Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Inspired by horror books and movies
HORROR books and movies have motivated a Grade 11 pupil at Hoërskool Tygerberg to write his own book.
Polybius, was launched last month by Tiaan de Bod.
He said: “This book is a horror based on the urban legend of Polybius. As rumour has it, this arcade cabinet never really existed, but conspiracy theories around it suggest those who played it, died or started hallucinating, all as part of an experiment by some organisation.”
Tiaan said when growing up, he loved reading horror books and watching horror films.
“I then realised I could also contribute to this genre somehow, and with an idea for a book, and many months of lockdown, it happened.
“I love horror, and I love anything that’s removed from reality, and personally I struggle to find books that can tick both these boxes. I decided I would contribute to the genre, starting with Polybius.
“I believe that urban legends are a mostly untapped well of fascinating tales waiting to be turned into full-length stories, most of them on the darker side.”
Polybius is aimed at teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25. The gaming community will also find interest in it as they are familiar with Polybius.
“I think people should buy this book because it is unlike most other books. What’s certain is that no fairy tale was written.
“The main character is the villain and a happy ending is rather unlikely. This is a story that doesn’t hold back, and prides itself on that.
“But also, this book was written for people who hate reading, meaning small chapters and no words wasted on being unnecessarily decorative. Simply put, it’s a book that won’t be put down halfway through,” he said.
Besides writing, Tiaan enjoys making food, especially baking pastries such as pies.
His mother, Liezl described him as a really “old soul”.
For more information, email: tiaandebod2@gmail.com.