"A deep-thinking, thought-provoking novel." - Independent Book Review "Morell's alternate history feels dense with realistic detail. ... a fascinating thought experiment exploring notions of self-determination and freedom." - Kirkus Reviews "Perhaps now is the best time for Aaron Morell's book to appear ... in the midst of national turmoil that impacts personal relationships as much as politics with questions of control, power, and law." - D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review "Morell masterfully delivers a frighteningly plausible dystopian tale." - Booklife Reviews "Thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this novel is a compelling exploration of the fragile balance between power, perception, and the human spirit." - International Book Review In this fictional travelogue, journalist Roman Wolfe ventures into the heart of Independence, a nation formed after widespread secession movements scorched North America. As Roman navigates the rural plains and insular communities of this fledgling country, he witnesses the struggles, aspirations, and contradictions of a people grappling with its identity. Independence teeters between resilience and collapse, where the promise of self-determination clashes with the weight of fractured loyalties and an uncertain future. Independence is a country of stark contrasts: fiercely self-reliant yet struggling under scarcity, united by purpose yet divided by mistrust. Roman's journey takes him through desolate farmlands and fiery political gatherings. He observes the lives of those who thrive, falter, and fight in this young nation. His observations reveal a place where resources are stretched thin and alliances fragile. Roman's mission takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn when he reconnects with Kat Taylor, an inexperienced, albeit resourceful, veterinarian whose steely resolve belies the emotional scars of a life shaped by sacrifice. Their reunion stirs old emotions and raises questions about trust, connection, and how to build a future amid the country's inescapable austerity. Political tensions reach a breaking point as power players prepare to seize their moment. Roman finds himself caught between his role as a chronicler of history and his stake in its unfolding. The novel becomes both an intimate portrait of two people grappling with their shared history and a sweeping examination of a country searching for its identity. This novel captures the triumphs and tragedies of those navigating life in an uncertain world. More