Book Review: Destiny of a Free Spirit

Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker

A meaningful story of hope and survival after nuclear war from an authoritarian artificial intelligence

Taking place in England 40 years after the Nuclear War, an international conflict that almost wiped out humanity, Destiny of a Free Spirit opens in a new, slightly recognizable world. The Commission has now been established and given absolute power over most aspects of society, including transportation, food production, and law enforcement. The main objective of the Commission: “to undo the damage to the environment perpetrated by human activities.”

Therefore, the Commission created two types of zones to help facilitate ecological repair: Economically Organized Areas (EOAs) and the Natural Ecology Reservations (NERs). There are multiple EOAs and NERs that are separated by large electrified fences.

The Commission further isolates groups of people by not allowing countries to interact with each other. Collectively, EOAs are referred to as Economica, the section of humanity that is considered civilized but also controlled by technological comforts. NERs are referred to as Ecologia, where all technology and metal tools have been removed except for the metal angels that surveil from the sky. The use of religion helps keep those in the NERs pacified while those in the EOAs are comforted and distracted into obedience. “It is a Commandment of Commissum that our realm of Ecologia and the realm of Economica be kept separated.”

Peter Accrington lives a comfortable life in Economica where all the modern conveniences are fully integrated with artificial intelligence. However, ever since he was a boy, Peter’s heart and soul have been crying out for something different, something like Ecologia. A life lived within nature feels more natural to him than one focused on separating humans from Mother Nature.

At the age of 16, Peter went on a trip to the Mendips Scouts Youth Camp in the Mendips National Park, one of the few refuges of feigned wilderness that existed in Economica.

While exploring, he comes across a hidden underground pathway that allows for him to cross into Ecologia without being detected. Over the course of the next several years, he continues to visit the NER, where he eventually befriends a family that he grows to cherish. As Peter builds relationships on both sides of the fence, he knows he must eventually choose between the two worlds if he isn’t caught by the Commission’s drones first.

Destiny of a Free Spirit explores the fears of nuclear war and AI overreach that are present today in compelling dystopian fashion. Robots are integrated into all types of roles in society—from companions to law enforcement officers—leaving you with a sense of constant surveillance under the guise of assisting humans. Ford references instances of resistance from the twentieth century as well as the famous novel 1984, “you know, 1984, where things are called the opposite to what they are.” which is clearly a source of inspiration for the author.

It is hard to pinpoint when exactly the events in this novel occur, but we are led to believe it is some time after the turn of the twenty-second century. Like so many good dystopian works, it is clear that the world is hinged on what we have and are experiencing right now. Anyone who is wary of the current direction that civilization is headed in regards to technology and hopes for returning to more “Stone Age” values will feel like this book was written precisely for them. And in so many ways. The depiction of a desire for nature is one that I hold dear and appreciate the time it’s been given in the narrative.

This book will resonate with those who feel like a square peg trying to fit in the round hole of society. While the dystopian nature of the book takes front and center, the concepts of being at peace with oneself and keeping our humanity are the backbone and true lessons of the story. Destiny of a Free Spirit successfully enforces the lesson that true happiness comes when you answer the calls of your soul.

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