American War has been held up as one of the best Science Fiction releases for 2017. It is for good reason that it has been given this eclaim.

American War is a gripping story about the second American War. The South, upset by the outlawing of fossil fuels, has attempted to break off from the North. What follows is a war story so believable that you are left wondering how easily the tale could play out in reality.

I was not surprised when I learned that the author, Omar El Akkad, was a war correspondent. I am sure most of the plot was fictionalized from other events, such as Guantanamo Bay. The possibility of the novel adds to the impact on the reader.

Yet, it is still obviously science fiction. The setting is the late 2000s, more than sixty years from our current time. The climate has shifted and the political situation has imploded. Technology is a part of everyday existence. It was fascinating how Akkad wrote in the seamless integration of technology within the lives of the characters. Even when they do not have running water, they have tablets and WiFi.

The writing is amazing. Akkad is extremely talented and I cannot wait to read more of his work. The plot is disturbing, but well crafted. The characters are so real that I believe Sarat will remain a part of me. It is truly one of the best new science fiction books of the year.