What do you think?
Rate this book
The Faithful #1
The Faithful
For Agent Josh Metcalf, memories are ghosts. They are blood-soaked backpacks and the smell of strawberry Chap Stick. Josh is haunted by a little girl who went missing his first summer on the force. Decades later his search has become an obsession, and he’s pinned the photos of hundreds of missing children to his wall of tears. All the children had psychic abilities. All the cases went cold -- with no witnesses, no useful tips, and no children ever recovered. Until a woman gets injured trying to stop an abduction, and Josh comes face to face with his personal ghost.
For Rowan Wilson, a meteorite hunter for NASA’s Spaceguard program, memories are lies. The childhood she thought she knew has been erased, leaving a black hole in its place. New recollections are flaring to life: men dressed like priests, a ranch in the mountains, mind control, and rape. Each new memory draws her closer to one of the other missing children, Sumner Macey; and to I Fidele, the underground organization for whom kidnapping is just the beginning.
For Sumner, memories have become weapons. He’s sharpened each of his with surgical precision: the ranch, the doctrine, the mind-wash, and the murders. He’s eager to slice at the black sludge pumping through I Fidele’s heart, desperate to cripple those who stole his childhood.
To I Fidele, non-psychics are cockroaches in need of extermination, an inferior species destroying the earth. They’re ready to enforce eugenics on a global scale. If they succeed, only those faithful to their doctrine will survive.
For Rowan Wilson, a meteorite hunter for NASA’s Spaceguard program, memories are lies. The childhood she thought she knew has been erased, leaving a black hole in its place. New recollections are flaring to life: men dressed like priests, a ranch in the mountains, mind control, and rape. Each new memory draws her closer to one of the other missing children, Sumner Macey; and to I Fidele, the underground organization for whom kidnapping is just the beginning.
For Sumner, memories have become weapons. He’s sharpened each of his with surgical precision: the ranch, the doctrine, the mind-wash, and the murders. He’s eager to slice at the black sludge pumping through I Fidele’s heart, desperate to cripple those who stole his childhood.
To I Fidele, non-psychics are cockroaches in need of extermination, an inferior species destroying the earth. They’re ready to enforce eugenics on a global scale. If they succeed, only those faithful to their doctrine will survive.
477 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2014
759 people are currently reading
1365 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Freedman
5 books101 followersS.M. Freedman studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and spent years as a private investigator on the not-so-mean streets of Vancouver, before returning to her first love: writing.
Her debut novel, The Faithful, is published by Thomas & Mercer. It's an International Amazon Bestseller, reached the Quarter Finals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and was selected by Suspense Magazine as a "Best Debut of 2015.” The sequel, Impact Winter, was published in 2016, and she is currently working on the third and final instalment in the series. Her standalone psychological suspense novel, The Day She Died, about a woman who is hit by a car and wakes with a brain injury that leaves her doubting the spotty memories of her dark past, will be published by Dundurn in April 2021 (the audiobook will be published by Tantor Media) .
She is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary and lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children. She’s a proud member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Her debut novel, The Faithful, is published by Thomas & Mercer. It's an International Amazon Bestseller, reached the Quarter Finals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and was selected by Suspense Magazine as a "Best Debut of 2015.” The sequel, Impact Winter, was published in 2016, and she is currently working on the third and final instalment in the series. Her standalone psychological suspense novel, The Day She Died, about a woman who is hit by a car and wakes with a brain injury that leaves her doubting the spotty memories of her dark past, will be published by Dundurn in April 2021 (the audiobook will be published by Tantor Media) .
She is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary and lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children. She’s a proud member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 30, 2015
The basics: a cult of psychics plan genocide against the norms.
Advanced stuff: Freedman utilizes an alternating third person and first person pov to flesh out in your face and subtle plot points and themes.
The characterization is good, it's possible not everyone appearing in this novel is three dimensional but they're at least two and a half dimensional.
In short this may be the best book no one seems to be reading.
Advanced stuff: Freedman utilizes an alternating third person and first person pov to flesh out in your face and subtle plot points and themes.
