Industrialized, Part One: Experiment is a dystopian book. Plain and simple. It’s somewhat anti-romance, in a way. Sure, there’s love, there’s drama, there’s… I came up with a million excuses for why Industrialized is not a dystopian romance book. Part of that is because I’m aroace, so super gushy romance has the potential to give me an ick I can’t shake. But gosh darn it, “dark romance” exists, and my book sits firmly in this genre. It’s a dystopian romance book, and I honestly never would have guessed that when I was writing it.
I want to talk about dystopian romance as a genre, as well as the nuances of dark romance. They’re both interesting and often overlooked areas in online reading circles, but these gripping stories where love and despair coexist in equal measure are simply poised to haunt you.
Haunting is exactly what I was going for with Industrialized, as the story is a platform for a number of different messages… Most of which aren’t friendly or nice messages, as you might have guessed if you’ve read its synopsis. As its pages unfold, you’ll find yourself immersed in a unique and thought-provoking journey where passion and pain intermingle in a delicate dance. This dystopian romance unravels against a backdrop of a crumbling society where individuality is a commodity that’s growing increasingly rare, which makes love an especially treasured find. We see people who have lost love or have never known love interacting with a main character who’s falling in love with someone she shouldn’t. She’s going to get hurt, and we just can’t look away.
In building this world, I wanted to delve deep into the human psyche, examining the resilience and vulnerability that comes with love that’s doomed to be forlorn. So let’s talk about that and what goes into these genres, because dystopian romance books just aren’t discussed enough.
Why dystopian romance books just work
Dystopian romance books have a unique appeal that captivates readers across different genres. They combine the intensity of love and despair, crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. These stories transport us to worlds where societal structures have crumbled, and yet, amidst the chaos, love blossoms in the most unlikely circumstances. It’s the perfect blend of hope and despair to keep readers hooked, yearning for more. At least, that’s how I felt as I was writing it. Even as the author, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next.
In dystopian romance, love becomes a symbol of resistance against oppressive systems. It is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope in a world that seems irreparably broken. Whether it’s forbidden love between two individuals from different social classes or simply the struggle to maintain a relationship in a hostile environment, the challenges faced by the protagonists amplify the emotional resonance of the story. The stakes are high, and the consequences of love are magnified, making the journey all the more compelling.
Dystopian romance stories also allow authors to explore the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of societal collapse. These stories delve into the depths of human nature, showcasing the resilience and vulnerability that come with a love that is doomed to be forlorn. The contrast of passion and pain create a delicate balance that resonates with readers, evoking a range of emotions that keeps them invested in the story. It’s this exploration of the human psyche that sets dystopian romance apart and makes it such a captivating genre.
Understanding dark romance as a genre
So… how does dark romance differ from romance as a genre? They share common elements, of course, but the genres differ quite a bit in terms of the journey and the ending.
Dark romance is a subgenre that pushes the boundaries of traditional romance novels. It delves into the shadows of the human experience, exploring themes of pain, trauma, and unconventional love. Unlike traditional romance, which often relies on idealized notions of love and happy endings, dark romance embraces the complexities and imperfections of relationships.
In dark romance, the line between love and obsession is often blurred. The protagonists may find themselves drawn to individuals who are flawed, damaged, or morally ambiguous. The relationships explored in this genre are often unconventional and challenge societal norms. Dark romance delves into the depths of human emotion, showcasing the darker aspects of love and desire. And, yes, these are the books that come with content warnings. Things like assault, drugging, BDSM, and strong language aren’t necessarily out of the norm in this genre.
Dark dystopian romance novels like Industrialized offer readers a chance to explore the complexities of human relationships in all their messy glory. They’re not flowery or dreamy, but complicated, volatile, and they often toy with power dynamics. These stories provide a safe space for readers to confront their own fears and desires. They push boundaries and challenge societal expectations, offering a take on love and romance that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
What readers should expect when reading books like dystopian romance
When diving into a dystopian romance or dark romance novel, readers should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. These stories often tackle heavy themes and explore the darker aspects of human nature. They may evoke strong emotions and challenge preconceived notions about love and relationships. Personally, I love books that challenge our biases. To me, I want to be entertained when I’m reading, but I also want to walk away with a new perspective or enhanced worldview.
Readers of dark literature should expect to be taken on a journey that is both thrilling and unsettling. Dark themes such as loss, trauma, and societal collapse may be prevalent throughout the narrative. However, it is through these darker elements that the world-building truly unfolds.
Industrialized was born in 2011ish when I was first discovering the wonder of dystopian fiction and was witnessing the Egyptian Crisis unfold in real time. I began to wonder if such social crises could rock the foundation of the United States and, as a college freshman hoping to pursue a career in mortuary archaeology, wondered how that would shift our culture. As the first draft of the novel was completed in early 2020, my ponderings felt much more realistic than ever before. This is a future we could face, I was certain, if profit was continually prioritized over the individual needs of people. If autonomy was stripped. If culture was so degraded that we treated suffering like a spectacle.
But a lot of bad things happen in the story, especially around abuse. And I want to talk about that.
The romance and turmoil in Industrialized
I believe every story serves a purpose. In Industrialized, the most obvious purpose was to keep you entertained. However, there’s an underlying goal with this tale – I want to start a conversation about abuse and how we’ve normalized it as a society. Kristina’s circumstances were extreme, as were Titus’s, but things like this happen everyday. Domestic abuse can impact even the most brilliant, successful, and hardworking people. I know. I’ve seen people I love be abused – physically, sexually, monetarily – and it’s very, very real. In real life, most people do not immediately find the power to leave those situations.
It can be hard to break away from the cycle of abuse. Some sources assert that survivors of abuse can take up to seven attempts before they fully leave the relationship. This can happen for a number of reasons, whether manipulation is keeping them present and active in the relationship or whether fear or children keep them from leaving. Voicing your concerns as an outsider may or may not help… in some cases, the best thing you can do is simply offer support. When a survivor is finally ready to break away from an abusive situation, your support may be the only thing keeping them going… and it may ultimately be the thing that helps them escape.
Titus, like many abusers, does not see how his actions impact the people he loves. He does not see himself as an abuser. This is because he, himself, is a victim of circumstance. Rather than overcoming it, he has internalized this abuse and manipulation and, in turn, projects it onto others. While this is an explanation, it is not an excuse. Titus is brilliant, but he never sought help when he needed it, which left other victims in his wake. A part of me believes that, had he undergone therapy and then met Kristina under different circumstances, they might have made an incredible pair. They’re very alike in personality, intellect, and drive. However, this relationship would never work because he (perhaps unknowingly) groomed Kristina when she was young and waited until she was an adult to make a move.
Industrialized is not your typical romance novel. It’s dark, gritty, and unapologetically raw. The romance that blossoms within its pages is tinged with tragedy, as the characters navigate a world where individuality is a rare and increasingly precious commodity. The novel explores the complexities of love in a society that values conformity above all else, highlighting the challenges faced by those who dare to defy the status quo.
The turmoil faced by the characters in Industrialized is palpable. The romance serves as a catalyst for change, as it is, in many regards, the main motivation for Kristina to push onward. To a degree, that love becomes a weapon against a society that seeks to suppress it.
But it also creates victims. As I mentioned, our main character, Kristina, is groomed by her romantic partner over the course of five long years. This grooming, as you know, was not sexual. At first. Titus was rearing her to take over Tarm Industries and to take his place in the Mathesius Family if it came to that. It’s unfortunate that he fell in love with her, because that altered the course of his attempted grooming and resulted in the story we’re here to talk about.
In the United States today, it is a federal offense to entice a child to sexual activity. Read that again. Now, allow me to reiterate. It is a federal offense to entice a minor to sexual activity. That’s what grooming is, according to federal law. In today’s world, on a federal level under U.S. Code § 2422, Titus did not commit any crimes since he did not introduce sexual content to a minor. His intent does not equate to persuasion, as he was slow and purposeful. He waited until she was an adult.
Fortunately, many states have laws in place to criminalize other types of grooming behavior. Unfortunately, many of those codes are not enough to fully criminalize Titus’s behavior… and if they are, it can still take years to gather enough evidence to enact charges. In some states, Titus’s grooming may qualify as a safety threat, if there was ever enough evidence to prove it happened. If he ever truly did administer psychotropic substances (which we do not know he ever did to Kristina, but he may have given his proven history), that could be another offense that could criminalize his behavior. In California, where this story takes place, mental abuse qualifies as a criminal offense. Under the California Criminal Code, seemingly innocuous behaviors can be examined in court to prove that behaviors ingratiate an offender to their victim. This, unfortunately, is not true in all states.
