Set in a futuristic community where poverty is the norm and immense privilege is the stark exception, Chase Applegate’s golden upbringing was not enough to persuade him to uphold the injustice, greed and power wielded by the 16 Families. His struggle to help the less fortunate, including Maggie, the maid with whom he falls in love, while battling the very powers who raised him brings readers on a journey at once terrifying and liberating. Chase’s quest for justice, kindness and human decency leads him through a maze of discovery about human capability and secrets about his own past.

The Human Collective peers into a fascinating world in which technology is used by sixteen government families to control the world population. Implanted electronic devices have become integral parts of life and humans themselves have become almost unnecessary to the wealthy in charge. Political intrigue, suspense, romance and action entwine to ask deep thematic questions and provoke thought about issues relevant today, including basic morality.