Excerpt – The Last Rival by Kyle Palmer
Synopsis
In the shadow of World War II’s end, the world teeters on the brink of an invisible conflict. Behind the veil of international politics and covert espionage lies a forgotten truth—a darkness that survived the war, planning its resurrection. It falls upon a few brave men to stop it, even as their own loyalties and beliefs are tested. Jim Bolden and Lew Weinman, members of a covert intelligence group, have been entrusted with the deadliest missions: the kind that governments disavow and history never remembers. Their task is not just to fight enemies but to challenge the mythologies and systems that keep violence alive. As they battle remnants of the Nazi regime across continents, they must also confront a deeper struggle—the one for humanity’s soul. Blending gripping action with philosophical depth, The Last Rival explores the timeless themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the power of belief. Set against the stark realities of post-war chaos, the novel traces a journey from revenge to redemption, challenging readers to question what it means to fight for a future where humanity might finally forgive itself. As Jim Bolden faces impossible odds in Argentina and Lew Weinman deceives the Nazis in a high-stakes game of espionage, the true enemy reveals itself—a force more dangerous than any nation. Together, they must choose between the path of destruction or the fragile promise of peace.
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Excerpt
On the morning of August 20th, 1946, the sun was a timid intruder, peeking over the horizon, bestowing a soft glow upon the Lincoln Memorial. Standing there, as still and as solid as the marble itself, was William Donovan, known to many as “Wild Bill.” Donovan stood a solitary figure against the backdrop of history, his eyes reflecting a world forever altered by war’s relentless march forward.
In the grasp of his right hand was a steaming cup of coffee, its aroma wafting gently in the morning air. Tucked neatly beneath his other arm, creased and folded with the precision of a soldier’s habit, was the morning’s edition of The Washington Post. With the Lincoln Memorial as his silent confidant, Donovan mulled over the clandestine victories and unseen sacrifices that colored his tenure as OSS Director. The war had left its indelible mark on the world, and now the future stretched ahead, uncertain yet full of potential. He wondered how the world would change, how his own country would adapt to this new world order.
He, Wild Bill Donovan, had served as the Director of the Office of Strategic Services throughout the Second World War. Under his leadership, they had struck many blows against the axis of evil, the majority of which would remain forever hidden in the shadows. As Donovan sipped his coffee, the rising sun cast long shadows, drawing a thin veil over the secrets of a war fought in darkness, known only to a few, a few like him.
There, under the presence of the great Lincoln, Donovan pondered on the nature of this new world, of wars fought in secret, unclaimed victories and unacknowledged losses. He wondered what Lincoln would make of such a world, where wars were fought and won in the shadows.
“Would he be proud of the Republic that stands today? Of the people, by the people, for the people.” he mused. The moment fell over him, as if the world was holding its breath as he pondered. Then, with a slight shake of his head, he murmured, “No”. Extending the notion and the mere absurdity of the circumstance he and others faced, he mused further, “what does one do when the world ends? Perhaps we begin again.” As Bill Donovan sat on the hallowed steps, a call beckoned. Donovan turned from Lincoln as his gaze led over the national mall to the reflecting pool with its calm mirror-like waters, a symbol of the contemplation of history and its impact on the present. Behind it, stood the Washington monument, a stoic reminder of the continued struggle required to preserve the union and the American ideal . Staring off at the Washington Memorial a small smile grew from the side of Donovan’s lip as he was reminded of the great general Eisonhower’s message to the German people at the end of the war.
Reminiscing from the text, he recited verbatim, “The forces of the United Nations have freed you from one of the most powerful and ruthless tyrannies ever to menace the freedom of man. This is the first time in the history of the world that a defeated and conquered people have been set free from the rule of a criminal dictatorship.” Donovon, pondering his earlier assessment reneged and thought, “Yes, we still honor the man,” Taking a final sip of coffee, he rose and tapped Lincoln’s statue, a silent salute to the man and his wisdom.
About the Author
Kyle Palmer is a debut author with a passion for weaving historical intrigue, philosophical depth, and pulse-pounding action into unforgettable stories. Drawing from his professional background as a serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Angel Investor in the tech sector, Kyle brings a unique perspective to his writing, combining meticulous research with thought-provoking themes.
An avid outdoorsman based in Excelsior, Minnesota, Kyle finds inspiration in the wilderness, hunting, fishing, and running. His debut novel, The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing, blends his love for history and science, through his fascination for the intersection of science, faith, and reason.
When not writing or exploring the great outdoors, Kyle enjoys hockey, skiing, spending time with family and friends, and of course reading & writing. With The Last Rival, he invites readers into a world of espionage, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for truth, setting the stage for a new voice in historical fiction.
