What happens when the world is turned upside down overnight, technology no longer works, and every thought and action is all about simply surviving? White Smoke delves into these questions in a novel with action, death and intrigue around every corner. John Gilstrap delivers another thoughtful novel in this blossoming series that simultaneously feels distant to reality yet too close to comfort given the state of today’s world.
The surviving citizens of the United States are still adjusting to nuclear Armageddon. Looking for blood from those who led to this catastrophic event, congressional politicians and the President of the United States are imprisoned and awaiting trial for their actions. Held captive by a merciless group of men that have seized power, the President sends a messenger for Victoria Emerson, a former congresswoman who is doing her small part to pull society back together. The request is anything but simple: travel to where her former colleagues are being held and preside over a fair trial. Despite living within and leading a safe, burgeoning, functioning society, Victoria will risk everything to rise to the call of duty. Why would she leave the safe haven she’s helped create, travel through dangerous lands where people are desperate and trigger happy, and arrive at a location where people will likely want her dead? Because she might be the only person left who can bring peace, law and order back to the country.
White Smoke is another compelling and thought-provoking novel, the third in this series. It forces you to contemplate your preparedness for a catastrophic event that removes all comforts of modern life and eliminates the functionality of electronic devices. It shows how quickly society can devolve, ushering in a panicked desperation for people whose only concern is survival and changing behavioral norms overnight to adapt to a new reality. How would you fare in this instance? Would you be willing to kill for food? Shelter? Weapons? Could you do it if your life depended on it?
Additionally, there’s a lot of great leadership lessons in this book. Victoria role models good leadership and Roger Parsons, the head of the murderous band holding the politicians for trial, is a cautionary tale on the impact of poor leadership. Victoria shoulders the burden of leadership, understands the impact she has on others, and makes decisions that are intended for the greater good. In fact, she’s put in conflict several times between her commitment and sense of duty to the community versus the safety and well-being of her own family. And Roger learns that ruling by fear with an iron fist can backfire and put you in a perilous position. Witnessing this dichotomy certainly makes you reflect on your values, how you would respond in these situations and the importance of good leadership.
For those looking for a book about a post-apocalyptic world that contains plenty of action and makes you think, White Smoke is right in your wheelhouse. Kudos to John Gilstrap on another well-crafted novel!
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