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The Return
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26When a man calling himself Emmanuel walks into a failing presidential campaign and claims to be Jesus Christ returned, Sen. George Matthews stops losing. The miracles are real. The base ignites. A long-foretold prophecy appears fulfilled. And the people closest to the candidate begin to disagree about what they are actually witnessing.
As Emmanuel bends Scripture to justify immigration raids, the death penalty, and the relentless pursuit of power, chief aide Simon Fuller, Rev. Patricia Mitchell, and staffer Thomas Reid are pulled toward the same question from different directions: when faith and ambition speak in the same voice, how do you tell salvation from manipulation?
Drawing its structure from the Stations of the Cross, The Return is a political thriller about the slow, willing surrender of conscience, and about how a movement that has already chosen to believe responds to anyone who asks it to doubt.
As Emmanuel bends Scripture to justify immigration raids, the death penalty, and the relentless pursuit of power, chief aide Simon Fuller, Rev. Patricia Mitchell, and staffer Thomas Reid are pulled toward the same question from different directions: when faith and ambition speak in the same voice, how do you tell salvation from manipulation?
Drawing its structure from the Stations of the Cross, The Return is a political thriller about the slow, willing surrender of conscience, and about how a movement that has already chosen to believe responds to anyone who asks it to doubt.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Jon Fila
7 books3 followersAn award-winning educator for 26 years, Jon Fila taught 7th through 12th grade English and Language Arts with a focus on equitable and inclusive curriculum and pedagogy. A Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist (2022), he has received recognition for his work in equity, inclusion, and innovation in education.
Jon draws on the stories and backgrounds of the learners he has encountered to create narratives that reflect the diversity of human experience. His fiction, including the comic book series Dolorem, challenges readers to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of societal issues, and speaks to those searching for meaning and purpose. Through Greueth Productions and its imprints Contraries Press and Cut Worm Press, Jon publishes work that takes seriously the difficulty of holding opposing things in mind.
Jon draws on the stories and backgrounds of the learners he has encountered to create narratives that reflect the diversity of human experience. His fiction, including the comic book series Dolorem, challenges readers to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of societal issues, and speaks to those searching for meaning and purpose. Through Greueth Productions and its imprints Contraries Press and Cut Worm Press, Jon publishes work that takes seriously the difficulty of holding opposing things in mind.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 1, 2026
Wow! This should be required reading.
I’m not American or an overly religious person but I was terrified.
Incredible rollercoaster of dread from start to finish.
This is 2028 to me, a premonition.
Totally gripping with complex characters.
Who’s righteous in one line is morally bankrupt in the next.
Literally that West Wing episode where Bartlet goes in on that lady with Bible verses.
#TheReturn #NetGalley
I’m not American or an overly religious person but I was terrified.
Incredible rollercoaster of dread from start to finish.
This is 2028 to me, a premonition.
Totally gripping with complex characters.
Who’s righteous in one line is morally bankrupt in the next.
Literally that West Wing episode where Bartlet goes in on that lady with Bible verses.
#TheReturn #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
During an American election a man surfaces and proclaims to be the son of god.
To prove he is telling the truth he carries out acts of healing and people begin to follow him.
Is he Christ born again or is it just an elaborate hoax?
You have to make the choice on who you believe.
Thank you to NetGalley and Contraries Press for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
To prove he is telling the truth he carries out acts of healing and people begin to follow him.
Is he Christ born again or is it just an elaborate hoax?
You have to make the choice on who you believe.
Thank you to NetGalley and Contraries Press for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is riveting! From the 1st few pages, I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out, and the ending is totally a surprise! Very well written and based on current events. Couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews