In the realm of apocalyptic fiction, few books capture the harrowing realism and psychological intensity of nuclear brinkmanship quite like William Prochnau’s “Trinity’s Child.” This novel, a masterful blend of political thriller and apocalyptic narrative, plunges the reader into the depths of Cold War-era fears and the shadow of nuclear war.
Plot and Narrative
The story unfolds with a gripping immediacy, revolving around a fictional nuclear crisis between the United States and the Soviet Union. Prochnau, with his background in journalism, brings a meticulous attention to detail that lends the narrative an almost disturbing authenticity. The plot navigates through various corridors of power, from the Pentagon to the White House, immersing the reader in a world where the unthinkable is on the brink of becoming reality.
Central to the narrative is the protagonist, Major Jake Dillon, who is thrust into a situation far beyond his control. Dillon’s character is expertly crafted, embodying the conflict between duty and moral uncertainty. Prochnau’s ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters, particularly Dillon, elevates the story from mere political speculation to a profound exploration of human nature under extreme stress.
Themes and Insights
“Trinity’s Child” is more than a story about nuclear war; it’s a meditation on the fragility of civilization and the thin line that separates order from chaos. Prochnau skillfully weaves themes of power, responsibility, and the human cost of political gamesmanship. His insights into the bureaucratic and political mechanisms behind such a crisis are not only enlightening but also chillingly relevant, even decades after the novel’s initial publication.
The book also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of technological advancement unmoored from ethical considerations. It challenges the reader to consider the moral implications of power, both in the hands of individuals and nations.
Rating System
- Originality: 4/5
“Trinity’s Child” stands out for its realistic portrayal of a nuclear crisis. While the theme of nuclear war is not new in apocalyptic fiction, Prochnau’s background and the detailed exploration of political and military strategies bring a fresh perspective. - Thoughtfulness: 5/5
The novel excels in its depth of writing and the meaningful exploration of its themes. Prochnau’s insightful treatment of his subject matter makes this book not just a story, but a reflection on the human condition. - Entertainment: 4.5/5
Engaging and thought-provoking, the book keeps the reader hooked with its fast-paced narrative and realistic portrayal of events. It’s a compelling read that balances intellectual depth with the thrill of a political drama.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
“Trinity’s Child” by William Prochnau is an essential read for fans of apocalyptic fiction and political thrillers alike. It is a book that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the profound questions of power, morality, and the survival of humanity.
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The WITHOUT series is a 
There are 7.5 billion people on the planet. 1.2 billion of them live without power. I’ve traveled to many third world countries and have witnessed their daily struggle to survive. It intrigued me to think about how the population of our country would survive if electricity was taken away…forever. Life for those who never had it wouldn’t change much at all. Ours would be turned on its head.
My research covered a wide range of events that were either man-made, accidental, or natural disasters that caused large-scale power outages. Most only lasting a few days, but some lasting a few weeks. In every situation, the good and the bad in people hit both ends of the spectrum. In every situation when large groups of people were plunged into darkness, things went from bad to worse within 24 hours. The downward spiral didn’t change until power was restored.
WITHOUT and WITHOUT II – The Fall, are novels about what may happen if the lights go out…and they don’t come back. I wanted to immerse my character, and myself, into that world and push the boundaries of my creative process. I walked most of the route the character took. I lived without power for days. I was alone while doing both. I didn’t want to tell you what happened to the characters in my book. I wanted to show you.
Naturally the first things put into her were our mobile preps, 72 hour bug out bags, first aide kits, solar and crank powered lights and radios, extra bottles of all fluids the bus needs (like fuel additive, coolant, quick start spray, etc), and about a week’s worth the dry/canned goods. We’re not getting stranded if the bus breaks down, zombies rise up, solar flare or EMP takes out all electronic devices!
There’s lots left to do in the bus, whom we’ve named Jolene Lenore Freebird – including installing plumbing, propane cooktop, and tanks so she can either be shored at a park, or go off-grid without losing the basics of a home. We also need to have her vinyl wrapped so our store is recognizable, and she has some work that needs to be done on her electrical system. We’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help us achieve these goals – along with help us do some really awesome programming to help The Road Virus give back to the communities she visits, like literacy outreach, movie screenings, and a little free library. Please consider backing us – and bring the plague of literacy to a community near you!
In the Tarot, the death card doesn’t mean just death and destruction. It can mean change or a new way of looking at things. From this death, change follows rebirth and growth. It happens again and again around us every day in every aspect of our lives. The Apocalypse is in many ways the death card for the whole planet.
The last piece of our jigsaw puzzle is humanity. When you view a single human and compare them to similar sized animals, humans have no natural weapons, armour or fur. We often have poorer vision, no night vision, poorer hearing, slower movement and little sense of smell. Our success lies in our adaptability, ability to work together and use tools. We instinctively come together as groups and work together. We can build things to help our survival. These instincts won’t go away in times of adversity but often are strengthened.
One thing that takes people aback is in my settings the new societies are often rebuilding. I find it odd that people wouldn’t consider it. After all mankind is a builder. Maybe my real life job as an Engineer has coloured my view. In my experience there will always be someone who can fix, repair and build things. I have met many amazing individuals who despite no formal education can fix anything and build amazing looking vehicles. Not all knowledge would be lost. There will be people with things rattling around in their heads. Things that may help your group of survivors rebuild.
killed. It seemed like an easy decision: there’s no one in the road, I want to bomb this gap. Oh wait, a car came while I wasn’t looking. Smash. Lying bloody in the middle of road, unsure of who I was, so deep in shock.
Because that’s what happens to us, isn’t it? Or at least, it can be. In the wake of whatever catastrophic event we have in our personal lives, there is an opportunity. A window wherein we can be reborn, change profoundly and become someone different than who we were before.
My take on Apocalyptic fiction in general is one that is obsessed with rebirth. With the idea that apocalypse narratives are just macrocosms of our own lives. Sometimes it feels like we’ve destroyed our own world, that we feel so distant from who we used to be and what we used to believe. But where something is lost the opportunity for something new to be born arises. A new life can come from the part of us or our world that has died. That’s what I write about. That’s the story I want to tell of the apocalypse.