"Archipelago" by E. William Podojil

ARCHIPELAGO

Following a tragic event, The Herb Society, along with Lukas and Taylor are unwittingly pulled into Baptiste’s twisted plan to not only find a lost continent but unlock the secrets to a precious material that is only found near an archipelago he believes to be the remainder of this sunken world. Baptiste knows this material is more precious than all the gold in the world and he has big plans for it. When The Herb Society discovers Pierre Baptiste’s nefarious agenda, they unlock a global conspiracy led by the world’s rich and powerful that would completely alter civilization to their advantage for generations to come. Now The Herb Society ladies, Lukas, Taylor, Tory and her boyfriend, Pepe are thrust into the plot and must fight the forces of nature and evil to save mankind from an unimaginable future. But will they be able to stop Pierre and his clever friends from initiating the countdown to an apocalypse?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

E. William Podojil is an author, strategic advisor, and international business executive. He studied screenwriting at UCLA and has published both thrillers and mysteries, including The Tenth Man and The Poseidon Project. Archipelago is the second book in The Herb Society Mysteries. Podojil lives in Northeast Ohio with his husband and three sons.

Website: www.ewpodojil.com Instagram: @ewilliampodojil Facebook: E.W. Podojil Author

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Thematic Depth of Archipelago

  • The central theme of "beauty concealing darkness" and the exploration of dualities like discovery vs. destruction and good vs. evil.

  • The broader metaphor of surface vs. substance (both in nature and people).

• Character Development and Interpersonal Dynamics

  • Molly Halloran’s growth and emotional layers, especially her strength and vulnerability.

  • The evolving relationship between Lucas and Taylor as they face aging, temptation, and life transitions.

  • Pierre Baptiste as a complex antagonist driven by vanity, aging, and a hunger for power and love.

• Real-World Technology and Futuristic Elements

  • The role of cutting-edge (but real) technology in the story, such as AI, augmented reality, and satellite systems.

  • The yacht Juventus as both a character and a symbol—luxurious, high-tech, and emotionally isolating.

• Philosophical and Generational Reflections

  • Insights on aging, legacy, and the fleeting nature of time.

  • Reflections on how different generations handle global anxiety, technological disruption, and personal purpose.

• Series Structure and Storytelling Approach

  • How Archipelago fits within the Herb Society Mysteries series (second book following The Poseidon Project).

  • Writing process—balancing plotting with character-driven storytelling.

  • Hints at the third book (Chameleon), and the possible continuation of the series through new perspectives.