change… So many things feed my anxieties, and by extension, my writing. I am afraid of the future. Writing a dystopia set in the coming century is my way of imagining what could come for all of us—for better or worse. Yet, I remain optimistic about humanity’s ability to do good… even when it’s ever rarer.

Geography and societies

I carried out a huge research effort on sub-Saharan Africa: countries, religions, customs… and while it certainly made my work more difficult, I hope it has also enhanced the story’s credibility. Again, I fear the worst for the people living in these regions: instead of receding, colonialism is tightening its grip, and no major powers are helping—quite the opposite. But I know them to be resilient and courageous, so perhaps they will save themselves!

Many references and stylistic borrowings

I won’t explain them—you’ll have to find them yourselves. But in no particular order: Dick, Verhoeven, Asimov, Herbert, Bordage, Verne…

As for the title “Kürşad,” don’t bother insisting: I won’t say a word!

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As an acousmatic music composer and science fiction writer, I explore, under the pen name Arthur GYL, the borders between sonic universes and forward-looking tales.

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