Nikki Brooke’s ‘Plagued Lands’ Merges Self-Discovery, Representation, and Dystopian World-Building
PHOTO: Nikki Brooke, acclaimed author of “Plagued Lands,” blends personal journeys with dystopian worlds, redefining representation in science fiction.
The Influence of Real-World Events
Nikki Brooke explores her debut novel’s themes of bisexuality, dystopia, and self-discovery, highlighting the significance of authentic character representation and societal parallels.
In an exclusive feature, acclaimed Australian author and scriptwriter Nikki Brooke sat down with Reqader’s House to discuss her eagerly anticipated debut novel, “Plagued Lands.” Known for her bold and imaginative storytelling, Nikki is breaking new ground in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, offering readers a fresh perspective on authentic representation.
“Plagued Lands” stands as a testament to Nikki’s artistic prowess, seamlessly blending a dystopian setting with a deeply personal tale of self-discovery. The novel not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, reaching the heights of the 7th Annual Launch Pad Prose Competition and the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition. As Nikki continues to redefine genre boundaries, she does so with a distinct purpose: to champion authentic bisexual representation in both literature and film.
In our conversation, Nikki shared how her journey of self-realization profoundly shaped her work. “It was the characters, like Martina in ‘Plagued Lands,’ who helped me understand my own identity,” Nikki reveals. She describes how writing about bisexual protagonists opened her eyes to her long-suppressed bisexuality, challenging societal norms and embracing fluidity.
“It was the characters who helped me understand my own identity.” – Nikki Brooke
Her commitment to authentic character portrayals was not without challenges. Nikki candidly admits how she had to fight ingrained stereotypes, especially when developing the character Persephone, making sure to rewrite parts that felt objectifying. “I grew and evolved as my characters did,” Nikki explains, highlighting the intertwined nature of art and self-growth.
Balancing the world-building of a dystopian universe with the intricate nuances of Martina’s emotional journey was another challenge Nikki tackled with finesse. She ensured that the world unfolded organically through Martina’s eyes, allowing readers to embark on the protagonist’s path to discovering the truth amidst chaos and control.
“I enjoy romantic subplots, and love triangles create a delicious tension between characters.” – Nikki Brooke
Influenced by well-loved dystopian narratives like “The Hunger Games,” yet distinct in its own right, “Plagued Lands” offers readers a vividly unique exploration of a future where humanity’s resilience is put to the test in glass-bubble-protected cities. Nikki draws parallels between her fictional universe and the real-world struggles experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, weaving themes of choice, autonomy, and unchecked power into her narrative.
The love triangle between Martina, Nathan, and Persephone adds another layer to the story, emphasizing the complexities of personal relationships in a world fraught with hardship. As Nikki hints, this dynamic unfolds across her planned trilogy, promising continued intrigue and development.
In the wake of societal change and increased awareness, “Plagued Lands” emerges not just as a novel, but as a reflection of the resilience of spirit, challenging and inspiring its readers to question, discover, and redefine boundaries—both within their own lives and the world around them.
Nikki Brooke is a trailblazing author leading a transformative wave in science fiction with her groundbreaking debut, offering a mirror to readers navigating their own journeys.
