It Began With A Whisper

Ranked in the Amazon Bestsellers for both “Utopian Ideology” and “Politics & Government for Young Adults.”

Buy ebook or paperback:

Available worldwide on Amazon, Fishpond, exlibris, Saxo, and more.

Audiobook available from:

The audiobook is also available on Booktopia, Kobo, Audiobook.com, and other audiobook platforms.

Reading Age: Mature - 15+

Ebook ISBN: 978-1764217736

Publication Date: 8th November, 2025

Paperback ISBN: 978-1764217705

Audiobook ASIN: B0G26WWYCH

About the Book

Already ranked in the Amazon Top 50 for both “Utopian Ideology” and “Politics & Government for Young Adults,” this YA dystopian is catching the attention of readers and educators alike.

Written by Michael A. Matteo, our new YA Dystopian asks a big question:

What are your thoughts worth to you?

Thawtless is a peaceful society where everyone is equal and the residents are content to follow the only rule that matters:

Thinking is against the law.

During a school lunch break, Idere hears a voice whispering in his own head. He couldn’t turn it off. Now he’s in danger of being banished from the only place he has ever known. Under a deceptive government of self-elected officials, Idere must find an answer to the new question plaguing him:

Is this what you want?

In this coming-of-age story, Idere must find a way to fit in, or make an unthinkable sacrifice.

Reviews

This is a dystopian allegory set in the authoritarian world of Thawtless, a society where “thinking is against the law.” Through the eyes of Idere, a boy born into this thoughtless utopia, Matteo crafts a chilling and incisive exploration of conformity, censorship, and the moral cost of obedience. The narrative follows Idere’s evolution from a fearful child to a quiet revolutionary, guided by the mysterious “voice” in his mind (the last vestige of free thought in a world that punishes individuality).

Stylistically, Matteo’s prose is accessible yet deliberate, blending the parable-like simplicity of Lois Lowry’s The Giver with the political warning of George Orwell’s 1984. The bureaucratic absurdities of Thawtless — its “Conformity Schools,” “White List,” and AI-assigned names — mirror real-world anxieties about surveillance, groupthink, and ideological suppression. The story’s emotional core lies in Idere’s relationships: with his fearful parents, with his compassionate friend Itry, and with the inner voice urging him toward consciousness...

It Began with a Whisper is not merely dystopian fiction. It's a moral fable about courage and the sacredness of thought. Matteo reminds readers that totalitarian control begins not with violence but with the silencing of curiosity. This quietly powerful novel will resonate with anyone concerned about intellectual freedom in an age of algorithmic conformity and social obedience.

-David Maywald, best-selling author

I sat all day, glued to my chair, to finish this book in one sitting and I feel in my heart and soul this book will be counted among the classics in literature.

The powerful social commentary can be likened to the greats - Animal Farm, Lords of the Flies, 1984, The City of Embers, the Giver.

I don't want to give anything away or spoil your experience, so I will just say that it's a must read for every student, teacher, parent, and citizen - an opportunity to see beyond the illusion, to cause you to think, and to weigh the consequences of your choices while journeying with the main character of this story.

This book has the potential to change the world!

-Laura Muchmore, author

AS SEEN ON

Emeka Unscripted

BizPacReview

Goodreads

Every reader of It Began With A Whisper unlocks free additional resources, including a study guide for schools. These align with Appointed Media’s values and mission. Each was created by high school teacher and author, Michael A. Matteo, and reviewed by a qualified Australian teacher.

FAQs

• Who is It Began with a Whisper written for?

  It Began with a Whisper is ideal for readers who enjoy thoughtful, high-impact dystopian fiction. It suits mature audiences (15+), educators, and anyone interested in themes of censorship, free thought, and moral courage. Its accessible style makes it an excellent choice for both independent reading and guided study. Content warnings are available here.

• Is this book appropriate for classroom teaching?

  Yes. The novel’s allegorical structure, ethical questions, and social commentary make it a powerful text for secondary English, humanities, and civics. Teachers have used it to spark discussions on conformity, critical thinking, propaganda, and the value of personal agency.

• Are there teaching or discussion resources available?

  A growing collection of educator resources (including discussion prompts and curriculum-aligned materials) is available through Appointed Media. These are designed to support both classroom teachers and homeschool families.

• What formats is the book available in?

  The story is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook, giving readers flexible options to experience the world of Thawtless. The audiobook is narrated by Peter McGiffen, bringing the atmosphere and tension of the story to life.

• Can the book be used in book clubs or group study?

  Absolutely. Its layered themes and rich symbolism offer plenty to unpack in group settings. Many readers have found that discussing the book deepens the impact of its message.

• Is this book suitable for reluctant or struggling readers?

  Yes. The writing is clear and deliberate, while still offering depth. The story’s themes and relatability keep readers engaged, and the allegorical style helps reluctant readers grasp complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed. A vocabulary guide is also available.

• How long is the book?

  The novel is a concise, tightly crafted read designed to be completed in a few sittings. Many readers finish it in one day due to the length and emotional pull of the story.

• Is the audiobook unabridged?

  Yes. The audiobook is a full, unabridged version of the novel, narrated in UK English by Peter McGiffen.

• Are there content warnings?

  Yes. The book is appropriate for mature audiences, due to the themes explored. The content warnings are available here.

• Does the audiobook have music?

  No. The audiobook features a single narrator, Peter McGiffen. You can listen to a sample above.

• What is Peter McGiffen's narrator style?

  Peter McGiffen tells his stories with dramatic flare, giving each character a distinct voice. His voice is rich, with an accent from the UK.

• How can I get it at my local library?

  The audiobook is available on Hoopla, a platform many libraries use for digital borrowing.

  If your library doesn’t have it yet, you can request a copy by giving them the title, ISBN/ASIN, and publisher details (all listed at the top of this page). Most libraries are happy to add books when readers ask. Just complete a form on your local library’s website or ask a librarian for help.