Paul E. Hardisty in-conversation with Heidi Froehling

Civilisation is collapsing... Frustrated and angry after years of denial and inaction, in a last-ditch attempt to stave off disaster, a government of youth has taken power in North America, and a policy of institutionalised ageism has been introduced. All those older than the prescribed age are deemed responsible for the current state of the world, and are to be 'relocated', their property and assets confiscated. David Ashworth, known by his friends and students as Teacher, and his wife May, find themselves among the thousands being moved to 'new accommodation' in the abandoned southern deserts - thrown together with a wealthy industrialist and his wife, a high court lawyer, two recent immigrants to America, and a hospital worker. Together, they must come to terms with their new lives in a land rendered unrecognisable. As the terrible truth of their situation is revealed, lured by rumours of a tropical sanctuary where they can live in peace, they plan a perilous escape. But the world outside is more dangerous than they could ever have imagined. And for those who survive, nothing will ever be the same again...

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Paul E Hardisty has worked all over the world as an environmental scientist, including in some of the planet's most damaged and troubled places. His latest novel, The Forcing, considers a very-near future impacted by climate change and follows a group of people among those deemed responsible for the calamity as they fight to stay alive. He is the author of five other novels, including the Claymore Straker series. He currently lives in Western Australia. For fun he enjoys triathlon, sea kayaking, and martial arts. His new non-fiction book, In Hot Water, Inside the Battle to Save the Great Barrier Reef, is due out in 2024.