First published 2008
The year is 2043. Nuclear bombs have destroyed New York and Washington. The United States has split into two warring nations: the Islamic Republic controlled by violent fundamentalists called the Black Robes, and the chaotic Christian Bible Belt. When the Islamic Republic's president learns that a Bible Belt warlord known as the Colonel seeks a hidden superweapon, he sends retired shadow warrior Rakkim Epps on a deadly mission. Rakkim must infiltrate the Belt and destroy the weapon before it can be used. He travels with Leo, a nineteen-year-old whose enhanced brain holds the key to their success. They move through lawless territory where drug-fueled militias prepare for the End Times. At the Colonel's mountain stronghold, Rakkim faces the Colonel's brutal enforcer Gravenholtz and the Colonel's dangerous wife Baby. Meanwhile, the Old One, an ancient Muslim fanatic, plots from his ocean liner to stop Rakkim at any cost. Rakkim must rely on his shadow warrior skills to survive enemies on all sides.
Genres: action, political-thriller, alternate-history, apocalyptic
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York, Washington, Islamic Republic, Christian Bible Belt
Period: 2043
384 pages · Hardcover · Scribner
Content warnings: violence