by Ted Dekker
First published 2011
Rom lives in a world where peace reigns supreme. No wars rage. No hatred burns. No anger flares. Civilization survived its apocalyptic moment and emerged into perfect tranquility. But this peace comes with a price that no one remembers paying. Every person walking the earth appears normal yet carries a terrible truth. They are all dead inside, genetically altered long ago to strip away authentic human emotion and desire. Fleeing from pursuers with death closing in, Rom stumbles upon a vial of blood and a mysterious message. The blood promises resurrection to true life. The writing offers cryptic directions for a dangerous path ahead. When Rom drinks the blood, he awakens to genuine humanity for the first time. But this gift carries a double edge. Along with love and authentic life, the blood also awakens darker impulses that were silenced. Hatred returns. Ambition stirs. Greed emerges. Now Rom must choose between the safety of artificial peace and the perilous journey toward awakening all of humanity. His quest will demand abandoning everything familiar and safe. The stakes could not be higher in this medieval future where death wears the mask of civilization.
Genres: science-fiction, dystopia, speculative-fiction, thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Civilization
Period: Medieval Future
384 pages · Hardcover · Center Street
Content warnings: violence