A Bit of Shade

by Austin Kennedy

In the heart of South Carolina’s untamed wilderness, retired military intelligence veteran Michael “Mickey” Torres has built a quiet life with his twins, Keya and Rory, far from the chaos of the world. Grieving the recent loss of his wife, Mickey pours his strength into raising his children, homeschooling them, and running a small security company. But when a routine check of his surveillance feed reveals a sinister meeting at an abandoned Atlanta building, his past comes roaring back.

Mickey uncovers a covert operation threatening the fragile autonomy of the Southern Block, a region thriving amidst a fractured America. As he grapples with betrayal from a trusted brother-in-arms and faces a notorious rogue agent known as The River, Mickey’s peaceful existence unravels. When his children are caught in the crosshairs, Mickey’s resolve is tested like never before. Armed with his military training and unyielding love for his family, he embarks on a relentless mission to protect his kids and expose a conspiracy that could reshape the nation.

A Bit of Shade is a gripping thriller that blends heart-pounding action with the emotional depth of a father’s fight for his family. Set against a vividly realized near-future America, Austin Kennedy’s debut novel explores loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of truth in a world on the brink. This tale of courage and redemption will keep you turning pages late into the night.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2025