Beyond Redemption

Manifest Delusions, Book 1

By: Michael R. Fletcher

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

Faith shapes the landscape, defines the laws of physics, and makes a mockery of truth.

Common knowledge isn't an axiom, it's a force of nature. What the masses believe is. But insanity is a weapon; conviction a shield. Delusions give birth to foul new gods. Violent and dark, the world is filled with the Geisteskranken - men and women whose delusions manifest, twisting reality. 

High Priest Konig seeks to create order from chaos. He defines the beliefs of his followers, leading their faith to one end: a young boy, Morgen, must Ascend to become a god. A god they can control. But there are many who would see this would-be-god in their thrall, including the High Priest's own Doppels, and a Slaver no one can resist. Three reprobates, The Greatest Swordsman in the World, a murderous Kleptic, and possibly the only sane man left, have their own nefarious plans for the young god. 

As these forces converge on the boy, there's one more obstacle: time is running out. When one's delusions become more powerful, they become harder to control. The fate of the Geisteskranken is to inevitably find oneself in the Afterdeath.  

The question, then, is: Who will rule there?

©2015 Produced by arrangement with Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (P)2021 Podium Audio

Critic Reviews

"Fletcher populated the landscape with an array of mental disorders, turning a well-thumbed psychiatric manual into a dramatis personae...the dystopia and its victims never quite collapse under the weight of the horror, and their perseverance encourages the readers to endure the grimness until the thought-provoking conclusion." (Publishers Weekly)

Extraordinarily dark and disturbing

As a grimdark fan I enjoyed this book but it definitely pushes the envelope in some disgusting chapters. Not for everyone. Great story very unique.

More enjoyable than Abercrombie

Interesting story, without too many genre tropes, lots of new twists and hard to predict plot. incredible performance as well!

Had potential

Great idea for a world. Great idea for characters but ham-handed. All show no tell. Introspection lasts too long. DNF.

Didn't care about any of the characters

One of the worst stories I've listened to in a while. There was very little character development and I really didn't care about anyone. The concept of power through delusions as a key element of the story fell flat. What is a delusion in a world where no reality has been established?

Amazingly original

One of the most original "magic" systems I have ever read. definitely not for the squeamish but great world building

Great listen

I really liked the book and definitely Grimm dark. At first as a German speaker it was hard to get into due to the heavy usage of German words for names which had meaning but it was irritating. After a couple of hours in it started to flow.

These are some seriously flawed characters and I really enjoyed the listen.

madness.

Really enjoyed this listen. the performance was good. the story was unique to me. im not normally the type to fall for anti-heros but this book was filled with delightfully putrid characters. my best constructive criticism is that Fletcher shouldn't be afraid to describe his setting or objects in it a little more. what he does describe he does well so it would add form color and texture to his settings.

SOMETHING GRIM DARK AND DIFFERENT!

Great book! I hated every character but they were written to hate I think. I loved the book. Narrator did an amazing job. Dark and Violent with lots of self hatred thrown in. Starting book two right after writing this review.

Original world building

I enjoyed the new concepts explored in this book. Plenty dark and an original world. I’d love to read more stories based in the same world.

good & gross.

intriguing and entertaining with great characters, but very gross, weird, and uncomfortable at a lot of points.

Amazing

Brutal! I love a book/author that isn’t scared to use both barrels! Brilliant story

My first foray into grimdark. Outstanding!!

the characters truly are beyond redemption and yet you find yourself caring about these absolute bastards!

Fantastic debut

Didn't have a clue what was going on but found it intriguing and loved it