Why do humans exist? What is our purpose in life? How did we get here? William Natas, a Harvard scientist and professor, has been on a mission to change the world by answering these questions. After years of research and labor, he has finally solved the most complex theory in science, and with it, believes he can unveil many of the mysteries of life, including the answers to these questions. He thinks the answers have nothing to do with religion, and, therefore, sets out to eliminate the institution from the planet. After he consults his colleague John Mandeus about his discovery, however, John is not excited about it. He fears what the discovery means for the world and what Natas intends to do with this knowledge and power. He argues that religion is necessary for the survival of morality and happiness in the world. He insists that, without it, society would fall apart. Nonetheless, John's warning is not heeded. Natas releases his theory to the world, and all of the leading scientists back his theory, except for John Mandeus. As a result, John becomes the laughing stock of the scientific world and seemingly loses the battle of convincing society that it needs religion to sustain itself. Ten years pass, and the future is dark. John Mandeus was right about society, but so was Natas. The progress of technology and science has exponentially increased; however, morality and religion have almost ceased to exist in the future world. In the middle of this future chaos is Joseph Mandeus, son of John, who embraces this new world and thrives in it. Working as a computer programmer by day and thief by night, he has made quite a living for himself in the lively city of Miami. Until one day, a robbery goes awry, and Joseph's life is left in disarray. After reconnecting with an old friend, Julianna Danielson, Joseph is convinced to move back to live near his family in Indiana. In his search for reason in this future world, he slowly starts to understand why his father fought for his beliefs. Happiness still eludes him, but his life is getting back on track. That is, until he begins to fight back against the regime of William Natas, his father's old nemesis, to resurrect the war for his father's beliefs. When a presidential backing and limitless wealth make William Natas one of the most powerful men in the future world, Joseph finds himself in the middle of a power struggle that could cost him his life.
About the Author: Born and raised in a suburb of the city of New Orleans, Brandon Butera has enjoyed writing since a young age. He now attends the University of Miami in Coral Gables where he studies Mathematics, Economics, and English. The City of Man is his first published novel.