Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The American Empire has grown too fast, and the fault lines at home are stressed to the breaking point. The war of words between Right and Left has collapsed into a shooting war, though most people just want to be left alone. The battle rages between the high-technology weapons on one side and militia foot soldiers on the other, devastating the cities and overrunning the countryside. But the vast majority, who only want the killing to stop and the nation to return to more peaceful days, have technology, weapons, and strategic geniuses of their own. When the American dream shatters into violence, who can hold the people and the government together? And which side will you be on? Orson Scott Card is a master storyteller who has earned millions of fans and reams of praise for his previous science fiction and fantasy novels. Now he steps a little closer to the present day with this chilling look at a near-future scenario of a new American Civil War.
Is Empire appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This near-future political thriller depicts a violent second American Civil War with militia battles, high-tech warfare, and mass casualties. Strong combat violence and political themes exploring ideological division make this suitable for mature teens and adults.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include mass death, war, and political violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in political thrillers and military strategy will find this a gripping exploration of what could happen if America's divisions erupted into actual war.