A thought-provoking political thriller that feels all too real—election chaos, judicial power, and a fight for the future.
Karu Sankaralingam’s A New Democracy is the kind of book that will make you want to throw it across the room—then pick it back up immediately. This is an intense, layered political thriller, grappling with contemporary issues like election integrity, judicial power, and the fragility of democracy. I was hooked by the witty dialogue and razor-sharp political maneuvering. This is an excellent book for fan of high-stakes politics, courtroom battles, and behind-the-scenes power plays, this one’s for you.
Set against the backdrop of a highly contentious U.S. election, the novel follows Governor Robert Callahan, Chief of Staff Elizabeth Harper, Senator Charlie McBride, and Supreme Court Justice Marisol Reyes as they navigate a political landscape on the verge of collapse. As election night unfolds, claims of fraud, court challenges, and deep institutional corruption threaten to upend democracy itself. What follows is a desperate struggle for control—one that forces each character to question their principles, power, and the future they’re fighting for.
If you’ve ever doom-scrolled your way through election night coverage, this book will feel eerily familiar. The tension is real, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sure, it’s fiction—but barely.
The book is politics-heavy, but it also has some wonderful characterization. The exploration of Callahan’s personal struggles, including therapy sessions where he wrestles with his own motivations, adds depth and emotion to the narrative. All of the characters’ internal conflicts and political dilemmas feel authentic, making them more than just mouthpieces for ideological debates.
Some sections, especially on judicial rulings, slow the pacing down. If you love political deep dives, you’ll enjoy it—if not, you might find yourself skimming. You should also be aware that A New Democracy book leans hard into progressive politics. Steele, the right-wing candidate, is portrayed as a chaos agent with few redeeming qualities. While this will resonate with some readers, others may wish for a more nuanced depiction of political opposition.
A New Democracy is the perfect read for folks who live for election drama, Supreme Court decisions, and the behind-the-scenes chaos of Washington. If you enjoy shows like The West Wing, House of Cards, or The Newsroom, this book will be right up your alley. Final verdict? A New Democracy is a gripping, timely, and intelligent political thriller with strong characters, sharp insights, and high stakes that make it a compelling read.
Thanks to Reedsy for providing me with the ARC of this novel.
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