 |
Gauthier's second book starts with the President of the United States calling conservatives "domestic terrorists" and infringing upon their right to freely protest. As if doesn't seem like it could get any more outrageous, the President then fires government officials who do not align with his mindset and replaces them with ones who will blindly do his bidding. He then turns America's democracy into a modern day fiefdom, making those in Congress feudal lords and himself their King. Ann and Jeff of Castleway Academy will not sit and watch America become what it fought against 235 years ago. The Second American Revolution is at hand!
Gauthier explores two complex themes in the second book of his trilogy: What are the repercussions of a complete governmental change in America and whether such a concept is possible? This theme, however, as well as the plot, is under-developed. The rise of the monarchy and second revolution take place within the first half of the book, while the second half is devoted to the reinstatement of a democracy. While the latter half is as vital to the storyline, the novel only superficially touches on how America is affected by such a change. There are glimpses of it within the book, such as enlisting whole families into the army and Congress fighting over land, but there could have been more focus devoted to the tumultuous environment in which the story takes place and how it affected the average American. Overall, the novel will entice those who enjoy American history and are politically savvy as it delves into the Constitution, the words of famous Americans, and brings up current political concerns.