Saving Utopia

by Stefano Teatini

Twenty thousand years in the future, in the city of Utopia, a storm is coming. While the uneasy alliance of the Pact holds, one man's search for freedom ignites a fierce rebellion against a despotic regime bent on all-out war.

In a world reborn from the ashes of past civilizations, Parsif, a Utopian "brain worker," is thrown into a political maelstrom when war-mongering General Paund plunges Utopia into turmoil shattering the already troubled young man's fragile existence.

As the General exploits fear to seize control, Parsif and the beautiful Maulwurfe princess, Licht, are thrust into the heart of the resistance. With their interracial love defying societal norms, the pair become a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, but insurmountable challenges still threaten to tear them apart.

Driven by his restless nature and the hope for a united future, the young man must embark on a dangerous mission to unite the factions against Paund's tyranny. As he rallies the disparate peoples into an uneasy alliance, he must grasp the true meaning of democracy, diversity, and sacrifice if he is to lead the uprising.

With the fate of his loved ones at stake, can Parsif conquer his past and save Utopia from destruction, or will his dreams of freedom and love be crushed under the heel of repression?

—-

"The combination of the 'Utopian's Huxleyan dystopia and Tolkienian fantasy is original" - Professor Adam Roberts (vice-president of the H. G. Wells Society and BSFA Award winner for Best Novel)

"'Saving Utopia' […] is an original, deftly crafted, and simply riveting read that will hold a very special interest from start to finish for fans of action/adventure and dystopian themed science fiction. Clever, engaging, memorable, and fun from cover to cover" - Midwest Book Review

"There are many dystopian sci-fi novels out in the world now, with more being written every day. Stefano Teatini’s SAVING UTOPIA is indeed among them. However, Teatini does more with this novel than many writers do with theirs. It is easy to acknowledge the wrongs of fascism and to set its proponents up as the villains of the piece. What's harder is doing this while investigating and interrogating what leads people to believe such harmful and hateful things. […] SAVING UTOPIA is […] a novel of concepts and ideas; while there is an entertaining story to follow, it bears studying just as much as it bears reading for entertainment." - Kara Dennison (IndieReader)

"Saving Utopia is a plot focused, fast-paced sci-fi narrative. […] Equality is a key theme throughout the story, with the push for a more democratic standing as the catalyst for General Paund to rally his supporters and take control, in the name of making Utopia great again and turning away from open mindedness to protect 'tradition', a political idealisation that is familiar off the page. It's a classic Sci-fi and dystopian fiction concept to take issues prevalent to today and explore them in a futuristic scope and I think that Saving Utopia does this well and in a way that is clearly recognisable. […] This is a good read for anyone looking for a pacey and plot driven sci-fi novel with a satisfying conclusion that tackles broader societal concepts." - LoveReading Ambassador

"Author Stefano Teatini has a knack for cinematic description that pulls you into a scene and fills in every detail you need. That makes for a gripping dystopian epic that is chock full of action, philosophy, and a surprising amount of romance. I liked the unique blend of elements, and it fits well with the atmosphere and mood that Teatini crafts in a vivid and immersive world filled with complex characters and thrilling intrigue to test their mettle at every turn." - K.C. Finn (Readers' Favorite)

"Parsif is a compelling protagonist. His inner turmoil, moral awakening, and gradual transformation from passive dreamer to revolutionary leader are relatable. The relationship between Parsif and Licht is handled with care, offering emotional depth while also symbolizing the broader themes of tolerance and diversity. Their relationship solidifies the story, is believable, and makes the stakes impossibly higher. The narrative style is thoughtful and even lyrical at times without sacrificing the momentum of the story." - Rabia Tanveer (Readers' Favorite)

"Saving Utopia mirrors current socio-political dilemmas, packaged in a compelling narrative filled with conflict and character development. […] The storytelling is superb, the drama is intense, and the characters are unforgettable." - Romuald Dzemo (Readers' Favorite)

"Teatini introduced me to a world of action, suspense, adventure, drama, and more. The vivid depictions breathed life into the events, making me feel like I was next to the cast in every scene." - Keith Mbuya (Readers' Favorite)

