Dry Rain

by Kevin C. McClanahan

In the heart of Independence, Missouri, a black pastor's leadership sparks a devastating wave of fear and suspicion as rumors of witches grip the town. As new laws against witchcraft take hold, paranoia tears through the community, leading to dangerous accusations and tragic consequences, but also repentance and resistance. Amidst this chaos, a young black girl, guided by a divine calling, befriends a troubled Dominican gang member. Her selfless act of compassion comes with a profound sacrifice, highlighting the power of empathy in a world overshadowed by fear.

In Washington D.C., a black four-star general serves as national security advisor to a morally bankrupt president, whose Trumpian agenda exploits the witch hysteria to push a radical Christian nationalism. As the president's authoritarian grip tightens, the general faces a harrowing choice between patriotism and loyalty. His decision culminates in a shocking climax, revealing the high stakes of standing up against tyranny.

"DRY RAIN" weaves together threads of faith, sacrifice, and political intrigue in a gripping tale where personal bravery and moral integrity confront the darkest facets of power and prejudice.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come when this book launches on Reedsy Discovery on December 17th.

[Carissa Bui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book after the election makes its contents all the more eerie. This book is an excellent critique on how Christian nationalism has infiltrated Republicans.

[Jasmine LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly haunting in light of this most recent election particularly coming from a pastor. It took me a minute to finish because of how real it feels but that’s the power of it. These are the woes of Christian Nationalism, the danger of the contortion of the faith There’s a tapestry of rich characters who leap off the pages and create a gorgeous web of connections. They are all broken in their own ways. Some find redemption and some dig deeper into their pits of soul depravity. The magical realism baked within creates an even more compelling environment for this spiritual war. I was drawn in especially in the wild ride of the second half of this book. It has a Colson Whitehead aire to it. I truly loved this book. Clear threads of Toni Morrison’s influence. Authentic and bold. It’s a story about people but also an exploration of place, of the black Midwest. You can feel the soil, the vastness of the land and yet the connective tissue of a small town. The symbolism and references are so captivating and fun to study.