Artifice

by Stifyn Emrys

The year is 2058. Humanity is in a race against time to save itself from a climate crisis that has spun out of control, leaving millions dead from heat stroke and exposure. But Tim, a teenager growing up in Silicon Valley, has an his father heads the world’s largest corporation and has the power to keep him safe. Unfortunately, he’s not much of a father. In fact, he’s a self-absorbed workaholic who has no time - and no respect - for Tim.

At least Tim has his girlfriend, Annie, who grew up with him and helped him get through the worst that his father and the rest of the world threw at him. Now, however, they find their lives spiraling out of control in a whirlwind of corporate intrigue and cutthroat power plays that could cost both of them their lives and threaten humanity’s very existence.

What choice do you make when you run out of options? Whom do you trust in a game of deceit? Sometimes, it all comes down to a fight for survival. But the price for survival can be high. Would you trade your life for love? Your honor for hope?

If you wind up with a raw deal, a bluff can win the hand, but when the stakes are love and honor, you may be forced to choose between the truth … and ARTIFICE.

Artifice is a novella in the “Identity Quest” series.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2013

About the author

Stifyn Emrys has written on subjects as diverse as history, religion, politics and language. He has served as an editor for fiction and non-fiction projects, and his first book, "The Gospel of the Phoenix," a new perspective on the life of Jesus, was published in July 2012. A first anniversary Special Edition has been published, including 60 pages of author commentary, classic illustrations and reformatted text for easier reading.

He has published seven subsequent works:

1) "Requiem for a Phantom God," a critique of monotheism.
2) "The Phoenix Principle," an examination the role Pagan folklore and political intrigues played in the development of Western religion.
3) "Undefeated," a series of vignettes focusing on individuals who have triumphed over bullying, bigotry and oppression.
4) "Feathercap," a new fairytale for children and adults.
5) "Identity Break," the first installment in a new "Identity Quest" YA/science fiction/adventure series and the author's first novel.
6) "Artifice," a novella in the "Identity Quest" series.
7) "The Way of the Phoenix," a collection of original fables, proverbs and parables.

The author has lectured occasionally on the pagan origins of Christianity and continues to research the development of religious traditions. He has worked as an editor, columnist, educator and reporter. He is currently working on his first novel. He lives in California with his wife, stepson, one cat and one dog.