306 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2025

About the author

Stefano Teatini is an imaginative storyteller and world-builder hailing from Rome, where he has spent most of his life, save for two transformative years in Dublin and Wales. With a PhD in English and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University, he has dedicated nearly 15 years to teaching high school English, alongside a four-year tenure as a Special Educational Needs and Disability teacher.
Stefano's passion for storytelling ignited in childhood, leading him to create the expansive world of his novel, Saving Utopia. Now residing in a charming two-story house with a garden near Rome, Stefano enjoys a fulfilling life with his wife and their beloved cat. In his leisure time, he immerses himself in role-playing and board games, collects graphic novels, and listens to metal music. A committed vegan, he takes pride in cultivating a vegetable garden that yields fresh produce. With many more worlds waiting to be explored, Stefano is excited to share his imaginative journeys with readers.

Reviews

[Livvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Utopia surprised me with how quickly it pulled me in. It’s fast paced and cinematic, with a balance of action, political intrigue, and just enough romance to make the stakes feel personal. I really liked how it doesn’t just focus on the fight against authoritarianism it digs into why those ideas can take root and linger, even after the regime falls.

Parsif and Licht’s relationship was one of my favorite parts. Their love pushes back against societal norms and adds heart to the bigger political fight. The world building is solid and easy to follow, but I can see why some readers from reviews I read wanted more depth this isn’t the kind of sci-fi that spends chapters explaining every cultural detail.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful, fast moving story that blends rebellion, love, and reflection in a way that kept me turning the pages. If you like dystopian sci-fi that makes you think without slowing down, this is worth the read.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Utopia by Stefano Teatini is a fiercely, heartbreakingly imaginative dystopian novel that combines political unrest, self-discovery, and profound philosophical reflection. Twenty thousand years into the future, Parsif—a once-brain worker who has become an Academic Advisor—is swept up in a grand struggle for freedom, identity, and purpose in a society inextricably governed by ideology and caste.

At the novel's heart is Parsif's unanticipated love affair with Licht, a princess of a disenfranchised people. Their quiet, private relationship lends depth to the revolution brewing in and around them. Early scenes contain hushed, private moments—a bare apartment, a silver dog named Neptune, two people briefly free of their world's oppressive traditions. By revealing subtle but crucial details—like Licht's unease with Utopian sanitation practices and Parsif's inner conflict about his role in the system—Teatini points to a society hanging by a thread from disaster. This relationship humanizes and gives a certain emotional depth to the story that otherwise might be missing.

As General Paund takes over by coercion and manipulation, Parsif and Licht are drawn to the increasing uprising. But Saving Utopia doesn't end as good vs. evil. Teatini questions further, wondering why individuals stick to failing systems, how they form beliefs, and why real freedom is so hard to accept. This is not merely a story of revolt—it's an examination of the human mind under duress, and what it takes to alter it.

The action whizzes along, though the book is also given room to think. Teatini writes in a rich, cinematic style that does not shy from asking tough questions about power, allegiance, and the price of transformation. His characters are well-drawn and honest, yet flawed, unclear, but motivated by something genuine, resonating deeply within them.

While the dystopian environment may remind one of well-worn tropes, Saving Utopia stands out because of its thematic depth and emotional complexity. It is not merely content to declare the perils of authoritarianism—instead, it explores how they come to take root, and what happens once the tyrants are removed. Teatini poses disturbing questions: Can extremists be reformed when they have no leader? What do you do when your child has done the very things you once fought against? Can love overcome indoctrination?

Not just a story of political rebellion, Saving Utopia is a timely, thought-provoking study of the human condition under the spectre of fear and intimidation. It's a book that should be read by smart, empathetic science fiction readers who require more than spectacle—they require truth.

[Akanksha S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a future that isn't all about fancy gadgets and shiny buildings. Instead, picture a world that's hushed and orderly, where people have learned to live with less, focusing on just getting by and following a strict set of rules. That's the world Stefano Teatini creates in Saving Utopia. It feels strangely familiar to the problems we face today, where trying to fix society might mean making tough choices between keeping tight control and showing kindness.

