The Year of the Hydra
Either the apocalypse is coming, or he’s losing his mind.
An American teacher in China uncovers an ancient doomsday conspiracy during the SARS outbreak, but the Temple of Heaven’s true nature remains uncertain as Julian Mancer’s grip on reality loosens in this hallucinatory thriller. (full description)
Science Fiction • Mystery • Suspense/Thriller
For fans of River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze and The Girl on the Train
“Year of the Hydra has everything in it from Triads to mythology, and numerology to shrooms.”
— Goodreads Review
About the Book
Julian Mancer came to teach English in Shenzhen, but when the SARS epidemic strikes, he discovers something far more terrifying than any virus. The Temple of Heaven, China’s most sacred site, might be an ancient astronomical doomsday device—and it’s about to activate.
As foreigners flee and the city spirals into panic, Julian plunges deeper into his investigation, pursuing clues through Shenzhen’s expatriate underworld. His search for the truth takes him on an increasingly surreal journey where ancient mysteries collide with modern anxieties.
But with his grip on reality loosening, Julian must confront a terrifying question: Is he humanity’s only hope against an ancient threat, or is he simply losing his mind?
Based on author William Broughton Burt’s own experience teaching in China during the SARS crisis, The Year of the Hydra is a hallucinatory thriller that blends conspiracy fiction with psychological suspense. This wild, genre-bending debut will leave readers questioning everything they thought they knew about reality, sanity, and the price of truth.
More by William B. Burt
What Readers Are Saying
“A wild, trippy ride that I can’t figure out if I liked or not. I’m covered in road dust still and trying to get my head straight.”
— Goodreads Review
“I wasn’t a fan of the first few pages/chapters and the characters seemed obnoxious at first glance — BUT the more I read, the more I loved the story, the characters and the plot.”
— Goodreads Review
You’ll Enjoy This If You Like
- River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon
Book Details
- Print length: 594 pages (paperback)
- Published: February 19, 2015
- ISBN: 978-1-938821-10-3
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