NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
Valley of Progress is a three novel series, accompanied by three novellas. The main novels tell a continuous story during the later years of Lord Opaji, founder of the city of Chigou. The archives comprise of three novellas which tell a dramatized history of the valley from different perspectives and times.
The books are listed in a suggested reading order.
The Murde Mountains - Archive 1
Meijune was a city known for industrial strength and artistic culture, but for Jean Batsu, maintaining a solid reputation simply wasn't good enough. Aiming towards the imposing Murde Mountains, Batsu decided to create a new civilization that would never stop the pursuit of something greater. Taking along those who bought into his ideals, Batsu promised an unprecedented society that would be the envy of the world.
Discover how Batsu and his pilgrims attempted to cross the treacherous Murde Mountains into an undiscovered land. Trust will be put to the test as the group ascends into the thinning atmosphere, desperately avoiding the deadly descent that's always one mistake away. As minds strain to keep in one piece, their aching bodies fight to make it out of the rocky gauntlet. Through ice and fog, Opaji struggles to lead them to a unknown promise land, one that might push even his own grand ideas of what is possible.
Archive 1 is the first book of the Archive Series, stories which take place prior to the main novels. The events in Archive 1 directly precede those in Book 1, Chigou.
Book 1 - Chigou
Even compared to the progressive city that came before it, Chigou soared into existence as if capable of channeling the future. At the helm, Lord Opaji watched over his illuminated society from the tallest building ever constructed. Down below, however, a struggle began to emerge over the fate of his prized city.
A Civil Enforcer searches for a new purpose as he tries to escape the violent conflict of his past. A young farmer strives to make a bigger difference after she takes charge of a child, one tragically snared by a growing conflict. They are all visited by the young heir of an industrial empire, and questions quickly arise over the foreigner's true intentions.
As lives collide unexpectedly, they begin to discover a subversive power emerging from the shadows. They must decide to face the threat, or run towards something else known only through tales and legends. Their decisions will not only change their lives, but could alter the course of their entire society.
Chigou is the first novel in the Valley of Progress series.
Archive 2 - The Red Valley
At the birth of an ambitious society, three young men are sent to survey the ends of their new home. The Naifin Valley proves to be a natural wonder, incredibly isolated yet teeming with life. The wonder and serenity of their new land seems nearly unreal, but tensions begin to emerge over their purpose and their mission.
One brother struggles to feel secure in his decision to uproot his life and begin anew in an isolated, idealistic colony. He gets pushed by his other brother who uses the quest as an opportunity to test not only themselves, but also their newly appointed leader. At the front of the small pack, the young headman steers them towards the dense forest waiting at the southern end of the valley. In hopes of finding rich resources for their new settlement, he also harbors a secret from the two brothers. Only within the depths of the valley will the magnitude of that secret truly be revealed.
Archive 2 is the second book of the Archive Series, stories which take place prior to the main novels. The events in Archive 2 happen within the events of Archive 1, The Murde Mountains.
Book 2 - Goraka
At the birth of an ambitious society, three young men are sent to survey the ends of their new home. The Naifin Valley proves to be a natural wonder, incredibly isolated yet teeming with life. The wonder and serenity of their new land seems nearly unreal, but tensions begin to emerge over their purpose and their mission.
One brother struggles to feel secure in his decision to uproot his life and begin anew in an isolated, idealistic colony. He gets pushed by his other brother who uses the quest as an opportunity to test not only themselves, but also their newly appointed leader. At the front of the small pack, the young headman steers them towards the dense forest waiting at the southern end of the valley. In hopes of finding rich resources for their new settlement, he also harbors a secret from the two brothers. Only within the depths of the valley will the magnitude of that secret truly be revealed.
Book 2 is the second novel and fourth overall book in the series. The events in Goraka directly follow the events of Book 1, Chigou.
IN DEVELOPMENT
Archive 3
Book 3