The characterization is good, it's possible not everyone appearing in this novel is three dimensional but they're at least two and a half dimensional.
In short this may be the best book no one seems to be reading.
August 29, 2015
3.5 Stars
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I was going to, it surprised me.
When I picked it up, I was in the mood for trash. I'd just finished the final draft of my MA dissertation and I couldn't even think of reading anything that could tax my little brain. My apologies to the author but I thought this was one of those Matthew Reilly-esque books that may even include pictures.
But it wasn't. It's fun and a bit silly, sure. It's also got interesting characters, a crazy different storyline, and the potential to keep a reader hooked.
I went in looking to switch off, instead I had a good time.
I think the sequel has the potential to be even better. I'm already interested in the premise Freedman set up in the final part of this story. I'll definitely read the next chapter.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I was going to, it surprised me.
When I picked it up, I was in the mood for trash. I'd just finished the final draft of my MA dissertation and I couldn't even think of reading anything that could tax my little brain. My apologies to the author but I thought this was one of those Matthew Reilly-esque books that may even include pictures.
But it wasn't. It's fun and a bit silly, sure. It's also got interesting characters, a crazy different storyline, and the potential to keep a reader hooked.
I went in looking to switch off, instead I had a good time.
I think the sequel has the potential to be even better. I'm already interested in the premise Freedman set up in the final part of this story. I'll definitely read the next chapter.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2014
"Humankind isn't at war, humankind is war. They rape and pillage our sacred mother earth, call their own brothers 'enemy' an kill in the name of a God who long ago turned His back. They are blind to the enemy that walks amongst them, to the deity hiding inside human skin. They move about our earth like an infestation of cockroaches, oblivious to the coming extermination! But the time of Judgment is upon them. The time of Brimstone and Fire. The time of Extinction. Day Zero approaches, my children. We must walk the straight path, and remain faithful."
Have you ever read a book that, when you sat down to write the review about it, there was not a single thing you could say? That is where I am at this very moment, but not for the reason you think. This book was amazing - but everything I want to say about it will potentially give away important information, and I am the last person who would want to ruin a book for someone. This book was everything I expected it to be and more. It had mystery, suspense, action, adventure - it had a story that pulled you in and kept you reading, it had characters that were interesting and well written. It was intense. I knew, from the synopsis (and, yes, the cover!!), that I would like this book, but love is more like it.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Have you ever read a book that, when you sat down to write the review about it, there was not a single thing you could say? That is where I am at this very moment, but not for the reason you think. This book was amazing - but everything I want to say about it will potentially give away important information, and I am the last person who would want to ruin a book for someone. This book was everything I expected it to be and more. It had mystery, suspense, action, adventure - it had a story that pulled you in and kept you reading, it had characters that were interesting and well written. It was intense. I knew, from the synopsis (and, yes, the cover!!), that I would like this book, but love is more like it.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
May 1, 2014
Wow. I started this book a couple of days ago thinking I would read a little bit here and there, but ended up plowing through it. This story is as brilliant as it is original. I don't know where the author got her ideas from but I would really like to spend one day inside her imagination. It must be an amazing place. The characters in the story are so real and life-like, I feel like I know them all personally (some I wish I didn't), and the author's descriptions are breathtaking.
I can't say enough about this book. I really do hope there will be another in this series.
I can't say enough about this book. I really do hope there will be another in this series.
September 1, 2023
The story is fine, the characters are engaging enough, the pacing is decent, and overall, I enjoyed it.
However, I will not be continuing with the next book.
However, I will not be continuing with the next book.
February 23, 2017
*Received via Netgalley
Full review to come...
Why are more people not reading this? Filled with intriguing characters, an original plot and some brilliant writing, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. Really easy to devour - recommend to everyone.
Give this bad boy a chance!
Full review to come...
Why are more people not reading this? Filled with intriguing characters, an original plot and some brilliant writing, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. Really easy to devour - recommend to everyone.
Give this bad boy a chance!
June 30, 2019
I wish I hadn’t let this sit in my TBR list so long. A 4.5er I gladly round up.
