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Predatory Ethics #2
Commitment
Sequel to Mad Gods the book that re-imagined myth and gods.
Adam watched Mad Gods drag his father to Hell.
Melusine Rothschild, Grande Dame of the Black Nobility wants to raise him by Predatory Ethics and guide him in wielding the power and influence of his dark birthright.
Adam wants none of this. He watches his TV shows in one of Danvers Mental Hospital's nice padded rooms, snugly dressed in his own long sleeved, buckled, canvas jacket. He is safe, away from a hostile, ravaging outside world.
He's horribly wrong.
Adam watched Mad Gods drag his father to Hell.
Melusine Rothschild, Grande Dame of the Black Nobility wants to raise him by Predatory Ethics and guide him in wielding the power and influence of his dark birthright.
Adam wants none of this. He watches his TV shows in one of Danvers Mental Hospital's nice padded rooms, snugly dressed in his own long sleeved, buckled, canvas jacket. He is safe, away from a hostile, ravaging outside world.
He's horribly wrong.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
28 people want to read
About the author
Athanasios
11 books34 followersAthanasios doesn't always wrestle with his demons, sometimes they just snuggle, they keep him warm at night. He works in Montreal as a graphic/video artist, illustrator & writer in dvd production & film.
Athanasios has been interested in religion & faith since childhood. This led to studying a bewildering variety of beliefs from pagan, wicca, judaism, christianity, islam, to hindu, buddhism, shinto, luciferianism & much more. The interest created its own momentum & brought Mad Gods. It was followed by Commitment and then I Am Eternal.
Predatory Ethics and I Am Eternal are outlets for dark and twisted thoughts. They are how to safely let an evil nature express itself, be seen, felt and savored by every sense that can be conjured in imagination.
Start with I Am Eternal: Cowboys and Vampires if you want to test the waters but if you really have courage and are stout of heart then jump into Predatory Ethics: Mad Gods and immerse yourself in mind and imagination.
Athanasios's other interests include most entertainment, from film, to television & books. He won't try video games for the same reason he doesn't keep his favorite booze in the house; he would do nothing else. There was a short time that he was into World of Warcraft but that became the obsession he knew it would be.
Athanasios has been interested in religion & faith since childhood. This led to studying a bewildering variety of beliefs from pagan, wicca, judaism, christianity, islam, to hindu, buddhism, shinto, luciferianism & much more. The interest created its own momentum & brought Mad Gods. It was followed by Commitment and then I Am Eternal.
Predatory Ethics and I Am Eternal are outlets for dark and twisted thoughts. They are how to safely let an evil nature express itself, be seen, felt and savored by every sense that can be conjured in imagination.
Start with I Am Eternal: Cowboys and Vampires if you want to test the waters but if you really have courage and are stout of heart then jump into Predatory Ethics: Mad Gods and immerse yourself in mind and imagination.
Athanasios's other interests include most entertainment, from film, to television & books. He won't try video games for the same reason he doesn't keep his favorite booze in the house; he would do nothing else. There was a short time that he was into World of Warcraft but that became the obsession he knew it would be.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 3, 2013
Commitment by Athanasios
This book is the second in the Predatory Ethics series. It begins with Dr. P. Phoggel, whose office is located in Boston, searching his system for a man of indeterminate age or race, but who fits within certain criteria. Phoggel is the doctor in charge of psychiatric hospitals throughout Massachusetts. He found “his” patient at Danvers State Psychiatric Hospital.
This patient was incarcerated in the hospital after having been found with more than 30 corpses displaying a variety of “artistic” scenes. The body parts of the corpses had been severed and rearranged in very creative manners to depict scenarios ranging from the manger scene to scenes from “The Godfather”.
The patient, upon his arrest, provided no name, age, or other information and would only say that the death found displayed before him was a tribute. He soon fell virtually catatonic and remained that way, snug in a strait jacket, for quite some time. He did not speak at any point throughout his trial or conviction; he was found to be insane.
The patient’s only interest seemed to be entertainment: books, movies, television. Oddly, many of the other patients at the hospital would call him the “Redeemer”, or “Savior”, or “The One”. He received mail addressed in the same manner from all over the world. Several serial killers asked for special favor in his eyes. Many began to commit crimes as “tribute” to him.
Phoggel was curious as to how people knew how to find him since there was no official record of his exact location. He was also interested in finding out why the patient thought he was the son of Satan, or how he thought he could be the Anti-Christ or Christ. He worked to help the patient with his delusions.
