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The Order #1
The Second Tree
WINNER OF THE 2015 BEST INDIE BOOK SHELF UNBOUND NOTABLE INDIE AWARD Thanks to a drunken accident in western Uganda, Martin and Andrew think they’ve found the next culinary craze to hit Manhattan’s trendy restaurant scene. They’re about to find out they’ve stumbled onto a centuries-old secret that, once unleashed, may be impossible to contain. Everyone wants something from the new discovery. Andrew wants a chance to make a decent living and escape his dead-end job. Self-absorbed, greed-driven Martin wants to profit from a cut-throat industry that envisions a revolutionary product lurking in the find. Military organizations at home and abroad have their own, more violent agendas. And, hidden in a west Ugandan valley, a tribe of guardians wonder if an ancient prophecy is reaching fulfillment, or if the world discovered their secret too soon. In a story reminiscent of Crichton and Brown’s corporate and religious thrillers, John Butziger presents a potent mix of adventure, conspiracy, and the mystical. From the petty double-dealing of a culinary network channel to the high-stakes world of cyber-espionage, Butziger weaves a complex adventure where few can be trusted—and all want to control the power of The Second Tree .
318 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2014
About the author
John Butziger
3 books3 followersAs a partner and board member of an innovative advertising technology firm, engineer and entrepreneur John Butziger led teams in areas as diverse as environmental engineering programs, medical device research, and product development. He has worked in Manhattan for more than ten years, travelling internationally to deploy new technology and develop business opportunities. He drew upon his extensive experience in international entrepreneurship and science while writing The Second Tree.
With a master’s degree in engineering and several patents, Butziger publishes in both domestic and international journals. He has lectured on entrepreneurship and engineering at Columbia University in New York City, and the HEC Business School in Paris, France.
Married with three children, Butziger lives in Rhode Island. His passions include travel, fishing, cooking, music, writing, and spending time with his family.
With a master’s degree in engineering and several patents, Butziger publishes in both domestic and international journals. He has lectured on entrepreneurship and engineering at Columbia University in New York City, and the HEC Business School in Paris, France.
Married with three children, Butziger lives in Rhode Island. His passions include travel, fishing, cooking, music, writing, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 7, 2014
7 out of 10
An interesting espionage tale with shadowy government corporations, likeable yet unheroic protagonists and biblical overtones that weaves together nicely to form a quick paced adventure. This is not a story of a lost alien artifact, or an all powerful crystal or some new weapon, it’s a super fruit that gives the person eating it a healing factor on par with Wolverine.
Whilst researching for a Culinary Network, set director Martin takes a stumble in the jungle and finds himself alone, seriously injured and drifting in an out of consciousness. Brought back to health by mysterious and unknown rescuers he is eventually found by his friends and much to his own surprise finds himself in remarkably good health. Not quite putting two and two together he gives the fruit found in his pockets to his mate Andrew who starts to grow it on masse, with plans to wow the New York food scene. Whilst experimenting with different dishes and eating copious amounts of the fast growing fruit he suffers a serious injury. Upon waking to find it completely healed, Andrew begins experimenting on himself and soon finds that injury he incurs heals almost instantly and this is where the book takes off.
As word spreads of this miraculous cure all and we see multiple parties making a play for the goods we get a nice balance of action, suspense and intrigue. In fact, I was surprised at how well this book kept my attention as neither the scientific or the religious aspects of a book generally interest me but the combination of pacing, atmosphere and story telling kept me involved in the story.
The character building is not hugely deep but I get the feeling these are all fairly normal, you and me sort of people, as opposed to readily identifiable archetypes that populate many of the books I read. Martin is a bit of a collector, a little obsessive, greedy but does not seem like a bad guy, while Andrew has a bit more of a moral centre and seems to recognise the benefits of their discovery beyond the financial gain. Andrew is certainly exposed to things that allow him to be a bit more empathetic so his journey is little more developed.
There are some real moments of horror and gore in this book that I was not expecting and I really enjoyed the scenes where Martin is revealed to have smatterings of The Walking Dead's 'Governor' character in him as, well as the fact that you can never underestimate the bad side of such a healing factor. This all begins quite innocently but cascades spectacularly as the book picks up pace.
They say power corrupts, but does being aware of that diminish the fact and provide resolve or merely give one an excuse to fall from grace. It’s an interesting question that I hope this series and the author will continue to explore and I'm happy to recommend this to anyone who feels like an easy enjoyable read that, whilst part of an upcoming series, is a book that comfortably stands on its own two feet and provides a satisfying conclusion.
It's great value at $5 as an ebook on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Second-Tree-Ord...