The story follows Parsif, a thoughtful man trying to find his place in a strict society called Utopia. He lives under a caste system that divides people by their roles and status. As Parsif reconnects with old friends and falls in love with Licht, a princess from another culture, he starts to question the world around him.

The author shows us that a truly good society isn't just set up once and stays perfect. Instead, it needs constant change and must include everyone. The book criticizes Utopia's rigid social classes and the trouble they cause when things try to change. For example, General Paund complains when a new social group gets introduced, saying it messes up their system and morals. This shows how stuck in their ways Utopian society is.

The novel also looks at how governments use fear to control people. Characters like General Paund fight to keep things the same, even if that means harming others. But Parsif, Licht, and Fajro work for change. They want Utopia to be more open, diverse, and just. Their actions show that creating a better world isn’t easy, but it’s worth the struggle.

One powerful idea in the book is that you can't just force diversity; people have to accept and fight for it truly. It will make you think and feel deeply. The details and emotions in the book are balanced. While the book explores complex topics, it does so through the characters' experiences. However, the story moves slowly at times, and there's a lot of inner thinking, which might not grab everyone.

It’s a book for anyone who believes in hope, even when things seem broken. It leaves you with a quiet challenge: if we had the chance to start over, would we repeat our mistakes, or finally learn how to live together?

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAVING UTOPIA by Stefano Teatini is a richly textured dystopian novel that merges political intrigue, quiet intimacy, and philosophical reflection. The story unfolds in a futuristic society rigidly divided by caste and order, where Parsif, a brain worker turned Academic Advisor, finds himself at the crossroads of love, rebellion, and duty. His deepening bond with Licht—a princess from a marginalized culture—adds complexity and tenderness to the plot, grounding the revolutionary stakes in personal connection.

The early scenes offer a quiet yet emotionally charged portrait of life in Utopia: a sparse room, a silvery dog named Neptune, and a couple waking together, momentarily free from the rigid expectations of their world. These quiet details, like Licht's discomfort with the lack of basic hygiene in Utopian homes and Parsif’s conflicted pride in his role, gently introduce the contrasts between cultures and the discomfort of navigating both love and ideology in a fractured system.

Teatini’s writing blends cinematic flair with insightful commentary, exploring not just the spectacle of resistance but the subtle psychological forces that allow authoritarianism to take root. What elevates this book is its unflinching exploration of belief, indoctrination, and the legacy of power—even after a regime falls. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead examines why people remain loyal to systems that harm them and how identity is shaped by—and can rebel against—structure.

Both thrilling and thoughtful, SAVING UTOPIA is a standout in dystopian fiction: emotionally intelligent, politically relevant, and deeply human.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the future, Saving Utopia by Stefano Tiatini explores a world shaped by climate catastrophe and built upon a delicate social order designed to sustain an ideal society. Featuring a diverse cast from various social classes, the novel contrasts the dream of a perfect world with the reality of conflicting forces.

Parsif, an Academic Advisor and one of Utopia’s most respected minds, plays a crucial role in the society’s progress. He regularly meets with the president and introduces the knowledge of aircraft production. In this future world, everyone lives in boiling suits to survive the planet’s harsh conditions. Parsif’s partner, Licht, belongs to the marginalized Maulwurfe community. Together, they must make difficult decisions as General Paund, a racist and narcissistic leader, threatens to impose absolute control without any checks on his power.

Licht must resist on behalf of her people, while Parsif faces a moral dilemma about preserving the dream of a free and democratic Utopia.

Tiatini carefully paces the story, crafting a richly detailed background. Each event carries symbolic meaning, and the language is simple yet effective. The nature of the characters resonates with our human world. Saving Utopia is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that offers both entertainment and insight.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Utopia by Stefano Teatini is a masterful blend of political intrigue, romance, and futuristic world-building. Set twenty thousand years in the future, the novel follows Parsif, a disillusioned brain worker whose quest for freedom turns him into an unlikely hero. When General Paund seizes power through fear and force, Parsif’s journey intertwines with that of Princess Licht, and their defiant love becomes a symbol of hope.

