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A peculiar tablet unearthed in a Middle Eastern ossuary provokes madness in those who encounter it. One by one, people come under the tablet's sway and are subjected to horrific visions and dreams. In time, the tablet's true purpose becomes clear: It is the harbinger of an eons-dead god whose reemergence will steep the world in terror and suffering. Having put the pieces together, two men race against the clock and attempt to disrupt the terrifying work of an ancient cult.
Enter Chaythe Asylum - a long-shuttered and controversial institution where patients were allegedly subjected to unethical experiments. Closed in 1989 after a series of grisly murders, Stephen deems the old building as good a place as any to explore the possibility of the supernatural, and arranges to take a tour with his students. But it turns out that the asylum is not as abandoned as it seems. There is something sinister in the building. It has watched and waited for nearly three decades.
His perfect life in its late autumn years, Bob Johnson is offered the chance of using a prototype technology to traverse gateways into alternate realities. A chance to change the course of history and possibly the nature of certain people. Bob seizes the opportunity to rescue his soul and get revenge on those who are trying ruin everything he cherishes. His reality will never be the same again.
When struggling concert pianist Emil inherits a house from his late uncle, he thinks all of his problems are solved. Absconding to the mysterious Weatherby House in the suburbs of Portland where his famous uncle composed many classical masterpieces, Emil finds the place completely empty, save for one thing: his uncle's grand piano.
For thousands of years, the truth about human history has intentionally been suppressed and exploited. For decades, scholars have been saying that the truth about human history will be found inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, but up till now no one has ever been able to find it. Those who tried have been ridiculed and persecuted. The Tenth Cycle is a provocative technothriller about human history, conspiracies, and an ancient society with power and money that will stop at nothing to reach their sinister goals.
At the height of the Great Depression, thousands of families who have lost everything are left with no choice but to make the pilgrimage westward in search of a new life. Some will find what they're looking for. Some will not and will then be forced to make the long journey back home. Then there are the others, those who never make it to either place because they made a stop along the way in a town called Exodus, an abandoned silver mining town in eastern Arizona.
A peculiar tablet unearthed in a Middle Eastern ossuary provokes madness in those who encounter it. One by one, people come under the tablet's sway and are subjected to horrific visions and dreams. In time, the tablet's true purpose becomes clear: It is the harbinger of an eons-dead god whose reemergence will steep the world in terror and suffering. Having put the pieces together, two men race against the clock and attempt to disrupt the terrifying work of an ancient cult.
Enter Chaythe Asylum - a long-shuttered and controversial institution where patients were allegedly subjected to unethical experiments. Closed in 1989 after a series of grisly murders, Stephen deems the old building as good a place as any to explore the possibility of the supernatural, and arranges to take a tour with his students. But it turns out that the asylum is not as abandoned as it seems. There is something sinister in the building. It has watched and waited for nearly three decades.
His perfect life in its late autumn years, Bob Johnson is offered the chance of using a prototype technology to traverse gateways into alternate realities. A chance to change the course of history and possibly the nature of certain people. Bob seizes the opportunity to rescue his soul and get revenge on those who are trying ruin everything he cherishes. His reality will never be the same again.
When struggling concert pianist Emil inherits a house from his late uncle, he thinks all of his problems are solved. Absconding to the mysterious Weatherby House in the suburbs of Portland where his famous uncle composed many classical masterpieces, Emil finds the place completely empty, save for one thing: his uncle's grand piano.
For thousands of years, the truth about human history has intentionally been suppressed and exploited. For decades, scholars have been saying that the truth about human history will be found inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, but up till now no one has ever been able to find it. Those who tried have been ridiculed and persecuted. The Tenth Cycle is a provocative technothriller about human history, conspiracies, and an ancient society with power and money that will stop at nothing to reach their sinister goals.
At the height of the Great Depression, thousands of families who have lost everything are left with no choice but to make the pilgrimage westward in search of a new life. Some will find what they're looking for. Some will not and will then be forced to make the long journey back home. Then there are the others, those who never make it to either place because they made a stop along the way in a town called Exodus, an abandoned silver mining town in eastern Arizona.
The human race is about to be without a home, Earth having been turned into a toxic wasteland by decades of war and centuries of neglect. Now united and desperate to put down new roots, humanity sets off across the galaxy. But the galaxy isn't as hospitable as people would like.
Emerging from the winter storm, it appeared to be a sanctuary, shelter from the freezing blizzard and the ravages of a desperate, final battle. But instead, the beckoning gates of the mysterious abbey are the entrance to a different kind of hell. The frightening shadows and maze of confusing hallways and rooms conceal things much more terrifying than the enemy beyond the walls. Sergeant Muller and his German Army platoon have witnessed countless horrors since the start of the war, but they still don't believe in ghosts. That's all about to change.
Set in the future, this audiobook chronicles the struggles of James, Helena, and their family. After a climate disaster, society is now run by a group of corporate leaders called the Titans, who live in gleaming cities while ordinary workers, like James and Helena, are forced to live on reservations. Residents of the reservation struggle to survive. James and Helena decide they must break away. They leave on a trek to the district of Greenfields, where they can start their lives over again.