May 8, 2014
Wow! I really can't recommend this one enough. I read it over a few (busy) evenings and I let me tell you, it is one to savour every word. True Genius! Freedman’s writing is lean, mean and pacy; this girl knows about technical stuff I can't even begin to imagine. The depth of her knowledge on dirty great surveillance telescopes, past life regression techniques and any number of police procedures is very impressive. Somehow she manages to deliver complex plots, high-octane action and characters you just know you have met before. Stunning stuff.
This story and these characters will stay with you for a very long time - all the way until you read the sequel! Enjoy ;)
This story and these characters will stay with you for a very long time - all the way until you read the sequel! Enjoy ;)
June 26, 2017
I see why this book got so many mixed reviews. Parts are so good and then it would go right off the deep end and something ridiculous would happen. Not a terrible read but just a 3.5 for me. I won't be reading this series.
July 1, 2016
I am not sure why I picked this book up - I think it was an Audible Daily Deal. In this case, I found it to be pretty much a dud. While the writing is not terrible, it reads like some of the self-published novels I've sampled on Kindle. The author can tell a story and she can put words together, but none of it struck me as particularly clever or engaging, and the plot often veered away from its global conspiracy thriller foundations to dwell on angsty melodrama.
Basically, you have a "race" of psychic children, and a shadowy conspiracy called the Faithful which has been collecting and grooming them for decades in preparation for unspecified nefarious plans, but almost certainly involving world domination - bwahahahaha!
As a premise, it's not particularly original, but not bad. There's an FBI agent who's been tracking these missing children his entire career, unable to put the pieces together, and there is a NASA scientist with missing childhood memories. The two of them come together and discover the evil bad guys, along with a group of psychic kids who are basically doing the teenage rebellion thing but with telekinesis and telepathy. Not so much brave heroes who want to stop the evil machinations of their elders, but moody adolescents who want to piss off their folks. And of course, the author plays will-they-won't-they? with the FBI agent and the NASA scientist for the entire book.
There are lots of turgid soap opera emotions. That and the villains, who are like cardboard cutout evil cultists from a 70s horror movie - or, perhaps, HYDRA agents from a 70s comic book - made this book a bit of a slog for me, as it had so much potential that seemed to fizzle in this author's hands. The twist at the end was pretty good, almost good enough to make me want to read the next book. But not quite.
Basically, you have a "race" of psychic children, and a shadowy conspiracy called the Faithful which has been collecting and grooming them for decades in preparation for unspecified nefarious plans, but almost certainly involving world domination - bwahahahaha!
As a premise, it's not particularly original, but not bad. There's an FBI agent who's been tracking these missing children his entire career, unable to put the pieces together, and there is a NASA scientist with missing childhood memories. The two of them come together and discover the evil bad guys, along with a group of psychic kids who are basically doing the teenage rebellion thing but with telekinesis and telepathy. Not so much brave heroes who want to stop the evil machinations of their elders, but moody adolescents who want to piss off their folks. And of course, the author plays will-they-won't-they? with the FBI agent and the NASA scientist for the entire book.
There are lots of turgid soap opera emotions. That and the villains, who are like cardboard cutout evil cultists from a 70s horror movie - or, perhaps, HYDRA agents from a 70s comic book - made this book a bit of a slog for me, as it had so much potential that seemed to fizzle in this author's hands. The twist at the end was pretty good, almost good enough to make me want to read the next book. But not quite.
September 29, 2015
This was freaking EPIC! By far one of the best books that I have ever read! I kid you not! The Faithful by Author S.M. Freedman is so much more than just a story; it's an adventure! An adventure that I was so happy that I took and you will be too!
I was looking for a book that could take me on a journey, maybe even a light read. The Faithful is as far from a light read as a book can get. It will pull you in immediately and keep you glued to your e-reader, turning page after page. With each new chapter you will beg for more. The author has set the stage, a big one, with intricate characters and a fast paced plot.
In the story there are many characters that are introduced but Josh really pulled at me for some reason. He is dedicated, protective and a total "Alpha" male. He dedicated his life to trying to figure out where all of these missing children went. The first child that started it for him was Ryanne. Ryanne is a beautifully complex character that will touch your soul. She was stolen from her life at the age of seven. Just disappeared without a trace. What happened to her and the other children over the years? Who took them and where are they? Are they alive? Are they dead? The result will astound you.
A quote that I loved:
"They were the last days of before, and in my memory they became seared in golden light, the way all good days do once they are gone. It was a perfect moment of stillness, sandwiched between crisis and chaos, and all the more beautiful because of what followed."
I found The Faithful to be fascinating, gut wrenching and mind boggling at times. Just when I thought I had things figured out, nope, another plot twist. The story flows beautifully and the characters were intricately crafted. It is packed full of action, mystery, and a bit of paranormal but, not overdone.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next installment.
*ARC received via publisher
I was looking for a book that could take me on a journey, maybe even a light read. The Faithful is as far from a light read as a book can get. It will pull you in immediately and keep you glued to your e-reader, turning page after page. With each new chapter you will beg for more. The author has set the stage, a big one, with intricate characters and a fast paced plot.
In the story there are many characters that are introduced but Josh really pulled at me for some reason. He is dedicated, protective and a total "Alpha" male. He dedicated his life to trying to figure out where all of these missing children went. The first child that started it for him was Ryanne. Ryanne is a beautifully complex character that will touch your soul. She was stolen from her life at the age of seven. Just disappeared without a trace. What happened to her and the other children over the years? Who took them and where are they? Are they alive? Are they dead? The result will astound you.
A quote that I loved:
"They were the last days of before, and in my memory they became seared in golden light, the way all good days do once they are gone. It was a perfect moment of stillness, sandwiched between crisis and chaos, and all the more beautiful because of what followed."
I found The Faithful to be fascinating, gut wrenching and mind boggling at times. Just when I thought I had things figured out, nope, another plot twist. The story flows beautifully and the characters were intricately crafted. It is packed full of action, mystery, and a bit of paranormal but, not overdone.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next installment.
*ARC received via publisher
August 23, 2015
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. - Seneca
This book was originally published in 2014. Luckily for readers that didn't catch it the first time around, Thomas & Mercer is re-publishing the book and it's due out again the end of September 2015.
FBI Senior Special Agent Josh Metcalf has been working on just one case for years. 770+ children with paranormal abilities have been kidnapped over many years and Agent Metcalf is obsessed with finding the children and the answers as to why they've disappeared.
He ends up involved in the search with Dr. Rowan Wilson, with a master's degree from MIT and her doctorate from NMSU. She works searching for near- and deep-space asteroids that pose a risk to life on Earth, funded by NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
I loved this story. It's one of the highlights of the year to me. It reminded me of some of Dean Koontz's and Stephen King's paranormal hits from the 1980s that are still some of my favorites of their books.
All of the characters were well drawn and it was easy to imagine them as I read through this book. I liked reading about the different paranormal abilities and how those abilities fit in with the storyline.
A dedicated FBI agent; a beautiful redheaded scientist; a massive, strange cult; good guys; bad guys; very bad guys; and possibly TEOTWAWKI - all tied up in a fast-paced, exciting tale that ended too soon. I understand that the author is writing a sequel to this book. I hope she doesn't take too long on getting it out.
NOTE : I received this book from Thomas & Mercer through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was originally published in 2014. Luckily for readers that didn't catch it the first time around, Thomas & Mercer is re-publishing the book and it's due out again the end of September 2015.
FBI Senior Special Agent Josh Metcalf has been working on just one case for years. 770+ children with paranormal abilities have been kidnapped over many years and Agent Metcalf is obsessed with finding the children and the answers as to why they've disappeared.
He ends up involved in the search with Dr. Rowan Wilson, with a master's degree from MIT and her doctorate from NMSU. She works searching for near- and deep-space asteroids that pose a risk to life on Earth, funded by NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
I loved this story. It's one of the highlights of the year to me. It reminded me of some of Dean Koontz's and Stephen King's paranormal hits from the 1980s that are still some of my favorites of their books.
