Rebellion: Ground Zero by T.J. Martins is a daring new romantic thriller you should read.

Elections are defining moments in any nation, and in a country like Nigeria, they often come with a mix of controversy, violence, and widespread doubt about whether justice will truly prevail. The 2023 presidential elections, for instance, were marred by distrust surrounding the candidates, leaving many citizens disappointed. Politics in Nigeria doesn’t just exist in the abstract, it affects everyone personally, whether they admit it or not.

This is the backdrop to which T.J. Martins presents his bold new novel, Rebellion: Ground Zero. 

Set against the backdrop of a triggering period in a semi-fictional Nigeria, the author lays bare incidents that define the prelude to elections, presenting the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of power-hungry politicians and their allies. At the heart of this political storm is Detan Tijani,  a renowned writer who questions and criticizes the powers-that-be to advocate for a better Nigeria. Throughout the novel he faces challenges, yet the greatest is not just the system, but also the emotional toll of standing up for a country where the very people he defends often find ways to “tear you down and prove you’re not any better than them”, as the character Jire pointedly tells him.

But this novel isn’t just a political exposé, it also weaves an emotionally layered love story told from alternating perspectives,  between Detan and Tiolu Adekeye, a physiotherapist from a privileged background. Their connection, immediate and complex, unfolds against a backdrop of unrest, challenging both their ideals and the fragile space they try to build throughout the novel.

Meeting is fate, and is also orchestrated by a parent of one of the characters. From the onset, the two characters connect in a short space, but there is only so much love can do. Opposites attract but can they last? While Detan is a relatively new member of the socialist community in Nigeria, Tiolu, on the other hand, is someone born into wealth and influence, and these differences constantly threaten their fragile bond. Their shared passion for creating positive change binds them together, but their diverging life experiences test their relationship at every turn. And as they take bold stances for justice, Detan must confront the sacrifices required to fight for a better country.

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Beyond romance, Rebellion: Ground Zero is also a celebration of human connection, especially between friends and family. This can be seen in the depictions of love between the Tijani’s–Detan, his mother, sister, and stepfather. For Tiolu, we also see this theme through her conscious efforts to remain connected with old friends, despite the new changes in her life and the shifts in her lifestyle. “But I have to support my friends and show that I can still be an active part of their lives, even when I don’t live in their world anymore,” she tells Detan, a line that underscores her belief that friendship requires intention, not just proximity. Through the subplots, T.J. Martins reminds us that romantic love is only one facet of what it means to care deeply for others.

Told across twenty chapters and spanning over 300 pages, the novel unfolds with a blend of political intensity and emotional intimacy. T.J. Martins’ storytelling thrives on his skill with descriptions, details, dialogues and scene-setting. His prose is well-structured and able to guide readers through everything, from adrenaline-filled fight scenes to intimate, romantic moments between the main characters. Each chapter’s title is simple, revealing its meaning as you read. Additionally, they begin with a thought-provoking quote that mirrors the major theme of the chapter.

While T.J. Martins’ strength does lie in his dialogue and descriptive power, it also appears to be his weakness. At times, the narrative in Rebellion: Ground Zero suffers from over-description, leaving little room for readers to imagine the world themselves. This also leads to moments where characters tend to tell, in dialogues, rather than show in the scenes, as well as blurred lines between character voices.. There is also medical use of medical jargon in some fight scenes that feels excessive and may pull some readers out of the action.

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Regardless of this, Rebellion: Ground Zero succeeds in its core ambition: using fiction as a form of social commentary. Through the characters, T.J. Martins calls for people with platforms such as authors, entertainers, and everyday citizens alike to be outspoken, stand up and challenge systems that fail the country. The book champions the idea that neutrality is no longer an option when injustice persists.

 

About Rebellion: Ground Zero by T.J. Martins

Detan Tijani is Africa’s golden boy. After an unprecedented three-year streak of being the bestselling novelist in the world and amassing colossal wealth, he returns home to Nigeria with a crucial presidential election looming. When he’s put on the stand in an interview, he criticizes the powers-that-be and unknowingly sets into motion a devastating chain reaction that upends his peaceful life.

Tiolu Adekeye is a beautiful anomaly. Born into the upper echelon of society, her aberrant persona has her leaving her life of comfort behind, in a self-searching quest to help the less privileged. As a physiotherapist, she’s burdened with the need to make true impact and not be an inconsequential cog in an ineffective machine. However, she’s in for the shock of her life, when she realizes that shuffling between her vastly different worlds is no small feat and it comes with an unbearable toll on her psyche. 

With Detan’s newly-minted status as a socialite in the country, he inextricably crosses path with Tiolu, who proves to be an exhilarating guide into this brave new world of ostentatious intrigue and drama. And as the elections draw close, Detan finds himself at a crossroads of becoming a sellout or staying true to his beliefs, at the cost of endangering his own life and the lives of everyone he cares about.

Where to Read Rebellion: Ground Zero by T.J. Martins

Rebellion: Ground Zero is available for free on Pabpub Books.