A gripping exploration of the messy, morally gray intersections of power, ambition, and humanity…
Avant’s debut installment in the Capital City series masterfully blends political intrigue, personal growth, and workplace drama, all set against the backdrop of municipal politics. It’s January 2010, and Calista Caldwell, a recent journalism graduate, arrives in Capital City unprepared for the whirlwind that awaits her. Hired as a political assistant to the seasoned and shrewd Councillor Ralph Mastronzo, Cal is thrust into a male-dominated field where ambition often overrides ethics.
Through Calista’s character, Avant poignantly captures the aspirations and vulnerabilities of young professionals entering high-pressure, uncharted territory. Her journey to navigate the cutthroat world of city politics feels both authentic and relatable. Avant’s expert pacing balances rich character development with dynamic plot progression, while sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions bring the fraught complexities of city hall vividly to life. At its core, the novel challenges readers to grapple with the tension between principles and pragmatism, encouraging reflection on what they might compromise—or fight for—in the pursuit of power or purpose. An exceptional start to a promising series.
Pub date April 18, 2024
ISBN 979-8322978350
Price $15.15 (USD) Paperback, $4.44 Kindle edition