What do you think?
Rate this book
The Independent
Jack Sanborn Has Been Chosen
In 2044, America is on the brink—its government locked in a merciless, endless shutdown. The nation’s economy is in free fall. With no hope of compromise, the silent majority finally reaches its tipping point.
When Jack Sanborn, a UNC Law professor, utters a dangerous idea in a crowded lecture hall, it sparks what feels like a revolution. Split the two-party monopoly and give democracy back to the people. Soon after a student video of his talk smashes viral records, Sanborn finds himself willed by the people to make an improbable run for president.
He quickly enters a viper’s den of attack dog journalists, enigmatic billionaires, vengeful ex-clients and crooked politicians, led by House Speaker Clay Overton, a Dark Lord of politics who has something on everyone, including Jack—and is ready to unleash hell to achieve his ultimate ambition.
In 2044, America is on the brink—its government locked in a merciless, endless shutdown. The nation’s economy is in free fall. With no hope of compromise, the silent majority finally reaches its tipping point.
When Jack Sanborn, a UNC Law professor, utters a dangerous idea in a crowded lecture hall, it sparks what feels like a revolution. Split the two-party monopoly and give democracy back to the people. Soon after a student video of his talk smashes viral records, Sanborn finds himself willed by the people to make an improbable run for president.
He quickly enters a viper’s den of attack dog journalists, enigmatic billionaires, vengeful ex-clients and crooked politicians, led by House Speaker Clay Overton, a Dark Lord of politics who has something on everyone, including Jack—and is ready to unleash hell to achieve his ultimate ambition.
- GenresPolitical Thriller
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2024
About the author
Brad Goodwin
2 books13 followersBrad Goodwin is a 30-year globe-trotting marketing and general management executive with a lifelong passion for writing, communication, storytelling, and in particular well-crafted thrillers that keep the pages turning. THE INDEPENDENT is his debut novel, crafted in the quiet hours after his family went to sleep. Brad was born in the sprawls of greater Toronto and has lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Surrey, England. He now resides amongst the loblolly pines of Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 16, 2025
Eager to read a political thriller with eerie parallels to the present US situation, I turned to this debut novel by Brad Goodwin. It’s 2044 and America has been pushed to the brink with a seven-month shutdown in which both political parties are playing the game and refusing to bow down. Protests take place across the country, but there appears to be little interest in bowing to the pressure of the electorate. UNC Law professor Jack Sanborn makes an offhand comment during one of his classes and it sparks a political revolution. Sanborn feels that the two-party system has become a monopoly that needs dismantling so that the people can regain control of their country and ensure the elected members know what to do. Riding the wave, Sanborn agrees to run as a third party candidate for US president. The journey will be swift—thirteen short weeks—with many hurdles, as well as a number of enemies waiting in the shadows. Speaker of the House, Clay Overton, cannot allow his Republican candidacy go up in smoke and chooses to pull out all the stops to neutralise Sanborn any way he can. Goodwin spins a great story, filled with realistic arguments, in this well-paced political thriller.
A political thriller needs a strong foundation to keep the reader engaged, which Brad Goodwin ensured with this novel. The story builds slowly but effectively as he presents his arguments and breathes life into them through great storytelling. Momentum increases as the pressure mounts and there is no time to wonder why could happen or might occur. Goodwin makes sure the reader is entertained and educated in equal measure.
Characters emerge and flavour the piece well. Goodwin is able to portray all sides of the political equation well, though things tend to get a little predictable with how certain characters will react to situations. I enjoyed much of the contrast and it kept me guessing as the story heated up before the final page turn.
Surprises are the name of the game in a political thriller and Brad Goodwin knows how to weave them into the larger story. He possesses the ability to twist things at the right moment and leave the reader turning pages well into the night to seek resolution. I enjoyed some of the surprise moments, but wished there could have been more time spent on various aspects. The book felt complete, but with Goodwin’s abilities, I wanted more!
Kudos, Mr. Goodwin, for a gripping political thriller that left me eager to see what else you have planned with future books.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A political thriller needs a strong foundation to keep the reader engaged, which Brad Goodwin ensured with this novel. The story builds slowly but effectively as he presents his arguments and breathes life into them through great storytelling. Momentum increases as the pressure mounts and there is no time to wonder why could happen or might occur. Goodwin makes sure the reader is entertained and educated in equal measure.
Characters emerge and flavour the piece well. Goodwin is able to portray all sides of the political equation well, though things tend to get a little predictable with how certain characters will react to situations. I enjoyed much of the contrast and it kept me guessing as the story heated up before the final page turn.
