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Anno 2020
Eleven individuals around the world must communicate remotely with each other while separated during the coronavirus lockdowns of Anno MMXX (Year 2020).
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2020
8 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
James Morcan
51 books1,300 followersNew Zealand-born actor/writer/producer James Morcan resides in Sydney, Australia. He has written two bestselling novels, performed in various international film productions and is a podcast host. His books have been translated into eight languages (Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, French, Afrikaans, German).
Morcan's published titles include the new release horror Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit and Into the Americas. He also has several series on the market including The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series, the swashbuckling action-romance series The World Duology, and the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series. An additional non-fiction title, Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide. These titles were all co-authored with his father Lance Morcan and published by Sterling Gate Books. Their production company, Morcan Motion Pictures, is developing Silent Fear into a feature film and Underground Knowledge into a TV series.
James' most recent acting performance was a leading role in the post-Apocalyptic feature film After Armageddon which he also wrote. The dystopian adventure film was shot in rural Australia and Morcan co-starred with Berynn Schwerdt (Wyrmwood). Other leading roles include the OZ-Bollywood productions My Cornerstone and Love You Krishna. Morcan also wrote the screenplays for both features which were filmed in Sydney and Mumbai and incorporated English and Hindi languages.
Additional productions he has perfromed in include a BBC TV series, several indie features and a live stadium production of Ben Hur headlined by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe. To date, his feature films have screened at cinemas in New Zealand, India, Australia, Italy and Cannes.
James is a podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8s...
He co-founded one of the most popular discussion groups on Goodreads, also called Underground Knowledge, which has around 16,000 members: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Amazon author profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/jamesmo...
IMDb filmmaker profile:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/
Morcan's published titles include the new release horror Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit and Into the Americas. He also has several series on the market including The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series, the swashbuckling action-romance series The World Duology, and the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series. An additional non-fiction title, Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide. These titles were all co-authored with his father Lance Morcan and published by Sterling Gate Books. Their production company, Morcan Motion Pictures, is developing Silent Fear into a feature film and Underground Knowledge into a TV series.
James' most recent acting performance was a leading role in the post-Apocalyptic feature film After Armageddon which he also wrote. The dystopian adventure film was shot in rural Australia and Morcan co-starred with Berynn Schwerdt (Wyrmwood). Other leading roles include the OZ-Bollywood productions My Cornerstone and Love You Krishna. Morcan also wrote the screenplays for both features which were filmed in Sydney and Mumbai and incorporated English and Hindi languages.
Additional productions he has perfromed in include a BBC TV series, several indie features and a live stadium production of Ben Hur headlined by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe. To date, his feature films have screened at cinemas in New Zealand, India, Australia, Italy and Cannes.
James is a podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8s...
He co-founded one of the most popular discussion groups on Goodreads, also called Underground Knowledge, which has around 16,000 members: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Amazon author profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/jamesmo...
IMDb filmmaker profile:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 4, 2020
‘Can there be a silver lining in all this madness?’
New Zealand-born Australian author James Morcan has published his first solo novel with ANNO 2020. He is well known to audiences as co-author with his father Lance Morcan of over twenty excellent books, and now he flies solo in this psychodrama addressing the Coronavirus pandemic. James is active as an actor in films and television, as a screenwriter, producer, and as the podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge.
Incorporating his skills developed in the cinematic field, both in acting and in screenwriting etc, James has created a global panoply of beautifully defined stances and characters to bring attention to the manner in which we all are coping with the pandemic. His richly colorful locales include, Bali, Palestine, Brazil, Israel, Australia, China, the UK, USA, and Switzerland and in each scene he has developed a myriad of personalities to offer as many perceptions of the pandemic and its effect on relationships as possible. His ability to convey the atmosphere of each stance, all related with very contemporary attitudes, thought processes, and psychological varieties of personalities, makes his survey of the year 2020’s sequestering and isolation symptoms immediately relatable to each of us.
The novel is well paced with brief chapters that serve as stepping-stones to the next vantage – a technique that practically demands staying with the story without pause to the end. This is a fine novel, rich in entertainment no matter the preferences of the reader, and the philosophy that emerges is exceptional. As the initial character Elijah, a ‘multidimensional sovereign being’ whose yoga meditation in Indonesia opens the book, states at book’s end, ‘Together simultaneously, we all realigned with our true natures.’
Impressive, and a beautiful reading experience, this is a very fine solo venture for the gifted James Morcan. Highly recommended.
New Zealand-born Australian author James Morcan has published his first solo novel with ANNO 2020. He is well known to audiences as co-author with his father Lance Morcan of over twenty excellent books, and now he flies solo in this psychodrama addressing the Coronavirus pandemic. James is active as an actor in films and television, as a screenwriter, producer, and as the podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge.
Incorporating his skills developed in the cinematic field, both in acting and in screenwriting etc, James has created a global panoply of beautifully defined stances and characters to bring attention to the manner in which we all are coping with the pandemic. His richly colorful locales include, Bali, Palestine, Brazil, Israel, Australia, China, the UK, USA, and Switzerland and in each scene he has developed a myriad of personalities to offer as many perceptions of the pandemic and its effect on relationships as possible. His ability to convey the atmosphere of each stance, all related with very contemporary attitudes, thought processes, and psychological varieties of personalities, makes his survey of the year 2020’s sequestering and isolation symptoms immediately relatable to each of us.
