The Ultimate Invisible Enemy

08 Apr The Ultimate Invisible Enemy

The Ultimate Invisible Enemy

The Hidden Themes within The Invisible Enemy Series

Hidden themes within the pages of a good story have been a notably compelling facet of the literary genre since the renaissance period and before. Hollywood even makes certain attempts to revive this movement. For instance The Matrix, was a remix of the Bible. Lion King was Hamlett. Avatar and The Wire: Season 3 definitely projected unmistakable symbolism of the war in Iraq. Hidden themes, once revealed or discovered, excites readers and writers, bringing the reader to a deeper level of thought, sometimes even inspiring a re-read. There are many different themes within the pages of The Invisible Enemy: Black Fox and its sequel, The Invisible Enemy II: Vendetta. Two of the major themes are intertwined. The first one is the amazing history of African Americans. Throughout my book signings, shows, events, and literary conversations with my supporters and readers whom I love dearly, only a few have been able to grasp this theme on the first read. Interestingly enough, when the theme is explained. Everyone gets it.
Hm. I hear your skepticism.
I see your sideward glance to the side as you think: “Mr. Howard. While fascinating, your book only has a few African American characters in it. And there is a white man on the cover. So how can you tell me that it reflects African American history?” I hear your agnosticism. Really, I do. I see your look of disbelief. I see the wrinkle in your forehead as you look sideways to keep your sunny disposition. I’ll also humbly state that most of the characters in The Invisible Enemy: Black Fox are any race you want them to be. Now, I’ll reveal the first theme to you as I take you through four dynamic phases of African American history. The first phase is the plantation. In my book, the Spymaster represents the slavemaster. Stay with me now, I only changed 4 letters. Spymaster Boris Kapitnov sat in his safe haven (masters mansion) and operated the business, provided the strategic direction, and gave the orders. Devin represented the overseer, reporting directly to the slavemaster, just as the plantation hierarchy dictates. The overseer ‘cracked the whip’, enforced discipline, and was responsible for the direct supervision of the plantation subjects, just as Devin was. As you’ve likely figured out by now (see I told you) Garret and his team represented the plantation subjects, or slaves. Notice how the Spymaster (slavemaster) kidnapped the children from birth, stripped them of their names, and trained them in camps, in brutal conditions.
The list goes on.
Garret and his team did not have a childhood, and were forced to come to America to work under penalty of death if they did not comply. Just as on the plantation, the slaves chose names based upon their skills (i.e. Chicken George) or their tribal name (Russian names in this case) which they would only use when the Spy/slavemaster or overseer (Devin) was not around. They had no choice of career, no chance for real advancement, recognition, promotion, or even pay. They were also not allowed to have any life for themselves. Notice how the slavemaster bred Amerus, just as the slaves were bred on the plantation.
When Kalisa escaped from the plantation, the slavemaster sent bounty hunters F-2 and F-3, to get her, just as on the original plantation. When the slavemaster found her, he didn’t even ask if she was okay, nor did he ask why she ran. Note that that the slavemaster took the overseers’ word over two of the slaves (Garret and Kalisa). In total, I bring the reader through 4 phases of African American history in the books. Two phases in the first book Black Fox, an additional two in the sequel, Vendetta. The first phase is plantation, the second is transformation – when Garret revolted against the slavemaster on the cruise ship. When Garret realized how powerful he was, he was a serious force to be reckoned with. This reveals the true meaning of the title The Invisible Enemy. The invisible enemy is the psychological shackles on Garret, specifically, the chains around Garret’s mind. For so long, he was what he was told he was. He did not even truly think for himself. He blindly took orders and followed the perverted system that was engrained in him since birth. He couldn’t reach his natural potential, or unleash his true power until he was free, and he broke the chains of the slavemaster and overseer. The true meaning of the title also reveals the second hidden theme of empowerment explained above. When Garret woke up, realized his true strength, without hesitation, he sent men after the slavemaster. Garret wanted to free his family from the slavemaster by killing him, and starting a transformation that could never be reversed: a revolution. Once he awakened from the corrupted plantation design, he could realize his ultimate potential. This is still true among many today, who are still trapped in “chains”. Those still haunted by the invisible enemy. Many statistics and news reports attempt to control perception and tell certain demographics including African American’s who they are, further tightening the invisible chains. If many are awakened from the statistics, stereotypes and other noise, true power in many individuals can be realized. When Garret freed his mind, he became a remarkable, fearless, leader, who cares about his teammates. . . profoundly greater than the slave he was programmed and designed to be. In Vendetta, Garret is further developed while bringing the reader deeper into the last two powerful phases of American history. If you would like, take a peek at the sequel, please do so as my guest at The Invisible Enemy II: Vendetta
As the two hidden themes were revealed, I hope you were able to enjoy the book even more and have a deeper understanding of The Invisible Enemy. In addition, I trust that reading this article will assist you in picking up other hidden themes in books and movies that you choose to read and watch. I believe it’s key to not only present a fascinating story to you, but to bring value to you aside from entertainment. Readers worldwide helped me realize that’s one of the key differences of my style of writing. However, many authors do not contribute to the literary art form. Everyone loves to be entertained, so I’m obviously going to do that. In addition, a lot of readers like you also value riveting, thought provoking books. Topics where you finish the book and want to know more, and hidden motifs that can elude even the most experienced of readers, and sharpen your minds for the next book or movie you chose to read.
-Anthony R. Howard
www.anthonyrhoward.com