The Humana Chronicles - And the Dream Nation by Michael Bellusci is set during the age of revolution when the entire world is in uproar. Change is coming from forces, aided and abetted by science and technology, that sweep through the entire planet, and no one can stop it. Mathius is the only leader who steps up and can see what is happening in the world. He decides something has to be done to save his people; he will create a haven, even as he argues with his twin brother and a usurper of power, Moringa.

Dystopian fiction seems to be all the rage today and this is another solid entry into the genre. The first two chapters dragged a little bit for me, but I can understand why they needed to, as they set up everything and really introduced you into the world. Once you move past those first two chapters, you really get into the meat of the story and meet such an interesting cast of characters - from Mathius to Luthor to Queen Mirabelle and Lord Magic. All of them are richly textured and well fleshed out, and play their parts perfectly. Author Michael Bellusci has a good hand in spinning an interesting story that will take you through one turn to the next, and before you know it you have reached the end of the book. I really enjoyed this read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the dystopian genre.

The Humana Chronicles: And The Dream Nation is a thought-provoking work of dystopian fiction by Michael Bellusci. During the Age of Revolution, the people of the world fear the advent of science and technology, and the end of days is prophesied during this period of extreme change. The story centers on Mathius, a leader of men who decides to take action against the rising tide of change, encouraged by his poetic love Queen Mirabelle. Along with a scientist and fellow dreamer known as Lord Magic, Mathius sets about creating the Dream Nation, a haven which will save his people from the times to come. Problems arise, however, when Mathius’s brother Luthor steps in with his own views on how this new world ought to be run.

The fear of the future is a common one that most humans can and have related to all throughout history. Here author Michael Bellusci explores one extreme instance of safeguarding against inevitable change. The Humana Chronicles: And The Dream Nation is a heavy-going exploration – at times reading more like a textbook than a novel – but its detailed existence and socio-political structure show masterful world-building from the author. Mathius is a stalwart, if somewhat misguided hero, with a solid duty to his people. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the mischievous Moringa, who interferes with everyone’s plans and embodies the kind of chaos the others are trying to avoid. Overall, The Humana Chronicles is a dedicated study of the human condition which I think philosophical types will really enjoy.