In a literary triumph that explores the dark corners of a dystopic future, Sid Balman Jr., a renowned Pulitzer-nominated national security correspondent and esteemed Writer in Residence at Sul Ross State University, presents his latest novel, “Algorithms.” The final installment of the acclaimed Seventh Flag Trilogy, “Algorithms” propels readers thirty years into the future, painting a vivid and haunting portrait of a society plagued by violence, extremism, and the quest for ultimate power.
Set in a post-apocalyptic reality of regional fiefdoms and marauding scavengers, the story revolves around the theft of the Algorithms of everything, a source of immense power that holds the secrets of the world’s undersea Internet cables. These coveted Algorithms are hidden away on hard drives and implanted in the last surviving blue whale, becoming a symbol of both hope and danger.
At the heart of this gripping narrative stands Ademar Zarkan, the iconic and unlikely heroine of the American West, now a seventy-year-old woman. Leading the Free People of West Texas, she forms an alliance with Native Americans and the indigenous people of northern Mexico, united in their quest to retrieve the stolen hard drives and rescue her clairvoyant granddaughter from the clutches of the radicalized Sisterhood, a merciless faction led by the enigmatic Mother. However, they soon discover that they are not the only ones in pursuit of the powerful Algorithms.
Described as both prophetic and haunting, “Algorithms” delves into themes of violent extremism, family, resilience, and the profound interconnectedness between humankind and the natural world. Balman’s narrative confronts readers with questions about the fate of humanity as it grapples with its relationship to technology, nature, and each other.
The author, Sid Balman Jr., hailing from a family of Texans, is no stranger to the world of journalism and international affairs. With a background that spans reporting on wars in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo, as well as extensive travels with world leaders, Balman brings a depth of experience and understanding to his storytelling.
Beyond his journalistic pursuits, Balman co-founded a news syndicate with a focus on women and girls’ interests, served as a communications chief for a consortium of US international development organizations, and established progressive campaigning companies. In addition to his writing and teaching roles at Sul Ross State University, Balman remains an active journalist and contributor to various magazines.
“Algorithms” has already garnered high praise, with critics lauding its breathless pacing, larger-than-life characters, and thought-provoking themes. Kirkus Reviews praises the novel’s engaging storytelling, while Robert Zorn, author of “Cemetery John: The Undiscovered Mastermind of the Lindbergh Kidnapping,” describes the book as another first-rate novel by Sid Balman Jr.
Laura Payne, Dean of the Jimmy D. Case College of Literature, Arts, and Social Sciences at Sul Ross State University, recognizes the significance of “Algorithms” in shedding light on the reality of modern culture wars and politics. The novel serves as an important read for anyone concerned about the direction of American society.
As “Algorithms” takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world teetering on the brink of collapse, Sid Balman Jr.’s novel challenges us to contemplate the ties that bind us all. With its powerful exploration of human resilience and our intricate connection to nature, “Algorithms” cements its place as a captivating conclusion to the Seventh Flag Trilogy, appealing to literary enthusiasts and dystopian fiction lovers alike.
“Algorithms” is now available for purchase from Sparkpress, with a publication date of August 01, 2023. With its action-packed narrative and thought-provoking themes, this masterpiece promises to leave an indelible mark on readers worldwide.
