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Risen
The Thrilling Conclusion of Brendan's Story from Fallen
A year ago, combat veteran Brendan Murphy became the intelligence liaison to the mysterious alien race known as the Sabia. He stopped a war but has been cut off from Earth. Brendan is now balancing his life with Esfirs while trying to end his exile. Thinking the worst is over, he soon finds himself amid a conspiracy threatening Earth and the Sabia. Unsure who to trust, his actions will save or condem billions.
A year ago, combat veteran Brendan Murphy became the intelligence liaison to the mysterious alien race known as the Sabia. He stopped a war but has been cut off from Earth. Brendan is now balancing his life with Esfirs while trying to end his exile. Thinking the worst is over, he soon finds himself amid a conspiracy threatening Earth and the Sabia. Unsure who to trust, his actions will save or condem billions.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
14 people are currently reading
About the author
Patrick Abbott
5 books11 followersPatrick Abbott served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is happy to live the rest of his life in the United States of America. Writing science fiction and other speculative fiction allows him to focus on themselves in new and unique ways. He has a Substack that allows him to discuss his influences. When not writing, he is active in his church, enjoys reading and the outdoors, and watches baseball to relax.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 23, 2024
Good sci fi adventure
But I prefer less human religion with my science fiction. And the "aliens" have hidden motives and little real care for the Terrans. Brendan's struggles make interesting reading, although his PTSD may not be getting effectively treated. The cultural clashes and actual harm caused by the visitors make Risen a dark book.
But I prefer less human religion with my science fiction. And the "aliens" have hidden motives and little real care for the Terrans. Brendan's struggles make interesting reading, although his PTSD may not be getting effectively treated. The cultural clashes and actual harm caused by the visitors make Risen a dark book.
September 10, 2024
In the gripping sequel to Fallen, fans of Brendan Murphy are dropped directly back into the continuing action, with very little backstory. The political intrigue between the various Sabia factions and their human allies and antagonists continues, but as ever, the focus is on the characters and their inner turmoil; their conflicts, hopes, and fears.
As Esfir's pregnancy continues and Brendan's hybridization alters much of his DNA, he also learns more (and disconcerting) secrets about the Sabia's home planet, religion, and politics. Amidst shifting motives and alliances, he finds himself nearly destroyed by the various hard choices battling for his loyalty.
Brendan is presented to the reader through a microscope, where every physical and mental response to his dilemmas is described in detailed, vivid, and highly distinctive prose. With this approach, Abbot has meticulously crafted an intense and immersive experience. While this is primarily a psychological study, there is also a hefty dose of intrigue and action. The pacing is solid and the twists and turns are fascinating as the story winds to a mostly satisfying conclusion.
I did feel the ending could have been a bit longer, and I would have liked more explanation regarding the choice that the Sabia made about their relationship with Earth. And considering the amount of emotional and physical manipulation that Brendan has suffered at the hands of these powerful beings, and his repeated betrayals by those who had befriended him, one is left doubtful that despite his intentions, he can ever fully recover and have a truly normal life.
Nonetheless, his story does conclude on a hopeful note, and since he is such a relatable protagonist, he deserves it!
As Esfir's pregnancy continues and Brendan's hybridization alters much of his DNA, he also learns more (and disconcerting) secrets about the Sabia's home planet, religion, and politics. Amidst shifting motives and alliances, he finds himself nearly destroyed by the various hard choices battling for his loyalty.
Brendan is presented to the reader through a microscope, where every physical and mental response to his dilemmas is described in detailed, vivid, and highly distinctive prose. With this approach, Abbot has meticulously crafted an intense and immersive experience. While this is primarily a psychological study, there is also a hefty dose of intrigue and action. The pacing is solid and the twists and turns are fascinating as the story winds to a mostly satisfying conclusion.
I did feel the ending could have been a bit longer, and I would have liked more explanation regarding the choice that the Sabia made about their relationship with Earth. And considering the amount of emotional and physical manipulation that Brendan has suffered at the hands of these powerful beings, and his repeated betrayals by those who had befriended him, one is left doubtful that despite his intentions, he can ever fully recover and have a truly normal life.
Nonetheless, his story does conclude on a hopeful note, and since he is such a relatable protagonist, he deserves it!
August 21, 2024
Soft science fiction that deals authentically with faith, PTSD and C/PTSD.
'Risen' deals well with themes like broken families, betrayal by loved ones, practical and social challenges related to cross cultural missions (the alien Sabia in this case), and the deep longing for safety and security within the significant relationships we find ourselves in. Furthermore, it does so from the viewpoint of a complex character struggling to manage his own C/PTSD.
The C/PTSD is well portrayed, and even though the protagonist falls into the occasional (warranted, in his case) destructive spiral, the author does a good job of keeping the protagonist moving forward towards positive, healthy resolutions.
Due to a strong interest in the themes of C/PTSD, I have also read the first novel in the series. 'Risen', being the author's second novel if I'm correct, shows definite improvement in terms of technical writing craft. However, there are sections that feel quite 'busy', and to certain types of readers some of these sections might feel cluttered and underdeveloped. It might bother them. To this I would like to comment, 'Bear in mind that the sufferer of C/PTSD generally has a cluttered, busy mind.' In this sense, it almost feels as if parts of the writing have become an accurate expression of the protagonist himself.
