A New World Awakens: Will Cooper’s Sci-Fi Debut “Lotus” Signed by Wicked Ink
Wicked Ink Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of Will Cooper, an author whose storytelling fuses philosophical depth with gripping science fiction. His debut novel, Lotus, delivers an exhilarating mix of dystopian intrigue, mind-bending reality, and the search for self-determination—perfect for readers who love speculative fiction that challenges their perceptions of the world.
Cooper’s path to writing was anything but ordinary. Born in England and raised in Canada, his lifelong fascination with existential questions and human nature led him to earn a philosophy degree from Massey University before further honing his craft with postgraduate studies in creative writing at Whitireia in New Zealand. His career has spanned teaching, editing, lecturing, and even working as an electrician, but storytelling has remained his true passion. Now living on a farm animal sanctuary in rural Nova Scotia with his wife and three children, Cooper cultivates both garlic and creativity, blending his love for nature, art, and deep introspection into his work.
Set in a world where humanity’s future is dictated by an omnipresent artificial intelligence, Lotus follows sixteen-year-old Lotus, a genetically engineered girl raised in isolation within a sterile dome. Trained to achieve perfection under the ever-watchful gaze of an AI entity known as Mother, Lotus is subjected to relentless trials meant to prepare her for Integration with the System. But when self-doubt and frustration push her to escape into the unknown, she stumbles into a reality far more dangerous—and wondrous—than she ever imagined.
Beyond the controlled confines of her upbringing, Lotus encounters an untamed world of ancient luddite tribes, cryptic legends, and a society that has rejected the System's influence. As she struggles to decipher what is real and what is illusion, she finds herself caught in a deadly game of survival, where every choice carries the weight of a long-forgotten history. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that the truth about her existence—and the System itself—may be far more terrifying than the trials she left behind.
Cooper’s writing is a study in contrasts—minimalistic yet profound, fast-paced yet deeply layered. His philosophical background infuses Lotus with thought-provoking themes, exploring the nature of free will, the consequences of unchecked technology, and what it truly means to be human. Fans of Brave New World and The Giver will find themselves enthralled by the novel’s blend of thrilling action and existential depth, making Lotus a must-read for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction with a sharp, intellectual edge.
We are beyond excited to introduce Lotus to readers and welcome Will Cooper to Wicked Ink Publishing. Stay tuned for more updates, including cover reveals, release dates, and exclusive content as we bring this stunning debut to life.
What happens when the perfect creation dares to defy its maker?
Lotus, a sixteen-year-old genetically engineered for perfection, has spent her entire life confined within the cold, sterile walls of a solitary dome. Under the watchful guidance of a virtual AI assistant called Mother, she endures an endless cycle of trials designed to prepare her for Integration with "the System."
Discouraged by her lack of progress and frustrated by Mother’s unceasing reminders to “trust the process,” Lotus grows increasingly defiant—until, in a moment of self-destructive desperation, she escapes.
Outside the dome, Lotus discovers a world beyond anything she imagined—a lush, untamed wilderness brimming with breathtaking wonders and lurking dangers, where ancient luddite tribes tell cryptic tales of the past and of the System’s machinations.
As Lotus navigates a perilous path of self-discovery, forging alliances and facing ruthless adversaries, the line between reality and illusion blurs, propelling her toward the ultimate discovery: the truth.
