Raging Falcon by Stephen C. Perkins

If the paranoia surrounding mind control and global-scale governmental conspiracies was ever shown to be true, this world could tear itself apart at the seams. In Raging Falcon, the debut novel of author Stephen C. Perkins, it just might happen. For readers who enjoy genre-bending fiction, this story makes for an adventurous and sometimes exhausting read for a premise that is at once fantastical and plausible.

In the world of this novel, magic is alive and well in the deepest core of global politics, and psychological sorcerers have managed to infiltrate every level of society, orchestrating the greatest trick ever conceived. Trimming the fat of humankind has resulted in a brutal and unforgiving vision of the future, but in every dystopian world, there is the potential for heroism.

Combining intense human drama and excellent character development, particularly between the two generations of protagonist Jims, Perkins makes readers care about each and every character he introduces. There is no clear line between good and evil in this novel, only complex shades of grey that are masterfully spun and debated in the prose.

With an imagination as rich as this, Perkins promises to have a long future in this dynamic niche, particularly if the world continues on its present chaotic course. The book asks readers to suspend their disbelief, but reminds them to pay close attention to the political, social, and philosophical messages woven throughout the action-packed storyline. A riveting, creative, and frightening novel.