Storms and Summons

In a future rebuilt after devastation, Arden Roosa waits anxiously for her fate in a society obsessed with controlling the Madness—a disease that turns people into killers. Her dreams of studying agriculture are dashed when she's forced to choose between her future and her mother's safety. The government, Cured, offers her a cruel bargain: serve three years as a soldier or see her mother exiled to a dangerous province. Arden's world is one of surveillance, suspicion, and the ever-present threat of infection. Her decision to sacrifice her dreams for her mother's well-being sets her on a path that will test her courage, loyalty, and very sense of self.

The Choice of Sacrifice

Arden's life is upended as she's drafted into Fort Bala Royal Academy, a military institution where she must train to fight the infected and serve the regime that controls every aspect of life. Her mother's frailty and past struggles with Madness haunt Arden, but she refuses to let fear dictate her actions. The city is a patchwork of old and new, with the mysterious Rock—source of the Madness—looming everywhere. Arden's first encounters with the infected and the enigmatic Shiloh Cruz, a medic with secrets of his own, foreshadow the dangers and alliances to come.

A Date and a Break

Amidst chaos, Arden finds a rare moment of joy with Shiloh, whose warmth and humor offer a glimpse of normalcy. Their budding connection is shattered when a public outbreak of Madness erupts, forcing Arden to confront her deepest fears. She acts bravely to save a child, but the trauma lingers. Shiloh is taken for testing, and Arden is left to grapple with the reality of her new life—one where every day could be her last, and every act of kindness is shadowed by the threat of loss.

Drafted into Darkness

Arden's final night at home is bittersweet, filled with love, regret, and the weight of unspoken fears. Her mother's warnings about the Rock and the mysterious library are dismissed as remnants of Madness, but seeds of doubt are planted. Arden's journey to Fort Bala is marked by anxiety and uncertainty, but also by unexpected reunions. Shiloh's presence on the bus is a comfort, and new friendships with Mykal and Roman hint at the alliances that will shape her future. The academy looms ahead—a crucible that will forge or break her.

The Academy's Harsh Welcome

Fort Bala is a place of contradictions: part palace, part prison, ruled by the formidable High Prince Cyrus Dolion. Arden and her peers are subjected to brutal initiation rituals, medical experiments, and psychological games designed to weed out the weak. The competition for survival is fierce, and the promise of a life free from taxes is a tantalizing but deadly prize. Cyrus's interest in Arden is both a threat and a mystery, as he offers her a way out—at the cost of her ambitions. Arden's refusal sets the stage for a battle of wills that will define her time at the academy.

Chains and Challenges

Life at the academy is a relentless cycle of training, surveillance, and suspicion. Arden is forced to share a cell with Mykal, confronting her deepest anxieties about trust and vulnerability. The ever-present threat of infection is matched by the psychological warfare waged by instructors and peers alike. The first major test—a circle of pain—forces Arden to choose between integrity and victory. Her refusal to harm her teammates earns her respect but costs her the title of leader. The lesson is clear: in this world, survival often means sacrificing one's soul.

Lessons in Fear

Training intensifies as Arden and her cohort are taught to fight not just the infected, but their own fears. The academy's philosophy is brutal: fear is an enemy to be conquered, not coddled. Arden's struggles with panic and self-doubt are met with both cruelty and unexpected kindness from Cyrus, whose methods are as harsh as they are effective. The lines between enemy and ally blur, and Arden begins to question the true nature of strength. Her growing bond with Shiloh offers solace, but the specter of Madness—and the secrets of the Rock—loom ever larger.

The Circle of Pain

The academy's tests grow ever more sadistic, pitting students against each other in games designed to break their spirits. Arden's refusal to play by the rules isolates her, but also reveals the cracks in the system. Roman's ruthless tactics and Lark's ambition highlight the dangers of unchecked power. Cyrus's enigmatic guidance pushes Arden to her limits, forcing her to confront the reality that survival may require compromising her values. The seeds of rebellion are sown, even as the threat of the Tome Society—a group of Soalians who worship the Rock—grows more immediate.

Allies and Adversaries

As Arden navigates the treacherous social landscape of the academy, alliances are forged and broken. Mykal's loyalty, Roman's ambition, and Shiloh's steadfastness provide a fragile support system. The arrival of the Tome Society's invitation—and the revelation of Ember, Shiloh's sister, as a key player—forces Arden to question everything she's been taught. The boundaries between friend and foe blur, and the true nature of the war between Cured and the Soalians becomes increasingly murky. Arden's journey is no longer just about survival, but about uncovering the truth.

The High Prince's Offer

Cyrus's interest in Arden takes on new dimensions as he offers her a role as his assistant—a position of safety, privilege, and influence. The offer is both a lifeline and a trap, forcing Arden to choose between ambition and integrity. The revelation of secret communications, hidden agendas, and the true nature of the academy's tests exposes the rot at the heart of Cured. Arden's refusal to compromise her values sets her on a collision course with the powers that be, even as her feelings for Cyrus grow more complicated.

Training and Temptation

The boundaries between training and reality blur as Arden is pushed to her physical and emotional limits. Her relationship with Cyrus deepens, marked by moments of tenderness and conflict. The academy becomes a crucible where Arden's fears are confronted and her strengths revealed. The threat of the Tome Society grows, and the secrets of the Rock become ever more tantalizing. Arden's journey is no longer just about survival, but about transformation—becoming the person she was meant to be, even as the world around her teeters on the brink of chaos.

The Madness Unleashed

The fragile peace of the academy is shattered by a devastating outbreak of Madness. Friends become enemies, and the line between victim and perpetrator blurs. Arden is forced to kill Shiloh in self-defense, a trauma that leaves her reeling. The revelation that Cured may be weaponizing the Madness—and that the true enemy may not be the Soalians—forces Arden to confront the possibility that everything she's believed is a lie. The cost of truth is high, and the price of survival may be her very soul.

Secrets in the Shadows

Arden's investigation into the secrets of Cured and the Rock leads her down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and betrayal. The Lemon Ade file, Shiloh's research, and the hidden history of the pritis mines reveal a world built on lies and exploitation. The war between Cured and the Soalians is not just a battle for survival, but a struggle for the soul of humanity. Arden's growing connection to Cyrus—and her own emerging powers—set the stage for a confrontation that will determine the fate of both worlds.

The Rock's Revelation

Arden's encounters with the Rock and the mysterious god Soal awaken latent abilities and a sense of purpose she never knew she possessed. The library of Soal, the books of destiny, and the war between gods and mortals are revealed as the true stakes of the conflict. Arden's journey is no longer just about saving her mother or herself, but about shaping the future of both Ourland and Theirland. The boundaries between reality and myth blur, and Arden must decide what kind of hero she will become.

The Tome Society's Invitation

Arden accepts the invitation to join the Tome Society, undergoing a ritual that frees her from the poisons of Cured and awakens her true potential. The library of Soal becomes both sanctuary and training ground, a place where Arden learns to wield her new powers and uncover the secrets of the past. The cost of freedom is high, and the responsibilities of power are daunting. Arden's alliances with Ember, Shiloh, and Cyrus are tested as the war between Cured and the Soalians escalates.

Betrayal and Belief

Arden's trust in Cyrus is shattered by revelations of betrayal, manipulation, and hidden agendas. The lines between ally and enemy blur, and Arden is forced to choose between love and duty. The war between Cured and the Soalians reaches a fever pitch, with both sides willing to sacrifice anything for victory. Arden's journey becomes a test of faith—not just in others, but in herself. The cost of belief is high, and the price of betrayal may be everything she holds dear.

The Library of Soal

Arden's mastery of the library's secrets becomes the key to saving her mother and shaping the future. The books of destiny reveal the interconnectedness of all things, and the power of choice to alter the course of history. Arden's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust her instincts, embrace her strengths, and accept her flaws. The library becomes both weapon and shield, a place where Arden forges the tools she needs to confront the final battle.

The Price of Truth

The final confrontation with Tagin Dolion and the forces of Cured is a crucible of pain, loss, and revelation. Arden and Cyrus are forced to make impossible choices, sacrificing everything for the chance at a better future. The cost of truth is measured in blood and tears, but the rewards are freedom and hope. The war between gods and mortals reaches its climax, and Arden's actions determine the fate of both worlds. The chains of fear and oppression are broken, and a new era begins.

