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“[A] stunningly well-crafted science fiction novel…” —The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly (10 out of 10)
A reclusive empath confronts his role in the war that shattered the United States.
Fifty years ago, civil war fractured the United States into a mosaic of polarized nations. Ever since, Harmony “Bibi” Cain has isolated himself: from society, from technology, from family. A powerful empath weary from the constant intrusion of others’ emotions, he’s cloistered in his rural Wisconsin retirement community where he hopes to find, if not peace, then at least a little quiet.
But when four impossible assassinations shake North America, Bibi is forced into an investigation he wants nothing to do with. The victims were killed by drones that only an empath can control—and decades ago, Bibi was part of the wartime program that created them: the program that weaponized empathy.
“[A] story written so well that, no matter how perfect, surprising, and complete the ending, readers will want to return in search of even more. It’s just that good.” —BlueInk Review in Booklist (Starred Review)
“Giesler pushes readers to think deeply about how we connect to each other…” —The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly (10 out of 10)
“A brainy near-future SF novel of exploited neurons and expanding consciousness.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Provocative, empathetic dystopian SF with a sense of narrative playfulness.” —BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly (Editor’s Pick)
“Wow. Wow wow wow…this was a captivating, entertaining, and enlightening read.” —Judge, 31st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards