The Dark Side of Winning: How Competitive ‘Pokémon’ Inspired a New Dystopian YA Series

Ava Reid’s new novel, “Winterveil”, is set in a dark academia world where students are trained to be elite assets in a Cold War that has dragged on for nearly a century. This tale differs from the usual dystopian fare by drawing inspiration from competitive ‘Pokémon’. In young adult fiction, themes of rebellion and resistance often dominate, but Reid’s use of this unexpected source raises questions about the nature of competition and the lengths we’ll go to in pursuit of victory.

Reid credits her love for competitive ‘Pokémon’ during the pandemic with helping her connect with others while staying at home. This hobby might seem unusual for someone who writes dark academia fiction, but Reid notes that it’s peculiarly appealing because ‘Pokémon’ balances simplicity and complexity. The game can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to adults, yet it also requires strategy, math, and probability – a true test of skill.

This aspect of competitive ‘Pokémon’ is what Reid finds most compelling, and she’s brought it into her novel. Valeran Academy, the setting for “Winterveil”, is a cutthroat institution where students are trained to excel in various areas, including war simulations and high-stakes competitions. The four main characters are drawn together for a mysterious mission that requires them to use all their skills and knowledge to succeed. In this way, Reid’s novel reflects the competitive spirit of ‘Pokémon’, where players must constantly adapt and strategize to emerge victorious.

Reid’s decision to draw from competitive ‘Pokémon’ raises questions about our society’s values. Is it a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature – our tendency to push ourselves to extremes, sacrificing our well-being for the sake of victory? Or is it something more innocuous – an acknowledgement that even in absurd or trivial pursuits, there lies a deeper complexity and beauty?

The world of “Winterveil” itself provides some answers. Reid’s novel explores themes of elitism, privilege, and the darker side of human nature, much like works such as “The Secret History” and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”. By drawing from competitive ‘Pokémon’, Reid may be highlighting how our society values winners over losers – how we often prioritize success over all else, even at great personal cost.

This theme echoes through much of young adult fiction today. Works like Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” and Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series have familiarized readers with stories about rebellion, resistance, and the fight against oppressive regimes. However, what happens when we flip this narrative on its head – when instead of fighting against the system, we’re exploring how it perpetuates itself?

For Reid, this is a deeply personal question. As someone who writes about dark academia and dystopian worlds, she’s always been interested in exploring complex relationships between power, privilege, and identity. Her love for competitive ‘Pokémon’ raises questions about whether there’s something inherently appealing about competition or if it’s just a symptom of our broader societal obsession with winning.

This suggests that even in unexpected places, we can find inspiration and commentary on the world around us. Whether we’re drawn to competitive ‘Pokémon’ or Reid’s dark academia novels, there lies a deeper complexity at work – a reflection of our own desires, fears, and obsessions.

Reid is currently hard at work on “Necromantica”, the sequel to her gothic fantasy epic “Innamorata”. With fan-favorite character Waltrude set to return in a major role, readers will be eager to see how this new installment expands upon the world of Valeran Academy.