So what can we, as readers of a horrible story and as genuinely good human beings, do? We can be advocates for stronger safety legislation and better education. After reading a book like Industrialized, I encourage you to dig into the questions that come to your mind. Learn about the state of the world we live in now… dystopian stories are meant to mimic it, after all.
Themes and motifs in this dystopian romance book
Industrialized is not just a love story set in a dystopian world; it is a vessel for a multitude of messages. The novel explores themes of political control, corporate power, and the consequences of challenging individual autonomy. It delves into the human desire for connection and individuality in the midst of these evils, as well as the lengths people will go to protect what little remains of their humanity. In Kristina’s case, she considers taking her own life rather than becoming a victim again.
One of the key motifs in Industrialized is the exploration of the fragility of love in the face of adversity. (I mean, obviously. It is a dystopian romance book.) The characters navigate a world where love is a luxury – we hear mention of Kristina’s parents thinking about arranging a marriage for her, and it’s heavily implied that her mothers were in arranged partnerships. Kristina as a character has not seen romantic love until she experienced it herself. It’s instantly precious to her, and she seems to understand how fragile it is.
Another recurring theme in Industrialized is the loss of identity. Kristina, early in her relationship, learns that she’s not who she thought she was. Her partner isn’t who she thought he was. Titus’s blood tie to the Mathesius Family cult becomes the entirety of his identity in her eyes. Throughout the story, the concept of “self” is consistently challenged, especially at the end when (major spoiler alert here, skip to the next paragraph if you haven’t read the book) Kristina experiences the shock of having her entire existence boiled down to a mere experiment. While her previous shifted understanding of identity turned her into a skeptic, this experience shattered her. The book ends with her mad ramblings as she explains over and over that she had served her purpose. Her identity was ultimately boiled down to a mere motion forward – she was a stepping stone for fate rather than an individual. Her story mattered, but Kristina didn’t.
Almost a perfect parallel to the loss of identity is the pervading theme of the loss of autonomy. Tesland represses women, allowing discrimination and also subtly implying that the study of women’s medicine may once again be seen as taboo. These topics are especially obvious when a male doctor examines Kristina and remarks that she’s merely overstimulated. (As a side note, Titus’s comment that his “doctor friend referred this quack, which is ironic because she’s a woman, too” or whatever the heck he said will be important in Part Two.) Kristina’s autonomy is continually stripped throughout the story, ultimately resulting in (again, skip to the next paragraph if you haven’t read the book yet) her victimization by a eugenics-obsessed cult. Kristina, as you know if you’ve read the book and aren’t cheating by reading this spoiler, finds herself pregnant. I know the “sudden pregnancy” trope is an ick to many people, and honestly, I agree. But this isn’t meant to echo that trope… as the story was actually penned in a world where women’s healthcare is a political topic, yes, that was commentary on the abortion debate. After all, Kristina mentions early on that her corset would crush any pregnancy, though pregnancy is unlikely when it prevents her from even curving her back or shifting her hips. She had a form of birth control, essentially, that someone in power removed. In this instance, it was consensual, but this path from tampering with birth control to forced pregnancy is naturally meant to echo the world we currently live in. The loss of autonomy sucks, man.
Of course, there’s also emotional manipulation sprinkled into the main characters’ romance. It’s complicated, and that’s the point. The complex nature of life and love is a recurring theme, and it doesn’t shy away from the shadow aspects of either. I mean, we see two major powers abuse Kristina in two equally shocking ways.
Abuse in its many forms is often not black and white, and education on the topic is key. I encourage you to read up on the many types of abuse that exist in the world so you can be an advocate of social and legislative reform. If you’re a parent, please initiate a conversation with your children about abuse so they are prepared to face it if they ever encounter it. If you’re a coworker who sees a higher-up grab the junior employee’s butt at the work event while drinks are flowing, don’t be afraid to anonymously report it to HR. Being aware of the resources available in your area may help save a life, or at least save a victim from lifelong afflictions like PTSD.
In Tesland, proper education may have even prevented a war. Sure, you can also blame that on the fact that Titus was an unregulated tech mogul with a ridiculous amount of wealth and no concern for his employees’ wellbeing, but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms and is only one of many points I intended to make in this story. At the core, Industrialized is about people just like you and me. The world is changing rapidly, and if we are not constantly cognizant of the social ramifications of certain situations, we could end up in a dystopia. Some might argue that we are already there. I challenge you to be educated, be active in your community and social circles, and be present.
You are essential in building a more perfect world. Don’t let Tesland become a real place.