Konrad is the new teacher in the old town. If you know the young, you can see the future

Konrad wants to control the future.

"And oh those children's voices singing beneath the dome."

In a strange medieval-like world, James Rourke constructs a fascinating inquiry into false Messiahs and failed utopias. His central character, Konrad, an enigmatic visionary, arrives, a stranger, in Aln and soon secures the position of Schoolmaster, beginning to enmesh the townspeople and the children in his power. Ambition propels him to Mayor but hubris brings his downfall when he declares himself king and Aln the New Jerusalem.

James Rourke is an actor, musician and writer. His short film -Act- won critical acclaim at festivals worldwide. He has two feature screenplays in development. He was born in Llanelli and now lives in Cardiff. He is currently singing for his supper with a travelling band.

"A strange dark and beautiful book...from the world inhabited by Kafka and other angels." Boyd Clack

"A rich and resonant fable, highly relevant to our own millennial fantasies. Absorbing and challenging, it shows James Rourke to be a writer of exceptional promise." Julian Mitchell