Description
Award-winning author and immigration attorney Orlando Ortega-Medina shares the coming-of-age story of Isaac Perez and his search for the land of promise.
Isaac Perez, a young dreamer caught in the crossfire of civil war, is forced to flee north after his life is torn apart by military brutality. His journey to the United States is fraught with peril, but he’s not alone; by his side is Ahbhu, a loyal Australian Cattle Dog with whom he shares a mysterious, telepathic bond.
Together, Isaac and Ahbhu brave treacherous landscapes and cross paths with unforgettable allies: Suchi, a fierce protector of LGBTQ migrants, and Diego, a young man whose kindness rekindles Isaac’s hope for a future beyond survival. But as they journey through a world scarred by violence and betrayal, Isaac must confront the haunting shadows of his past—and discover whether he has the strength to build a new life in a land of promise.
Set in a magic-touched reality where love and loyalty transcend even the harshest borders, Emerald Road explores the power of connection, the loss of innocence, and the courage needed to forge a new beginning. This gripping tale invites readers into a story where survival and spirit intertwine, testing the limits of hope in the face of unimaginable odds.
“A compelling, thrilling, and extremely readable coming-of-age novel that will enthrall readers of all backgrounds.” —Daniel A. Olivas, author of Chicano Frankenstein and How to Date a Flying Mexican
“I defy anyone to read Emerald Road without falling in love with Isaac and his dog Ahbhu, and the landscapes of Central America that offer beauty and redemption despite the suffering.” —Rosa Lowinger, author of Tropicana Nights and Dwell Time
“Ortega-Medina’s prose is evocative and punchy . . . the storytelling is vigorous and gripping.” —Kirkus Reviews
Ortega-Medina is the author of three novels and a short story collection shortlisted for the UK’s Polari First Book Prize. In 2018, he was named the Marilyn Hassid Emerging Author for the Houston Jewish Book & Arts Festival. Ortega-Medina and his partner now live in London, England, where he practices US immigration law and writes fiction.
Website: www.orlandoortegamedina.com
Twitter: @oortegamedina
Facebook: www.facebook.com/orlandoortegamedina
