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WORK TITLE: Age of Order
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://juliannorth.com/
CITY: New York
STATE: NY
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Male.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Novelist.
AWARDS:Lyra Award Winner, Best Young Adult Novel, 2016, and Los Angeles Book Festival, Best Science Fiction Novel, 2017, both for Age of Order.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
A writer since childhood, Julian North now writes the young adult “Age of Order Saga” series of novels set in a dystopian future of manufactured inequality. North’s 2016 Age of Order starts the series. In the near future, New York is now the capital of the United States. The Orderist movement runs society in which those with merit, money, and genetic enhancements rule, while the poor are disenfranchised. Daniela Machado lives in the barrio in Bronx City, yet because she is smart and athletic, she is allowed to attend Tuck School, usually reserved for children of Orderist families. When Daniela’s brother is dying from a genetic disorder, Daniela begins to suspect there is an ulterior motive for her admittance.
Living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, North said in an interview online at It’s Write Now: “Age of Order was inspired by my experiences trying to get my young children into school in our adopted home of New York City. As my frustrations grew, I would write my emotions down…The reader will see a world that could easily be our own.” While North’s book is yet another young adult book that focuses on the divide between the haves and have nots, “what starts out as sort of a fish-out-of-water drama with sci-fi trappings becomes the story of a veritable clash of superbeings, but North maintains expert control over it,” noted a writer in Kirkus Reviews. Writing in Publishers Weekly, a contributor commented: “Daniela is a pragmatic and compelling heroine whose voice will hold readers’ attentions and linger long after the story is done.”
Describing the range of the book, M. Corvid said online at Chanticleer Book Reviews: “The action is often thrilling, complete with high-tech rivalries, partisan politics, chase scenes, and class conflicts. While most of the major characters are teens, North’s insights into their thoughts and feelings can apply to any age.” In a review on the Dutch Book Chick website, Ellen Jansen said: “I liked the main character Daniela a lot, because she was a strong character and also because has a kind of sixth sense, which I was afraid might be a little too convenient for her, but instead of it being cheesy it was done very well.”
The next book in saga, State of Order, follows events after the president and many of his supporters are killed. The elite vow to make the common people suffer to maintain order. Meanwhile, Daniela is still trying to save her brother as she navigates the nightmares perpetrated on society. Book three, Fate of Order, involves a new civil war, when freedom is all but gone.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2017, review of Age of Order.
Publishers Weekly, October 30, 2017, review of Age of Order, p. 63.
ONLINE
Chanticleer Book Reviews, https://www.chantireviews.com/ (February 9, 2017), M. Corvid, review of Age of Order.
Dutch Book Chick, http://dutchbookchick.com/ (February 6, 2017), Ellen Jansen, review of Age of Order.
It’s Write Now, https://itswritenow.com/ (February 9, 2017), author interview.
I’ve been writing since I could grab a pencil (remember those?) Then I had kids. Not much time for writing anymore. Until they started school… in New York City. I’m not from here, and the tumult of that experience inspired me. AGE OF ORDER grew from frustration, anger, and hope. Now I write what I’m feeling, and let the rest flow from there. Join my mailing list at www.juliannorth.com to recieve a free short story set in the same world as AGE OF ORDER.
’ve been writing since I could grab a pencil (remember those?) Then I had kids. Not much time for writing anymore. Until they started school… in New York City. I’m not from here, and the tumult of that experience inspired me. AGE OF ORDER grew from frustration, anger, and hope. Now I write what I’m feeling, and let the rest flow from there. I hope you enjoy it.
The Things in Books that Inspire Me the Most
Edmond Dantes in the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: Revenge, the most primal of human of emotions, done in style. A man of iron, brought low, who raised himself up, only to once again discover his humility.
Jimmy the Hand in The Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond Feist: “I’ve had few friends.” I read it as a kid, but that line from a thief about the prince who had befriended him resonated with a bookish outsider like me. I still think about that line, later years, somehow.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown (including Golden Son and Morning Star): Everything. That a new author could write something so bloodydamn awesome means there is always hope for the debut writers of the world.
The world created in Shogun by James Clavell: I was there, I swear it. I stopped being a boy reading that massive tomb, and became an observer of actual events. Until I realized I hadn’t eaten all day.
Ender in Ender’s Game: The young genius outsider who withstood the cruelty of day-to-day life to save humanity. Timeless.
The love of a father and a son in The Road: I cried in this one, I admit it. I’ve got young boys. I couldn’t help it. McCarthy puts you there, and you have to face what you would do.
