Alice Drake and her friends know they are different to the others living in Drake’s Village, a tiny Adirondack paradise hidden away from the apocalyptic world surrounding them. The once proud United States of America is in tatters after the right-wing fascist government of the 2020s brought it to its knees some fifty years ago. Now survival is perilous in a country overrun by violent gangs.

As the violence intrudes into Alice’s life, she and her friends discover that their skills might be able to save not only their village but the North Country beyond. But how can a group of teenagers save the world from fascism?

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Book Snapshot

• Alice Drake and the Crystals of Eden is a dystopian fantasy.
• This book is for Young Adults and up. 
• Some violence and critical of right wing, fascism in the United States.
• 343 pages and approximate word count is 103,000
• ISBN 978 1 80016 922 7 / ASIN BOD7QBRR4M
• Published 2024
• Paperback and electronic versions available, English language

Steve’s Corner

This is one of my favorite books.  The central premise is in 2024 to 2028, the United States Government will destroy the United States, as we know it.  By 2078, fifty years later, the central question I wrote about is what would North America look like?  With a masters degree in public policy and management, this was not simply fantasy development.  I wanted to really try to describe what might happen.  Small cities and towns will cease to exist, falling back into lawless territories.  Why?  Most little towns right now have no money.  Perhaps they can afford a Mayor, a Sheriff, and a person patching roads, sewers, and waterlines.  That is it. 

Fifty years of this really means total collapse.  On the other hand, large metropolitan areas are almost the opposite, with resources to be self-sufficient.  My belief, as things in the rural and suburban areas become stressed, these cities will put up barriers or walls to make sure they protect their resources and services.  Once this happens, it will dramatically change the way society behaves.  Add right-wing fascism and a gun culture into the mix, and the United States is now a dystopia.  This is the premise of the book.   

Review Highlights

• “A very enjoyable read, full of emotion, intrigue, and action. The settings, characters, and plot were all well described and defined. Thought-provoking, entertaining, and easy to read.”
• “This is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking book that is sure to captivate readers. It has absolutely nothing to dislike, and the editing is impeccable. It deserves 5 out of 5 stars”
• “This book sounds like a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrilling adventures and immersive storytelling.”
• “The book is really a question: How does this young girl and her friends rescue the North Country (New England) and reestablish civilization?”