Rule of Capture

Author: Christopher Brown

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Release Date: August 13, 2019

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Interesting concept of a dystopian America given the current political climate.

America is on the brink of a full civil war.  Climate change has caused drought conditions in the northern part of the countries and forced most of the population south.  A war with China has devasted the country and brought fallout zones off the coast of Texas as well as several other areas.  The current president trying to hold onto power and once the flood zones of coastal Texas became catastrophic, he declared martial law.  Now justice has been suspended.  There are still courts, but they must answer to a higher power rather than being impartial.  Anyone suspected of being a rebel to the cause is now brought before the court for a quick trial often leading them to exile or death.

Donny Kimoe still believes in justice.  He used to work for the US attorney’s office to put away said criminals, but he realized that the system was broken and decided to change sides and defends them.  His newest client Xelina Rocafuerte is a filmmaker for propaganda materials but witnesses the death of an opposition leader.  As the court tries to silence her for good, Donny must exhaust every option that he has to try to have her released.  But this uphill battle has consequences that could lead to Donny’s demise as well.

This book definitely grabbed my attention based on the current political and because it is set in Texas, my home state.  It seems crazy to think that the entire judicial system could be turned in a manner that people are guilty until proven innocent, but then again, maybe it is not so farfetched.  With stronger hurricanes and heavy flooding, it’s not difficult to picture the climate change indicated in the book.  I had a love/hate relationship with Donny.  Loved that he fought for the underdog, hated his methods and habits.  Did remind me a little of Better Call Saul, but just wanted him to be more of an up and up guy.  I liked Xelina immediately.  Her attitude and demeaner fit right in with my perspective of her.  I also enjoyed seeing how the author broke the county apart based on current events.  If you enjoy this type of novel, you will likely love this one as well.

There is a lot of foul language throughout the book as well as some graphic violence that makes is suitable for a mature audience.