Astro Manufacturing in Privateers by Ben Bova: It was one of the first books I read of my own free choice, and somehow the dream of being a self-made billionaire with his own space station has stayed with me through the decades that followed. I have often wondered if Elon Musk read that book, or something similar, as a kid.
Syrio Forel in Game of Thrones when he chooses to fight the kingsguard with his wooden sword so that Arya could flee: That scene gives me chills. I love heroic sacrifice. But it worked because Martin made the characters so frakkin’ real.
Ernest Cline and Ready Player One: Written proof I’m not the biggest sci-fi nerd writing books.
1. Daniela Machado in Age of Order, the tooth scene (no spoilers here, read the book): I love that scene.
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Author interview with Julian North of ‘Age of Order’
Ellen | February 9, 2017
Inequality is a science. Giant machines maintain order. All people are not created equal. Daniela Machado is offered a chance to escape the deprivation of Bronx City through a coveted slot at the elite Tuck School. There, among the highborn of Manhattan, she discovers an unimaginable world of splendor and greed. But her opportunity is part of a darker plan, and Daniela soon learns that those at society’s apex will stop at nothing to keep power for themselves. She may have a chance to change the world, if it doesn’t change her first. Age of Order is a novel that explores the meaning of merit and inequality. Fans of the Hunger Games, Red Rising, and Divergent will enjoy this world of deception and intrigue, where the downtrodden must fight for a better future.
Julian North, has joined me today to chat about the fight for the better future that ensues in his novel of ‘Age of Order’. Julian, thank you for setting a little bit of your time aside today delve into the depths of a dystopian New York City. What were the original wisps of ideas that formed the basis of ‘Age of Order’ and how did they unfurl in your mind?
Age of Order was inspired by my experiences trying to get my young children into school in our adopted home of New York City. As my frustrations grew, I would write my emotions down each night. That eventually grew in dialogue, then characters, then the novel itself.
So, the novel was largely based on your own first experiences?
Yes, I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where much of the book takes place. While it is set in a dystopian future, many of the places were inspired by actual locations. Living my life was much of the research.
Combining research and living is so handy. Because your book is so tied up with your own experiences, did you find that it was easy to communicate any particular poignant plot point?
I tried to keep my own voice out of it. The reader will see a world that could easily be our own. They may be disturbed by it, perhaps not. It’s one vision of the path we are on. I tried not to make judgments or give easy answers.
As you didn’t give away easy answers, do you feel that you had raised all of the points you wanted to in this novel, or were there unaddressed points that you felt needed to the raised in a sequel? That’s really just a sneaky way of asking, what are you working on next?
I’m about half way through the next book in the Age of Order series, although its final fate will be up the readers. This is my first novel, and I’m anxious to hear from people beyond my beta and ARC readers. I’m also itching to write a fantasy novel…
As this was your first book how did you approach writing as a book-writing novice? Did you know where you were going when you started?
I generally know how the book will end, and I have an idea of what I’m going to write 2-3 chapters ahead. About half way through the book, I’ve spent so much time thinking about it, something *clicks* and I see the path to get me to the end I envisioned. Everything is easier after that. I call it “writing downhill”.
Just add some skis and you’ve got hours of fun! After you finished the downhill slalom you would have tackled the mountain of self-publishing? What have you learnt about the self-publishing process so far?
I’m going to go hopeful, rather than cynical here. So here it is: be patient. If you are expecting overnight success, you’ll likely end up disappointed. And that’s is a good thing. Take Pierce Brown. I believe he said he wrote seven (7!) books before Red Rising. Writing improves your writing. As I tell my kids: success doesn’t really teach you anything.
Thank you for emphasising patience! The most successful authors I’ve chatted to all have that patience and stamina to hold on and that is really what makes all of the difference. I’m sure you will go far as you’ve already recognised its importance. Now we’ve crossed the threshold to our quick fire round, where impatience and stamina combine to see our author of the day parry back answers from my volley of questions. Let’s start with a simple one: What is your best tip for authors?
Listen to yourself, not me or anyone else
Are you a valuable asset on a quiz team?
Only if it’s about pop sci-fi.
Awesome! I shall add you to the list for my next pop sci-fi quiz adventure. What is your favourite quote of all time?
“I was forged in the bowels of this hard world. Sharpened by hate. Strengthened by love.” Pierce Brown, Red Rising
If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you love to see in the world?
Horse-dog. It’s perfect–transport and a pet. I’ve been pitching this for years.
If it is super cute, cuddly and will get me from place to place sign me up for one too! And for our final question today, what is your favourite word?
Doh!
*Laughs* Ahhh, the wisdom of the ever underestimated Homer Simpson. Julian, I appreciate your time today and I wish you the best of luck for your new adventure in the world of self-publishing. May it work out to be everything you ever wished for.
North, Julian: AGE OF ORDER
Kirkus Reviews. (Mar. 1, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
North, Julian AGE OF ORDER Plebeian Media (Indie Fiction) $0.99 2, 6
In North's debut YA novel set in a violently divided, high-tech New York City, a poor girl enrolls in a Manhattan school that serves as an enclave for the fabulously rich, powerful, and dangerous. An "Orderist" movement has given privilege and rank to those said to have the most "merit," which include America's wealthiest people. This state of affairs made California secede from the Union to become a rogue state; meanwhile, Manhattan, the new capital of the remaining 49, is a paradise of affluence for its chosen elite, with such fabulous luxuries as gene enhancements, gated communities, guardian drones, and self-driving taxis. The Bronx, meanwhile, is wretched, drug-ridden, and plague-filled. It's also home to Daniela Machado, a fierce girl with phenomenal high school grades and impressive stats in track and field. She's driven by a single-minded aim to attend a local medical school and fight "the Waste," a mysterious, eventually fatal malady that's slowly overtaking her political-agitator brother, Mateo. Unexpectedly, Daniela is granted a one-in-a-million chance to attend the Tuck School, a Manhattan academy for the best of the so-called "highborn." She's suspicious of the faculty's motives and of the uber-handsome classmates around her, some of whom are friendly and welcoming, others not. She soon finds out that her predecessor apparently committed suicide, and she gets drawn into intrigue at the highest levels. There's no shortage of YA sci-fi yarns that focus on the gap between haves and have-nots. But North's entry is superlative, and his well-rendered setting is a more interesting conceit than Suzanne Collins' similar Panem in The Hunger Games. Ultimately, what starts out as sort of a fish-out-of-water drama with sci-fi trappings becomes the story of a veritable clash of superbeings, but North maintains expert control over it, much as J.K. Rowling did in her Harry Potter sagas. The action scenes are deftly handled, as are the depictions of compelling, smart, multicultural characters. The background philosophy behind the Orderists also has a sinister verisimilitude (Aldous Huxley is cited, although Ayn Rand, curiously, is not). Both YA and adult readers will be transfixed by this novel, which works well as both a stand-alone and as a series opener. A promising debut that re-energizes tropes in the dystopian sci-fi genre.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"North, Julian: AGE OF ORDER." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A482911695/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=fb85153a. Accessed 19 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A482911695
Age of Order
Publishers Weekly. 264.44 (Oct. 30, 2017): p63.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Age of Order
Julian North. Julian North, $2.99 e-book (339p) ASIN B01N25QE72
In this tense dystopian science fiction thriller, a high school track star from the wrong side of town gets a chance to attend a prestigious Manhattan school, but the cost could be more than she expects. A near-future New York, now the capital of the 49 states led by the faux-meritocratic Orderist movement, has become the exclusive realm of the "highborn" rich. Running has always been a haven for Daniela Machado, the fastest high school athlete in ragged Bronx City, but when she's offered a place at Manhattan's posh Tuck School, it's only natural to be suspicious. Los richos, the superwealthy Orderist families of Manhattan, have little use for people like Daniela and her family. To most of her new classmates at Tuck, Daniela is just a "nope"--a normally produced embryo, born without the expensive genetic enhancements customary among the wealthy. When Daniela learns her brother is dying of a genetic disorder manufactured as part of a highborn plot that could turn Manhattan's social and political structure upside down, she has to choose a side before it's too late. North has created a near-future world that feels all too believable. Daniela is a pragmatic and compelling heroine whose voice will hold readers' attentions and linger long after the story is done. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Age of Order." Publishers Weekly, 30 Oct. 2017, p. 63. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A514357760/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=716b612a. Accessed 19 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A514357760
Age of Order by Julian North – Y/A Dystopian SciFi
Rating:
Title: Age of Order
Author(s): Julian North
Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Mystery, New Adult, Thriller/Suspense, Young Adult, Young Adult/New Adult
Publisher: Plebeian Media (2017)
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In the not too distant future, one girl races to save the ones she loves in Julian North’s Age of Order.
Daniela Machado, a young Latina from Bronx City, is smart and successfully athletic – especially on the track – but she has more than a few secrets. She’s learned to be very protective of herself and those she cares about, her blood, in an environment where others frequently die. Aba, her grandmother, and her older brother Mateo, along with her sister of choice, Kortilla, are the only ones she fully trusts.
Daniela knows something must be behind the sudden offer she receives to attend a very prestigious and selective school in another part of the Five Cities, and she’s reluctant to accept. Attending the new school and leaving Kortilla behind, however, may be the only chance Daniela has to save Mateo’s life.
In this school environment, North skillfully weaves in multiple references to other dystopian works frequently taught in high school. The reader will be reminded of Orwell, Huxley, and William Golding, as Daniela reads them for class. Something else becomes abundantly clear: Daniela and most of her classmates don’t get along.
It’s more than just a question of money and social standing, though. It’s genetics.
Set in the near future of the United States, the action is often thrilling, complete with high-tech rivalries, partisan politics, chase scenes, and class conflicts. While most of the major characters are teens, North’s insights into their thoughts and feelings can apply to any age, lending an ageless quality to this otherwise clear morality tale. Their conflicts, confusions, and pain are more than any child should have to encounter. But in this world, those lucky enough to survive must grow-up quickly.
Daniela finds her one solace in running, and she fights her way onto the school track team. No one, not even the school star, can easily beat her when she runs. Daniela, it becomes apparent, has a gift which, after being honed throughout childhood, is now formidable.
It’s on the track when she feels completely free, even when the competition seems unfairly rigged against her. North does a fine job of writing these athletic scenes and the reader will feel their feet pounding and gasping for breath as Daniela runs against others –and her hidden past.
As that past comes into conflict with what she is experiencing at school, Daniela and her allies (the other misfits at school) begin to see the true shape of the reality around them. Only through courage and steely resolve will they be able to do what must be done to prevent the genocide those in power have already begun. It’s up to Daniela to find her true self, when she needs it most, to save the people she loves.
Age of Order is powerfully charged with rich characters and a dynamic storyline. One of the BEST new Y/A books we’ve reviewed!
By M. Corvid
Review “Age of Order” by Julian North
februari 6, 2017Ellen Jansen Leave a Comment
Author: Julian North
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: February 6th 2017
Pages: 407
Spoilers: NO SPOILERS!
Rating: (4 / 5)
Age of Order is the debut novel of Julian North and it is a great debut as well! Age of Order was given to me by Julian North himself after reading my review of The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi, because he thought I might be interested in his novel. I can tell you now that he was definitely right and I have rated Age of Order even higher than The Windup Girl. You can read the review of The Windup Girl here.
“What if the people who thought they were better than you… really were?
In this world, inequality is a science. Giant machines maintain order. And all people are not created equal.
Daniela Machado is offered a chance to escape the deprivation of Bronx City through a coveted slot at the elite Tuck school. There, among the highborn of Manhattan, she discovers an unimaginable world of splendor and greed. But her opportunity is part of a darker plan, and Daniela soon learns that those at society’s apex will stop at nothing to keep power for themselves. She may have a chance to change the world, if it doesn’t change her first.” [Goodreads]
Age of Order is about Daniela, who lives in a very, very bad neighborhood and gets a chance to go to the elite school where only the rich and powerful send their children. Daniela then has to struggle to find a balance between her own poor neighborhood and the rich environment of the school and she has to find out why she was picked to go there.
The novel starts mid action and at first I was a bit confused as to what was going on and why the main character was running from machines shooting pallets at her, but later on in the novel everything starts to make sense and I wasn’t too confused to be bothered by it, if anything it made me want to continue reading even more!
I liked the main character Daniela a lot, because she was a strong character and also because has a kind of sixth sense, which I was afraid might be a little too convenient for her, but instead of it being cheesy it was done very well and in the end it fit into the story quite nicely. I also need to mention my favorite character, Nythan! He’s both funny and intelligent and any science fiction fan will love him for all the references he makes. He mentions all kinds of classics, such as The Matrix, Brave New World and Planet of the Apes and I absolutely love it when authors mention other works and show their knowledge of the genre.
The novel is young adult, but also has a bit of an adult voice and that really come out in the way it was written. There are some foreign words in the text, but nothing that you have to look up and I like that, because if there are too many words in different languages you have to get yourself out of the story to look it up. Fortunately I never had to do that.
I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoyed The Windup Girl, but also for anyone who wants to read a fast paced and interesting story about inequality and the struggle that comes with it. Age of Order is an exciting novel with lots of action, but also with interesting characters. The novel is a debut and I must say that Julian North has done a great job and I’m already hoping that there will be more novels!
Are you interested in dystopian novels? Would you like to read Age of Order as well? Let me know in the comments!