The novel is well paced with brief chapters that serve as stepping-stones to the next vantage – a technique that practically demands staying with the story without pause to the end. This is a fine novel, rich in entertainment no matter the preferences of the reader, and the philosophy that emerges is exceptional. As the initial character Elijah, a ‘multidimensional sovereign being’ whose yoga meditation in Indonesia opens the book, states at book’s end, ‘Together simultaneously, we all realigned with our true natures.’
Impressive, and a beautiful reading experience, this is a very fine solo venture for the gifted James Morcan. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2021
Anno 2020 by James Morcan is a book that best illustrates the new reality imposed on us worldwide due to COVID-19. It gets into the psychology of the characters who are scattered across different continents across the world. James marks the year 2020 with a book that would become a sort of psychological reference for what people endured during this year. The book shows that no matter how divided and isolated people become by ulterior forces, human bonds and human wills remain stronger. I enjoyed reading this book.
November 8, 2020
Wow, what a wonderful surprise this book turned out to be. I loved the fact that the characters in this story are based in different parts of the world, which when you’re at home it’s great to travel through reading. James Morcan has done an exceptional job with this very interesting and entertaining story.
So many lives have been turned upside down from Covid19, with a vast amount of people being isolated at home away from family and friends. People have needed to adapt their lifestyles very quickly to stay safe. However, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom as many people thought it was going to be. Some have embraced this new way of living and have made improvements in their own lives. You can tell it’s a great book when you’re still thinking about it days later. Easily worth 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
So many lives have been turned upside down from Covid19, with a vast amount of people being isolated at home away from family and friends. People have needed to adapt their lifestyles very quickly to stay safe. However, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom as many people thought it was going to be. Some have embraced this new way of living and have made improvements in their own lives. You can tell it’s a great book when you’re still thinking about it days later. Easily worth 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
October 25, 2020
An emotionally stirring novel and an around-the-world look at 2020, seen from various perspectives. I especially liked interconnectedness shown between all things.
January 6, 2021
Disclosure. This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read several books which James Morcan has written jointly with his father Lance, so I was very interested to see what his first solo title would be like.
This fictional book is set during the Coronavirus multiple lockdowns of 2020 with the characters using various forms of digital technology to communicate, such as video chat or podcast. Some of the chapters focus on individuals but most are between a pair of characters and the story swaps around between them all.
All the characters are in different parts of the world, some where they live and some who were far from home when lockdown was enforced, like 19 year old Emma in Wuhan. They all have complicated issues in their lives, which the author cleverly draws out.
Even though it is one novel, the book has a feel of short stories as we keep alternating back and forth between the scenes. And although you see the connection between each pair, you do start wondering where it is all leading. But it follows a very clever path through to the conclusion.
Hosting a book giveaway on my blog (open until 6/2/21) - https://blogmumjd.wordpress.com/2021/...
I’ve read several books which James Morcan has written jointly with his father Lance, so I was very interested to see what his first solo title would be like.
This fictional book is set during the Coronavirus multiple lockdowns of 2020 with the characters using various forms of digital technology to communicate, such as video chat or podcast. Some of the chapters focus on individuals but most are between a pair of characters and the story swaps around between them all.
All the characters are in different parts of the world, some where they live and some who were far from home when lockdown was enforced, like 19 year old Emma in Wuhan. They all have complicated issues in their lives, which the author cleverly draws out.
Even though it is one novel, the book has a feel of short stories as we keep alternating back and forth between the scenes. And although you see the connection between each pair, you do start wondering where it is all leading. But it follows a very clever path through to the conclusion.
Hosting a book giveaway on my blog (open until 6/2/21) - https://blogmumjd.wordpress.com/2021/...
December 7, 2020
At first, when I started reading all the individual stories with characters all around the world, I wondered where the story was going. I started to appreciate the social points being made and was enjoying the book but couldn't see the connection between the characters. This is a very well written story and enjoyable on many levels. I'm not going to provide any spoilers so suggest you read this book and be both entertained and perhaps remind yourself of the challenges many people in the world have to face on a daily basis. A very topical book written and set during the Covid pandemic, which is both informative and entertaining!
September 23, 2022
Totally different to the sort of book I would normally read but having lived through the "pandemic" along with the rest of the world well.....
All I would say is try it, as came as a lovely surprise. Individual's stories during lockdown from over the globe all brought together in a nice surprise. The personalities drew you into their stories and from the dark came the light, it is actually quite a spiritual book much deeper than on the surface!
Worth a read.
As an aside during a visit to a tropical Butterfly Park many years ago a large blue butterfly landed and settled on my head for some time too....synchronicity??
Kudos Mr Morcan.
All I would say is try it, as came as a lovely surprise. Individual's stories during lockdown from over the globe all brought together in a nice surprise. The personalities drew you into their stories and from the dark came the light, it is actually quite a spiritual book much deeper than on the surface!
Worth a read.
