This novel is set on Earth after much of the polar ice caps have melted, sea levels have risen and only certain land masses remain inhabitable. One such land mass, Malvena, is split into quadrants called Phoenix Place, Hells Haven, Drakes Dungeon and the Old Orangery, all of which surround the archetypical hub of administration, the domed glassed biosphere that is Sphere City. The City is governed by the Annex, who amongst other things, censor any information passed to the dome’s residents. All citizens of Malvena are born with a genetic abnormality such that none should survive past the age of 40, this is known as Fortitude.
Ashton Boxall Jnr has been groomed for greatness within the Annex. However, he is uncovered by the Inquisitor, Vincent Meads, as an undesirable and sentenced to life in the penal quadrant Hells Haven. With the help of others, he escapes, to the prohibited areas of Malvena. Whilst being pursued by Meads, unearths many older civilisations thought to be extinct and the interaction between him, his fellow escapees and those they encounter, places them into a series of diverse and exhilarating situations. Their persistent struggles, ideals and complexities lead into the second book of this futuristic trilogy called SphereCity - The Edge of Civilisation.
"Darkness departs at 05.59 and 59 seconds. The bells of awakening, chime at 06.00 precisely. At 06.01 the sun rises and floods the streets and lives of those who live in Sphere City. One such citizen is 24 year-old Ashton Boxall Jnr., professor and scholar of archeology from Crimson College. Ambient light filters through the voile blinds that diffuse the instant light that by 06.05 has already illuminated the glasshouse effect of Sphere City. Like an automated light bulb, its power reaches every surface. Ashton rises and fumbles to the bathroom, after so many years of this routine... he should be able to have adapted to it. The shower, at a pleasant 22c, slowly wakens his inner self. From there he moves into the heat room where his body is dried and moisturised before enabling him to put on his clothes. His breakfast awaits at the door, in two beakers, water in one, daily supplements in another. Come 06.29 he steps foot outside the door for his transport that arrives at exactly 06.30."