Custodians of the Future

(Oct 2023)

The Wishing Shelf 5/5 review of CotF

Readers’ Favorite 5/5 review of CotF online

“Custodians of the Future” is the first book in my “of the Future” Un-Series, with a touch of whimsy and my usual irreverent, subversive social commentary. This adult, hopepunk, grounded sci fi mystery-romp-chase will ring bells among fans of The Blues Brothers, Star Trek, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Red Dwarf, Alien/Aliens, and other iconic works of pop culture. (But recognizing the references is NOT required for enjoyment of the story!)

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Cover design by MiblArt.com! (Ukrainian design studio, affiliate)

5/5 — The Wishing Shelf:
‘A cleverly plotted, futuristic novel packed full of memorable characters and a lot of perfectly timed humour.’ (click for full review)

5/5 — Readers’ Favorite review:
“…Author X. Ho Yen sets the story in a believably hopepunk futuristic setting to offer a poignant commentary on real-world issues we're facing today. Custodians of the Future is intricately plotted, action-packed, and thoroughly captivating from start to finish. The narrative plays out like a sleuth mystery, with lore excerpts at the beginning of each chapter that give readers additional information about the world and how it has evolved in the late 21st century. Each character has a well-defined personality and story arc that serves the plot perfectly. I was also impressed by Ho Yen's ability to showcase how the internet sways public opinion and, sometimes, radicalizes the general populace. In conclusion, this is a gripping sci-fi novel that readers who love hopepunk stories shouldn't miss out on.”

“You are a vital component of Global Waste”
went the company motivational email…

Irena wants to fit in, and she needs the job, so she tries not to rock the boat.

But discovering something strange and potentially deadly in Stockholm's wastewater sends her fellow janitor squad members off the rails. Their hare-brained assumptions and accusations, fueled by the web site 'Syllojizm,' drive them to ever more dangerous mayhem. Irena is caught between her integrity and her need for security.

It’s New Year’s Eve, 2099. Can Irena get to the bottom of the wastewater mystery while containing her teammates, staying out of prison, and escaping Luxembourger street vendors, Buddhist monks, and the dreaded Canadian Space Agency?

Testimonials:

“I found it a fast read and kept thinking I had the ending figured out. Of course I was never close to figuring it out but found it a fascinating, humorous read!” — Cathy B., CotF Alpha Reader

“A rollicking romp through the lingering stench of the wretched refuse of human civilization. I really enjoyed it. I read it straight through. You should consider this an extreme compliment – rarely happens... bloody brilliant.” — Chris B., CotF Alpha Reader

”Enjoyed the book! Much sillier tone than MSD, it was a fun read” — Bobby R., CotF Alpha Reader