Dischafer
Dischafer is a 2015 science fiction and noir thriller novel by Indian author and electronic music producer Karthikeyan KC. The story is a first-person narrative set in an alternate dystopian reality, following a protagonist's journey to uncover the truth behind his sister's death and a mysterious military operation.
Plot
Following a bombing in the city, the protagonist discovers his late sister's diary. Her final entry contains only the word "Dischafer" and a phone number. Driven by grief and a desperate need for answers, he travels to Mnowa, a declining and highly militarized dystopian town on the northern borders of the Central National Command (CNC).
His mission is to track down Mark Travis, a colonel in the Central Military Command stationed at an isolated, underground military silo on the Mnowan hill. Believing the silo holds the key to his questions, the protagonist navigates the dark, gritty underworld of Mnowa, committing morally questionable acts to reach the colonel and ultimately uncover the true meaning of "Dischafer."
Publication
Dischafer is Karthikeyan KC's debut novel. The first edition was published independently publishing in 2015. After five years, a second edition called "Revolution Edition" was released in September 2020. The book explores themes of isolation, grief, depression, and the human agency in a heavily militarized setting.
Reception
The novel has been positively received by readers. Reviewers have highlighted the intense first-person narrative and the blending of action, drama, and science fiction.