Time Reverses Reality

In a world where time has reversed, the dead rise from their graves, and society adapts to this bizarre reality. Libraries eradicate books, and people live their lives in reverse. Officer Joseph Tinbane discovers a newly resurrected woman, Mrs. Tilly Benton, and calls for help. Meanwhile, Sebastian Hermes, owner of a small vitarium, is alerted to the potential resurrection of Anarch Peak, a revered religious leader whose return could shift the balance of power.

Anarch Peak's Resurrection

Sebastian Hermes and his team at the Flask of Hermes Vitarium prepare for the resurrection of Anarch Peak, whose followers believe his return will bring profound change. As they dig him up prematurely, they face the risk of releasing death's forces. Despite the danger, they succeed in reviving Peak, who begins to share his insights from beyond the grave, hinting at a new understanding of life and death.

Library's Sinister Secrets

The People's Topical Library, a powerful institution, seeks to control the knowledge and influence of the resurrected Anarch Peak. They detain Lotta Hermes, Sebastian's wife, to leverage against him. The Library's Erads, or eradicators, aim to suppress Peak's teachings, fearing their potential to disrupt societal norms. Sebastian must navigate this treacherous landscape to protect his wife and the Anarch.

Dangerous Alliances Form

Sebastian finds himself caught between the Uditi, followers of Anarch Peak, and the Library. He is pressured by both sides to act in their favor. Meanwhile, his relationship with Lotta is strained as she becomes entangled with Officer Tinbane. The Uditi, led by Ray Roberts, see Peak's resurrection as a chance to solidify their beliefs, while the Library views it as a threat to be eradicated.

Love and Betrayal

Sebastian's love for Lotta is tested as she seeks comfort with Tinbane. Ann Fisher, a manipulative Library agent, seduces Sebastian, further complicating his loyalties. As tensions rise, Sebastian must choose between his personal desires and the greater good. His decisions will have far-reaching consequences for those he loves and the world at large.

The Anarch's Vision

As Peak shares his vision of a world without death, he challenges the established order. His teachings threaten to upend societal structures, drawing the ire of the Library and the interest of the Uditi. Sebastian grapples with the weight of Peak's revelations, which offer a glimpse into a reality beyond human comprehension. The Anarch's presence becomes a catalyst for change, forcing everyone to confront their beliefs.

The Final Confrontation

The Uditi and the Library clash over the fate of Anarch Peak. As violence erupts, Sebastian must navigate the chaos to protect Lotta and ensure Peak's teachings survive. The conflict reaches a climax as the Library is attacked, and Sebastian faces a choice that will determine the future of humanity. In the end, the struggle for control over life and death reveals the true nature of power and redemption.

Characters

Sebastian Hermes

Sebastian is the owner of the Flask of Hermes Vitarium, tasked with reviving the dead. He is caught between his love for his wife, Lotta, and his duty to protect Anarch Peak. His decisions are driven by a deep sense of responsibility, but his personal desires often conflict with the greater good. Sebastian's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns the true cost of his choices.

Lotta Hermes

Lotta is Sebastian's young wife, whose innocence and vulnerability make her a target for manipulation. Despite her fears, she shows resilience in the face of adversity. Her relationship with Sebastian is strained by the pressures of their world, but her love for him remains steadfast. Lotta's journey is one of growth, as she learns to navigate the complexities of love and loyalty.

Anarch Peak

Anarch Peak is a revered religious figure whose resurrection holds the potential to change the world. His teachings challenge the established order, offering a new understanding of life and death. Peak's presence is both a beacon of hope and a source of conflict, as various factions vie for control over his influence. His wisdom and insights drive the narrative, forcing characters to confront their beliefs.

Ray Roberts

Ray Roberts is the leader of the Uditi, a religious group that sees Peak's resurrection as a chance to solidify their beliefs. Charismatic and persuasive, Roberts is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. His relationship with Sebastian is complex, as he seeks to manipulate him for his own ends. Roberts embodies the tension between faith and power.

Ann Fisher

Ann Fisher is a Library agent who uses her charm and intelligence to manipulate those around her. Her relationship with Sebastian is fraught with tension, as she seeks to control him for the Library's purposes. Ann's actions are driven by a desire for power and influence, making her a formidable adversary. Her presence adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the narrative.

Officer Joe Tinbane

Officer Tinbane is a police officer tasked with maintaining order in a world turned upside down. His relationship with Lotta complicates his duties, as he is torn between his feelings for her and his professional responsibilities. Tinbane's journey is one of moral ambiguity, as he navigates the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Mavis McGuire

Mavis McGuire is the Chief Librarian, determined to suppress any threat to the Library's authority. Her actions are driven by a belief in the Library's mission to control knowledge and maintain societal order. Mavis is a formidable opponent, using her position to manipulate events to her advantage. Her presence looms large over the narrative, representing the oppressive force of institutional power.

Plot Devices

Reverse Time

The Hobart Phase causes time to move in reverse, leading to the resurrection of the dead and a society that must adapt to this new reality. This plot device serves as the foundation for the narrative, driving the characters' actions and the story's themes. It challenges the characters to confront their beliefs about life, death, and the nature of existence.

Resurrection

The resurrection of Anarch Peak and others serves as a catalyst for the story's events. It raises questions about the nature of life and death, and the implications of reversing time. This plot device forces characters to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the potential for change in a world where the past is no longer fixed.

Power Struggles

The resurrection of Anarch Peak sparks a power struggle between the Uditi, the Library, and other factions. Each group seeks to control Peak's influence and the knowledge he possesses. This plot device creates tension and conflict, driving the narrative forward as characters navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals.

Analysis

"Counter-Clock World" delves into the philosophical implications of time moving in reverse, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of life and death. The novel explores the tension between faith and power, as various factions vie for control over Anarch Peak's influence. Through its characters, the story examines themes of love, loyalty, and the cost of personal desires. Ultimately, the narrative raises questions about the nature of existence and the potential for redemption in a world where the past is no longer fixed.

Last updated: January 26, 2025