At this time, Adam (the patient – who had not volunteered his name) is traumatized from the events that transpired prior to his incarceration, involving Kosta. The doctors can’t possibly understand much of Adam’s behavior since they believe Adam to be an adult, often writing in their notes about his reverting to childish behavior and demonstrating childish reactions to television programs. They don’t realize that he ¬is a child.
While Adam is in the mental institution, the fight over him continues. The Luciferians, Dark Nobility, Black Nobility, Catholic Church, and even some pagan religions are vying for Adam’s attention. Some wish to destroy him, some wish him to literally go to Hell, others have more twisted desires.
This novel continues the journey begun by Mad Gods: Predatory Ethics, but isn’t quite as satisfying. It focuses on Adam’s efforts to heal himself after the events he’s experienced thus far in his life, but doesn’t (in my opinion) seem to take it quite far enough.
Athanasios writes an intriguing story, filled with religious malice and intrigue. The dangers continue and evidence is made for a third book.
This is most definitely a book to read. Keep in mind this in not a quick read; and one needs to read the first in the series in order to fully understand this book.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review in coordination with Goodreads’ Read for Review program.
This book is the second in the Predatory Ethics series. It begins with Dr. P. Phoggel, whose office is located in Boston, searching his system for a man of indeterminate age or race, but who fits within certain criteria. Phoggel is the doctor in charge of psychiatric hospitals throughout Massachusetts. He found “his” patient at Danvers State Psychiatric Hospital.
This patient was incarcerated in the hospital after having been found with more than 30 corpses displaying a variety of “artistic” scenes. The body parts of the corpses had been severed and rearranged in very creative manners to depict scenarios ranging from the manger scene to scenes from “The Godfather”.
The patient, upon his arrest, provided no name, age, or other information and would only say that the death found displayed before him was a tribute. He soon fell virtually catatonic and remained that way, snug in a strait jacket, for quite some time. He did not speak at any point throughout his trial or conviction; he was found to be insane.
The patient’s only interest seemed to be entertainment: books, movies, television. Oddly, many of the other patients at the hospital would call him the “Redeemer”, or “Savior”, or “The One”. He received mail addressed in the same manner from all over the world. Several serial killers asked for special favor in his eyes. Many began to commit crimes as “tribute” to him.
Phoggel was curious as to how people knew how to find him since there was no official record of his exact location. He was also interested in finding out why the patient thought he was the son of Satan, or how he thought he could be the Anti-Christ or Christ. He worked to help the patient with his delusions.
At this time, Adam (the patient – who had not volunteered his name) is traumatized from the events that transpired prior to his incarceration, involving Kosta. The doctors can’t possibly understand much of Adam’s behavior since they believe Adam to be an adult, often writing in their notes about his reverting to childish behavior and demonstrating childish reactions to television programs. They don’t realize that he ¬is a child.
While Adam is in the mental institution, the fight over him continues. The Luciferians, Dark Nobility, Black Nobility, Catholic Church, and even some pagan religions are vying for Adam’s attention. Some wish to destroy him, some wish him to literally go to Hell, others have more twisted desires.
This novel continues the journey begun by Mad Gods: Predatory Ethics, but isn’t quite as satisfying. It focuses on Adam’s efforts to heal himself after the events he’s experienced thus far in his life, but doesn’t (in my opinion) seem to take it quite far enough.
Athanasios writes an intriguing story, filled with religious malice and intrigue. The dangers continue and evidence is made for a third book.
This is most definitely a book to read. Keep in mind this in not a quick read; and one needs to read the first in the series in order to fully understand this book.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review in coordination with Goodreads’ Read for Review program.
September 8, 2012
This review is going to be a bit of a conundrum for me. I've read "Mad Gods" by Athanasios before and was thoroughly impressed with his spin on ethereal ideas like the melding of religion and reincarnation. He tends to have a more down to earth mind set and a common sense idea of what each should be. I was expecting when I started reading "Commitment" that I would get a continuation of where I left off with "Mad Gods" but Adam makes few appearances in this book and I struggled with a little bit of disappointment since I'd grown rather fond of his character. You see, Adam has choices to make that have everything and yet nothing to do with his ultimate destiny however, "Commitment" is more about healing. I can't be disappointed with this part, if I had been through what Adam had, I would need time to heal as well and no one could begrudge him that.
Athanasios shows a descriptive power when it comes to emotion of which few are possessed. He can really make you feel it; every heartache, every frustration and anger, every heartbreak, every moment of joy and every flash of relieved understanding, he knows how to break those emotions down and make them every bit as real for the reader as they are for the character. This is no small accomplishment and I issue my congratulations for this right now.
