COMPLACENT MACHINATIONS

What is it about?

               A recent graduate of high school? Or maybe a College graduate? Or perhaps a drop out? Regardless of which stage one is at, each person is left to wonder what is next? The story dives into the lives of specific characters with each chapter offering a glimpse on their inner thoughts as they figure out what is next. While at that, life with its unforeseen challenges and added discouraging dystopian environment, how can one even begin to live a life they would find to be fulfilling? The more important question posed for each individual is will they remain complacent or take initiative to not only change but consider living a life for Christ? Discover the answers within the pages in this book as Leon the aimless spectator; Victor the man child; Nikolai the gullible soldier; Ethan, the antagonizer; Mortimer an arrogant failed scholar; Charlie, unmotivated silver spooned child; Wyatt the lost sheep; and a few other characters not only navigate the setting but through their actions answer the crucial question.

"Unmotivated Silver Spooned Child"

A recent high-school graduate that has had from childhood to adolescent, every materialistic thing he could ever want. Despite always getting good grades, receiving praises and honors, and being the favorite child, he is depressed. The same high from all his success doesn't seem to motivate him as much as it used to. He needs to find out what is missing to re-motivate himself. Will he lose control and succumb to the spirit of depression or will he take initiative to make some changes?

"Antagonizer"

Finding thrill in pitting people against one another Ethan can't help let a bad situation go to waste. Was it his upbringing that instilled a sense of pride to fuel this kind of persona? Or could it be just another case of a hurt person seeking to hurt others? It's likely a combination of both and the worst part is, he's oblivious to his own shenanigans. Will he humble himself to reflect on his behavior or will life have to intervene on his behalf? Will he change in time before the supernatural finally lets go and expose him to the perils of the world?

"Aimless Spectator"

'Vivre ou ne pas vivre?' To live or not to live? Similar to Charlie, Leon needs to find motivation and purpose. However gripped with the fear of failure, its quite easy to become a bystander and to no longer really take initiative in really doing anything. Believing things to be done perfectly or not done at all, its the mistakes he so desperately wants to avoid. Surrounded by those who only want the best for him, will he grow to overcome those fears and become something bigger or be become gripped by anxiety becoming this aimless non playable character wandering about with a simulated worldly perception?

"Arrogant Failed Scholar"

Finding every possible way to escape the truth, Mortimer seeks to do whatever it takes to avoid it. Whether its telling half truths to straight up lying he maintains a façade of an accomplished intellectual scholar. Keeping track of half truths or lies can become this burden that never fades. So question now is for how much longer can he sustain this charade? Will he finally be honest with himself and confront his inner truths, or will he continue to stifle his potential for true self improvement?

"Gullible Soldier"

'Just one more hour and you will be next in line for promotion.' 'We will definitely consider you for a pay raise in near future.' 'Your dedication will be rewarded soon.' All phrases all too familiar for Nikolai as he is always working for the next 'big thing.' There's nothing wrong in seeking to achieve something however when the situation is all to similar to chasing a carrot on a stick it becomes a problem. Will Nikolai take time to reflect on everything and eventually come to challenge the status quo or will he run back to the safety of familiarity and comfort like a 'good solider'?

"The man child"

The oldest young adult among the others nearing the age of thirty, is held back by two main factors: materialistic pursuits and lack of emotional growth. Materialism, such as excessive focus on hobbies, can negatively impact relationships and overall life balance. Emotional growth involves enhancing emotional awareness, regulation, expression, and empathy. Without this development, one may appear mature physically but lack emotional maturity, resembling a man-child. Can he abstain from the negative extremes of turning his hobbies into a bad habit and become emotionally competent before that mid age or will those very things end up controlling him forever dooming him into this over grown child?

"The Lost Sheep"

With his parents passing at a young age, Wyatt and his brother have had to mainly navigate on their on. Fortunate to do so in a developed country, much of it has been less of surviving and more of abstaining from temptations. It would come with time to pass as his older brother would now be out of the picture. The question now becomes can Wyatt not be tempted into finally giving in, seeking vengeance against the world? Or will he remain resilient and focus on the road ahead towards becoming something more?