the Grey
This is where a new novel start. A cosmic story to explore world and mind. An inquiry on the fragmentation of the soul and the need for integration. A tale where a thousand characters all strive to find their place and meaning in the world. As everything around crumbles, apocalypse unfolds, and all acts seem to drown in the tide of events too big to make a dent in, right there is where you realize that You and I may be meaningless, but We, we are not.
430k words estimated length, currently ~75% complete. You can track progress here:
Writing the Grey has been the journey of my life. In order to enter the mindset to spit out that nonsense it took extensive time to self-hypnotize. The only way I could do it was to be submerged by sensory stimuli. Below there is a succint list of materials (Literature, Music and Visual arts) that were an inspiration for me, I highly recommend all of those
Introduction
Part I Revelation and Reawakening
“I am I, and as long as I remain I, then everything will stay under control.
Or so I think.”
Chapter II - Rewakening
It's a placid hot summer in the late 90s and you get to meet Luca. An arrogant little fuck that that thinks he has all the world figured out. Boy oh boy if is he wrong and will know soon. I hope my contempt for him doesn't transpire excessively, but sometimes he really hits my nerves. I guess I will take my revenge on him, but man, he will make all the wrong choices.
Of course, he's me from my early 20s. I hope he can forgive me for all I will make him go through.
The brief piece below concludes Chapter II.
Chiara is introduced, and we now have all of the 3 main characters that will define Part I of the novel. And yes, the third one is not Carlo.
Now, who is Chiara? I guess just a summer infatuation for our friend Luca? We will have a full chapter to explore that hypothesis starting next week.
So, the first chapter in flesh and bones is finished, and nothing truly has happened (or has it?), all is still, sleepy, slowly moving. Was this a waste of 3k words?
C’mon team, it’s summer, just enjoy the vacation mood.
Chapter III - Chiara
Do you think you are too cool for love?
You may have. Especially at 18 years old.
But then Love comes back at you to sucker punch you in the face. And there you are bleeding, trying to figure out what hit you. Confusedly spinning, unclear whether to engage in fight of flight.
What do you do, fellow human? Do you give up, or do you give in?
There She is. In the corner of your eye. And she will take a hold of all.
“I am here to shatter everything of you”
Melting this glacial barrier you raised around your heart, discovering who you really are. Together with you, making contact with the depths.
Are you ready to marry your Anima, anon? Don’t fight, you can’t.
The world is a cold, hostile place. Isn’t it? Preying on you, it will wait for any misstep along the way. Protect yourself, you must.
It feels good in here as the elements ravage out there.
But how much does this costs to you?
Her hand stretches out, pierces within. “Come with me.” She says.
We can weather the storm together and recognize beauty in the savage chaos, because discovery in itself is precious.
And as I open up, letting go of my dear fear, expose myself to you and the world, I am left wondering.
Are you the piece of me I didn’t know I was missing? The one that will make me whole.
Chapter IV - Darkness
A long day has passed. The sun sets, long shadows casted on the walls. They seem to call for new eyes. This is the liminal space where things may happen. It is scary and enticing, as any boundary is.
Reality chains you in, fear is the gatekeeper. A world of wonder and the menace of madness await as I dance between comfort of your arms and the call of the unknown.
I don’t think I am ready yet.
You exist in a narrow patch of reality. Filtered and safe, under the hidden work of the brain.
If allowed to flow through it will invest you with the full might of a waterfall. Washing you away, making you disappear.
But then why the thought of peeking into it is so enticing? Why it keeps on calling me?
Release date:
Part 3: June 15, 2025
Chapter V - Thoughts
Release date:
Part 1: June 22, 2025
Part 2: June 29, 2025
Chapter VI - Revelation
Release date:
Part 1: July 6, 2025
Part 2: July 13, 2025
Part II Preparation and Parting
Behold, now you abandon your colors and you are the grey,
the guardian, the will of the world.
One, unchanged, immutable.
Total 61’137 words
Chapter VII - Parting
6’354 words
Chapter VIII - Novice
6’324 words
Chapter IX - Spirit
6’860 words
Chapter X - Rania
1’946 words
Chapter XI - Ukyo
1’808 words
Chapter XII - Preparation
5’535 words
Chapter XIII - White
16’372 words
Chapter XIV - Black
9’128 words
Chapter XV - Now
6’810 words
Part III War
Cities fall, stone crumbles, spirits fade,
and I remain here, watching.
Where does this poor, sick god wish to take me?
Total 157’692 words
Chapter XVI - War
9’826 words
Chapter XVII - Angels
3’334 words
Chapter XVII.I - Timu
7’203 words
Chapter XVII.II - Washington D.C.
4’201 words
Chapter XVII.III - Jerusalem
7’560 words
Chapter XVII.IV - Kael
3’382 words
Chapter XVII.V - Mauritania
6’727 words
Chapter XVII.VI - Jerusalem
23’318 words
Chapter XVIII - Demons
11’984 words
Chapter XVIII.I - Gibraltar
34’767 words
Chapter XVIII.II - Rocky Mountains
5’433 words
Chapter XVIII.III - Taoudenni
8’848 words
Chapter XVIII.IV - Lake Albert
5’849 words
Chapter XVIII.V - Port Gentil
12’676 words
Chapter XVIII.VI - Salvador de Bahia
11’923 words
Part IV - Death and Deliverance
Total ~165’000 words
Chapter XIX - Questions
9’138 words
Chapter XX - Devastations
26’069 words
Chapter XX.I - Shanghai
34’838 words
Chapter XXI - Grey
~20’000 words
Chapter XXII - Deliverance
~40’000 words
Chapter XXIII - Will
~10’000 words
Chapter XXIII - Death
~25’000 words
Part IV - Finale and Failure
But I never ceased, I, to exist.
Total 14’000 words
Chapter XXIV - Failure
~6’000 words
Chapter XXV - Finale
~6’000 words
Chapter XXVI - Farewell
~2’000 words
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without permission.