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The novel 1986 is a psychological thriller with a romantic twist that centers around events leading up to the catastrophic nuclear disaster, Chernobyl. Set in Pripyat, Ukraine, in early 1986, author Morgan Parker explores how people’s lives could have been before Chernobyl. The book’s release coincides with the 30th anniversary of Chernobyl.
Shortly after college, Allana marries Vasy to start a new chapter of her life in Pripyat, where Vasy works as an engineer at the new energy plant. At a party at their apartment, Allana befriends the only American in Pripyat, Alex. Shortly afterwards, Allana and Alex start having an affair that intertwines with a secret mission to uncover what is really going on at the power plant.
The novel contains many elements of a Cold War age story: politics, secrets, spies and nuclear weapons. The twists and turns makes the reader question which way is up in Allana’s universe, unsure of who to really trust, Vasy or Alex. Parker gives the readers a few steamy scenes in the novel, which quickly switch to diving into unearthing Soviet nuclear power. The switch is so quick, it gives the reader mental whiplash.
This book is one that is best read in one sitting, because the psychological elements of the story leave the reader at the edge of their seat. Recommended for those who enjoy thrillers, mystery and intrigue.
1986 will be available in paperback and eBook format on Amazon in June.