Empire: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Digital Realities
“Empire”: A Captivating Novel Exploring ‘Black Mirror’-esque Themes
“Empire,” a collaborative novel penned by Young Adult authors Iria G. Parente and Selene M. Pascual, is set to hit bookstores this Thursday, offering readers a gripping narrative that evokes the essence of ‘Black Mirror.’ The story delves into thought-provoking subjects such as mental health, the influence of social networks, the rapid consumption of content, and the allure of morbidity.
This novel is proudly presented under the TBR (To Be Read) seal, a hashtag with a significant presence on social networks where young readers recommend books. TBR was established in March as a youth-oriented publishing label committed to delivering captivating stories by national and international authors, all characterized by their exceptional literary quality and meticulous editions.
The plot of “Empire” unfolds within the confines of the Empire Building, hosting the world’s most significant live competition. Winning this competition hinges on participants’ ability to engage in its games and attract as much attention as possible. In this realm, there are no rules, and everything is permissible.
The primary measure of value in the competition is the number of views a participant can amass. To ascend to the pinnacle, 30 contenders must vie for the attention of millions of eyes eager to witness their triumphs, failures, and innermost secrets. However, the extent to which they’re willing to go for success remains unknown.
Iria G. Parente and Selene M. Pascual skillfully invite readers to contemplate the fine line between reality and fiction when one’s private life is laid bare on social networks. They delve into the effects of this constant exposure, from enduring haters and negative comments to the relentless pressure to portray a flawless existence—all of which exact a toll on mental health.
In “Empire,” the narrative also highlights the perspective of the consuming public, engaged in an unrelenting race through content without pause for reflection—a world where nothing endures.
The novel exposes how morbidity is cynically harnessed to generate profits, even serving as a vehicle to promote brands and individuals. Achieving social media supremacy, as depicted in “Empire,” exacts a heavy psychological toll, raising questions about the price of online success in a digital age.