(Reviewed by Don Jung)
Just image…what if the Axis powers defeated the Allies in WWII and Japan took over the western United States? This curious twist on history is what Peter Tieryas writes about in his novel, United States of Japan.
This intriguing story takes place in Southern California after the takeover. and a video game comes out that poses a world where the Allies can threaten to overthrow the regime.
A game sensor and a female secret operative get caught in a series of incidents that question family and loved ones as well as their loyalty to the Empire. They become an unlikely couple trying their best to get out of their predicament as they
face a bizarre set of circumstances that keeps you in suspense as they try to unravel the mysteries of their past and their future. Just when you think you know them, you get caught in a deceptive game of lies and distrust.
United States of Japan is more plot-driven than character-driven. It’s an entertaining story that goes from 1948 to 1988 and has a lot of twists and turns that keep the reader trying to see how this unusual world could have been a reality.
This is a fascinating read for those who enjoy conspiracy novels and the “what if”.
