By: Orlando Ortega-Medina

In this powerful prequel toThe Fitful Sleep of Immigrants,Orlando Ortega-Medina weaves an inspiring story of survival, love, and resilience set against the violent backdrop of 1980s El Salvador.

Isaac Perez, a young dreamer caught in the crossfire of El Salvador’s civil war, is forced to flee north after his life is torn apart by military brutality. His journey to the United States is fraught with peril, but hes not alone; by his side is Ahbhu, a loyal Australian Cattle Dog with whom he shares a mysterious, telepathic bond.

Together, Isaac and Ahbhu brave treacherous landscapes and cross paths with unforgettable allies: Suchi, a fierce protector of LGBTQ migrants, and Diego, a young man whose kindness rekindles Isaacs hope for a future beyond survival. But as they journey through a world scarred by violence and betrayal, Isaac must confront the haunting shadows of his pastand discover whether he has the strength to build a new life in a land of promise.

Set in a magic-touched reality where love and loyalty transcend even the harshest borders,Emerald Roadexplores the power of connection, the loss of innocence, and the courage needed to forge a new beginning. This gripping tale invites readers into a story where survival and spirit intertwine, testing the limits of hope in the face of unimaginable odds.