Scipio Harelson thought he understood the world he lived in.
Then his powers emerged.
Gifted with abilities that can bend force, motion, and destruction itself, Scipio is thrust into a hidden war older and wider than anything he imagined. Around the world, Enhanced Powered Beings-known as EPBs-are hunted, harvested, and erased by the SOTIR Group, a powerful cabal with deep roots in politics, science, technology, and violence.
To the public, SOTIR is untouchable. Behind closed doors, it is building a future where people like Scipio are controlled, weaponized, or destroyed.
But SOTIR is not the only force watching him.
After the first sign of his powers, Scipio tries to hold on to some version of normal. A party, a beautiful exchange student from Africa named Saphronia, and one unforgettable night seem to offer exactly that-until a deadly confrontation reveals that his abilities are far greater, and far more dangerous, than he understood.
When SOTIR comes for him, Scipio is brought into the pan-African Resistance, a hidden network of secret havens, ancient communities, and warriors who have spent generations protecting emergents. What he thought was a sudden awakening becomes part of a struggle that has been unfolding long before he was born.
With Saphronia and his best friend Ian beside him, Scipio is pulled from discovery into danger as SOTIR's violence reaches closer to home. And standing in the shadows of that threat is Alex Lamb, a nano-enhanced enforcer whose power and loyalty make him one of Robert Cross's most dangerous weapons.
As SOTIR tightens its grip and the Resistance prepares to answer, Scipio must decide how far he is willing to go to protect those he loves-and whether his power will be driven by rage, fear, or something greater.
The war for his people has already begun.
Dean Baxter's fascination with superheroes and the extraordinary has been a lifelong passion. From a young age, he found inspiration in the captivating world of comic books, particularly the iconic tales of Black Panther and X-Men. These narratives ignited his imagination and fueled his desire to craft stories that transcend the ordinary. Drawing from the rich tapestry of African mythology, Dean weaves tales that blend the mystique of ancient legends with the allure of modern storytelling. His unique perspective pays homage to diverse cultures and traditions, creating narratives that resonate with readers from all walks of life. Dean Baxter is not only a masterful storyteller but also a proud U.S. Navy veteran, instilling in his work the values of discipline, dedication, and resilience. He currently resides in the vibrant state of California, where he shares his life with his loving wife, three remarkable sons, and two cherished canine companions-a Black Lab named Winchester and a rescued pit bull named Rocky. Dean's commitment to crafting narratives that captivate the imagination is matched only by his dedication to his family and his enduring passion for storytelling. With each word he pens, Dean invites readers on a journey that transcends the ordinary and celebrates the extraordinary in all of us.
