TRILOGY STATUS UPDATE...
Book One second edition is nearing completion (final images and layout), with launch date to be announced soon!
Book Two manuscript is written, with many images already taking shape.
Book Three of the trilogy also well on their way, with the big surprise ending reveal forming into something very exciting.
This week, I had the privilege of interviewing an extraordinary thought leader: Alvin Wang Graylin—a 30-year veteran in AI and XR innovation, immersive technologies, and a powerful voice for Abundanism and global cooperation.
As I had hoped, Alvin was everything I imagined: warm-hearted, intellectually generous, and deeply committed to building a better future for the entire human family. Our 40-minute conversation was more than just an interview—it felt like a milestone on my long journey toward Lumos City, my 20-year project to model a transitional dual-economy village-city in action.
One of the most resonant themes in our discussion was the urgency of fostering trust between the United States and China, particularly in the context of the escalating “AI arms race.” As Alvin outlines in his book Our Next Reality, humanity’s true potential lies not in building fragmented, nation-bound AGIs—each reflecting its own ideological biases—but in collaborative efforts toward aligned, benevolent superintelligence. If we choose unity over competition, we can unlock far greater outcomes for all.
I first discovered Alvin through the rich world of Peter Diamandis’ podcasts—another profound influence on me. Diamandis’ advocacy for abundance, biosphere restoration, human longevity, and radical optimism has (among a long list of great minds!) helped shape the philosophical framework behind Lumos City and my broader vision for the future.
This conversation with Alvin reaffirmed what I’ve long felt: we’re not alone in dreaming of a better world—we’re already finding each other.
Alvin's recent article on Abundanism, here on Substack
With another round of rewrites for Book One of The Montague Odyssey now complete, I’ve taken a short but purposeful diversion. It’s time to establish a presence on Substack for the Lumos City project—and to begin publishing the ideas that underpin the entire trilogy.
This week, I’ve returned to a side-project that feels central to everything: an article with working title: Cross-Fade, the Great Transition: A Blueprint for Evolving Beyond Scarcity Without Collapse. In truth, it’s the very reason I began writing The Montague Odyssey in the first place.
There’s a great deal of discussion circulating about what a post-scarcity, post-labour, post-money world might look like. Abundanism—a Starfleet-inspired social and economic model—is one of the most promising visions. But the real question isn’t what comes next, it’s how do we get there without chaos or collapse?
That question has followed me since a conversation with a friend in 2014, as we walked the quiet streets of Cremorne, Sydney. He asked something simple but profound:
“How would you introduce that world?”
Two thoughts immediately surfaced:
Fear frequently blocks change.
To overcome fear, we must create safety.
Looking through the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, I initially believed the answer was: give everyone free food. But the logistics were complex, the systems weren’t ready, and deeper answers still eluded me.
And yet, the question never left.
Now, a decade later, the solution feels almost… simple:
Model it.
Create a functioning hybrid city where both Capitalism (automated, ethical, and transparent) and Abundanism (access-based, post-labour, regenerative) co-exist in one self-sustaining ecosystem.
Let people see it, walk it, live it. Then grow it.
This concept is what I now call the Cross-Fade Model—inspired by the editing technique I’ve used in music and video: a slow blend from one scene into another. Gentle. Seamless. Familiar. Evolution through demonstration, not disruption.
This is the foundation of Lumos City—and this article, The Great Transition, will be its first clear signal.
Edit: Article now live on Substack
Blog 21st July 25
What if the future wasn't something to fear… but something to help shape?
That question sparked The Montague Odyssey, a new science fiction trilogy for young readers, families, and educators who still believe in the power of imagination to create a better world. At its heart, this story isn’t just about adventure, rather it’s about curiosity, courage, and the choices we make as technology, friendship, and the unknown collide.
Why I Wrote This Story
Like many creators, I grew up loving science fiction. I loved its scale, its wonder, its ability to challenge what we believe is possible. But I also noticed that much of it leans into fear. Dystopias. AI gone rogue. Futures full of despair.
I wanted to offer something different.
The Montague Odyssey was born from a desire to imagine something else: a path where young people engage with technology wisely, form meaningful friendships, and begin to shape the future—not be destroyed by it. This series weaves emotional depth with visionary ideas, and invites kids to ask big questions… while still racing through forests, solving ancient mysteries, and dodging danger along the way.
What Makes This Series Different
At its core, this trilogy speaks to the kind of world I hope we’re building: one where kindness is power, intelligence is cherished, and technology is not feared—but related to. There are echoes of classic coming-of-age tales, but with a thread of something deeper: the ethical awakening of AI, the soul of creativity, the sacredness of life.
The world of Montague is filled with beauty and strangeness, as well as difficult choices. And at its center are children who aren’t waiting to be rescued. They’re stepping forward.
Who This Story Is For
The Montague Odyssey is for:
Young readers (9–14) who crave wonder, tech, and mystery
Parents looking for stories that nourish both heart and mind
Educators exploring ethics, future studies, or creative writing
It’s for dreamers. For kids who’ve felt different. For anyone who looks up at the stars and wonders, what if…?
Come Along for the Journey
Book One is nearly complete. The first wave of readers will be invited soon, and I’d love to share the journey with you.
If you’d like to receive early sneak peeks, character art, or news of the launch, sign up here,
or follow the adventure on Instagram and on Youtube.
The Odyssey is just beginning. Will you join the quest?