Surprises are the name of the game in a political thriller and Brad Goodwin knows how to weave them into the larger story. He possesses the ability to twist things at the right moment and leave the reader turning pages well into the night to seek resolution. I enjoyed some of the surprise moments, but wished there could have been more time spent on various aspects. The book felt complete, but with Goodwin’s abilities, I wanted more!
Kudos, Mr. Goodwin, for a gripping political thriller that left me eager to see what else you have planned with future books.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 15, 2024
Whilst Brad Goodwin has crafted a powerful, fictional story, the subject matter couldn't be more relevant than now in American politics. "The Independent" engages the reader to question the United States' two-party political system in a way that is meant to be engaging and thought provoking, not dismissive or divisive. It invites conversation. It offers optimism.
Mr. Goodwin masterfully balances delicate, personal moments with the fast pace of politics to make this a great novel. This political thriller is entertaining and the unexpected twists keep the reader guessing to the end.
It is a must read!
Mr. Goodwin masterfully balances delicate, personal moments with the fast pace of politics to make this a great novel. This political thriller is entertaining and the unexpected twists keep the reader guessing to the end.
It is a must read!
July 18, 2025
Political novrl
The book was a captivating read that swiftly carried me through its narrative. Its compelling storyline and thought-provoking themes prompted deep reflection on the underlying issues presented within its pages. The author's skillful writing style and engaging plot progression made the reading experience both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, leaving a lasting impression on my understanding of the subject matter.
The book was a captivating read that swiftly carried me through its narrative. Its compelling storyline and thought-provoking themes prompted deep reflection on the underlying issues presented within its pages. The author's skillful writing style and engaging plot progression made the reading experience both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, leaving a lasting impression on my understanding of the subject matter.
January 18, 2025
book kicks serious butt
Especially if you consider this is his first thriller. I have not been able to read books lately to the end because lately, and way more often than not, books like Brad’s have become somewhat of a rare commodity.
Nothing like a good read with a great outcome. The great outcome being that I learned something new.
Kudos to Brad!! Keep on kicking butt.
Especially if you consider this is his first thriller. I have not been able to read books lately to the end because lately, and way more often than not, books like Brad’s have become somewhat of a rare commodity.
Nothing like a good read with a great outcome. The great outcome being that I learned something new.
Kudos to Brad!! Keep on kicking butt.
September 16, 2024
Page Tuner Political Thriller
Jack Sanborn is a hero taking down the two-party political system in a twist and turn political thriller. You can’t put the book down. Rich developed characters, great plot line, you end up cheering for what should happen. Must read.
Jack Sanborn is a hero taking down the two-party political system in a twist and turn political thriller. You can’t put the book down. Rich developed characters, great plot line, you end up cheering for what should happen. Must read.
October 20, 2024
Honestly, this is the best political thriller I’ve ever read! Not only is it set in my town, but also the storyline is crucially relevant to the current political climate in America. I couldn’t put it down, and can’t wait for the sequel!
February 16, 2025
Quick read, Entertaining
I loved the election night portion of the book, lots of scene changes kept it exciting. Great for a free read. It was a little predictable but a good story.
I loved the election night portion of the book, lots of scene changes kept it exciting. Great for a free read. It was a little predictable but a good story.
February 26, 2025
Independent=love, fighting the government, and suspense
I liked the action. Loved the love between Jack and Sarah. The political race and attack were suspenseful and kept your wanting to read to see how it all played out.
I liked the action. Loved the love between Jack and Sarah. The political race and attack were suspenseful and kept your wanting to read to see how it all played out.
June 25, 2025
Excellent Book
A thriller is an understatement. Very well written and keeps you on your toes. I really hope there is a sequel coming to this thriller to think of what change could look like.
A thriller is an understatement. Very well written and keeps you on your toes. I really hope there is a sequel coming to this thriller to think of what change could look like.
October 7, 2024
Engaging read!
This book has a great plot. I readily wish it were a true story — at least in shaking up the Washington Swamp. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel!
This book has a great plot. I readily wish it were a true story — at least in shaking up the Washington Swamp. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel!
July 2, 2025
griping story.
I loved the plot and the big political idea underneath the plot. The was to abrupt maybe calling for a sequel.
I loved the plot and the big political idea underneath the plot. The was to abrupt maybe calling for a sequel.
May 15, 2026
2.75⭐️
December 14, 2024
Great book! This fast-paced story of a college professor suddenly thrust into the national spotlight running for President of the USA as an independent takes a good hard look at politics in a two party system and offers some ideas on what is wrong and how to correct it. This is enfolded in an intriguing story that will keep readers guessing until the last chapter. The characters are well-written and interesting. Looking forward to Brad Goodwin's next book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews