The President's Forest

"The President’s Forest is a gripping blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth, centered around a tangled web of covert operations, moral dilemmas, and deeply personal stakes. Set against the vibrant, turbulent backdrops of the Philippines, Southeast Asia and the frozen forests of Finland, the story follows Faith De La Cruz, a resilient Philippine forensic investigator. Faith’s pursuit of justice leads her into a high-stakes conflict with a powerful, shadowy organization known as The Network and their ruthless death squads—the feared Wakwak. Her quest to expose a vast criminal empire quickly becomes a fight for survival, as she faces corruption not only in the streets but also within the very institution she serves.

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At the heart of the story is Faith’s evolving relationship with Maikki Mäkkinen, an ex-commando turned ghost, scarred by a lifetime of violence. Maikki’s dark past and morally grey decisions stand in stark contrast to Faith’s principled stance, yet their connection becomes an anchor for them both. Their relationship is a delicate dance of trust, vulnerability, and the unexpected tenderness that blooms even amidst danger. As they navigate their shared trauma, the raw, emotional undercurrent of their bond challenges their understanding of love, loyalty, and what it means to truly heal.

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The novel dives deep into themes of duality—the blurred line between good and evil, justice and vengeance, loyalty and betrayal. It explores how flawed individuals navigate these murky waters, driven by more than just survival but also by a search for meaning and a chance at redemption. In a world defined by violence, Faith and Maikki’s journey is as much about confronting their own inner darkness as it is about escaping the deadly reach of The Network.

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With richly developed characters and a narrative that moves seamlessly between intense action and introspective moments, The President’s Forest is a story of love, loss, and the high cost of seeking justice in a corrupt world. At its core, it’s an exploration of human connection—the fragile but powerful bonds that can survive even in the darkest corners of experience."*