An interesting espionage tale with shadowy government corporations, likeable yet unheroic protagonists and biblical overtones that weaves together nicely to form a quick paced adventure. This is not a story of a lost alien artifact, or an all powerful crystal or some new weapon, it’s a super fruit that gives the person eating it a healing factor on par with Wolverine.
Whilst researching for a Culinary Network, set director Martin takes a stumble in the jungle and finds himself alone, seriously injured and drifting in an out of consciousness. Brought back to health by mysterious and unknown rescuers he is eventually found by his friends and much to his own surprise finds himself in remarkably good health. Not quite putting two and two together he gives the fruit found in his pockets to his mate Andrew who starts to grow it on masse, with plans to wow the New York food scene. Whilst experimenting with different dishes and eating copious amounts of the fast growing fruit he suffers a serious injury. Upon waking to find it completely healed, Andrew begins experimenting on himself and soon finds that injury he incurs heals almost instantly and this is where the book takes off.
As word spreads of this miraculous cure all and we see multiple parties making a play for the goods we get a nice balance of action, suspense and intrigue. In fact, I was surprised at how well this book kept my attention as neither the scientific or the religious aspects of a book generally interest me but the combination of pacing, atmosphere and story telling kept me involved in the story.
The character building is not hugely deep but I get the feeling these are all fairly normal, you and me sort of people, as opposed to readily identifiable archetypes that populate many of the books I read. Martin is a bit of a collector, a little obsessive, greedy but does not seem like a bad guy, while Andrew has a bit more of a moral centre and seems to recognise the benefits of their discovery beyond the financial gain. Andrew is certainly exposed to things that allow him to be a bit more empathetic so his journey is little more developed.
There are some real moments of horror and gore in this book that I was not expecting and I really enjoyed the scenes where Martin is revealed to have smatterings of The Walking Dead's 'Governor' character in him as, well as the fact that you can never underestimate the bad side of such a healing factor. This all begins quite innocently but cascades spectacularly as the book picks up pace.
They say power corrupts, but does being aware of that diminish the fact and provide resolve or merely give one an excuse to fall from grace. It’s an interesting question that I hope this series and the author will continue to explore and I'm happy to recommend this to anyone who feels like an easy enjoyable read that, whilst part of an upcoming series, is a book that comfortably stands on its own two feet and provides a satisfying conclusion.
It's great value at $5 as an ebook on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Second-Tree-Ord...
March 3, 2016
Very enjoyable first book in the Order Series.
The book got off to a quick start and really drew me in. I was invested in the characters and truly interested in what happened to them and where they were headed. The premise was unique and I enjoyed the way John slowly revealed the magic ( and pitfalls) of the fruit. This was a book that made me think and respected my intelligence.
I look forward to Book 2 and the continuation of the saga!
The book got off to a quick start and really drew me in. I was invested in the characters and truly interested in what happened to them and where they were headed. The premise was unique and I enjoyed the way John slowly revealed the magic ( and pitfalls) of the fruit. This was a book that made me think and respected my intelligence.
I look forward to Book 2 and the continuation of the saga!
March 31, 2016
My original The Second Tree audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The bible tells of two trees growing in the Garden of Eden but we only remember one – the one that Adam and Eve partook of removing them forever from the Garden and dooming the rest of the world with evils and mortality. Martin, an executive on a culinary network, has an accident in Uganda – but he doesn’t come back empty-handed - he brings back fruit. Andrew, another culinary network employee takes the fruit, grows it and discovers its delicious taste and shares it.
There’s more to the fruit than its beautiful looks and delicious taste though, it brings with it greed, lust for power and more. Martin wants more for his own personal desires and greed; Andrew wants more as it has become his livelihood. Traveling to Uganda Andrew discovers the truth behind the fruit as well as getting caught up in a military operation and cyber espionage.
Andrew has a decision to make – will he make the right one? Or will greed and obsession take over?
This is my first experience with the author, John Butziger. Butziger did an excellent job of laying out the plot and introducing the conspiracy theories. He ties everything together, leaving little unanswered but you know there will be more because the secret is out and people never give up – not when faced with wealth, recognition and power.
This was an action packed thriller with a mix of religion, espionage, and human nature. Complex but easily followed, Butziger created an adventure that will captivate and interest anyone who picks this book to hear.
I liked Scott Thomas as the narrator; he injected excitement and enthusiasm as well as concern and confusion where appropriate. He is a very good narrator.
There were no production issues with this audio book.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, mystery or reflection on human nature. This book will have you considering who you are long after the book ends.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
The bible tells of two trees growing in the Garden of Eden but we only remember one – the one that Adam and Eve partook of removing them forever from the Garden and dooming the rest of the world with evils and mortality. Martin, an executive on a culinary network, has an accident in Uganda – but he doesn’t come back empty-handed - he brings back fruit. Andrew, another culinary network employee takes the fruit, grows it and discovers its delicious taste and shares it.
