Picture a world 300+ years from now with humans encapsulated in spheres, to protect them from horrific pollution. Imagine sequestering those who want to bear and raise children from the rest of the population into one sphere managed by the Project for Progeny (Pro-Prog) Administration. At eighteen, people must decide to stay or go; and parents must leave upon their youngest child’s age-out.
The Mechanized series begins in 2360 with “The Separation,” the story of Franny Murphy, a forensic scientist, who overcomes exile from Pro-Prog, grief, and betrayal to speak against the status quo.
In Book 2: In “Resistance,” Franny’s daughter, Jane Murphy, a powerful Administrator, journeys far as she learns to love the children she’s wronged with her devastating edict.
In Book 3: In “Progeny,” Franny’s son and Jane’s brother, Austin Martinez, becomes the unwitting successor to the Real World High Council presidency. As his mother’s enemy continues to seek revenge, Austin escapes the clutches of his Aunt Grace’s twisted population program with a plan to save humanity.
Book 4: In “Five-Quota,” amidst the destruction of their world by avenging elders, bitter childhood enemies, Renato Jackson and Faro McIver obsess over creating the maximum number of children allowed, at their children’s expense.
Book 5: (fall 2025) In “Remedy,” humanity reaches a breaking point when the military takes over the home sphere. While the head of the military appeals to Franny for help, a recovered Outsider brings hope to the polluted Earth. Aunt Grace’s program implodes when bright young people intervene. As Outsiders limp back to civilization, the two worlds work together to avoid war.