As an aside during a visit to a tropical Butterfly Park many years ago a large blue butterfly landed and settled on my head for some time too....synchronicity??
Kudos Mr Morcan.
November 13, 2020
I enjoyed the book Anno 2020 very much. Very diverse short stories as well as intriguing.
November 28, 2020
A person who sees things clearly is said to have 20/20 vision. The year 2020 has been not only a time where the outside world of physical reality has been closed off or augmented by the machine, it has also presented to those people brave enough, an opportunity to search inwards and see ourselves from a new perspective. This is the main theme that I take away from James Morcan’s new book Anno 2020. He skillfully crafts complex characters who are confronting issues which, because of the pandemic, have become critical turning points that not only need to be acknowledged but also resolved.
It appears that one of the few positives we can take out of these times is the opportunity to journey inwards and this is precisely what Morcan does. For me, James Morcan is at his best when he is creating interpersonal dialog. The reader becomes part of the narrative and is given every opportunity to identify and empathise with each character. Morcan also brings to light a sense of universal spirituality and the promise that we may be connected to each other in ways that are non-material – we are all in this together. An enlightening read in these strange days!
It appears that one of the few positives we can take out of these times is the opportunity to journey inwards and this is precisely what Morcan does. For me, James Morcan is at his best when he is creating interpersonal dialog. The reader becomes part of the narrative and is given every opportunity to identify and empathise with each character. Morcan also brings to light a sense of universal spirituality and the promise that we may be connected to each other in ways that are non-material – we are all in this together. An enlightening read in these strange days!
November 9, 2020
Anno 2020 is a novel by James Morcan. This book is excellent and like his other books, grabs you and won’t let go until you are finished. It is remarkably realistic and deals with all the things we are currently dealing with in the US and the world. The author used modern technology for the participants to communicate with each other as the world is involved with the Cronovirus and are all in different forms of isolation depending on where they are.
Four sets of characters are isolated all over the world and each set is trying to solve their problems via facetime or other connections which involve video connections. Their problems consist of personal problems as well as the problems they have to confront due to the virus. It is definitely realistic in that given weeks to contemplate without getting out to see others, the characters. Like the rest of us, are beginning to now have time to contemplate on their own lives. What did they do wrong or right, who did they hurt or help, were they kind with what they did or not, and how will they survive without a job for money?
As you read the book and get involved in the characters’ lives, one begins to start thinking of what they have done in the pandemic and if what they have done was create a they have begun to think of what they have done in the past and how to compensate for what happened.
Four sets of characters are isolated all over the world and each set is trying to solve their problems via facetime or other connections which involve video connections. Their problems consist of personal problems as well as the problems they have to confront due to the virus. It is definitely realistic in that given weeks to contemplate without getting out to see others, the characters. Like the rest of us, are beginning to now have time to contemplate on their own lives. What did they do wrong or right, who did they hurt or help, were they kind with what they did or not, and how will they survive without a job for money?
As you read the book and get involved in the characters’ lives, one begins to start thinking of what they have done in the pandemic and if what they have done was create a they have begun to think of what they have done in the past and how to compensate for what happened.
November 11, 2020
ANNO 2020
JAMES MORCAN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.
Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning? Or else the beginning of The End?'
All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.
This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.
Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author.
JAMES MORCAN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.
Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning? Or else the beginning of The End?'
All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.
This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.
Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author.
November 22, 2020
Anno 2020 by James Morcan
A story of how people are coping with lock downs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Masterly told through alternating chapters in different countries across the world. People with different opinions, demographics, nationalities and religions communicate remotely with each other. A they face the virus each one is dealing with personal issues as well. I really enjoyed Anno 2020 and highly recommend to all.
A story of how people are coping with lock downs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Masterly told through alternating chapters in different countries across the world. People with different opinions, demographics, nationalities and religions communicate remotely with each other. A they face the virus each one is dealing with personal issues as well. I really enjoyed Anno 2020 and highly recommend to all.
October 16, 2021
This virus has taken over the world. They call it Coronavirus. No one knows how it's spread or how to treat it. One thing is certain, EVERYONE is scared. The people in this book are all dealing with the virus. It's the dealing with it is common thread between them. How they are dealing with it is as different as night and day. Will life go back to normal? We're still waiting to see.
This book is fascinating. It gives us a view we wouldn't normally see. We get to see when it comes to a tragic situation like this, we are really all the same. Mr. Morcan knows how to tell a story where you are pulled in deeper and deeper with each sentence. Before you know it , you are sitting in the middle of the story. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. The story is timely and well written. You need to read this one. It really will open your mind.
I didn't find any issues in this one.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it truly shows us the world. The author provided a copy of the book but I chose to review it.
This book is fascinating. It gives us a view we wouldn't normally see. We get to see when it comes to a tragic situation like this, we are really all the same. Mr. Morcan knows how to tell a story where you are pulled in deeper and deeper with each sentence. Before you know it , you are sitting in the middle of the story. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. The story is timely and well written. You need to read this one. It really will open your mind.
I didn't find any issues in this one.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it truly shows us the world. The author provided a copy of the book but I chose to review it.
November 21, 2020
NB: This is a review from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews