BY MEANS OF PEACE

Johnston’s SF novel provides an unsettling reminder that some things never change.

Twenty-seven-year-old Darien Segura is a writer and conspiracy theory aficionado living in the 22nd-century U.S. As Segura’s generation enjoys the technology of our dreams, their lives are entangled in a nightmare of bureaucratic inefficiency: A two-party political system self-perpetuates through conflict, while corrupt politicians pay lip service to social justice. The citizens long for a leader who shares their hope for true equality—a man like the almost hypnotically charismatic Reuben Rogov. With the apparent capacity to effect sweeping social change, Rogov’s Peace Party is literally too good to be true. Segura watches as a nation is caught up in propaganda and ideological fervor. This utopian wave sweeps Rogov into a position of unprecedented power and gives rise to a promise of global unity. Yet soon, a new rhetoric of fear emerges, citing the presence of a terrorist cell among the people. As accusations are thrown and books are banned and shredded by Rogov’s edict, Segura undertakes a quiet act of rebellion. But can an unknown author stand against a new world order? Reminding his audience that oppression can wear a benevolent disguise, the author convincingly depicts the often-subtle abuses of power that can herald the rise of dictatorship (“ ‘Some deep state operation formed the Peace Party,’ Papa said, ‘and they’re going all in to get Rogov elected President. If it happens, he’ll be running both NatGov and the United Nations, and a new world order will emerge just as they’ve planned for years’ ”). Johnston’s work is reminiscent of other popular dystopian narratives, distinguished by a rare thread of hope woven throughout the pages. There are even a few humorous and self-referential moments to lighten the tone. As the novel draws to a close, readers will long for a sequel (and hope it’s not already too late).

A chilling, futuristic tale of freedom lost.