CARE: A Captivating Journey Through Ethical Dilemmas
Declan James Mullan’s debut novel, CARE, plunges readers into a thought-provoking future where unity comes at an unsettling cost. Set in the United Isles of Britannus and Hibernus—formerly Great Britain and Ireland—the authoritarian Unison Trust presides over society, creating an illusion of harmony following a devastating global pandemic.
Scott Hunter, the story’s protagonist, embodies an intriguing mix of privilege and challenge. Born into elite society, Scott lives with cerebral palsy, navigating daily life with the support of his android assistant, DEC-E. This duality shapes his worldview, pushing him to question the glossy façade that hides troubling truths.
Beneath the Surface: Questioning Reality
At its core, CARE masterfully explores unsettling aspects of technological advancements, especially advanced artificial intelligence. Scott’s curiosity sparks an unraveling, revealing the subtle fractures in his seemingly orderly environment. This novel doesn’t just entertain—it compels readers to ponder deeply ethical questions: What defines humanity? Where is the boundary between machine intelligence and genuine consciousness?
Mullan draws significantly on his own background, seamlessly infusing personal experiences into the fabric of his narrative. His upbringing amid Northern Ireland’s deep-seated political tensions provides a nuanced understanding of division and unity. These insights enrich the story, creating authenticity within speculative fiction that resonates beyond the page.
Humanity at its Heart
What truly sets CARE apart is its emotional depth. Beneath the gripping, dystopian drama lies a genuinely human tale of compassion, resistance, and identity. Through Scott’s perspective, readers experience the profound tension between obedience and awakening. Each choice Scott makes reverberates with personal risk, pulling him deeper into an impending rebellion.
The novel is filled with atmospheric details that enhance its immersive quality. From gleaming technological marvels to subtle cracks hinting at systemic oppression, every element is thoughtfully presented. Mullan’s keen observational skills, honed through his diverse career—including roles as a care assistant and educator—lend credibility to his portrayal of Scott’s experiences. The author’s empathy is palpable throughout, grounding speculative concepts in relatable human emotions.
A Promising Debut from a Multifaceted Author
Declan James Mullan brings an impressive array of experiences to his writing. Before venturing into fiction, he pursued a varied career path: care assistant, educator, and multimedia designer. Each role informs his storytelling style, blending creative visuals and empathetic understanding to craft compelling narratives.
Currently residing in Thailand, Mullan teaches English as an additional language, embracing cultural diversity daily. His passion for animals, reflected in his personal life through adopting three beloved street dogs, mirrors the compassionate ethos underpinning CARE.
Above all, his family remains central to his journey. Shared moments with his daughter, Clodagh, and wife, Fon, bring balance and warmth to his multifaceted life.
CARE is available on Amazon in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback editions, inviting readers everywhere to step into a world of ethical ambiguity and deeply human dilemmas.
Declan James Mullan’s CARE isn’t simply a dystopian narrative—it’s a profound exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the fragile line between technological progress and moral compromise. For readers seeking depth, thoughtful engagement, and resonant storytelling, CARE promises an unforgettable journey.
We had the privilege of interviewing Declan James Mullan. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I am a primary teacher living in Thailand specializing in EAL English. I have also worked as a freelance designer for many years, mostly in 3D, graphics, illustration, animation, and video.
Please tell us about your book.
My debut novel, CARE, unexpectedly grew from a simple idea: to explore my formative experiences growing up amidst Northern Ireland’s deep political divisions and my early career as a care provider. During these impactful times, observing conflict and vulnerability firsthand profoundly shaped the story. Somewhere along the way, that short story morphed into a sprawling dystopian sci-fi novel. I found myself building a futuristic world, reimagining Northern Ireland as ‘Ulsteria’ to explore themes of society, humanity, and our future. It’s been quite a journey, and I hope CARE sparks interesting conversations for you, the reader.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I was born in London, England, but grew up in Northern Ireland in the 90s, which was the tail end of the conflict. I saw what real political and religious division can do to a country living in a divided city with segregated communities. It was during university that I first worked as a care assistant at a nursing home. After completing my master’s degree, I moved to London to work in the design industry, which didn’t work out as I had hoped, so I moved back home and got a job working as a dementia care assistant. From here, I moved on to work in community care and then student support at a university. This led me to education, and I find myself today working as a teacher in Thailand.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The most important thing is never to be afraid to fail. I was once terrified of failure; then, I failed over and over again. Each time, I learned valuable lessons. Now, if I want to do something, I just go for it.
Any message for our readers?
I hope you all enjoy the story. If you have anything you would like to share with me, you can contact me on the website: https://www.carebook.online
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!