Now however, he's ended "Commitment" in such a way as he left it wide open for a third novel. When am I going to see Adam as he grows and learns, makes his choices and accepts his place and fate? He's already made a few determinations when it comes to who and what he is, when will he accept that and the determinations he's made? And how will he react when he starts to live the rewards and consequences of those determinations? Athanasios, you've shown an aptitude for writing about the correlation between choices and consequences and I want to see Adam take the next steps. Show me what you've got.
Now, onto the star rating because it's unavoidable. This is where I find myself in a conundrum because I'm adamantly unwilling to give three stars. "Commitment" is worth more than that both as a story and as a point of view. I also can't give five stars because there were some graphically written scenes that I found slightly off putting in the storyline. I'm going to settle on a happy medium and give four stars and then sit back and wait for the third installment in this (and there had better be a third installment...consider yourself duly challenged, Athanasios) and see where it takes the characters.
Athanasios shows a descriptive power when it comes to emotion of which few are possessed. He can really make you feel it; every heartache, every frustration and anger, every heartbreak, every moment of joy and every flash of relieved understanding, he knows how to break those emotions down and make them every bit as real for the reader as they are for the character. This is no small accomplishment and I issue my congratulations for this right now.
Now however, he's ended "Commitment" in such a way as he left it wide open for a third novel. When am I going to see Adam as he grows and learns, makes his choices and accepts his place and fate? He's already made a few determinations when it comes to who and what he is, when will he accept that and the determinations he's made? And how will he react when he starts to live the rewards and consequences of those determinations? Athanasios, you've shown an aptitude for writing about the correlation between choices and consequences and I want to see Adam take the next steps. Show me what you've got.
Now, onto the star rating because it's unavoidable. This is where I find myself in a conundrum because I'm adamantly unwilling to give three stars. "Commitment" is worth more than that both as a story and as a point of view. I also can't give five stars because there were some graphically written scenes that I found slightly off putting in the storyline. I'm going to settle on a happy medium and give four stars and then sit back and wait for the third installment in this (and there had better be a third installment...consider yourself duly challenged, Athanasios) and see where it takes the characters.
May 23, 2013
Commitment picks up the story of the anti-Christ some time after the end of Revelation Cancelled, and brings you back into the anti-Christ’s life. He is now locked in an asylum, having been charged and convicted of killing and brutally dismembering the bodies and putting them into poses (which are described in detail). It also brings the churches and the Templars back in as they are trying to figure out how to get him out and make him return to what he was born to do.
The research that went into this book again was amazing, as the author describes some of the serial killers of the time and how they would have “presented” offerings to the anti-Christ as a way to gain favor with him. The funny part was that the people working at the asylum did not seem to understand what they were dealing with, and just think that the boy is another whack-job with delusions of grandeur.
This book was not as long as the first, and I quickly mowed thru it, but was happy to see that Simon Magus made another appearance, and I believe it was revealed (or maybe I just read it that way) that he was a vampire. His desire for one of the higher beings in the Satanist army was well written and will be interesting to see where it goes in future books, as this book again left the reader waiting for what was next.
Again, this is a deep book and deals with very mature subjects as well as multiple religions and their rituals, which are described in detail. There is swearing and violence in this book as in the first, but if you are strongly grounded in your faith, and want a story of “what-if” for the anti-Christ, then I heartily recommend both of these books for you to get. If blood, gore, swearing, and violence is not your cup of tea, then steer clear. You have been warned.
The research that went into this book again was amazing, as the author describes some of the serial killers of the time and how they would have “presented” offerings to the anti-Christ as a way to gain favor with him. The funny part was that the people working at the asylum did not seem to understand what they were dealing with, and just think that the boy is another whack-job with delusions of grandeur.
This book was not as long as the first, and I quickly mowed thru it, but was happy to see that Simon Magus made another appearance, and I believe it was revealed (or maybe I just read it that way) that he was a vampire. His desire for one of the higher beings in the Satanist army was well written and will be interesting to see where it goes in future books, as this book again left the reader waiting for what was next.
Again, this is a deep book and deals with very mature subjects as well as multiple religions and their rituals, which are described in detail. There is swearing and violence in this book as in the first, but if you are strongly grounded in your faith, and want a story of “what-if” for the anti-Christ, then I heartily recommend both of these books for you to get. If blood, gore, swearing, and violence is not your cup of tea, then steer clear. You have been warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2012
Overall Feedback: Before you read the previous review please read mine. I state this first because the previous was an obvious fake/false review of a book. You can not possibly miss the fact that this is the second in the series and if you (like me) had read the first then you know that this author is going to entertain you in the least. Now on to the scheduled review. Moving from Mad Gods to Commitment was smooth and hassle free. The author continues his story without missing a beat. Yes this is a story that we have seen, yes he does not deviate from a typical storyline but he does entangle the reader with a well written book. You will not regret taking a stroll through the mind on Athanasios once again.
