In An Unforgiving Desert, the Novato Desert is more than just a backdrop for the story — it’s a character in its own right. This harsh, unforgiving landscape shapes the narrative, influences character development, and adds layers of tension and intrigue. In this post, we’ll explore how the Novato Desert impacts storytelling and why setting can be as vital as any other character in a novel.
The Novato Desert: A Living, Breathing Entity
From the moment Skylar and Kalvin crash-land in the Novato Desert, it’s clear that this setting is not just a passive environment but an active force in the story. The desert’s vastness, its relentless heat, and its ever-shifting sands create a sense of isolation and danger that permeates every scene.
I count backwards and think of everything I know about the Novato Desert — frequent sand storms, high temperatures, arid, and dry. Nothing much lives there, except for some of the deadliest desert cats, venomous scorpions, and hawks that’ll claw your eyes out. It’s not a vacation spot, by any definition. There are a few data stations in the rocky mountains, but the Sonoma Weather Service has to replace them often because they go missing during sandstorms. I think we’re in trouble. Big trouble.
“How are your survival skills?” Kalvin calls out. “Thirty seconds to parachute.”
“Oh, you know, the basics.” Minimal, Kalvin. I have minimal skills in surviving a desert that wants nothing to do with humans. I grew up on a spaceship. Ask me if I can survive a rapid decompression or space debris, and I’m good to go. But this? No.
Still, I’ve read enough books on desert survival in the past. Why? I have no idea. Because I was bored and there was nothing else to do growing up except read? Yes, most likely. I sift through my brain, hunting for anything we can use. Thank goodness for small favors. Book learning is what I’m best at.
This quote sets the stage for Skylar’s introduction to the desert. She’s going to have to call on all her knowledge to get out of this. The Novato Desert is not just a place; it’s an adversary that Skylar must contend with throughout her journey.
Creating Tension Through Isolation
One of the most significant ways the Novato Desert functions as a character is by creating tension through isolation. As Skylar and Kalvin navigate this desolate landscape, they are cut off from civilization, resources, and potential allies. This isolation heightens the stakes and forces her to rely on her wits and resilience.
“It’s a bad idea to talk too much. We let out a lot of water when we talk, but…” I can’t help myself. “There were five colonization attempts on this continent. Sand storms that lasted weeks impeded two of the attempts. They were so long that each time the teams gave up and left. The storms always dissipated a day or two after they were gone, though. It was dreadful luck.”
We cross the top of one dune for another and keep going.
“Two attempts didn’t work out because equipment kept going missing. Then finally, Sonomans established a small town near the sea to the east. That one was wiped clean by a two-week sandstorm. A hundred and twenty lives were lost.”
I debate whether to tell Kalvin this. “Uh, then there were three people who tried to cross the desert on foot. You know, a little expedition type thing.”
“What happened to them? Or maybe I shouldn’t ask.”
“They were never seen again. Even with trackers and tons of safety precautions.” And after seeing what the sand did to our life pod, I have a good idea of what happened to those people. The sand scares the crap out of me.
Kalvin is quiet for a while.
“Sorry. I should have kept that last bit to myself.”
“No. I should know what we’re up against. I’m just… I’m gonna think on this for a bit.”
“Sure.”
And suddenly, I’m not a fan of silence.
I’d rather we talk to each other.
But I press my lips together and keep walking.
Skylar’s struggle with isolation is not just physical but also emotional. The desert strips away her usual support systems, leaving her vulnerable yet determined. Even Kalvin is feeling the same way. This vulnerability allows readers to connect with her on a deeper level as she confronts both external dangers and internal fears.
The Novato Desert serves as an antagonist in many ways. Its unpredictable weather patterns, treacherous terrain, and hidden dangers constantly challenge Skylar’s survival skills. Each obstacle she faces is a direct result of the desert’s harsh conditions.
The desert’s antagonistic role is evident in scenes like this one where Skylar must navigate quicksand while battling dehydration and exhaustion. The environment itself becomes a formidable opponent that tests her limits at every turn.
Influencing Character Development
The Novato Desert plays an integral role in shaping the characters' development, especially Skylar, who undergoes significant growth throughout the story. Her experiences in this unforgiving landscape force her to confront her deepest fears and insecurities, ultimately emerging as a stronger and more self-assured individual.
Skylar's journey through the desert is not just a physical trek but also an emotional and psychological one. The challenges she faces strip away her defenses, revealing her vulnerabilities and pushing her to her limits. This process of breaking down and rebuilding is important for her character development.
Her time spent navigating the treacherous terrain and battling the elements serves as a catalyst for personal transformation. She learns to embrace her vulnerabilities and recognize her worth independent of others' opinions.
Kalvin's character development is also influenced by the desert. Initially skeptical of Skylar's abilities, he gradually comes to respect and admire her strength and intelligence. The harsh conditions of the Novato Desert force him to rely on Skylar, breaking down his preconceived notions and leading to a deeper understanding between them.
The Power of Setting as a Character
In An Unforgiving Desert, the Novato Desert is more than just a backdrop — it’s a character that shapes the story in profound ways. Its harsh conditions create tension through isolation, serve as an antagonist that tests the protagonist's limits, and influence character development by forcing growth through adversity.
As an author, crafting such a setting involves careful attention to detail and an understanding of how environment impacts narrative. By treating setting as a character in its own right, writers can create stories that are not only engaging but also deeply resonant with readers.
Start the Amagi Series today with An Unforgiving Desert!
Skylar Kawabata, an accomplished pilot fighting for her future, must defend her ship, the Amagi, and her very name from her estranged family, who are driven by the vicious lies of the abusive consort Dominic in the Amagi Series.