The War of Gods

The battle between Soal and Astan, Cured and the Soalians, is revealed as a struggle for the soul of humanity. Arden and Cyrus stand together, united by love and purpose, as they confront the forces that seek to destroy them. The power of the Rock, the secrets of the library, and the strength of the human spirit are the weapons they wield. The war is not just for survival, but for meaning, hope, and the possibility of redemption. In the end, it is not power or violence that wins, but the courage to choose a better path.

Together in Tomorrow

The dust settles, and Arden and Cyrus emerge from the crucible of war forever changed. The world they inherit is scarred but full of possibility. The chains of Cured are broken, the secrets of the Rock revealed, and the library of Soal stands open to all who seek its wisdom. Arden's journey is one of transformation—from fear to courage, from sacrifice to hope, from isolation to love. Together, she and Cyrus face the future, determined to build a kingdom not of yesterday's sorrows, but of tomorrow's promise.

Characters

Arden Roosa

Arden is a young woman defined by anxiety, loyalty, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her love for her mother drives her to sacrifice her dreams and endure the brutalities of Fort Bala. Arden's journey is one of transformation: from a fearful, self-doubting girl to a courageous leader who challenges the very foundations of her world. Her relationships—with her mother, Shiloh, Mykal, Roman, and especially Cyrus—are marked by vulnerability, trust, and betrayal. Arden's greatest strength is her refusal to give up, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Her arc is one of self-discovery, as she learns to wield both power and compassion, ultimately becoming a catalyst for change in a world desperate for hope.

Cyrus Dolion (High Prince)

Cyrus is the son of King Tagin Dolion and a product of both privilege and pain. Scarred physically and emotionally, he is a master of control—over himself, his team, and the deadly games of Fort Bala. His relationship with Arden is complex, oscillating between mentor, adversary, and lover. Beneath his harsh exterior lies a deep well of loneliness, guilt, and longing for connection. Cyrus's secret allegiance to the Tome Society and Soal places him at the heart of the war between Cured and the Soalians. His arc is one of redemption, as he learns to trust, love, and fight not just for power, but for a future worth living.

Shiloh Cruz

Shiloh is a medic whose compassion and curiosity set him apart in a world ruled by fear. His relationship with Arden is marked by warmth, humor, and shared trauma. Shiloh's quest to understand the Madness and his willingness to challenge Cured's dogma make him both a target and a martyr. His transformation—from loyal servant of Cured to member of the Tome Society—mirrors Arden's own journey. Shiloh's death (and later survival) is a crucible for Arden, forcing her to confront the cost of truth and the power of forgiveness.

Mykal Ellison

Mykal is Arden's roommate and confidante, a source of strength and support in the hostile environment of Fort Bala. Her own struggles with fear and loss mirror Arden's, and their friendship is a lifeline for both. Mykal's journey is one of healing, as she learns to trust again after betrayal and violence. Her fate is a reminder of the fragility of hope in a world at war.

Roman Alexander

Roman is both friend and rival to Arden, embodying the contradictions of the academy: loyalty and ambition, strength and vulnerability. His drive to win at any cost is tempered by moments of genuine care and camaraderie. Roman's arc is one of growth, as he learns the value of integrity and the limits of power.

Ember Cruz

Ember is a key figure in the Tome Society, orchestrating the recruitment of Arden and others. Her ability to move between worlds, communicate telepathically, and wield the power of the Rock marks her as both ally and threat. Ember's motivations are complex, driven by love for her brother, hatred of Cured, and devotion to Soal. She is both mentor and test for Arden, challenging her to question everything she believes.

Tagin Dolion (King)

Tagin is the architect of Cured's oppressive regime, a man driven by fear, ambition, and a desperate need for control. His relationship with Cyrus is fraught with love, disappointment, and betrayal. Tagin's belief in Astan and his willingness to sacrifice anything for power make him both villain and victim. His downfall is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the cost of denying truth.

The Rock / Soal

The Rock is both a physical object and a gateway to the divine, the source of the Madness and the key to salvation. Soal, the god who dwells within the library, is a figure of mystery and contradiction—offering wisdom, power, and the possibility of redemption. The Rock's presence shapes every aspect of life in Ourland and Theirland, and its secrets are the ultimate prize in the war between Cured and the Soalians.

The Tome Society

The Tome Society is a clandestine group of Soalians dedicated to overthrowing Cured and unlocking the secrets of the Rock. Its members—Ember, John Victors, Domino, and others—are both revolutionaries and outcasts, wielding powers that blur the line between science and magic. The Society's rituals, codes, and books are both tools of liberation and sources of danger.

Lark Foster, Titus, Jericho, Juniper

These characters represent the spectrum of responses to oppression: ambition, fear, loyalty, and rebellion. Their fates—some tragic, some redemptive—underscore the cost of survival in a world at war. Their relationships with Arden are marked by rivalry, friendship, and betrayal, reflecting the complexities of human nature under pressure.

Plot Devices

Dual Worlds and the Rock

The narrative is built on the collision of Ourland and Theirland, two worlds fused by a mysterious event. The Rock, an indestructible, enigmatic structure, is both the source of the Madness and the gateway to the divine library of Soal. Its presence is a constant reminder of the thin line between order and chaos, science and faith. The duality of worlds mirrors the duality within characters—fear and courage, loyalty and betrayal, power and vulnerability.

The Madness and Infection

The Madness is both a literal disease and a symbol of the fear, control, and violence that define Cured's regime. Its symptoms—loss of self, uncontrollable violence, and transformation—reflect the psychological and societal costs of oppression. The threat of infection is used to justify surveillance, control, and sacrifice, but also becomes a tool of liberation when its true nature is revealed.

The Library and Books of Destiny

The library of Soal and its books—detailing past, present, and possible futures—are central to the narrative's exploration of destiny, agency, and truth. The ability to read, interpret, and act on the books' wisdom is both a gift and a burden, offering the possibility of rewriting fate but demanding courage and sacrifice. The library is both sanctuary and battlefield, a place where the war for the soul of humanity is fought with words as much as weapons.

Secret Societies and Hidden Agendas

The conflict between Cured and the Tome Society is driven by secrets, lies, and the manipulation of information. Characters are constantly forced to question who they can trust, what they believe, and what they are willing to sacrifice for the truth. The use of coded messages, hidden files, and clandestine rituals creates a sense of paranoia and urgency, heightening the stakes of every decision.

Psychological Warfare and Character Growth

The narrative structure is built around tests—physical, emotional, and moral—that force characters to confront their deepest fears and desires. The academy's brutal training, the ever-present threat of infection, and the manipulations of both Cured and the Soalians serve as crucibles for transformation. Character arcs are defined by the struggle to overcome fear, embrace vulnerability, and choose hope over despair.

Foreshadowing and Revelation

The story is rich with foreshadowing—visions from the Rock, cryptic messages from Soal, and the gradual revelation of hidden histories. The use of dreams, flashbacks, and parallel narratives creates a sense of inevitability and destiny, while also allowing for moments of surprise and reversal. The ultimate revelation—that the war is not just for survival, but for the soul of humanity—gives the narrative its emotional and philosophical weight.

Analysis

Kingdom of Tomorrow is a sweeping, emotionally charged exploration of fear, power, and the search for truth in a world defined by control and chaos. At its core, the novel is a meditation on the cost of survival—what we are willing to sacrifice for safety, and what we lose when we allow fear to rule our lives. Through Arden's journey from anxious, self-doubting girl to courageous, world-changing leader, the story interrogates the nature of authority, the dangers of blind obedience, and the redemptive power of love and knowledge. The dual worlds of Ourland and Theirland, the enigmatic Rock, and the library of Soal serve as both literal and metaphorical battlegrounds for the soul of humanity. The novel's greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers: every victory comes at a cost, every truth is double-edged, and every act of courage is shadowed by doubt. In the end, Kingdom of Tomorrow is a call to arms for those who would challenge the status quo, embrace vulnerability, and choose hope over fear. Its lessons are as relevant to our world as to Arden's: the future belongs not to those who cling to the past, but to those brave enough to imagine—and fight for—a better tomorrow.

Last updated: November 13, 2025