Empire City

More about the book

This dark, nimble novel offers a compelling exploration of an alternate historical reality that resonates with contemporary issues. Gallagher solidifies his status as a leading voice in American literature, delivering sharp, energetic prose and vividly alive characters. The narrative follows a group of super-powered soldiers and civilians navigating an imperial America on the verge of upheaval, appealing to fans of notable works like The Fortress of Solitude. Set thirty years after a significant victory in Vietnam, the U.S. finds itself entangled in another endless foreign war. The stories of super soldiers, known as the Volunteers, are woven into the fabric of American life, while violent protests and political strife erupt across the nation. Amidst the chaos, the Volunteers await orders in Empire City, where they encounter civilians aware of their true powers, including Sebastian Rios, a bureaucrat grappling with survivor guilt, and Mia Tucker, a wounded pilot turned banker. As tensions rise, a controversial retired general emerges as a presidential candidate, promising to restore order through military control. Gallagher's evocative prose paints a rousing vision of an alternate yet familiar America on the brink of transformation.