New Political Thriller "Are You a Patriot?" Reimagines the American Hero

With the United States celebrating its semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), a provocative new novel is stepping into the cultural spotlight to challenge the very definition of American patriotism.

Are You a Patriot?, a high-stakes political thriller co-authored by award-winning entrepreneur Donald Thompson and acclaimed cultural historian Bob Batchelor is scheduled for release on September 15, 2026. The novel marks the debut of the Xander Hale series. Along with the announcement, the publishers have officially unveiled the book's cover, designed by eminent artist Brad Norr.

At the center of the novel is Xander Hale, a self-made Black corporate titan who built an empire uncovering the truths that powerful institutions preferred to keep buried. Living in an America that has historically marginalized him, Xander's world is upended when the nation crosses a dangerous, irreversible line.

Suddenly, the man who spent his life navigating a biased system is drafted to defend it. The stakes could not be higher: if Xander refuses to help, the country burns; if he agrees, it will cost him the person he loves most.

The core question driving the narrative is as timely as it is heavy: Would you risk everything to save a country that never loved you back?

"Xander Hale is the hero I kept looking for, but never found: a Black corporate titan asked to defend a system built to break him. This is more than a plot device. Millions of Americans are living it." 

— Donald Thompson, Co-Author

Are You a Patriot? is being positioned as a rare breed of thriller: one that marries the propulsive, adrenaline-fueled pacing of authors like Lee Child, Mark Greaney, and David Baldacci with the profound moral weight and social commentary of Walter Mosley and S.A. Cosby.

The novel represents a unique collaboration between two distinct, highly accomplished voices: Donald Thompson: An EY Entrepreneur of the Year honoree, multi-exit CEO, investor, and author of the acclaimed leadership memoir Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success, an Independent Press Award (IPA) Distinguished Favorite. Thompson infuses the character of Xander Hale with authentic corporate-titan DNA. And, Bob Batchelor: A cultural historian, Coastal Carolina University professor, and author of more than 35 books (including Stan Lee: A Life and The Bourbon King, an Independent Press Award (IPA) winner). Batchelor lends the story its deep historical framework and dramatic gravitas.

"Our novel revolves around a central question that we all face: would you risk all you have to save the nation?" Batchelor noted, adding that fans of political thrillers will find a "fellow-traveler" in Xander Hale as he heads on an action-packed collision course with history.

The release is a landmark moment for Market First Publishing (MFP), serving as the flagship launch for the company’s new fiction imprint. Josh Schwartz, CEO of Market First Publishing, expressed high expectations for the title's release:

"Donald and Bob have delivered a provocative novel: a political thriller that matches high-octane pacing with genuine cultural substance. This is the benchmark for the kind of fiction MFP will publish."

Though the book won't hit shelves until September, a passionate community is already rallying behind it. The Are You a Patriot? Facebook Group has already amassed more than 21,000 members, signaling massive grassroots anticipation for the thriller.