In This American Planet, Joe King transports readers to a dystopian world where the boundary between humans and insects fades into a chaotic blur. The story follows Greg, an ancient cockroach wizard burdened by his knowledge of forgotten magic, and Curtis, a streetwise housefly drug runner caught in a web of political intrigue. As their fates intertwine, they must navigate a crumbling society dominated by ruthless factions and corrupt overlords, each seeking power at any cost.
Set against the backdrop of Spade City West, a sprawling metropolis overrun by addiction, crime, and existential despair, Greg and Curtis must confront not only their adversaries but their inner demons. Along the way, they encounter bizarre and grotesque characters, including the enigmatic Friends of Giants (FOG) Party, led by insect overlords determined to reshape society through coercion and fear. The story pits humanity's greed and arrogance against the tenacity of the insect world, as the protagonists struggle to survive in a world where ancient magic clashes with modern tyranny.
With themes of survival, friendship, addiction, and redemption, This American Planet offers a dark yet humorous exploration of life at the edge of a crumbling empire. It's a strange, thrilling adventure where the smallest creatures carry the heaviest burdens, and every decision might lead to salvation-or destruction.
Brimming with intense action, vivid descriptions, and deeply layered characters, This American Planet challenges the reader to rethink the nature of heroism in a world that has lost its way.
