Emerald Road

In this powerful prequel to The 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 he’s 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 Isaac’s 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 past--and 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 Road explores 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.

ORLANDO ORTEGA-MEDINA was born in Los Angeles to Cuban immigrants. He studied English Literature at UCLA and holds a JD from Southwestern University School of Law. He is the author of three novels and a short story collection, which was shortlisted for the UK’s Polari First Book Prize. In 2018, he was named the Marilyn Hassid Emerging Author for the Houston Jewish Book & Arts Festival. Ortega-Medina and his partner now live in London, England, where he practices US immigration law and writes fiction.