Critical Intellectuals Pushed Aside by Podcasters, Influencers; Young People Face Value Gap

Zoran Opalić, a Croatian designer and digital communicator known for his work in branding and digital communications, is venturing into the literary world with his new political thrillers. Writing under the pseudonym Ethan Blackwood, Opalić has launched a series of novels in English that delve into complex geopolitical and societal issues.

His debut novel, "Zero State," introduced the character Ethan Cross, with the sequel, "White Horizon," further immersing readers in a world teetering on the brink of political and geopolitical instability. The narratives unfold against backdrops of New York in disarray, Washington under pressure, and a Europe on edge, hinting at global power shifts and hidden operations beneath the Arctic ice.

Beyond the cinematic plots involving nuclear threats and secret operations, Opalić's work probes deeper questions relevant to contemporary life. He explores the erosion of trust in institutions, the control of information in the digital age, the ethical boundaries of technology, and the societal impact of fear, mistrust, and frustration.

Opalić's own professional journey is as multifaceted as his writing. He previously served as the art director for Večernji list and founded the lifestyle magazine madeIN in Croatia. For years, he has divided his time between Europe and the United States, a dual continental existence that seems to inform the global scope of his fictional endeavors.