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Published in USA
Jul 2013
452 pages
Genre: Thrillers
Publication Information
In Wyoming, a little girl reads people's darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking. They're called "brilliants," and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way. Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in - and betray his own kind.
From Marcus Sakey, "a modern master of suspense" (Chicago Sun-Times) and "one of our best storytellers" (Michael Connelly), comes an adventure that's at once breakneck thriller and shrewd social commentary; a gripping tale of a world fundamentally different and yet horrifyingly similar to our own, where being born gifted can be a terrible curse.
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"Starred Review. In this parable of democracy's downfall told in rapid-fire cuts, Sakey upends truths Cooper once thought self-evident, the truths people don't seem to want any more, preferring instead, 'safe lives and nice electronics and full fridges' - nothing less than the tragedy of our times." - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. Sakey's premise is utterly compelling; no committed thriller aficionado will be able to set the book down. His complex characters are deeply engaging, and his writing is propulsive." - Booklist
"Sakey's (The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes; Good People) is one of the more surprising thrillers of the year. It should appeal to both sf and mystery lovers." - Library Journal
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Marcus Sakey's thrillers have been nominated for more than fifteen awards, named New York Time's Editor's Picks, and selected among Esquire Magazine's Top 5 Books of The Year. His novel Good People was made into a movie starring James Franco and Kate Hudson, and his other books are in various stages of development for film.
Born in Flint, Michigan, he attended the University of Michigan before beginning a decade-long career in television and advertising.
His debut thriller The Blade Itself was sold at auction and published to wide critical acclaim, allowing him to work full-time as a writer.
Marcus was the host and writer of the acclaimed television show Hidden City on Travel Channel, for which he was routinely pepper-sprayed and attacked by dogs. He lives in ...
... Full Biography
Author Interview
Link to Marcus Sakey's Website
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