There’s more to the fruit than its beautiful looks and delicious taste though, it brings with it greed, lust for power and more. Martin wants more for his own personal desires and greed; Andrew wants more as it has become his livelihood. Traveling to Uganda Andrew discovers the truth behind the fruit as well as getting caught up in a military operation and cyber espionage.
Andrew has a decision to make – will he make the right one? Or will greed and obsession take over?
This is my first experience with the author, John Butziger. Butziger did an excellent job of laying out the plot and introducing the conspiracy theories. He ties everything together, leaving little unanswered but you know there will be more because the secret is out and people never give up – not when faced with wealth, recognition and power.
This was an action packed thriller with a mix of religion, espionage, and human nature. Complex but easily followed, Butziger created an adventure that will captivate and interest anyone who picks this book to hear.
I liked Scott Thomas as the narrator; he injected excitement and enthusiasm as well as concern and confusion where appropriate. He is a very good narrator.
There were no production issues with this audio book.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, mystery or reflection on human nature. This book will have you considering who you are long after the book ends.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
April 28, 2016
“Greed, exclusivity and rampant, aggressive commercialization are all themes brilliantly explored in Butziger’s brisk narrative…”
“…the fiery final confrontation is a captivating end to the first volume of this mystical-thriller series.”
“An immensely promising start to a new thriller series.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“…the fiery final confrontation is a captivating end to the first volume of this mystical-thriller series.”
“An immensely promising start to a new thriller series.”
-Kirkus Reviews
March 5, 2016
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and think that this is a great start to the series. The description of the Nyoka fruit made me wish it was real, it sounds delicious! I also thought the pacing of plot points was done very well, and set up for a thrilling conclusion. Looking forward to volume 2!
March 2, 2016
Fantastic! It was an awesome balance of historical and religious themes. A great read for anyone that likes action and interesting settings. You won't be disappointed.
March 5, 2016
I listened to this book in the audiobook version. Overall, this book is a good find and a terrific listen.
This book, the first in a promising series, had an element of is-it-real?-or-is-it-sci-fi?-ness. I wanted to believe the plot and how amazing the discovery of this fruit was, then some of the healing qualities would just seem too amazing to be true. But, that's what makes the Neoka so amazing. The long description of the history of the fruit's discovery in the middle of the book delayed the action just a little bit. But it was necessary information, so I didn't mind. By the end, I couldn't decide if this plot could actually happen, or if I was using my imagination a little bit.
At one point in the story, one of the main characters has a big change in character. I didn't see it coming, but it really made the story that much more terrifying.
The author did a good job making me want one outcome, then making me realize that that outcome wouldn't be the best. I was torn by the greed vs. morality and there were many suspenseful scenes.
An enjoyable read; will be listening to book 2 when it comes out.
This book, the first in a promising series, had an element of is-it-real?-or-is-it-sci-fi?-ness. I wanted to believe the plot and how amazing the discovery of this fruit was, then some of the healing qualities would just seem too amazing to be true. But, that's what makes the Neoka so amazing. The long description of the history of the fruit's discovery in the middle of the book delayed the action just a little bit. But it was necessary information, so I didn't mind. By the end, I couldn't decide if this plot could actually happen, or if I was using my imagination a little bit.
At one point in the story, one of the main characters has a big change in character. I didn't see it coming, but it really made the story that much more terrifying.
The author did a good job making me want one outcome, then making me realize that that outcome wouldn't be the best. I was torn by the greed vs. morality and there were many suspenseful scenes.
An enjoyable read; will be listening to book 2 when it comes out.
December 14, 2015
I loved John Butziger's fresh and unique story that takes you around the world and even to Eden. Each chapter built upon the other and kept you intrigued to the very end. Every character was well developed and the story--although fictional--had a realistic feel and knowledgeable background.
Narrator Scott Thomas helps bring this story to it's fullest potential. He does a fine job voicing the multitude of characters as well as the range of ethnicity's, age, and gender. His steady and easy going tone was truly enjoyable to listen to.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Narrator Scott Thomas helps bring this story to it's fullest potential. He does a fine job voicing the multitude of characters as well as the range of ethnicity's, age, and gender. His steady and easy going tone was truly enjoyable to listen to.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2015
One of the best thrillers to come out this year. John has artfully crafted the spiritual hope of eternal life with tremendous suspense that keeps you spellbound to the very end. It is very contemporary exposing a culture of greed and individualism, competitive brutality, and hope.
December 10, 2015
This book was hard for me to get into but once it got going it was good. Very interesting idea.
October 14, 2014
Enjoyed this book. It was written by a friend of ours. Looking forward to book two!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews