L.S. Larson's Blog
February 24, 2019
Don’t Get Left Behind
...
Sheer fantasy and delight await those who scroll through the world’s first immersive novel: IGIST (the Intergalactic Institute of Science and Technology), now available on iOS and soon to be on Android platforms. The journey’s medium is an innovative app that combines the essential elements of an e-reader with gamified techniques you might find in Angry Birds or your favorite filter on TikTok. The real power of the experience stems from the compelling story that is elegantly enhanced by all the capabilities of your smartphone. Marrying technology and art, the IGIST Experience app immerses the reader and transports them to the IGIST Universe.
Check out App Preview.
As you enter the IGIST Experience app, an opening crawl sequence transports you to the not-so-distant future. Picture a teenager dreaming of this universe where mankind has spread across the cosmos, and orbiting the moon is a space station called IGIST, the most prestigious science university in the solar system. IGIST teaches its students to overcome the most complex scientific challenges in the galaxy by instilling in them a simple ethos: No matter what problems we face an idea can prevail. The IGIST universe isn’t perfect though. Over the last hundred years, there has been a space brain drain, leaving Earth a dreary backwater and frightening location for those left behind. The bygones, those left on Earth, are terrorized by an amoebic monster that is the plague.
Enter our heroine, a young woman named Emi, who dreams of escaping the plague-ravaged Earth, attending the elite IGIST, and becoming a great scientist. Emi is a strong-willed student with crazy determination, a spark of creativity, and an unquenchable desire to make an impact. In her first year at IGIST, Emi enters the Agon, the most renowned science competition in the galaxy, with the goal of creating a remedy for the plague to save her fellow bygones.
Described as a “stellar futuristic tale” in a Kirkus Review, the story is a breathless succession of escapes, intellectual pursuits, unexpected encounters, and dangerous missions. True to the nature of progress, Emi and her comrades persevere through countless defeats, making for an enthralling adventure. The power of the story comes from the rich detail of the IGIST universe well as the courage of our heroine Emi, who overcomes her obsession of working alone, evolving into a great teammate and leader.
Despite the captivating drama, the world of IGIST is chock-full of wonderful delights, such as the tradition of IGIST pranks, known as Sputniks. In one notable Sputnik, IGIST seniors burn the name of the school onto rival Apollo University’s home turf on the moon large enough for the people on Earth to see it. Hailing from all over the galaxy, the dynamic cast of characters includes Emi’s orb-shaped, flying droid companion, Sadee; the ever-optimistic Hans, a deep space explorer attending IGIST via hologram; shaggy, yak-like giants dubbed Wardens, the gatekeepers to the school; and Jack Lemore, a transhuman figure who morphs into a tiger-like humanoid, known as a misfit. The colorful characters display their emotions, fears, and triumphs on a human scale, in the midst of a distinctive, sci-fi universe.
So, is it a book? A game? An augmented reality app? The immersive novel enhances the story with photorealistic illustrations and animations that pop up throughout the text. As readers progress through the story, they earn badges and coins which they can then use to purchase character portraits and stickers, as well as character cards.
In addition, augmented reality features enable readers to turn themselves into a hologram and interact with the props, settings, and characters from the story.
Check out App Augemented Reality Features that bring hard copy to life!
So this is a story about a girl who wants to go to space? Well yes but it’s also a story about friendship, perseverance and about believing in yourself. This is a story about overcoming the odds and the importance of working as a team. Ultimately this is a story encompassing the belief that the right idea can over come any challenge.
IGIST
L.S. Larson
January 23, 2019
Meet the IGIST Characters Part III
In the last installment of "Meet the IGIST Characters" we'll introduce you to four more IGIST Characters: Archimedes, Volta, Florin and Celeste Tusk.
Celeste Tusk
Celeste is a wealthy business tycoon who started Tusk Enterprise, a technology company. She has a knack for pinpointing people’s deepest desires and making them a reality. Although she dropped out of a prestigious star school, she uses her smarts to build and capitalize on people's needs. She puts urgency on herself and those around her to get what she wants and to move forward as a professional.
She pushes herself to stay on top and to continuously grow her business. Her power allows her to offer opportunities and help to those who are willing to give her something in return, but she always gets what she wants.
Archimedes
Archimedes is the Chancellor of IGIST . He loves working at the school and is always looking for ways to progress the school further. His dedication to the school and easy-going spirit make him an asset to the students he supports. He believes in the school and its mission to further space and science.
He is able to connect and empathize with every student and teachers, allowing him to understand complex situations and other people’s ideas. When inspiration is around him, he knows how to help it grow. 
Volta
Volta is an enthusiastic professor at IGIST . He has many accomplishments under his belt within the scientific field, making him a highly sought after mentor to many p-lumins. His lessons are presented with encouragement and passion. His animation and joy for science helps fuel his student’s inspiration and journeys.
He wants to see all of his students succeed. When a students approaches him with an idea, he will do everything in his power to aid their project to completion.
Florin
Florin is a talented professor at IGIST who has had to overcome the odds of being a bygone to get to where she is now. As a teacher she is demanding of her students, pushing them to do their best and to think critically when approaching challenging concepts. She is assigned as Emi’s mentor during her first year at IGIST .
She wants to help her students succeed at IGIST just as she did. Florin believes that true merit and dedication, along with intelligence and structure, are the keys to excel at IGIST.
Celeste Tusk
Celeste is a wealthy business tycoon who started Tusk Enterprise, a technology company. She has a knack for pinpointing people’s deepest desires and making them a reality. Although she dropped out of a prestigious star school, she uses her smarts to build and capitalize on people's needs. She puts urgency on herself and those around her to get what she wants and to move forward as a professional.
She pushes herself to stay on top and to continuously grow her business. Her power allows her to offer opportunities and help to those who are willing to give her something in return, but she always gets what she wants.
January 21, 2019
Science in the City Reviews IGIST
I wanted to share a blog post from Science in the City.
You can read the full blog post here.
Excerpt from the blog:
My Son’s Review
As I mentioned, I first gave it to my son to read: He loved it! He actually likes to read but is a pretty picky reader. He texted me from school during the day to tell me how much he loved the book!
He says his favorite part was when the main character got into IGIST and was so happy about it. He recommends this book for teens and older tweens, as well as anyone who likes Science, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. He thinks that while it would be appropriate for younger kids, they would not as much out of it.
He gives this book an overall score of 8/10 because the story was good and exciting to follow, and it also showed character traits such as determination and problem-solving, as well as confidence, in the main character.
*Disclaimer: We send out free books to any blogger or reviewer who wants to review the book. Note Science in the City Blog was sent a free copy. Interested in writing a review? Send an email to: contact@igist.com.
IGIST
L.S. Larson
You can read the full blog post here.
Excerpt from the blog:
My Son’s Review
As I mentioned, I first gave it to my son to read: He loved it! He actually likes to read but is a pretty picky reader. He texted me from school during the day to tell me how much he loved the book!
He says his favorite part was when the main character got into IGIST and was so happy about it. He recommends this book for teens and older tweens, as well as anyone who likes Science, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. He thinks that while it would be appropriate for younger kids, they would not as much out of it.
He gives this book an overall score of 8/10 because the story was good and exciting to follow, and it also showed character traits such as determination and problem-solving, as well as confidence, in the main character.
*Disclaimer: We send out free books to any blogger or reviewer who wants to review the book. Note Science in the City Blog was sent a free copy. Interested in writing a review? Send an email to: contact@igist.com.
IGIST
L.S. Larson
Meet the IGIST Characters Part II
Described as a “stellar futuristic tale” in a Kirkus Review, IGIST is a breathless succession of escapes, intellectual pursuits, unexpected encounters, and dangerous missions.
Despite the captivating drama, the world of IGIST is chock-full of wonderful delights, such as the tradition of IGIST pranks, known as Sputniks. In one notable Sputnik, IGIST seniors burn the name of the school onto rival Apollo University’s home turf on the moon large enough for the people on Earth to see it.
The real magic of IGIST is the characters, that I think you're going to love. In this post we're introducing you to three more IGIST characters: Sadee, Balin and Jilli.
Sadee
Sadee is Emi’s drone and companion that Emi built with her father after her mother’s disappearance. Although she is mostly a computer, she wants to understand and feel human emotion just like Emi can. Her desire to understand the complexity of things around her makes her the most open-minded friend. She wants nothing but the best for Emi, to the point that she will go to every length to help her.
Even though she is not the most funny, she is there for Emi through thick and thin to provide support and ease of mind. She is curious, loyal, and protective of Emi and Emi’s goals. Sadee helps Emi through all challenges.
Balin
Balin is a Warden at IGIST. Wardens are half man- half yak creatures who help and watch over students as they enter IGIST. Balin, although supposed to remain indifferent towards all students, has a soft spot for students who remind him of himself and his own struggles.
He is kind-hearted and resourceful for the students he works with. His stories and journey inspire the students around him. Even if he isn’t supposed to pick favorites students, sometimes he just can’t help seeing that they succeed.
Jilli
Jacqueline “Jack” Lemore is a space transporter who yearns to become an animal-human hybrid creature called a misfit to make her outside appearance match who she is on the inside. As Emi’s best friend, Jack is not only supportive of her but also determined to see her achieve her dreams. Jack is caring, gentle, and shy about how others view her and how they will view her once she makes her transition.
Jack never backs down from a challenge. She stands up and fights for what she believes in: peace and equality for everyone. Disciplined in her own way, Jack never strays away from who she is deep down.
IGIST
L.S. Larson
Despite the captivating drama, the world of IGIST is chock-full of wonderful delights, such as the tradition of IGIST pranks, known as Sputniks. In one notable Sputnik, IGIST seniors burn the name of the school onto rival Apollo University’s home turf on the moon large enough for the people on Earth to see it.
The real magic of IGIST is the characters, that I think you're going to love. In this post we're introducing you to three more IGIST characters: Sadee, Balin and Jilli.
Sadee
Sadee is Emi’s drone and companion that Emi built with her father after her mother’s disappearance. Although she is mostly a computer, she wants to understand and feel human emotion just like Emi can. Her desire to understand the complexity of things around her makes her the most open-minded friend. She wants nothing but the best for Emi, to the point that she will go to every length to help her.
Even though she is not the most funny, she is there for Emi through thick and thin to provide support and ease of mind. She is curious, loyal, and protective of Emi and Emi’s goals. Sadee helps Emi through all challenges.
Balin
Balin is a Warden at IGIST. Wardens are half man- half yak creatures who help and watch over students as they enter IGIST. Balin, although supposed to remain indifferent towards all students, has a soft spot for students who remind him of himself and his own struggles.
He is kind-hearted and resourceful for the students he works with. His stories and journey inspire the students around him. Even if he isn’t supposed to pick favorites students, sometimes he just can’t help seeing that they succeed.
Jilli
Jacqueline “Jack” Lemore is a space transporter who yearns to become an animal-human hybrid creature called a misfit to make her outside appearance match who she is on the inside. As Emi’s best friend, Jack is not only supportive of her but also determined to see her achieve her dreams. Jack is caring, gentle, and shy about how others view her and how they will view her once she makes her transition.
Jack never backs down from a challenge. She stands up and fights for what she believes in: peace and equality for everyone. Disciplined in her own way, Jack never strays away from who she is deep down.
IGIST
L.S. Larson
January 20, 2019
Meet the IGIST Characters Part I
Hailing from all over the galaxy, the dynamic cast of characters includes our heroine, Emi as well as her orb-shaped, flying droid companion, Sadee; the ever-optimistic Hans, a deep space explorer attending IGIST via hologram; shaggy, yak-like giants dubbed Wardens, the gatekeepers to the school; and Jack Lemore, a transhuman figure who morphs into a tiger-like humanoid, known as a misfit. The colorful characters display their emotions, fears, and triumphs on a human scale, in the midst of a distinctive, sci-fi universe.
Emi
Emi is a young girl who wants nothing more than to go to space and enroll at IGIST, the most prestigious school in the galaxy. She is an intelligent bygone, someone born on earth, who wants to be a great scientist like her mother before her. After losing her father to the dreaded plague on earth, she finds herself alone to make her dreams a reality. Her passion to solve difficult problems and prove her self worth as a scientist drives her through her studies and to go further than anyone else.
She is not one to give up easily, but rather pushes herself to overcome all odds. Her ability to look at complex problems from a new perspective makes her an asset to those around her.
Hans
Hans is a scout, someone who is exploring the galaxy to find habitable planets for humans to build life on. Although he is light years away from IGIST, he is able to project his hologram on campus to attend the school and get his education. Most scouts change their avatar’s appearance to come off more attractive, but Hans keeps his avatar true to who he really is. He is not afraid to stand up for his morals and to call out others for doing the wrong thing.
While being a bright and talented students at IGIST, he struggles with the perception of his peers and how they treat scouts. One of his biggest influencers is Fortna, a scout who has discovered a new habitable planet for humankind. His technological skills make him a highly sought after partner to his peers.
Ankor
Ankor is a first year student at IGIST. Originally from Mars, he was the number one prospective student upon entering the school and plans on staying in the top spot. Him and his twin sister, Achimi, are unapologetically smart. He can be a bully at times, especially towards those he feels are below him as he comes from a wealthy family, but at times he is charismatic and a natural leader.
Despite starting at an advantage, Ankor fears failing and wants to be the best among those around him. He is diligent in his schoolwork and works hard for all that he wants.
IGIST
Emi
Emi is a young girl who wants nothing more than to go to space and enroll at IGIST, the most prestigious school in the galaxy. She is an intelligent bygone, someone born on earth, who wants to be a great scientist like her mother before her. After losing her father to the dreaded plague on earth, she finds herself alone to make her dreams a reality. Her passion to solve difficult problems and prove her self worth as a scientist drives her through her studies and to go further than anyone else.
She is not one to give up easily, but rather pushes herself to overcome all odds. Her ability to look at complex problems from a new perspective makes her an asset to those around her.
Hans
Hans is a scout, someone who is exploring the galaxy to find habitable planets for humans to build life on. Although he is light years away from IGIST, he is able to project his hologram on campus to attend the school and get his education. Most scouts change their avatar’s appearance to come off more attractive, but Hans keeps his avatar true to who he really is. He is not afraid to stand up for his morals and to call out others for doing the wrong thing.
While being a bright and talented students at IGIST, he struggles with the perception of his peers and how they treat scouts. One of his biggest influencers is Fortna, a scout who has discovered a new habitable planet for humankind. His technological skills make him a highly sought after partner to his peers.
Ankor
Ankor is a first year student at IGIST. Originally from Mars, he was the number one prospective student upon entering the school and plans on staying in the top spot. Him and his twin sister, Achimi, are unapologetically smart. He can be a bully at times, especially towards those he feels are below him as he comes from a wealthy family, but at times he is charismatic and a natural leader.
Despite starting at an advantage, Ankor fears failing and wants to be the best among those around him. He is diligent in his schoolwork and works hard for all that he wants.
IGIST
January 19, 2019
IGIST at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff
Fantastic time today up in Flagstaff at Lowell Observatory. Amazing venue where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Fun poll on FB and with crowd as to whether Pluto is a planet.
Thanks to everyone who came out. Aim Far!
IGIST
Thanks to everyone who came out. Aim Far!
IGIST
