PHOTO: Michael Bland, award-winning author of The Price Of trilogy, brings a riveting vision of the future to life with his gripping storytelling and technological foresight.
The Thrilling Conclusion to The Price Of Trilogy
Michael Bland discusses the inspiration behind his The Price Of trilogy, the challenges of crafting realistic futuristic technology, his writing process, and what readers can expect from The Price of Freedom.
Michael Bland is a master of speculative fiction, weaving gripping narratives that not only entertain but also provoke deep thought about the intersection of technology and personal freedom. His award-winning “The Price Of” trilogy, which began with The Price of Safety in 2020, has captivated readers with its chillingly plausible vision of a near-future world where surveillance dictates every aspect of life. The second instalment, The Price of Rebellion, built upon this foundation, earning widespread acclaim and multiple literary awards, including Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year by Indies Today. Now, with the highly anticipated release of The Price of Freedom on April 8, 2025, Bland is set to deliver a thrilling conclusion that promises to challenge our perceptions of autonomy, resistance, and the cost of true liberty.
Bland’s ability to craft a technologically advanced yet hauntingly realistic world stems from his meticulous research and keen understanding of contemporary trends. His exploration of surveillance, AI, and biosecurity is not just fiction—it is an urgent reflection on our own evolving digital landscape. Through his protagonist, Dray Quintero, he has created a hero whose transformation from an obedient engineer to a battle-scarred revolutionary mirrors the internal struggle of those who dare to question authority. The stakes are high, the action relentless, and the emotional depth undeniable.
Beyond his novels, Bland is also a dedicated advocate for the writing community. As a founding member and secretary of BookPod, he has fostered a network where authors can support and uplift one another, demonstrating his commitment to both storytelling and the craft itself. His journey from debut novelist to acclaimed author is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an unyielding passion for speculative fiction.
In this exclusive interview, Michael Bland shares insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his dystopian universe, and what readers can expect from The Price of Freedom. Prepare to be both enlightened and enthralled as we delve into the mind of a writer who dares to ask: How much of our freedom are we willing to sacrifice in the name of security?
Michael Bland masterfully blends thrilling storytelling with thought-provoking themes, crafting an unforgettable science fiction trilogy that challenges our views on technology and freedom.
What inspired you to explore themes of surveillance and personal freedom in your novel “The Price of Safety”?
I was inspired when I was riding the “L” one day when I lived in Chicago. Every single person in the train car that day was staring at their cell phone. I realized I could strip naked and no one would notice. Yet there were cameras in the car’s ceiling. So, while no one was watching, someone could always be watching. We’ve grown accustomed to cameras watching us and our phones tracking us. Imagine what our lives will be like twenty-plus years from now? How extreme will that monitoring become? And if someone we love gets in trouble, how can we protect them if technology is always watching?
These questions inspired my series. Technology can improve our lives but can also be used against us. I wanted to highlight that risk. In The Price of Safety, Dray Quintero’s 19-year-old daughter commits a crime. He covers it up to save her life, and he has to fight the very surveillance system he created to try to keep her and her sister safe. This leads them to a larger conspiracy that highlights what happens if we don’t understand who is controlling the technology around us.
How did your research of and experience with technology influence the futuristic elements depicted in your “The Price Of” trilogy?
It directly influenced the world I created. I had to keep in mind the technology that’s available to the characters in the books but also the technology being used against them. I had instances where I had to discard various ideas as they either didn’t serve the story or match the technology. I also found inspiration in some of the devices the characters use or have to contend with.
Through it all, I tried to make the world as realistic and believable as possible. In fact, some of the technology I envisioned is already becoming real. The trilogy has a device called a DNA scanner. We shed dead skin cells and hair follicles. In the book, the DNA scanners suck those cells and hair follicles out of the air, scan the DNA, and identify you. A month after The Price of Rebellion was released, a company in California announced they’d created that very technology.
Can you share any challenges you faced while developing the character of Dray Quintero throughout the series?
I wanted to make him as believable as possible. I also wanted to portray his engineering side as accurately as I could. I am not an engineer but my grandfathers were. I asked a friend of mine, who is a successful engineer, to proof The Price of Safety to ensure that Dray’s knowledge and actions were accurate from an engineering standpoint.
A key aspect of the story is Dray’s growth. Over the course of the three novels, he transforms from a law-abiding family man into a battle-scarred hero who risks everything for the country’s freedom.
With “The Price of Rebellion” receiving multiple awards, including Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year by Indies Today, how has this recognition impacted your writing journey?
Each award had been meaningful to me. They have provided validation of my writing ability and recognition of the hard work I put into each book. Although I was traditionally published, The Price of Safety was my debut novel. I’m sure I’m not the only author who wondered if their writing was good enough. The awards have erased that doubt. They also have encouraged readers to take a chance with this still-new author. The responses to the first two books have been fantastic, and I cannot wait for readers to experience how the trilogy ends.
“Each award has provided validation and erased doubts, encouraging readers to take a chance on this still-new author.” – Michael Bland
As a founding member and secretary of BookPod, how has your involvement in this community influenced your work?
The BookPod has been a great source of support. There are over 200 writers, editors, and other creatives in the group who not only support each other, we help each other. If someone needs advice or is looking for an entertainment lawyer (for example), they can turn to the BookPod. I’ve developed friendships through our online community. Writing is largely a solitary endeavor, so having that community really helps, especially when I’m on a fifth round of edits with my book and can barely see straight.
Could you provide insights into your editing process and how it has shaped your own writing style?
I not only edit the story after I’ve completed the rough draft, I get feedback and guidance from another author. We exchange chapters, so I will read a chapter of his work while he reads a chapter of mine. We provide line edits as well as overall edits of the story, suggesting where to improve, what to cut, etc. I study his notes and accept those that best serve the story. Then I edit the entire novel again. And again. Once I feel the story is ready, I submit it to my publisher. They perform their own edit, then after they’re satisfied, they prepare the book for publication.
What can readers expect from the upcoming third installment of “The Price Of” trilogy, scheduled for release on April 8?
In The Price of Freedom, readers will experience the twists and turns Dray, Raven, and the others experience as they face incredible odds and heartbreaking choices that drive our heroes to the end of their difficult journey. Starting approximately one month after the end of The Price of Rebellion, Dray is imprisoned and alone. He finds help from an unlikely source, though it means putting his daughters in terrible danger. As the blurb reads:
He tried running. He tried fighting. This time, he must try something radically different. Something no one will see coming.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to craft compelling science fiction narratives? Writing is a craft. It can be fun and exciting to create stories, but to become a published author, you need to learn your craft. Take classes. Befriend other authors and learn from them. And put in the work. It’s extremely rare for someone to be able to generate professional-level stories instinctively. Learning the mechanics of writing and structure and character development, honing your skills, and obtaining feedback are critical.
