Fantastical, meaningful and indelible is “The Manipulators,” written by up-and-coming author Anthony Tacheny.
Anthony Tacheny, junior studying creative writing and marketing, has always considered himself a writer. Thoughtfully imaginative and curious by nature, he falls into the realm of fiction.
“I have an imagination that runs wild, [and] I love building different worlds that no one has thought of before,” he said.
On Aug. 26, the novel made its debut as Tacheny's first published work.
“It has been a wild ride of changes, tears and joy,” he said. “And the support from my friends and family is what drove me to finish it.”
“Anthony’s writing has a great psychological density to it,” said Justin Gardiner, Auburn lecturer and creative nonfiction author. “[As a student], he had a good sense of literary craft, and in our class, he was involved with literature and writing on a level beyond just himself.”
Tacheny’s book takes place in the land of Centure and features six main characters that are specifically chosen to bear both light and dark markings. They wield the ability to control different elements, like gravity and fire, and pose a threat to the leaders of their world. On a quest to find an object that will let everyone choose to either accept or reject their power — and ultimately their destiny — the main six are faced with challenges.
The title of the book both stems from the characters’ abilities to manipulate the elements and from their lack of free will.
“It is ironic because the people in this world can control everything except their own fate, and that is the thing that they want most,” Tacheny said.
In their fight against the status quo, they prove that “no one else can plan your destiny or your future, even if there is something in the way or something trying to stop you,” Tacheny said.
While the story itself is fictional, Tacheny based the characters off of people from his own life and entwines real questions of morality and hardship.
“This book focuses on breaking expectations and choosing your own path despite what other people think you should be,” he said.
“People are so quick to judge based off appearance, and that does not just go into the color of their skin,” Tacheny said. “There are stereotypes for everyone. People with tattoos and piercings have to be dark or edgy; people that are not the exact weight or body shape that is seen as beautiful have to work out more and eat less.”
Tacheny believes that no one should have to pretend to be something or someone that they are not.
Unabridged realness and emotion of people that inspires Tacheny.
“I think it is interesting how we are all wired differently, but we are similar in what we desire, what we want and what we crave,” he said.
“The Manipulators” is classified as a young-adult fantasy novel, but Tacheny said that he thinks any adult has the ability to fall in love with a story meant for children.
“You are never too old to enjoy a make believe world where things are better than they are here,” Tacheny said.
His book can be bought through Amazon in paperback or e-book as of Aug. 26, 2018.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
