Reaping Independence

A Novel

Kwynn's latest hack exposes her location to The Directive, a clandestine government agency, who wants answers from Kwynn… but there’s another super secret society encircling and protecting her because her dead father is probably at the center of this clusterf*ck. Now, Kwynn’s gotta run to keep her freedom and unlock her destiny.

As unnamed terrorists escalate a series of attacks on the power grid, Glenn, a middle management electric company man, must stop the intrusions. For his job. For his daughter’s life saving medications. To save his missing cat.

And, Murray, a PI, is stuck sneaking pictures of a minor starlet from the bushes until he nicks a single bit of crucial information. The Directive and a pair of ‘droids require that info and he figures there must be a payday in here somewhere. All he’s looking for is the cash to retire to Costa Rica. Problem is he could pay with his life.

REAPING INDEPENDENCE tracks an ensemble cast as their twisting paths merge over seven days while they scurry to rescue Los Angeles from riotous self-destruction.

While influenced by William Gibson's tantalizingly out of reach technology, cliff-hanger chapters, and rich storytelling, this book sits on the many dusty shelves in the clean homes of people who enjoy Chuck Wendig, David Mitchell, Kazuo Ishiguro, gargoyles, droids, secret societies & tacos.

©2022 Jeffrey Messineo (P)2024 Jeffrey Messineo

Cautionary tale wrapped in enigma

I'm glad I've worked in the tech industry or half the geek-speak used in this story would be over my head. Even so, the plot oozes over the characters like cheese over a flame, smothering them with chaotic situations and coincidental solutions. Not truly narrated, but read with the occasional spoken sound effect. Definitely an acquired flavor. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.0x.]