America City

In this alarming narrative of the near future, Beckett (Dark Eden) engages not with graphic descriptions of climate change and imperialism run amok, but with an unflinching portrayal of humans’ potential for self-deception. America is divided between the economically stable North and the storm-ravaged South, and political tensions and rampant rumors launched by sophisticated AIs are ripping the country apart. Some Northerners give lip-service sympathy to the desperate Southerners but do little to aid them; others set up barricades to keep out climate refugees. Into the breach steps Washington State Sen. Stephen Slaymaker, a right-wing politician who pledges to unite the country in an effort to save the world from environmental catastrophe. His PR executive, Holly Peacock, defies her partner and their elite friends to assist in Slaymaker’s presidential campaign, inspiring the survivors of superstorms to agree to transplant America to a far northern location that will be safer from nature’s wrath. As Holly’s loosely held liberalism gives way to Slaymaker’s populist policies, she begins facilitating his violent, reactionary tactics, eager to win power and security for herself and Slaymaker’s supporters. Though the writing isn’t always strong enough to support Beckett’s provocative questions and challenging message, readers looking for a new and hauntingly realistic dystopia will find plenty to enjoy, question, and ponder. Agent: John Jarrold, John Jarrold Agency. (Mar.)