In an unprecedented venture, the world’s richest man turns a remote island into a live social experiment and reality show. It attracts a diverse group pursuing extraordinary goals: private visionaries, scientists, and military figures, all operating beyond mainland constraints. As the world watches, global tensions escalate towards war.
Key players include Bonita Apple in the communist camp, Samson Tunn from Space Force testing new technologies, and local Sevi Akonga striving to preserve the island’s heritage. From a mainland cave, Jonah Smith narrates these events as the world teeters on the brink of chaos, offering a riveting glimpse into ambition, power, and the fragility of societal order.
Andrew grew up in rural Hawkes Bay on an orchard and his interest in music took him to Wellington where he lived for twelve years as a musician. He moved back to the family property to look after his mother in her later years and a publishing deal with Ford NZ for one of his songs allowed a year off work and the writing of Wester Island. This time included travel to Egypt and some of the book was written there.