Adult Novel – Science Fiction Thriller – ISBN: 9781925496376
They know what’s going to happen to you… after you die.
Scientists in Iceland think they’ve figured out one of our greatest mysteries – where the electrical energy in our brains goes after we die. According to the laws of physics, one form of energy must always become another form. So the electrical energy in our brains and nervous system can’t simply disappear…
When ex-lawyer Becky Dales travels to Iceland to track down her missing brother, she doesn’t care about the groundbreaking discoveries, or the positive-thinking practiced by the Icelanders – she just wants her brother back. Having stumbled on something she thinks the Icelandic government wants covered up, Becky must piece together the answers fast… before she becomes a victim herself.
“Profound implications for humanity.”
“A slick technothriller.”
“Suspense that takes you to the brink, then pushes you over.”
“A deliberate unfolding of the layers of truth.”
“A complex and driven female lead.”
Pick Up A Copy!
Signed copies available directly (contact me!) or unsigned copies via online retailers such as:
PRINT (Australia): ABBEYS | FISHPOND | NILE | QBD | BOOKTOPIA
EBOOK (Australia): AMAZON AU | KOBO
PRINT (UK): AMAZON UK | DISTRIBUTOR (GAZELLE)
EBOOK (UK): AMAZON UK | KOBO | ITUNES
PRINT (US): AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DISTRIBUTOR (SPU/IPG)
Please contact me if:
- you’d like an autographed copy – $30 anywhere in Australia (including book + postage + bookmark); overseas by enquiry
- you’d like a FREE signed book plate
- the above links don’t work – books may be under transition via the distributor
Resources
Towards White is a great choice for book clubs.
You’re welcome to use these free resources to generate discussion, though please bear in mind they contain spoilers: –
- Discussion Questions
- An introduction to Mark’s thesis written by Becky Dales
- A musical journey through character – Becky Dales at the novel’s start, through the story, to its end.
If you’d like advice regarding eating disorders, please contact your local eating disorder helpline such as those in: Australia, United Kingdom, USA. If you’re interested in visiting Iceland, this is a great resource.
YouTube Talk
My first ever talk on YouTube – about ‘Towards White’ of course!
What they’re saying…
“‘Towards White’ is a smart supernatural thriller, with a central mystery that is both heartbreaking and intriguing. Shapter blurs the line between technology and spirituality, all the while exploring a fascinating Icelandic setting through the eyes of a complex and driven female lead. It’s a novel that delves deep into the nature of justice, religion and death, but at it’s heart it’s a story about family and the bonds that connect us all.” Joanne Anderton, award-winning author of ‘Debris’ and ‘The Bone Chime Song and Other Stories’
“Zena Shapter’s debut novel ‘Towards White’ is that rarest of books—an easy read that tackles hard subjects. Combining the ominous vibes of The Stepford Wives” with the science driven action of “The Andromeda Strain”, this slick technothriller will keep you turning the pages long past when you should have gone to bed. ‘Towards White’ shows the conflict and chaos of a meeting between the unstoppable force of scientific progress and the immovable object that is human nature—and what happens to those caught in the middle.” David McDonald, author of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways’ and ‘Captain America: Sub Rosa’
“Eerie and engrossing, ‘Towards White’ is an interrogation of the mystery of life wrapped in a Nordic sci-fi noir story about unravelling the mystery of a death. Set against a starkly beautiful landscape, the story is steeped in a deep sense of unease, alternating between white-knuckle action and a delibrate unfolding of the layers of truth.” Leife Shallcross, author of ‘The Beast’s Heart’
“Zena Shapter’s debut novel will hold you tight from start to finish. With characters as convoluted as the faultless plot, ‘Towards White’ expands the mind, and the mind’s eye, as you track the journey of life, death, love and deception. Suspense that takes you to the brink, then pushes you over. The world building was perfection. Highly recommended!” Kim Falconer, author of ‘The Blood in the Beginning’, an Ava Sykes Novel
“If you like your science fiction intelligent, pacy and thought-provoking, ‘Towards White’ is for you. Great philosophical science fiction in a noir thriller package. Crime and a challenging new technology with profound implications for humanity – I thoroughly enjoyed this SF thriller.” Pamela Freeman, author of ‘The Castings Trilogy’
“The concept of the mind and where it goes after the death of the host has fascinated theorists and theologians for millennia. ‘Towards White’ approaches this from a unique viewpoint and takes our preconceptions on life, death, and justice and turns them upside-down. Zena has created a wonderfully crafted novel that is gripping and disturbing.” Stephen McCracken, IFWG Publishing
“The writing was lyrical and fast paced, I found this to be a great read from Zena. I wish I had written this book.” Donna Maree Hanson, author of ‘The Dragon Wine series’
“Zena, Your book is brilliant – an amazing mix of fact, fiction, science, adventure and a touch of romance. I didn’t want it to end last night. Congratulations!” Jan Latta, author & wildlife photographer
“Part sci-fi, part thriller, and even part romance, Towards White is as energetic as it is mysterious. Highly recommended.” Studio42
“Very clever sci fi thriller: Set in a remote Icelandic landscape, you really feel the cold and the danger that the hero, Becky, must endure to survive. The idea of where we go when we die makes for an interesting premise and Shapter doesn’t hold back with the research, making this slightly supernatural story seem based in reality. Pacy and romantic by turns, this is a read I’d highly recommend for those who are interested in the afterlife, gripping science fiction and truly vulnerable heroes.” Anonymous reviewer, 5/5 stars Amazon