Point of View: Here the author excels in bringing the reader into the mind of his main character "Adam:.
Voice: Typical but with only the spin Athanasios can place on it.
Character Development: Straightforward for the most part with small detours on Adam and his struggles. Ties really well together.
Plot: Again this is your straightforward good versus evil but I would not go to the levels of saying pass this up for something else. Athanasios adds his take on this story and I believe makes it better.
Dialogue: Athanasios has obviously worked on making sure his dialogue fits and enhances his story. I say you hit the mark, well done sir.
Pacing: From start to finish in one day.
Setting: How many times have we thought or suspected this is going on. We all know evil is battling good everyday.
Continuity: From start to finish I could not see one spot that would have pulled me out of the story and I believe you will see the same.
Point of View: Here the author excels in bringing the reader into the mind of his main character "Adam:.
Voice: Typical but with only the spin Athanasios can place on it.
Character Development: Straightforward for the most part with small detours on Adam and his struggles. Ties really well together.
Plot: Again this is your straightforward good versus evil but I would not go to the levels of saying pass this up for something else. Athanasios adds his take on this story and I believe makes it better.
Dialogue: Athanasios has obviously worked on making sure his dialogue fits and enhances his story. I say you hit the mark, well done sir.
Pacing: From start to finish in one day.
Setting: How many times have we thought or suspected this is going on. We all know evil is battling good everyday.
Continuity: From start to finish I could not see one spot that would have pulled me out of the story and I believe you will see the same.
February 27, 2013
Let me begin by saying this is the SECOND book in the Predatory Ethics series, and I have read (and thoroughly enjoyed) the first book, Mad Gods.
As in Mad Gods, the author proves in Commitment to have the same learned grasp of all thats good, bad, and dirty in theology. This is a certain love of my own, which makes reading the Predatory Ethics series that much more fun.
Athanasios is an eloquent writer, and Adam a killer character. I liked that we delved more into the AntiXos in this book, and especially into the rabid fandom of all that is evil as they try to prove their worth to him.
One issue, however. I'm a goddess worshipping witch, and I've never known, nor do I believe, there is a single goddess worshipper out there who would condone or engage in ritual sacrifice that would harm a living being. It's literally against our religion - Harm None. So much of the pagan scenes in this book have to be remembered as absolute fiction.
This book would be offensive to pagans who can't step outside their beliefs (for that matter, Christians too). I hated the depictions of the goddess and consort because they go against everything I believe, BUT this is fiction, and well-written fiction at that. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series - there is still so much more to learn about this world Athanasios has created.
As in Mad Gods, the author proves in Commitment to have the same learned grasp of all thats good, bad, and dirty in theology. This is a certain love of my own, which makes reading the Predatory Ethics series that much more fun.
Athanasios is an eloquent writer, and Adam a killer character. I liked that we delved more into the AntiXos in this book, and especially into the rabid fandom of all that is evil as they try to prove their worth to him.
One issue, however. I'm a goddess worshipping witch, and I've never known, nor do I believe, there is a single goddess worshipper out there who would condone or engage in ritual sacrifice that would harm a living being. It's literally against our religion - Harm None. So much of the pagan scenes in this book have to be remembered as absolute fiction.
This book would be offensive to pagans who can't step outside their beliefs (for that matter, Christians too). I hated the depictions of the goddess and consort because they go against everything I believe, BUT this is fiction, and well-written fiction at that. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series - there is still so much more to learn about this world Athanasios has created.
April 19, 2013
You don't need to read these books in order because you get a really good description of the background of the characters and the story throughout the book. Some of the descriptions of the 'tributes' can be very graphic, which for me wasn't an issue, but it's not everyones cup of tea. This really isn't for people who are offended by books like the Da Vinci Code or books on Satanism.
October 16, 2013
Well, I wasn't too much of a fan of this one. I get the story and I see what the author was trying to do. In fact, it would probably have made a great movie. But-there were quite a few typos and at times the vulgarity didn't seem to add anything to what was happening in the story. I'm glad I read it, and would read other works from this author, this one just wasn't my cup of tea.
April 16, 2013
I'm biased but this is a great read!!
April 17, 2013
It keeps getting better and better
June 22, 2013
Thank you to the auther for a copy of this e-book!
This book was ok. The first book better, simply because then topic was so different.
This book was ok. The first book better, simply because then topic was so different.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews