Why Does Son of Osivirius Feel Different From Most Dystopian Fiction?
Many dystopian novels explore political oppression, surveillance, or rebellion. But at its heart, Son of Osivirius asks a different question: What does it mean to be truly free?
After writing this clean science fantasy novella, I realised I must have subconsciously channelled all I knew about St Francis of Assisi, whose radical simplicity challenged the dehumanising systems of his own age.
So what does St Francis have to do with an Avatar-style book featuring giant flying cats?
Quite simply... freedom.
What Does True Freedom Mean?
Freedom for both Jesus and Francis was purely and simply freedom from the self, which is precisely freedom from the world. This is so utterly different than our Western notion of freedom. In order to be free for a full and authentic life, we must quite simply be free from our smaller selves.
Francis knew that Jesus was not at all interested in the usual “sin management” task that many clergy seem to think is their job. He saw that Jesus was neither surprised nor upset at what we usually call sin. Jesus was upset at human pain and suffering.
Jesus did not focus on sin. Jesus went where the pain was. Wherever he found human pain, there he went, there he touched, and there he healed.
Francis, who only ever wanted to do one thing—imitate Jesus—did the same. We can’t do that, or even imagine it, unless our first question is something other than “What do I want?”, “What do I prefer?” or “What pleases me?”*
In the great scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter what I want. We are not free at all until we are free from ourselves.
It is that simple and that hard.
This idea of freedom shapes every major character in Son of Osivirius. Commander Tun embodies the mistaken notion of freedom. Jayden longs for freedom from poverty and powerlessness. Nettle is fiercely protective of the rebels' freedom from the colony’s systems of control. The rebels pursue a simpler way of life that values connection, belonging, and mutual responsibility over consumption and status.
At its heart, Son of Osivirius asks whether true freedom comes not from getting everything we want, but from becoming free from the fears and desires that control us.
How St Francis Inspired the Rebels of Son of Osivirius
St Francis' life philosophy of simplicity and choosing to rid ourselves of unnecessary things inspired my rebels. They wanted real freedom. This is how they got it. Just like St Francis, they criticised the dehumanising system they lived within not with words or guerrilla action, but with radical simplicity.
They simply did life differently.
In our Western culture, we often confuse freedom with the power. We often think freedom equals having infinite choice, but true freedom has less to do with the number of choices we have, and much more to do with our ability to choose the good, the true and the beautiful.
The rebels understood that having less actually gave them more of what mattered: community, joy, purpose. They blended the best of old and new to create a sustainable life.
That's why Son of Osivirius feels different from most dystopian fiction.
Why I Write Hopeful Dystopian Fiction
Unlike many dystopian stories that focus primarily on systems of control, destruction and despair, Son of Osivirius is ultimately hopeful dystopian fiction. It explores how people can remain compassionate, connected, and fully human even within dehumanising systems.
With our world resembling a dumpster fire more than an enlightened society, I think it's important to question the very foundation of our beliefs and desire for comfort. Because it is coming at a massive cost. Not only environmental, but a personal cost too: mental health, purposelessness, despair.
Speculative fiction, particularly dystopian fiction, is the perfect vehicle to challenge our paradigm, not merely reinforce how terrible things are.
Is Son of Osivirius the Right Book for You?
While Son of Osivirius contains giant flying cats, action, and adventure, it is also science fantasy with deeper themes of freedom, identity, belonging, and sacrifice.
If you enjoy clean science fantasy, hopeful dystopian fiction, slow-burn romance, stories about belonging, and speculative fiction that explores deeper questions of freedom and purpose, Son of Osivirius may be perfect for you.
Wondering whether Son of Osivirius is right for you? Read the full “Is Son of Osivirius for You?” guide HERE or check out the Son of Osivirius Book Page.
*Adapted from a daily meditation by Fr Richard Rohr