Silo 49: Going Dark

Author’s Foreword

This series has been written primarily for readers already familiar with the world of WOOL, that deliciously dystopian world created by author, Hugh Howey. While I’ve tried to make it accessible and enjoyable for readers who have not yet plunged into WOOL, much of what happens may not be understood in context unless one knows of the dark depths of the Silo world.

For those of us who do know the bleak joy of WOOL, there must surely be sympathy between fans now that his series is over. The Silo 49 series is for those fans that still want more.

Silo 49 came about almost the very moment I finished the last line of the story in which we met Juliette (no spoilers here). I began to wonder about human nature. What might have happened if ruthlessness, a desire for power and control and a lack of kindness were replaced with true goodness and a desire to do right rather than follow the rules?

I told the story to myself, adding and editing in my head as the new chapters of WOOL emerged to keep my own corner of the world true to Hugh’s. One day I wrote that shorter version out so another WOOLian could read it. I got the email response with a single word on it, “MOAR!” This series was written from that encouragement.

With many thanks to Hugh Howey for giving his generous permission to publish this series set in his world of WOOL and with affection for my fellow WOOLians,