Are You a Patriot? arrives at a moment when the question in its title already dominates the national conversation. Co-written by award-winning entrepreneur Donald Thompson and cultural historian Bob Batchelor, this first novel in the Xander Hale Series is a conspiracy thriller that pairs relentless pacing with a genuinely thought-provoking premise. Market First Publishing (marketfirstpublishing.com) has brought the book to paperback and eBook, and it is available through any bookstore. The story introduces Xander Hale, a Black media mogul who built an empire by telling the truth about power, only to be forced into a role that could destroy everything he stands for.
The novel opens in the aftermath of a devastating event: federal troops have opened fire on a crowd of families in Detroit. At a Washington ballroom, Hale publicly accuses the most powerful people in America of covering up the truth — and by morning he is swept into a covert unit that officially does not exist. He is given an impossible choice: get inside a plot to assassinate the president, orchestrated by his lifelong friend and business partner, or watch the country burn. Behind the assassination lies an even darker conspiracy, a syndicate of military, financial, and intelligence elites who want to trigger instability in order to consolidate control. What follows is a fast, brutal, and morally complex journey through the machinery of power.
What is Are You a Patriot?
Are You a Patriot? is the first book in the Xander Hale Series, a political thriller built around a high-stakes conspiracy that feels ripped from today’s headlines. The book is categorized as fiction, but its themes could not be more current: distrust of institutions, the weaponization of patriotism, and the dangerous allure of order at any cost. The authors describe the novel as a vehicle for readers to think through what they would do if the country they love asks them to save it — without ever fully accepting them.
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Thompson brings his experience as a CEO and entrepreneur, while Batchelor contributes a cultural historian’s eye for how America tells stories about itself. Together, they have crafted a narrative that works on multiple levels. On the surface, it is a military-style action thriller with a ticking clock and a hero who has to rely on his wits, his training, and his instincts. Beneath that, it is a meditation on loyalty, friendship, and the true meaning of service. The result is an entertaining read that also invites genuine reflection.
What stands out
A protagonist worth rooting for
Xander Hale is not a typical action hero. He is a media mogul, not a soldier, and his journey into the covert world forces him to confront questions of identity, privilege, and sacrifice. His unique skill set — understanding media, persuasion, and power dynamics — makes him a compelling protagonist because his victories come from intelligence and nerve rather than muscle alone. Readers will find themselves invested in his survival and in the moral dilemmas he faces.
A plot that keeps twisting
The conspiracy at the heart of the novel unfolds in layers. Just when Hale thinks he has uncovered the full picture, another piece of the puzzle shifts. The pacing is relentless, with chapters that end on sharp cliffhangers and set pieces that feel cinematic without losing their grounding. The authors balance action sequences with quieter moments of character development, ensuring the story never feels like a simple explosion-fest. Instead, the tension builds steadily toward a finale that is both satisfying and open-ended.
A question that lingers
The title is not just a marketing hook; it is the central philosophical dilemma of the story. Hale must decide where his loyalties lie when the country that has often underestimated him asks him to risk everything. The book does not offer easy answers, but it presents the question in a way that feels urgent and deeply personal. Readers will likely find themselves debating the characters’ choices long after they finish the last page.
Who it’s for
Are You a Patriot? will appeal to readers who enjoy political thrillers, conspiracy narratives, and character-driven action. Fans of authors like Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, or Orphan X creator Gregg Hurwitz will find familiar elements here, presented with a fresh perspective. The novel is also an excellent choice for book clubs, as its themes spark discussion about patriotism, loyalty, and the meaning of justice. Because the story takes place in a near-future America rather than a fictional alternate universe, it feels grounded in reality and accessible to a wide range of readers.
Pricing and availability
The book is available in paperback for $17.99 and as an eBook for $9.99. Readers can order it through any bookstore or online retailer. The publishers have also emphasized their platform publishing approach, which means the book has already generated significant conversation before its release. For those who want to keep up with the series, Are You a Patriot? sets the stage for the next installment in the Xander Hale Series.
What makes it worth considering
Beyond the fast-paced plot, what makes Are You a Patriot? stand out is its willingness to engage with real, uncomfortable questions about power and belonging in America. Thompson and Batchelor are not just writing a thriller; they are using the genre as a lens to examine the stories a nation tells itself and who gets left out of those stories. The collaboration between a CEO and a cultural historian brings a unique blend of practical insight and scholarly depth to the narrative.
The prose is clean and propulsive, and the dialogue feels authentic, particularly in scenes where Hale navigates rooms full of powerful people. The novel also succeeds as a debut: it introduces a memorable protagonist, plants seeds for future books, and delivers a complete story while leaving readers eager for more. For anyone looking for a summer thriller that actually has something to say, this is a strong candidate.
Verdict
Are You a Patriot? is a gripping, intelligent thriller that delivers both action and ideas. With a compelling hero, a labyrinthine plot, and a question that will stay with readers, it is one of the most thought-provoking political thrillers of the year. Highly recommended for fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a story that makes them think.
Frequently asked questions
The novel was co-written by Donald Thompson, an award-winning entrepreneur, and Bob Batchelor, a cultural historian and biographer.
It is a new political thriller series, and Are You a Patriot? is Book One.
It is the first book in the Xander Hale Series, and it sets up future installments while telling a complete story.
The novel is available in paperback and as an eBook.
It can be ordered through any bookstore or online retailer.
It is a political conspiracy thriller with action and suspense elements.
