By: Seraphina Quinn
Brianna MacMahon’s first novel, On the Precipice, is a captivating story set in the complex world of Imperium. This book starts the New Caelus Series and skillfully tells a story about the thirst for power and the subtle play of politics. Imperium is on the edge of a major election that could change its future dramatically. The society is split into two main groups: the Expansionist Party, which wants to defeat its enemies with military force, and the Affiliate Party, which aims to outsmart its opponents with clever political tactics. Raelynn Mabry, fresh out of the Keeper training program, finds herself right in the middle of this tense atmosphere. She works closely with the leader of the Affiliate Party and steers through a world full of shifting alliances and double-crosses, where the lines between good and bad blur.
Brianna MacMahon, from Corning, NY, has a strong background in political science and history from Hartwick College and Syracuse University. This education has greatly shaped her writing. MacMahon started writing stories in elementary school and drafted her first book series in middle school. Her debut novel, On the Precipice, reflects her lifelong passion for writing and her deep interest in political systems, which she explored further in her postgraduate studies. Originally envisioned as a screenplay, On the Precipice changed significantly before becoming a novel. Over time, she added detailed political elements and a diverse range of characters to the story. These changes allowed her to deepen the exploration of her characters’ personal goals and roles within their society. She reflects on the evolution of her book, saying, “It started as a screenplay, then I thought of making it a TV series, and it finally became a novel. Each change introduced new challenges and discoveries.”
Her story explores big ideas like power and how societies are structured. It’s set in a made-up world filled with characters of different races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, highlighting how important diversity and acceptance are. Her story doesn’t just make things more interesting; it also reflects real life. As countries around the world work on fixing inequality and becoming more inclusive, MacMahon’s writing supports these efforts. She believes that for her made-up world to feel real and relatable, it must include diversity, which is essential in our own world. MacMahon says, “Creating a world where diversity is deeply integrated into the society was essential to me.” MacMahon encourages readers to see how important diversity is in making our interactions richer and solving big problems, just like the ones we see in the real world today.
What makes On the Precipice stand out in the science fiction genre is its emphasis on deep character development combined with a strong political setting. The characters are not just parts of the story; they are complex individuals with real motivations and fears, driving the story forward with their personal growth and ambitions. MacMahon explains, “I aim to create characters whose own stories and choices shape the entire plot.”
MacMahon writes for adult readers who enjoy detailed world-building and stories that mix science fiction with political intrigue. She hopes the book connects with those intrigued by how power, societal change, and ethical challenges affect leadership and society. “I hope readers see parts of themselves in my characters and recognize similarities between our world and the one I’ve created,” MacMahon shares.
On the Precipice invites readers into a world filled with political schemes and deep character growth. Brianna MacMahon’s novel is set to be a thought-provoking experience for anyone interested in the subtle dynamics of power and how personal decisions shape society. As readers enter the world of Imperium, they become more than just onlookers; they engage actively in a story that blurs the lines between right and wrong, friend and foe.
Published by: Holy Minoza
(Original article: https://nyweekly.com/book/brianna-macmahons-introduction-to-political-adventures/)