his new novel…

Voices

A Cruel Tale of Control and Survival

This story follows Amelia, a young woman trapped in a dark web of control and abuse inflicted by her uncle. It is a painful narrative of manipulation and suffering, but also one marked by resilience and unexpected twists. Amelia's uncle, using his power, subjects her to severe emotional and physical exploitation, creating a grim atmosphere of fear and helplessness.

As the tale unfolds, layers of deception and hidden secrets come to light, revealing more about the uncle’s intentions and the impact on Amelia’s psyche. However, amidst the darkness, Amelia’s courage slowly grows. The story includes surprising developments that challenge the apparent helplessness, highlighting the struggle to reclaim autonomy and hope.

While the subject is difficult, the narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, support, and the strength required to overcome abuse. It is a powerful account of control, trauma, and ultimately, the possibility of healing..

Large metallic sign reading 'VOICES' hanging from chains with spotlights, below it 'BY JAMES GILL' in bold letters, set in an industrial-style space with silhouetted figures and a reflective floor.
A brown QR code on a white background.
A QR code with a brown color.

characters

  • A young woman with brown hair styled in loose curls, wearing a white lace top, posing outdoors with a blurred natural background.

    Amelia

    The protagonist of the book Voices, Amelia, was a self-assured young woman with the world ahead of her, but the abuse she endured led to her developing post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

  • A mature woman with gray hair and a warm smile, dressed in a gray blazer and white blouse, sitting on a sofa in a well-lit room with bookshelves and green plants in the background.

    Judith

    A supporting character in the book, Judith is an experienced psychiatrist who treats Amelia for psychosis and PTSD after she was abused by her uncle.

  • Close-up of a woman with brown eyes, shoulder-length brown hair, and a natural makeup look against a plain background.

    Amelia's Mother

    Although Amelia's mother supports her daughter when her brother mistreats her, she is aware of the light shining on her family during a trying moment.

  • Close-up portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair, mustache, and light beard, wearing a black shirt against a dark gray background.

    Uncle

    A character in the book named Amelia's uncle was a kind and regular person until he went too far and started abusing her.

View from inside a washing machine drum with pink clothes inside, illuminated by blue and pink lighting.

the Washing Machine

Meanwhile, the rhythmic throb of the washing machine could be heard in the background, its persistent buzzing creating an unusual tension that contrasted with the cozy atmosphere of the family gathering. Leaning forward with a furrowed brow, her father turned slightly towards the laundry room, curiosity etched on his face. “Where are you going?” their mother questioned, her tone laced with playful concern. “I’m going to check on the machine to see why it’s making that noise,” he replied, standing up and stretching, as though preparing to take action. With a gentle shake of her head, Amelia interjected, “Well, you’re going to have to wait until it stops.” Her voice was soft but firm, almost as if trying to conjure a sense of unity amidst the background hum. The faint vibrations of the washing machine echoed her words, creating a persistent backdrop that seemed....

Young woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, crying with tears on her face, looking down, while a hand with a pen appears to be writing on her face.

Amelia's Session

As Amelia rose, her movements were graceful and purposeful, each step echoing softly against the quiet of the room. The delicate rustle of her clothing pierced the stillness, a whisper of fabric that seemed to amplify the tension in the air. Her heart raced, a rapid drumbeat of uncertainty and anticipation, as she grappled with the weight of their process. “How many more of these sessions will we have?” she inquired, her voice a mixture of hope and anxiety, each word laced with a palpable urgency. Judith turned slightly, her reassuring smile casting a warm glow across her features. “As long as it takes, Amelia. We have no time limit,” she affirmed earnestly, her steady gaze unwavering and filled with a quiet determination. The soft afternoon light danced around them, emphasizing the sincerity in her voice, as the weight of their moment hung palpably in the air.

A young woman with brown wavy hair and makeup wearing a purple lace dress and dangling earrings, posing for a photo at a social event.

her Eighteenth

Amelia and her friend danced through the vibrant atmosphere of the tightly packed nightclub, where pulsating lights danced in time with the infectious beat of the DJ’s music. The energy was electric, a mix of laughter and cheers as they swayed and twirled under the colourful glow, sipping their drinks, revelling in the freedom of being of age. The two moved in close, creating an intimate bubble around them that caught the attention of some nearby men, who assumed the closeness of their dancing suggested a deeper relationship. As the night deepened, the exhilaration of the evening enveloped them, guiding their steps back to the opulent hotel. Hand in hand, their joyful laughter danced in the air, echoing through the grand marble-floored lobby adorned with soft, ambient lighting. Upon reaching their lavish suite, Amelia’s friend took a moment to ensure the heavy door clicked securely shut behind them, a cocoon of privacy sealing them off from the world outside.

a word from JG on inspiration of Voices

Though some of the plot is based on a friend's battle with mental health issues, specifically PTSD and psychosis, James Gill's first published novel, Voices, tells the story of a character going through real-life struggles caused by someone or something else. These struggles are still very relevant today and have shaped James into the writer he is today. He is already working on a second book to follow in the Voices series, which will be released next summer. His journey has only just begun, and he has sadly dedicated his first book to those journeys that have ended due to abuse. Supporting James's writing also helps victims of abuse by shedding light on a challenging topic.