When Kevin finds Sarah stranded by the side of the road, he’s more than willing to give her a ride. Young, beautiful and distraught—she’s everything a single guy could ask for in a girl. What he doesn’t know is that she already has a guy: an abusive, drunken boyfriend who left her there in a fit of rage. And when that boyfriend comes back and finds Sarah missing, a simple ride will turn deadly.
The new dark psychological suspense novella by ex police officer and child protection social worker, John Nicholl. Every aspect of Kathy's life is dominated by her abusive bully boy husband. Now she's pregnant and in fear for her life. Can she ever escape him?
This collection of three novellas chronicles the dramatic events from the founding of the first Martian colony in the middle of the 21st century to the first election of the Martian Republic in the 22nd century. Together the three novellas are a sweeping, cautionary tale of a grand social and economic experiment on Mars.
Ben Cutler just wants an honest way to make a lot of money! Unemployed and on the short end of the employment stick, he knows his chances of getting a traditional job is slim to never. Ever resourceful and always a forward thinker, Ben comes up with a brilliant idea - Zombie Park! Create a park with zombies, sell tickets and people will come by the hundreds. To his surprise, one of the richest men in the world backs his project and makes Ben an instant millionaire!
Peter, a brilliant software engineer, is obsessed with finding the answer to an age old question: Is there something after when we die? He builds a machine that can possibly give him the answer, but soon realizes some things are better left unknown.
Only a rag-tag team of gargoyles stands between humanity and extinction. Hell has released its ravening horde of demons, leaving most of humanity a puke-spewing, head-spinning mess of possession. Humanity's last hope? A team of misfit gargoyles - including a cigar chomping, hard-ass grotesque - come alive and ready for battle during the End of Days. They guard the last cathedral-turned-sanctuary atop a bald knoll in the North Carolina mountains.
After an opportunistic heist gone wrong, a squad of Galactic Fleet Marines set down on a remote planet hoping to repair their badly damaged ship and resupply quickly so they can be on their way to spend their new riches. Finding the supply outpost occupied by less than normal residents, the Marines are soon fighting for their lives against a deadly force unlike any they've seen on the battlefield. It'll take all their training and skills to get out alive, let alone in one piece.
The intoxication from a pint of vodka, the electric buzz from snorting cocaine, the warm embrace from shooting heroin - drinking and drugging provide the height of human experience. It's the promise of heaven on earth, but the hell that follows is a constant hunger, a cold emptiness. The craving to get high is a yearning as intense of any blood-thirsty monster. The stories inside feature the insidious nature of addiction told with compassion yet searing honesty.
1898: Martian tripods lay waste to Earth's cities. The world's armies are unable to stem the tide of destruction. When all hope appears lost, common bacteria kills the alien invaders. From the ashes, the human race uses the technology left behind by the Martians to build new, advanced weapons.
In this continuation of the story line of The Red Planet Trilogy, author William Graham weaves a compelling tale of political intrigue as Dr. Jane Starling, the first president of the newly formed Martian Republic, takes office. Her political foes at the corporations, which founded the colonies on Mars, are aligned against her and devise ways to sabotage her political agenda. Against this highly charged political drama, the common citizens of Mars must make decisions about their own lives.
This fast-paced drama not only takes us into the future but casts a bright light on many contemporary events. It's a story with universal appeal and meaning.
I couldn't get into this one. I imagine the style just wasn't for me because I absolutely love this genre. I fault myself for this and not the book!
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I liked the idea of the fight against corruption, spearheaded by the first Martian President, Jane Sterling. I don’t quite think that her policies were that great, but the plot was pretty good. It probably would have been better if it had been longer, as the storyline felt quite condensed.
I love the story it was short and sweet. " I requested this book and got it for free for my honest review"
Continuing the story of the development of Mars. The new President starts her term of office with the introduction of new policies to bring prosperity to everyone, but many conservatives think the measures invade and will stop at nothing to reverse them.
Written almost as a news record, this is an interesting vision of two opposing ideals. The narration is excellent, fast but clearly delivered, with the voicings of the protagonists, especially those of the women, captured perfectly by Richard Wilson.
A must for anyone who heard the earlier Red Planet Trilogy.
Would you recommend The Red Planet President to your friends? Why or why not?
I have a mars junky friend who likes to read anything and everything related to mars. I would recommend this to him.
Any additional comments?
I was voluntarily provided a free copy of this book by the author / narrator / publisher and I'm leaving an unbiased review.
I had read "The Red Planet Trilogy" from the same author earlier. I had found that book to be more of a political dram than a sci-fi book. Compared to that one, this novella is definitely better. But since this one has just one short length story, I was left wanting more. Imo, the story could've been fleshed out more. But, if you are looking for a quick read, this book will meet your needs.
I find William Graham’s books fascinating. Each one has a different setting but they all make a point about greed, power corrupting and the need for people to stand up for what’s right.
This book is based on Mars about 100 years in the future when the first government is created and follows the power struggle between that government and the rich families who want to control the future of the planet. It’s a fascinating story that delves into a range of different human experiences seen through the eyes and actions of different characters.
I’m not someone who likes to talk politics but this book still enthralled me.
The narration is well done for the most part, occasionally a character voice struck me as a bit strange but this was always a supporting character who didn’t have much dialogue. The overall delivery including the pacing and phrasing were excellent.
This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
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Is there anything you would change about this book?
"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
Yes, the length... I would have liked the great story line to be developed into a full length book. I'm not against the idea of a novella, but the story could have developed into a truly remarkable bestseller. It is the follow up to the Red Planet Trilogy which I have not as yet read, so that might be the reason it left me with wanting more.
The story is so closely related to what our actual "earthly" situation is like, that it made me reflect on the fact that humankind could ever change.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I would say Dr. Jane Starling just because she was the one whose character was developed the most in this short novella, but glimpses into other characters were really promising. Need to read the trilogy to see what I missed.
What about Richard Wilson’s performance did you like?
His narrative speech was great, but I wasn't completely taken with his rendition of female characters. They sounded weak when when they should have been strong and assertive.
Was The Red Planet President worth the listening time?
Yes, for sure...
Any additional comments?
Worth the reading
“The Red Planet President: A Novella” picks up and continues where the previous Red Planet books left off. It is the next in the “Detective Ace Sloan” series of books. The novella is written by William Graham and the narration, like with the trilogy book, is performed by Richard Wilson. Similar to the “Red Planet Trilogy” which I earlier reviewed, this book is not a science fiction thriller in the likes of “Total Recall” or the newer “The Martian” movies. If this is what you are hoping to get from these books, I would say that you should look elsewhere or you will be disappointed. A series beginning with the word ‘detective’, you can assume this novella will be better classified as a political or procedural thriller genre. Does that mean the book is not worth reading or listening too; not at all. Read on for reasons I think you might like the book. I say this upfront to ensure you know what you are getting into when the name implies it will be more of a sci-fi story.
This short novella consists of 59 pages in print form and 1 hour and 37 minutes of audio in the Audible edition. In this small number of pages, the author is able to craft a well-told story involving battling factions between the Martian Republic and the conservative group who first colonized the red planet; Mars. As these two parties collide in their beliefs and attempts to do what is best for the colony and the planet, some go to extremes to get their agendas heard or accepted. We see some of the members turn to ways of disrupting and interfering with the new leadership including both kidnaping and sabotage. Tensions and hostilities increase until something has to be done to put an end to it all. This is all packed neatly into a quick read or listen. Not only this core plot, but you also have sub plots involving a crumbling marriage, a bit of romance, and other newly introduced characters I believe we will get to know better in future books.
I do want to say that I would not recommend this book to younger readers as it does contain a fair amount of vulgar language at times and there is some graphic violence closer to the end of the book. Although language was not used everywhere, there were times that it flowed freely and some may take offense to it. Just be aware, if you are one that does not like the use of language like this in your books, you may want to find a different one.
The narration was decent, very similar to the Red Planet Trilogy also narrated by Richard Wilson. Because there are a few main female characters and I often listen to book at 1.5x or 2.0x normal speed, the women in this book sounded more like battling chipmunks at times. I understand it is often difficult for a male narrator to properly voice female characters, I think I can count on one hand the ones that have pulled it off, without them sounding rather quirky. Just note that at times it can be difficult when a female character is excited or action it taking place. Other than that, the audio quality was what one would expect from a professional recording.
In summary, if you like intrigue over adventure, political battles over ship battles, or political strife over traveling at light speed, I would recommend this short novella. That is if you can get past the use of vulgar language or some limited graphic violence. Because it is a rather short audiobook, I would not recommend one use a credit on it, but simply buy it outright and save the credit for a longer book.
Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
Take up where The Red Planet Trilogy left off, and into the first years of the new Mars President. Follow different characters around her as her presidency is challenged, taken over, and then fought for in the end.
The narration, like the trilogy; done by Richard Wilson was great. His voice really lends a hand to this story. It is definitely studio quality work done by an excellent narrator. I will be looking for more books by Mr. Wilson in the future.
This novella was good, it was great, but it was damn good. If you are a fan of political issues and political fights for power, this book is for you. If you haven’t read/listened to the original three novellas, you will be able to follow this but will be missing BIG pieces of it (the murder case, the company, and a few other smaller details). I would recommended reading/listening in order. In order, these stories told a jumpy view of the Martian planet colonies existence from early creation to full blown independence. Overall, I would rate the story 4 stars, just as I did with the Red Planet Trilogy. I enjoyed the series, and will read more if more become available, but it just felt like it was missing something.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog
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8 of 17 people found this review helpful
Red Planet President is a good continuation of the series. Its the culmination of all the events in the generation past of the first colony to the first election of mars. The story overall is fine, but there is an escalation of language and graphic content found from the other books I didn't care for. The first trilogy dealt with social and political commentary bluntly but this story trades in for a bat. For every change of scene in this story it just seemed to be more and more of just a stereotype to the point of a cartoon. Despite this I still enjoyed the story as a whole.
***I received a free copy from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an honest review***
0 of 1 people found this review helpful