“Intrigue in Iceland will pull you in to this original whodunnit: Zena Shapter’s debut novel, “Towards White” is a compelling and complex psycho-drama, with quite a bit of speculative fiction to add a strange piquancy to the mix. In essence, the story, told entirely in the first person by Rebecca Dales, a lawyer, is about her quest to discover circumstances surrounding her brother Mark’s reported accident in Iceland. She journeys there only to face a conspiracy by unknown players, who seem determined to prevent her investigation taking place. Shapter is very good at enticing the reader to keep up with the twists and turns in this unfolding story. The landscape descriptions of Iceland make me want to visit the place as a priority. Similarly, the various characters that Rebecca meets in Iceland are very well drawn and believable. The speculative fiction aspects are also unusual and challenge readers with a new twist on the after-life and spirituality. This is intriguing and original writing at its best. Highly recommended.” Dr Rodney Jensen, 5/5 stars Amazon
“Do you want to travel somewhere exciting and completely different? Then go to Iceland via Zena Shapter’s ‘Towards White’. A sense of foreboding along with the cold Icelandic summer made me put a cardigan on as soon as I started Chapter One. Even if you’re not a science fiction fan, this book is a must to devour, the spectacular landscape description makes it an addition to your travel wish list. It’s a gripping story and will have you wondering about spiritual connections and our amazing electrical brain energy.” Victoria Hannah, 5/5 stars Amazon
“An excellent book with intriguing concepts: When Becky receives a phone call that something has happened to her brother Mark, she is forced to drop everything and fly to Iceland. When she arrives, she discovers that the denizens have invented some cutting-edge technology which can read the human energy field. The technology can tell whether a person is lying or not and is being used in conjunction with a philosophy to replace traditions judicial systems. But Becky knows something isn’t right and has threats against her life within hours of arriving. Despite this she refuses to leave until she discovers the truth about what happened to her brother. Towards White is a gripping murder mystery thriller… I found it to be a page turner that I couldn’t not put down… overall, I thought it was an awesome book. A book that I have recommended to family and friends. So if you like a good murder mystery thriller, you can’t go past this one.” Dion Perry, 4/5 stars Goodreads
“Shapter builds a fantastical icy world that blurs boundaries between physiology, anatomy and the behavioural sciences, and religions both western and eastern… A dramatic race to circumvent betrayal and domination against a backdrop of a harshly beautiful wilderness of menacing mountain ridges, a powerful glacier and a treacherous river… ‘Towards White’ is ultimately a powerful story of one woman’s journey from mistrust, doubt and control-at-all-costs to self-revelation and trust in others.” Susan Steggall, 4/5 stars Goodreads
“Very poignant, made me think of my Mum and Dad and younger sister… I absolutely love that paragraph on page 250 [about] how we can never stop wondering. It’s really beautiful, Zena.” Victoria, reader message
“I finished your book ‘Towards White’ last weekend. I really enjoyed it – you’re not bad!” Ray, reader message
“I’m up to chapter 7 of your book and trying to get my work finished now so I can go back and finish it off. It’s a really good read. :)” Jenny, reader message
“Hi Zena, Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed ‘Towards White’ – great storytelling! Made me want to travel to the far north too. Cheers!” Rachel N, reader message
“Interesting fact about me: I actually don’t read much sci fi (though I enjoy watching it). My brain switches off as soon as things get technical. I do love thrillers and mysteries and a healthy dose of cynicism alongside my government official of the week. ‘Towards White’ straddles both genres. Normally this sort of story wouldn’t be my cup of tea. However, because Shapter is adept at combining cliffhanger thrills alongside science, my interest in the plot was maintained throughout. The Icelandic scenery coupled with dodgy government officials and shady cover ups will remind readers of Scandi Noir TV and film. The writing is lush enough to bring such shows to mind. The science fiction side of the world building is also strong. I never felt like I was reading about a story that couldn’t exist. Sometimes I read stories where I can’t suspend disbelief because the world feels so unreal. Though ‘Towards White’ features near perfect crime detection technology and ghosts, the explanations feel realistic. Another strong point to this novel is the characters. I felt that Becky’s love for Mark was built up believably over the story arc and her relationships with other characters made perfect sense in terms of the events that unfolded. I especially liked Anna and Ari. In some ways, the types of characters and the plot reminded me of some of Dan Brown’s better novels, except more competently written and with more complex back stories. I’d definitely read more of Shapter’s work and be less afraid of picking up something not in my usual genre next time. If you enjoy well written sci with a thriller bent in a believable world and setting, I think Towards White could be for you.” Maureen Flynn, 4/5 stars Goodreads
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