Dystopian Thriller Examines Individual Freedom and Authoritarianism

New novel explores what happens when political division tears society apart

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new award-wining thriller demonstrates the stark difference between the nature and motives of Capitalism vs. Socialism, of freedom vs. dictatorship and indicates the ethics that underlie each.

 "Pacifica," author Richard C. Deason introduces us to David Ryan, previously accused of terrorism and missing for two decades. He resurfaces with the startling revelation that he has helped build Pacifica, an independent society founded on a radically different vision of freedom. He has returned to the States with a Pacifica team to rescue his parents, Tom and Anne Ryan, who are caught up in political unrest and placed in government custody.

"I want readers to experience the excitement and optimism I felt while writing Pacifica," said Deason, "while also developing empathy for its characters and admiration for their resilience in the face of nearly unimaginable circumstances."

Deason's extensive background, combining military service, a global perspective gained through international banking and advanced studies in economics and political science, helps to inform the book's depiction of complex global systems, economic structures, and resilience under pressure.

"I hope the story challenges readers to consider the difficult choices we make when our beliefs and our circumstances are put to the test," Deason said.

"Pacifica"
By Richard C. Deason
ISBN: 9781420829280 (softcover); 9798823058759 (hardcover); 9781463476175 (e-book);
           9781665563239 (audio)
Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

About the author
Richard C. Deason graduated from UCLA with a double major in Economics and Political Science. He served four years active duty in the US Navy, then returned to UCLA to complete his MBA. After working for several years in international banking, during which he traveled extensively in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East, he took two years off to begin work on Pacifica. Since then, he has held a variety of positions in community banking, software development, accounting, and the credit card industry while working to complete his novel. Mr. Deason has also written a play, several short stories, and poetry, and currently resides in the Los Angeles area. To learn more, please visit www.richarddeason.com.

General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Ziggy Goldfarb
[email protected]

SOURCE AuthorHouse