Savannah, GA -- (SBWire) -- 11/06/2014 --While the Occupy Movement has seemingly slipped off the media’s radar, millions of citizens are still working diligently for economic and social equality. These values have been the backbone of political pundit VC. Weeks’ articles for decades and, wanting to offer like-minded authors their own platform for success, Weeks recently helped launch “99% Books”, with a mandate to publish progressive fiction for the 21st-Century.
The publisher plans to release three titles over the coming year with ‘Code of Honor’, written by Weeks, as the first to be scheduled. This high-octane political thriller documents the events leading up to 2003’s Iraq invasion, and examines one man’s struggle to define himself in a system where those sworn to represent ‘the people’ seem more concerned about protecting corporate profits. Its release comes shortly after the publication of George W. Bush’s own book. Readers are left to decide where the two cross over.
Synopsis:
This intricately woven fictional history of events leading to the 2003 invasion of Iraq places the charismatic protagonist, Staff Sergeant Hank Siemens, dead center in a complex minefield where money, politics, intrigue, and family history force him to decide what he stands for as a man, as a soldier, and as a citizen.
Still recovering from injuries suffered while chasing al-Queda insurgents through the mountains of Afghanistan, Hank is assigned to logistics but, as a former advance recon team leader, he’s eager to get back into the field. His aversion to administrative work only intensifies when an overbearing military contractor tries to commandeer an unscheduled shipment that arrives on his watch—but the paperwork is all wrong. Hank refuses to hand the shipment over until he checks with the base commander.
A chance reunion with Smitty, a former team member, makes him wonder if he’s overreacting. Smitty, who now works for the contractor, has everything—including a six-figure income. He shares his bounty, taking Hank to some of the hottest spots on the Red Sea, and eventually introducing him to a powerful corporate lobbyist who urges Hank to contact him when he finishes his tour. Excited by his new prospects, Hank wants his suspicions about the shipment to be unfounded but, after talking with his father—a retired three-star general—he's not so sure. The answer could decide whether the country goes to war...or not.
V.C. Weeks details the geopolitical situation in the months prior to the Iraq war, pulling the shadowy entanglement between the Pentagon and private contractors into the blazing light of the desert sun. A cast of richly developed characters, a great love affair, and action that spans four continents provides readers with a gripping narrative and an intriguing alternative to what we know as the historic reality.
“The main point of the novel is to explore real-world ethics, integrity and personal thirsts for power from a fictional standpoint,” explains Weeks. “There’s no sugarcoating it; money drives almost every political decision, including those from a national defense standpoint – but I wrote this book for those who, when comparing the worth of young lives to the importance of corporate profits, come down on the side of the men and women who serve our country.”
Continuing, “Every book we publish directly supports progressive non-profit organizations through Books in Action. So, not only will readers enjoy thought provoking and engaging fiction, but they’re also giving back to the charities and groups that give us all a voice.”
Reviews for this debut release have been overwhelmingly positive. Author Mary E. Ames comments, “A political/military novel that’s believable and engaging... Beneath the surface is the question that elevates Code of Honor above other books of its kind: What can one person do to prevent his country from rushing headlong to war?”
Vietnam Veteran, Albert Strickland, adds, “The first few paragraphs of this book were so real that I almost had to put it down. I could see the colors, taste the smells of war all over again. If you want to understand those who have experienced the battlefield, to feel the pain of the soldier, read Code of Honor.”
Attorney Beverley A. Willett was amazed by the author’s ability to blend fact and fiction. She writes, “Our society needs more portraits of heroes -- and Weeks delivers. More important and powerful than a factual recap of the past, Weeks gives us a true flesh and blood hero in Siemens, a hero with imperfections, and a roadmap for choosing and living by a code of honor. ‘Code of Honor’ is truly inspiring.”
‘Code of Honor’ is available for pre-order at http://99percentbooks.com/store/code-of-honor-paperback/ or as an ebook: http://amzn.to/1tolvdV
For more information, visit the publisher’s official website: http://99percentbooks.com
View the video trailer, here: http://bit.ly/1EftjSi
About V.C. Weeks
V.C. Weeks was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up on the "Southside" and attended Southern Illinois University on a President's Scholarship. A vacation to the Florida Keys following graduation prompted a move to Key West. There, she opened a dive shop, obtained her U.S.C.G. 50-ton license and dive instructor certification, and taught SCUBA diving and windsurfing for sixteen years. She was also the first woman to dive with the Treasure Salvors Atocha search team who was not a family member.
Weeks published a monthly political and social commentary column in The Fountain, a South Florida lifestyle magazine, and weekly film reviews for the Key West newspaper, Celebrate! Her articles have also been published in the "Underseas Journal" and in Webvet.com online. Two short stories, "Green Mangoes" and "Velvet Nights" have been anthologized in "Reading and Eating in Paradise".
