BookView Review

Avant’s first installment in her Capital City series is a sharp and compelling exploration of ambition, ethics, and the gritty realities of municipal politics. Set in January 2010, the novel follows recent journalism graduate Calista Caldwell as she moves to Capital City, eager to establish her career but unprepared for the whirlwind world of politics she is about to enter. Thrust into the role of political assistant to Ralph Mastronzo, a seasoned city councillor with a sharp tongue and a murky reputation, Cal is drawn into the relentless pace of election-year politics, where every interaction carries an undertone of strategy.

Cal emerges as a richly realized protagonist. Her naivety, wit, and determination make her instantly relatable. Her transformation—from a wide-eyed newcomer to a more pragmatic and self-aware professional—is both compelling and unsettling. Ralph’s strategic brilliance and charm, tempered by an undercurrent of manipulation, make him both appealing and morally ambiguous. The supporting characters are equally vivid, particularly Sully and Petre, who serve as well-crafted foils, reflecting different facets of the political machine.

The novel excels in its exploration of ambition and its cost. Avant deftly examines the compromises individuals make to achieve their goals, questioning whether the rewards justify the sacrifices. The story also highlights the dissonance between public personas and private insecurities, particularly in a field where image often eclipses substance.

With its incisive prose, complex characters, and an unflinching look at the realities of political life, the novel makes for a stunner.

***