The Oarsmen: Chasing Embers is the first book in an exciting series by bestselling author Glenn Beck and co-author Mikayla G. Hedrick. In this gripping story, the idea that stories shape lives becomes chillingly clear. The world, dominated by the powerful Topos Inc., erases the United States as a memory, destroying the core of culture like religion, art, history, and science. In this dystopian setting, sixteen-year-old Ember clings to the only memory of her parents, taken by Topos seven years prior. With a leather notebook that holds forbidden knowledge of the past, Ember risks everything, especially when selected for a task force aiming to curb youth rebellion. This chance feels like an escape but comes at a steep price.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Sky has fled to a community of Holdouts, individuals who refuse to live under Topos's rule. As Sky grapples with the uncertainty of his past, he finds himself drawn to the Holdouts' fight for freedom, challenging everything he thought he knew. Together, Ember and Sky, each carrying their pain and secrets, become unwitting members of a secretive group determined to overthrow the oppressive corporation. With Topos closing in, they face a critical choice: resist and fight back or submit to the powerful system controlling their lives. This thrilling narrative explores themes of identity, truth, and the struggle against absolute power in a world where freedom is a fleeting dream.