About The Symbol (New World Order Book 1):
What would it take to change the world?
Henry is a wealthy idealist with a vision. He’s convinced the global order is broken by the erosion of democracy, the rise of inequality, and the threat of the climate crisis. Humanity can’t afford to wait for the compromised institutions to act.
But a dark past shadows Henry’s project: the death of his former partner is a sacrifice to the cause he can’t leave behind—until he meets charming and like-minded Cecile. The two sense they’ve crossed paths for a reason and she becomes his ally and moral compass. Together, they assemble a clandestine team of former hacker turned security consultant Ben, environmental activist and logistics expert Mari, thrill-seeking financial expert Paul, and sharp but grounded legal advisor Claire. Their plan: challenge people everywhere to start acting now following the global launch of a mysterious symbol.
As the operation unfolds, fractures from within and external threats put everything in danger. Money disappears, ideologies clash, and a team member goes dark as a surveillance state trains its watchful eye on them. As Henry becomes convinced the ends justify the means, the people around him must decide how far they’re willing to follow.
NEW WORLD ORDER: The Symbol is the first part of a high-stakes speculative geopolitical thriller series about power, ideology, and the cost of changing the status quo in a compromised world. For readers of Kim Stanley Robinson and John le Carré and anyone who’s ever wondered: how far can you go to do good before you become part of the evil you wanted to fight?
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Author Bio:
Jakob Straub is a writer, developmental editor, and literary ghost. His favorite books have pages all empty—until he taints them. He writes creative fiction in English and German, often about people who can’t quite say what they mean and definitely can’t afford to fail.
His work explores themes of grief, underdog identity, and the quiet absurdity of everyday life. His writing has appeared in The Rush Magazine, Bread Alone (Indie Novella), Flowers & Serpents (New Niu Press) and the Daniil Pashkoff Prize collection.
When not writing, he helps other writers shape their manuscripts and occasionally publishes on storytelling, narrative structure, and the practical nightmare of sustaining a creative career.
Originally from Lake Constance, Germany, Jakob has lived in Berlin, Bonn, Barcelona, and the Pacific Northwest.