Emerald Road: A Tale of Love, War, and Betrayal

by Orlando Ortega-Medina

In this powerful prequel to The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants, Orlando Ortega-Medina adeptly captures the hardships of the immigrant experience and the strength of the human spirit to survive and even excel despite the odds.

In the turbulent 1990s, Emerald Road follows Isaac Perez's escape from El Salvador's Civil War. With his loyal canine companion, Ahbhu, they navigate perilous landscapes from San Salvador to the US border. Amid family conflict, first love, and tragic loss, Isaac's journey becomes a test of resilience. Facing danger and deprivation, the unbreakable bond between Isaac and Ahbhu emerges as a beacon of hope.

Against the backdrop of war and migration, Emerald Road explores the connection between humans and their pets, the loss of innocence, and the enduring power of hope. Can Isaac carve a new beginning in the land of promise, or will the shadows of El Salvador pursue him? This gripping tale invites readers into a world where love and survival intertwine, challenging the indomitable spirit in the face of betrayal and tragedy.

Genres: Queer

300 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Orlando Ortega-Medina is a London-based author and lawyer. His debut collection of short stories, Jerusalem Ablaze (2017), was shortlisted for the UK’s Polari First Book Prize, establishing him as a compelling storyteller. Building on this success, Ortega-Medina has released a series of gripping novels, including The Death of Baseball (2019), The Savior of 6th Street (2020), and The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants (2023), the latter of which was shortlisted for the Polari Book Prize 2024. His latest novel, Emerald Road (2025), is published by Amble Press.

Reviews

[Dee Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review soon--

[Nidhi Shrivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first 5 star read of the year, and like The Reformatory last year, this is going to be a top ten of 2025 too. Orlando Ortega-Medina’s novels tend to have a compelling premise, and this novel, the prequel to The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants is set amidst the backdrop of the 1980s civil war in El Salvador. I read this book in one sitting, and once I began reading , I couldn’t put it down. It is a compelling, raw, and powerful coming-of-age story which explores the story of Isaac Perez, and his dog, Ahbhu, who share a magical telepathic relationship. It explores the themes of belonging, identity, coming-of-age, sexuality, and immigration. It is published by Amble Press, and releases on Jan 14th! Highly recommend!

[Nimrod Chai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orlando Ortega-Medina’s *Emerald Road* is a beautifully woven tapestry of personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the violent backdrop of El Salvador's Civil War in the 1980s. At its heart, this novel follows Isaac Perez, a teenager struggling with his identity as a gay man in a society rife with cultural and political conflict. Isaac's journey is both poignant and uplifting as he navigates not only the challenges of coming of age during a civil war but also his own inner turmoil, heightened by the bigotry and violence around him. His deep connection with his dog, Ahbhu, offers a touching counterpoint to the often harsh reality of his circumstances.

One of the most unique aspects of *Emerald Road* is Isaac's bond with Ahbhu, a dog who seems to possess an almost mystical presence throughout Isaac's life. The loyalty, love, and companionship that Ahbhu offers give the novel a warmth that contrasts with the tension of Isaac’s external environment. The dog, more than just a pet, becomes Isaac’s confidant and anchor, guiding him through both the everyday struggles of adolescence and the life-threatening dangers of his war-torn country.

The writing style is deeply evocative, lyrical yet accessible, painting vivid scenes that transport readers to El Salvador’s volatile streets and serene countryside. Ortega-Medina’s prose masterfully balances rich descriptions with a fast-paced narrative, ensuring that readers are fully immersed in Isaac’s world without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. The author's ability to create such an intimate connection between the reader and Isaac is a testament to his skill in character development. Isaac is relatable, flawed, and likable, making it impossible not to root for him.

*Emerald Road* is more than just a coming-of-age story; it is a meditation on the pursuit of freedom, both personal and societal. Isaac's journey mirrors the larger conflicts of his country, and through his eyes, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and survival. Ortega-Medina's ability to blend these themes into a cohesive, emotionally powerful narrative is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.

This novel will undoubtedly resonate with readers from all walks of life, thanks to its universal themes of love, self-discovery, and perseverance. The balance between its thrilling, high-stakes moments and its introspective, tender passages makes *Emerald Road* a standout work that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

Ortega-Medina's storytelling is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, with a depth and grace that marks him as a formidable talent in contemporary fiction. *Emerald Road* is a masterful novel that readers will cherish for its emotional impact and its celebration of the human spirit.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amble Press for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for my critique.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Emerald Road by Orlando Ortega-Medina, and it left a deep impression on me. This book is genre-defying in the best way possible, blending multiple themes and emotions that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a story that weaves together unrequited love, sexual awakening, strained family dynamics, loss, and fear. At the heart of it all is Isaac Perez, a young man living in El Salvador on the brink of a 12-year civil war.

As Isaac flees his war-torn country, he embarks on a journey to the United States, where he encounters a range of fascinating and complex characters along the way. One of the most pivotal of these is Geronimo, Isaac’s first love interest, whose presence sparks a complicated sexual awakening. Through their interactions, Ortega-Medina explores themes of unrequited love, sexual identity, and the complexities of desire. Isaac’s struggle with feelings that aren’t returned feels raw and real, giving the book an emotional depth that resonated with me.

But it’s not just people who shape Isaac’s journey. In a twist that adds both magic and warmth to the narrative, Isaac forms a special bond with an Australian shepherd dog named Ahbhu. Their connection is almost psychic, as if they share an unspoken understanding of each other’s pain and hope. This bond provides a unique, almost mystical layer to the story, offering a sense of comfort and companionship amid the harshness of Isaac’s world. To me, the relationship between Isaac and Ahbhu symbolized the way we sometimes try to soften the edges of a traumatic existence—finding solace in unexpected places.

Emerald Road is a book that refuses to be easily classified, with its rich layers of emotional depth, cultural insight, and a hint of magic that ties it all together. I found it moving and thought-provoking, and I highly recommend it.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting journey of a young gay man from El Salvador to the U.S. in the late 70s and 80s. Vivid accounts of brutality and rescue along the way and of the civil war he leaves behind.

Lots of good character development and even the side characters are brought to life in a few pages. The magic realism of the MCs connection with his rescue dog is a plus.

But the reader is too frequently ripped out of the narrative by plot points that happen either too fortuitously or too coincidentally that they contrast sharply with a story that otherwise reads almost like a memoir to documentary.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written story of love, loss and conflict. I felt it was slightly rushed at the end but greatly enjoyed following Isaac's journey and I think it's a timely read.

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

[Rafael Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply touched by this book, particularly given the current immigration and deportation issues in the USA. As a gay Latino, the story resonated with me on a personal level. The relationship between the protagonist and his dog is beautiful, as he finds comfort in the dog's presence.

[Rita LaChapelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The innocent escaping to the U.S. for asylum.A boy and his dog who gave him his support and strength. As a dog lover this touched my heart!