I'm looking forward to further projects by the author! :D
'Risen' deals well with themes like broken families, betrayal by loved ones, practical and social challenges related to cross cultural missions (the alien Sabia in this case), and the deep longing for safety and security within the significant relationships we find ourselves in. Furthermore, it does so from the viewpoint of a complex character struggling to manage his own C/PTSD.
The C/PTSD is well portrayed, and even though the protagonist falls into the occasional (warranted, in his case) destructive spiral, the author does a good job of keeping the protagonist moving forward towards positive, healthy resolutions.
Due to a strong interest in the themes of C/PTSD, I have also read the first novel in the series. 'Risen', being the author's second novel if I'm correct, shows definite improvement in terms of technical writing craft. However, there are sections that feel quite 'busy', and to certain types of readers some of these sections might feel cluttered and underdeveloped. It might bother them. To this I would like to comment, 'Bear in mind that the sufferer of C/PTSD generally has a cluttered, busy mind.' In this sense, it almost feels as if parts of the writing have become an accurate expression of the protagonist himself.
I'm looking forward to further projects by the author! :D
September 29, 2025
I didn’t really have a choice in reading this. I’d read the first book and just had to know how it ended. I’ll jump ahead to say I was very satisfied with the ending. I thought I would be simply due to the author’s style. One of the things that fascinate me about this book is how completely absorbed I was in the plot while not caring for any of the characters.
Anybody familiar with current world events will recognize the parallels. The story finds a way to present actual events from a different angle. How does an advanced civilization deal a lesser developed society. They offer help, but expect deference and a level of obedience in return. At what point does that become oppression or cultural invasion?
The gynoducibus culture of the aliens flip earthly conduct upside down. Women actually own their men, and men are subservient to their wives. Interactions between alien and earthly cultures are separated by religious decrees. But as readers, we see how similar they actually are. We likely worship the same God. But each culture defines him/her so differently that we don’t recognize the common deity.
This is a fantastic story and I was sad to reach the last page. But you must read the first book first. You can not pick this story up at the beginning of book 2.
These book are absolutely worth the time to read. You’ll be sad when there are no more pages.
Anybody familiar with current world events will recognize the parallels. The story finds a way to present actual events from a different angle. How does an advanced civilization deal a lesser developed society. They offer help, but expect deference and a level of obedience in return. At what point does that become oppression or cultural invasion?
The gynoducibus culture of the aliens flip earthly conduct upside down. Women actually own their men, and men are subservient to their wives. Interactions between alien and earthly cultures are separated by religious decrees. But as readers, we see how similar they actually are. We likely worship the same God. But each culture defines him/her so differently that we don’t recognize the common deity.
This is a fantastic story and I was sad to reach the last page. But you must read the first book first. You can not pick this story up at the beginning of book 2.
These book are absolutely worth the time to read. You’ll be sad when there are no more pages.
June 29, 2025
An enjoyable book 2 of a series
In ‘Risen’, the 2nd book in a series (1st book is ‘Fallen’ and I recommend it be read first so that the reader isn’t confused in book 2), Brendan Sean Murphy is a man caught between two worlds. He must decide whose side he’s on – Earth’s, or the Sabia (an alien race who have come to Earth). The issue isn’t simple for Brendan, a human with a Sabian wife and unborn child. Where will his loyalties lie? And at what cost?
I found Risen to be a good read and I recommend it to science fiction readers, or any reader who enjoys a good, unique story. I particularly enjoyed the statement this book makes on cultures and how misunderstandings can arise by not understanding each other’s cultural references. For example, when an Earthling calls a Sabia “honey” as a term of endearment, the Sabia becomes confused as to why the Earthling is referring to them as food – good stuff!
In ‘Risen’, the 2nd book in a series (1st book is ‘Fallen’ and I recommend it be read first so that the reader isn’t confused in book 2), Brendan Sean Murphy is a man caught between two worlds. He must decide whose side he’s on – Earth’s, or the Sabia (an alien race who have come to Earth). The issue isn’t simple for Brendan, a human with a Sabian wife and unborn child. Where will his loyalties lie? And at what cost?
I found Risen to be a good read and I recommend it to science fiction readers, or any reader who enjoys a good, unique story. I particularly enjoyed the statement this book makes on cultures and how misunderstandings can arise by not understanding each other’s cultural references. For example, when an Earthling calls a Sabia “honey” as a term of endearment, the Sabia becomes confused as to why the Earthling is referring to them as food – good stuff!
February 14, 2025
If Fallen is healing by going through Hell, Risen is the main character’s crucifixion. Things are looking up for Brendan, he has disconnected from his toxic liaison job, his Sabia wife is pregnant with his child, and he finally gets to go on the moon. Then the aliens intra-politics come into play. A covert faction of the aliens has some scores to settle with the leadership, blaming all the woes the aliens have on them. The ringleader sees Brendan as a perfect tool, and using his fundamentally good nature, she sets him on a path that will everything about him to the test (as the aliens test him). Risen does a good job raising the stakes and kept me interested on how the story will continue.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews