*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: In a world eerily parallel to our own, life is bisected by the Barrier—a monolithic edifice that symbolizes division and control. It segregates nations and dictates the very fate of those bold enough to cross. Journeys north are fraught with treacherous trials, yet they glimmer with the promise of a better life.
Right Hand of the Resistance, a gripping dystopian tale by Paul Michael Peters, four lives intertwine in a world divided by an unyielding Barrier. A mother's love knows no bounds as she embarks on a perilous journey across the northern border, determined to save her daughter from an uncertain fate. A politician, caught in the crosshairs of election cycles, grapples with the weight of his choices, knowing that the lives of many hang in the balance. A rebel leader, having sacrificed his right hand, becomes the emblem of a powerful resistance, igniting the flames of rebellion against oppression. And a man, driven by the power of love, risks everything to find his soulmate in a world turned upside down.
Through their interconnected stories, Paul Michael Peters crafts a haunting narrative that challenges the very notion of how far we should go to treat one another with dignity in the face of adversity. As the characters navigate the treacherous landscape of the Barrier, readers are forced to confront the consequences of a society torn apart by division and control. Right Hand of the Resistance is a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together in the face of insurmountable odds.
This novel is told in nine chapters, each chapter a separate short story but all linked through recurring characters and the exploration of an alternate human society where a Barrier separates nations and war, revolution and rebellion are ripping communities apart 'for the greater good'.
While the format and chapter headings reminded me, at first, of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, this story is a modern, or even futuristic one. Similarities to reality can be traced in obvious elements like the politicians of PaxAmericana bickering about refugees crossing the Barrier, but there are more nuanced comparisons here to be uncovered and the book taken as a whole forms an interestingly balanced and insightful exploration of current world tensions, political dilemmas and the impact of such high-level turbulence on the everyday people simply trying to live their daily lives below.
In this story we find zealots, refugees, revolutionaries, career politicians, soldiers, spies and the aforementioned 'everyday people', as they forge and stumble their way determinedly or hopelessly, powerfully or powerlessly, through this series of interconnected tales.
Thought-provoking to the point of fearing for the future of our own non-fictional reality, but still action-packed and fast-paced rather than preachy or pontificating, this feels like an important read for anyone interested in world events and the current socio-political climate, or anyone who prefers their science fiction on the scarily realistic side.
"I must do this for my daughter's life," Dona Ávila said aloud as the icy cold river water passed her waist. "For my daughter," she repeated with each thrust of her leg into the thick black mud, and again lifting it from the knee-deep vacuum created underfoot that pulled it back down. "My daughter." Her hand recoiled from the sting of the rope burn, scaling into the dark jungle ravine.
- Paul Michael Peters, Right Hand of the Resistance
About the author
Paul Michael Peters is an acclaimed American author, masterfully weaving narratives that traverse the realms of thrillers, suspense, and the beautifully unexpected. Renowned for his adeptness at crafting compelling twists and delving into life's quirky tangents, he invites readers into worlds both startlingly dystopian and intimately human.
His upcoming works for June 2024 promise to further cement his reputation. 'Right Hand of the Resistance' is a riveting political science fiction thriller set against a backdrop of a dystopian border crisis, challenging the very essence of the golden rule. Meanwhile, 'Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge' is a collection of enchanting short stories, each a tribute to the majesty and mystery of the Great Lakes. His first non-fiction work, "Business Advice for Emerging Leaders: Mastering Core Principles with Truisms and Actionable Worksheets."
Paul Michael Peters recent offerings include 'Broken Objects,' a poignant historical fiction narrative following Linnea Karlsson's coming-of-age during the Gilded Age, and 'Combustible Punch,' a thriller that explores the psychological entanglement between a serial killer and a high school shooting survivor. His portfolio also boasts titles like 'The Symmetry of Snowflakes' and 'Insensible Loss,' each a testament to his narrative versatility and depth.
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Website link: https://www.paulmichaelpeters.com/
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