Prayers for the Assassin

infobox Book |
name = Prayers for the Assassin
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Robert Ferrigno
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Political, Thriller, Science fiction novel
publisher = Charles Scribner's Sons
release_date = February 2006
media_type = Print (Hardcover)
pages =
isbn = ISBN 0-743-27289-7
preceded_by =
followed_by =

"Prayers for the Assassin" is a political thriller, and a work of speculative fiction, written by American crime writer Robert Ferrigno. The story is set in 2042, after economic strife and a pair of nuclear attacks have led to civil war, causing the United States to split into two hostile and competing nations: one a moderate Islamic republic with its capital in Seattle, the other a breakaway Christian Bible Belt built on the ashes of the former Confederacy and with its capital in Atlanta.

The hardcover edition of "Prayers for the Assassin" was published in the United States in February 2006 by Charles Scribner's Sons.

Plot summary

The book starts off with a Muslim soldier dying in 2017 at the battle of Newark after a bloody battle with Bible Belt Christian Paramilitaries that are attempting to capture the city. Flash forward to the Super Bowl in 2042 in Seattle, the capitol of the new Islamic Republic, the majority of whose inhabitants have converted to Islam. The nation's culture is a fusion of traditional American and Islamic: the Super Bowl is still played, but the cheerleaders are sword-wielding men and the participants break at half-time for afternoon prayers.

As the story opens, the country is facing a crisis, with competing political and religious factions threatening to destroy the fragile peace that exists within the Islamic States of America. At the same time, behind the scenes, a messianic figure known as the Wise Old One contrives to seize power for himself, and fulfill the ancient prophecy of the restoration of the Caliphate.

The story's protagonist is Rakkim Epps, a Fedayeen warrior who is devoted to his cause, even if he has lost his faith. Epps must risk everything to save the life of Sarah Dougan, the young historian he loves.

The New America

After nuclear suitcase bombs completely destroy New York City and Washington D.C. and a dirty bomb irradiates Mecca the United States is split into four pieces.The Islamic Republic comprises the west coast, southwest, and most of the midwest. After the bomb attacks were revealed to have been done by Israeli agents and many celebrity conversions (including country star "Shania X") a large porportion of the country converted to Islam. The new country was founded as a beacon of light, but has failed to live up. Civil liberties are severely curtailed with the first and second amendments removed and a Talibanesque religious police called the Black Robes gaining more and more power.

Jews (blamed for the destruction of Washington and New York) are ostracized and Catholics have taken the role of second class citizens. The roads are falling apart, satellite communications are often down, and the I.R. lacks scientific growth, living off excess technology stored by the former United States. The U.S. military has advanced little, with modern technology the best it can produce. Many landmarks and warships were renamed after Islamic figures, the best example being the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan renamed the I.R.S. Osama Bin Laden. It is mentioned that the new government attempted to destroy Mount Rushmore, but gave up due to the sheer size of the monument.

The Bible Belt comprises the old south minus Virginia, and with much of Missouri. After the transition millions of evangelical Christians immigrated here. Its government is thought to be much looser and decentralized, resembling the old Confederacy. The technology they possess is not made clear, although it is mentioned they have the only recipe for Coca-Cola.

Nevada is its own free state with a large and growing population, it serves the exact same capacity as it does now.

The Mormon territories comprise Utah, plus parts of Colorado and Idaho. Little is mentioned about it. They may however not be a separate state, the map in the book suggests they may just be an autonomous region within the Islamic Republic.

Additionally, Southern Florida has become its own state, using a flag similar to Puerto Rico or Cuba.

Marketing

Publisher Charles Scribner's Sons hired interactive design firm LevelTen Design to promote the book online through three websites, including one, "Republic World News", which was a fake news site for the "Islamic States of America". The Denver Post wrote, "With "Prayers" campaign of so-called "viral marketing" to generate buzz, instead of traditional advertising venues, could this be a new world order in the way books are sold?" [http://www.denverpost.com/reviews/ci_3656786]

External links

* [http://www.robertferrigno.com/ Robert Ferrigno's Official Web Site]
* [http://www.prayersfortheassassin.com/ Prayers for the Assassin Official Web Site]
* [http://www.republicworldnews.com/ "Republic World News"] - Fake news site for the "Islamic States of America," created to market the book