Dystpopia!

Hero's Quest

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Book 1 of Dystpopia!
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Pub Date 29 Apr 2025 | Archive Date 31 Aug 2025

Description

Who’s really in charge of this story? Murray the author, a 45-year-old recently divorced down-on-his-luck writer? Or Hero, his 17-year-old, tough-as-nails female protagonist? While Hero battles him for control over her own story, Murray is left wondering—is he going crazy? Or is there something else going on?

As Hero fights to save her own Kingdom of Dystpopia in its deadly war against the Queendom of Fant, the two biggest powers in the surrounding metropolitan area known as the Lands, a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland of misery, she suddenly hears the Author, the weaver of all things, in her head. Unfortunately, he’s about to throw out the story and go back to his paying job of writing technical manuals. Luckily, and true to her name, Hero convinces Murray to keep writing, er, weaving the story. But when something magical happens and she starts to control things in her very own story, Author and Hero, much like father and daughter, begin to fight between themselves. He even gave her an enemy-to-lover boyfriend who she despises! So, as she sets out on the desolate roads on her own, against Murray’s wishes, she meets a wild cast of characters. Oh, and Murray wants you to know there are flying zombies. But Hero wants you to know she killed them all. But Murray wants you to know it was an exciting scene. But Hero wants you to know she’s the one who did all the work. Oh, wait, it’s happening again.

Can they eventually work together to save her kingdom? Or will Fant’s evil magic take over the Lands? And there’s something about an Aunt Cordelia, who is also a serial killer. But this isn’t your typical mystery novel. Actually, it’s not a mystery novel at all. We really don’t know what it is [Shameless metadata plug: it’s the first book in a hilarious young adult sci-fi fantasy humor series, supposedly. Will you agree?].


Who’s really in charge of this story? Murray the author, a 45-year-old recently divorced down-on-his-luck writer? Or Hero, his 17-year-old, tough-as-nails female protagonist? While Hero battles him...


Advance Praise

“Side-splitting YA fantasy whose hero demands her author finish the book.” – BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick)

“Wildly creative, fourth-wall-breaking adventure that turns storytelling on its head.” – ReadersFavorite (5 Star Review)

"One of the most engrossing and engaging stories I have ever read.” – ReadersFavorite (5 Star Review)

"Hero’s journey is nothing short of epic.” – ReadersFavorite (5 Star Review)

"A heartwarming tale about survival and personal growth.” – ReadersFavorite (5 Star Review)

“Side-splitting YA fantasy whose hero demands her author finish the book.” – BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick)

“Wildly creative, fourth-wall-breaking adventure that turns storytelling on its head.” – ...


Marketing Plan

Alternately formatted paperback version will be available

Alternately formatted paperback version will be available


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798988543091
PRICE
PAGES 480

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Featured Reviews

"Dystpopia! Hero's Quest" by David Horn is a clever, meta-fictional adventure that blurs the lines between author and character, reality and fiction, and creator and creation. The story is a playful and imaginative exploration of storytelling itself, centered on the dynamic between Murray, a struggling 45-year-old writer, and Hero, his fierce 17-year-old protagonist who refuses to let her story be dictated by anyone—even her own creator.

Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Lands, the novel follows Hero as she battles to save her Kingdom of Dystpopia from the Queendom of Fant, a rival power wielding dark magic. The stakes are high, but the real conflict arises when Hero becomes aware of Murray, the "Author," who is weaving her story. Frustrated with his control over her life—including an unwanted enemy-to-lover subplot—Hero begins to assert her own agency, challenging Murray’s narrative decisions and even taking control of the story herself.

The interplay between Murray and Hero is the heart of the novel, filled with humour, tension, and a surprising amount of heart. Their relationship evolves into a kind of father-daughter dynamic, with Murray struggling to balance his role as a creator with his growing affection for his headstrong protagonist. Meanwhile, Hero’s determination to forge her own path leads her on a wild journey through the Lands, where she encounters a colourful cast of characters, battles flying zombies, and confronts the dark forces threatening her kingdom.

The novel is packed with witty meta-commentary on the writing process, genre tropes, and the relationship between authors and their characters. Horn’s playful narrative style keeps readers engaged, as Murray and Hero trade barbs and compete for control of the story. The inclusion of flying zombies, magical battles, and a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland adds plenty of action and excitement, while the underlying themes of creativity, agency, and collaboration give the story depth.

Ultimately, "Dystpopia! Hero's Quest" is a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the power of characters to take on a life of their own. It asks thought-provoking questions about who really controls a story—the author or the characters—and whether a happy ending is possible when the creator and creation are at odds. With its unique blend of humour, action, and meta-fiction, this novel is a must-read for fans of unconventional storytelling and genre-bending adventures.

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