MacKenzie Scott's Novel 'Last Days in Two Nations' Explores Dystopian Themes

MacKenzie Scott published her third novel, "Last Days in Two Nations," on Substack in August 2026. The dystopian fiction is set in a near-future America divided into two factions: the Dakota Membership and Still United. The Dakota Membership, led by President Damian Paxton, is characterized by a tightly controlled society focused on surveillance and self-improvement. The novel features eighteen characters and unfolds over a week, with critics noting its sketchy quality and various typos. Some commentators suggest that the novel resembles a movie script rather than a traditional novel due to its pacing and dialogue. Scott's previous works, including "The Testing of Luther Albright" and "Traps," were published by major publishing houses, making her decision to self-publish noteworthy. The novel's themes include authoritarianism and the moral complexities of resistance, with President Paxton serving as a satirical representation of megalomaniacal leaders. Critics argue that the novel's structure struggles to balance its multiple genres, leading to an uneven narrative. Despite its ambitious themes, some readers may find its execution lacking in depth and coherence.