Teatini skillfully weaves a narrative rich with emotional depth and timely themes—democracy, diversity, resistance, and sacrifice. The world of Utopia feels vivid and lived-in, and the stakes feel as real as today's challenges. The relationship between Parsif and Licht is both tender and powerful, serving as a counterpoint to the looming chaos around them.

With gripping pacing and thought-provoking messages, Saving Utopia is a compelling call for unity and courage in the face of oppression. A must-read for fans of visionary sci-fi.

Thank you,
Happy Reading! 📚

[Charles Magesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing Action-Romance Combination

Saving Utopia by Stefano Teatini is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a thrilling dystopian narrative that masterfully combines self-discovery and political unrest. The author demonstrates remarkable skill in world-building; the settings are vividly described and so immersive that readers will feel as though they're watching a film unfold before their eyes.

This book is exceptionally well-written and professionally edited, demonstrating a flawless command of grammar. The characters, particularly Parsif and Licht, are compelling, and their love story evolves beautifully as they embrace their diversity in the face of conflict.

The author’s choice of language adds a delightful sense of humor that keeps the reader engaged without a hint of boredom. Moreover, the plot is suspenseful and a genuine page-turner, leaving you eager to discover what happens next.

I wholeheartedly recommend Saving Utopia to anyone who loves sci-fi action stories. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Utopia is a story set in an area that is kind of set in conditions that could pass as barely comfortable. In Utopia they all shared a bathroom, even the president, because there was water only in the common spaces. They all ate the same food and all slept at sunset apart from the people on duty that were protecting the rest. They all woke up at sunrise and had a common breakfast. Parsif had gone to a different world and came back and was given the title academic advisor. Parsif had broken up with his partner, whom they had plans to get married to. They had so much in common, but things did not work out. They broke up, and he started seeing the princess Licht, though he found himself thinking of his ex from time to time. Parsif and the group found themselves in a situation trying to save the place they called home against their newfound enemies that they didn't even know existed before that.The story starts right away, and I love how it's explained initially so it's easy to understand what's going on in the book. I love how the story flows smoothly and is kept interesting throughout. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Utopia, written by Stefano Teatini, is one of the most interesting dystopian novels that I have ever read. There were a lot of moving parts in the story. It was one of those stories that was slow in the beginning, but by the middle, it got interesting. One of the things that I liked about this story was how each group in Utopia had its own color. Each color represented which caste someone was in. I also liked the ending since it was unexpected. Parsif as a main character was tolerable. He didn't really stand out to me that much, though. If it weren't for the other characters, I would have probably overlooked him. Also, there were some moments where I felt like certain things should have been thoroughly explained. It felt as if the readers should have known what had happened in the past. Other than that, the novel was very interesting to read. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction. I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 5 out of 5]

We could all learn from this

Although this is a work of fiction set far in the future, it rings true today. Saving Utopia is about a rift that forms between two mindsets within the nation of Utopia. One faction feels their way of life will be threatened by allowing people from outside Utopia to share ideas and culture. They also believe their society will fall into disorder by different castes within their society mixing. The other faction believes exposure to outside cultures provides a learning opportunity and an avenue to improve Utopia.

It is part political novel and part romance as the main characters learn to overcome societal expectations for themselves and find they have much in common.

I recommend this for all who like science fiction, futuristic novels, romance, and political drama.

[Shelly Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Utopia was my first science fiction that I've read. From the very beginning of the book I was entranced with the world of Utopia set 20,000 years in the future. I enjoyed the personalities of so many of the characters in this book. I was pulling not only for the relationship to survive between Parsif and Licht, but also for Utopia after General Pound put fear into the people which caused a war. This book had me racing to the end as it kept unraveling more and more interesting worlds, cultures, and heroes.

I won this book from LibraryThing and I would highly recommend it. I put my book in a Little Free Library so many can enjoy this book also. Thank you Stefano Teatini for your giveaway!

[nx74defiant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author plunges you right into this world. There is not a lot of set up. He doesn't provide much in the way of info dumps. You have to figure things out as you are reading. There is a cast system of colored boiler suites. You are quickly immersed into the politics.