An archetypal, biblical story of love and betrayal in a distant future. As epic as the Count of Monte Cristo, The Egyptian or Cloud Atlas
The main character of this sci-fi novel is twelve-year-old Daniel, growing up in a technically advanced, but fully isolated civilization, which is called New Planet. This dehumanized society is divided into two groups: those who are privileged and those who are not. They pretend to have left Earth, but in reality they have only built an impenetrable wall around themselves. The privileged Daniel loves his three step-brothers without knowing they hate him. Due to their betrayal, one day he finds himself lying on a heap of corpses on the other side of the wall. There is no way back, so he has to fight for survival in the underdeveloped world outside. Soon he discovers the terrifying foundations the civilization of the New Planet has been built on.
It is no coincidence that Daniel’s fate is reminiscent of the biblical story of Josef, who was sold to Egypt by his stepbrothers. Like Josef, Daniel becomes responsible for the lives of many people. How will he tackle his extraordinary destiny?
Awards
- Winner of Czech Golden Ribbon, a Czech award, in the young adult fiction category
- Teachers’ Award
- Included in the German White Raven catalogue of notable titles deserving worldwide attention
- Readers’ Award Master’s in Bulgaria
- Čitajuščij Petěrburg in Russia
Reviews
“Vopěnka has created a work which matches the global best-sellers of the young adult genre. Far more thoughtful than Hunger Games” .
Stanislav Šulc, E15
Books details
Original title: Nová planeta
Publishers:
- Czechia: Mladá fronta, Praha, 2015
- Bulgaria: Izida, 2022
- Phillipines (in English): Savage Mind, 2025
Translators:
- Bulgarian by Krasimir Prodanov
- English by Anna Bryson
Pitchdeck:
Genre: Dystopian, Adult/Crossover 16+
Pages: 700. The book consists of 2 parts and 12 chapters. It can be published as one book or as two volumes.
Book Covers in Czech and Bulgarian:
martinvopenka.com 