All of the characters were well drawn and it was easy to imagine them as I read through this book. I liked reading about the different paranormal abilities and how those abilities fit in with the storyline.
A dedicated FBI agent; a beautiful redheaded scientist; a massive, strange cult; good guys; bad guys; very bad guys; and possibly TEOTWAWKI - all tied up in a fast-paced, exciting tale that ended too soon. I understand that the author is writing a sequel to this book. I hope she doesn't take too long on getting it out.
NOTE : I received this book from Thomas & Mercer through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
March 4, 2016
The Faithful
By: S.M. Freedman
Published by Thomas & Merser 2015
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads giveaway
Reviewed By: tk
John and Rowan's world becomes one and the same in this daunting thriller. Child abduction at its center and the two of them must put an end to children being stollen. Will they be able to save any of the known missing children? Hundreds have been taken and still no evidence is found to find out who is doing this or why. Can they find the truth before it to late?
Imagine the heartache of losing your child...only to return years later with no memory of who you were as a child, or any memories of that time either. I have very few memories of my childhood which added to the suspense of this story. It could have been me that was abducted... I know this is not true for me or at least I would hope not. Freedman writes with the convincing tone of a true story teller.
The story begins as you would think...a tale about missing children. It is soooo much more than that. Twisted ideals of crazy proportions. Wrapping you head around the possibilities, and realizing the hopelessness of helping save them by yourself. You are going to need to find more similar minded people to help you. Where would you start?
4.5/5
By: S.M. Freedman
Published by Thomas & Merser 2015
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads giveaway
Reviewed By: tk
John and Rowan's world becomes one and the same in this daunting thriller. Child abduction at its center and the two of them must put an end to children being stollen. Will they be able to save any of the known missing children? Hundreds have been taken and still no evidence is found to find out who is doing this or why. Can they find the truth before it to late?
Imagine the heartache of losing your child...only to return years later with no memory of who you were as a child, or any memories of that time either. I have very few memories of my childhood which added to the suspense of this story. It could have been me that was abducted... I know this is not true for me or at least I would hope not. Freedman writes with the convincing tone of a true story teller.
The story begins as you would think...a tale about missing children. It is soooo much more than that. Twisted ideals of crazy proportions. Wrapping you head around the possibilities, and realizing the hopelessness of helping save them by yourself. You are going to need to find more similar minded people to help you. Where would you start?
4.5/5
July 4, 2018
The Sky Is Falling
The end is near and we just don't know it. This book combines two subjects of great interest. The first has the potential to expand our horizons while the second may bring complete darkness. Look forward to where this path leads.
The end is near and we just don't know it. This book combines two subjects of great interest. The first has the potential to expand our horizons while the second may bring complete darkness. Look forward to where this path leads.
June 19, 2016
Good read..
First person…Third person…First person… Third person… And that’s how it went through the entire book. It wasn’t confusing but it was a little odd at first. However, you did get used to it after a while but I wouldn’t want to read too many other books like that.
One thing I will say about this book, it sure had enough FATHERS in it: Father Nardo, Father Santos, Father Gabriel, Father Barnabas, Father Cassiel, Father Zaniel, Father Disa, Father Palidor, Father Thanos, Father Manning, Father Angelo, Father Javan, Father Sachiel, Father Khoury, Father Caton, Father Taurin, Father Mandek, Father Raynor, Father Montego, Father Tierney, Father Hagan and Father Mannix. Gee, hope I didn’t miss any. Not to mention the other players: Josh and Rowan/Ryanna, Carl, Sumner, Ora, Lexy, Phoenix, Connie, Ashlyn, and I don’t know how many others.
This was an interesting story but I really don’t think it had to be almost 500 pages. That many pages tends to make the story go on and on, and you get soooo many characters in it. There were a couple of intense moments but no OMG ones. I might read the next book when it comes out since it’s only 350 pages. One person said this was the “best cliffhanger ever,” but that was the only one who said anything about a cliffhanger… It, pretty much, was…
You could consider this a HFN but if you want to know anything about what happens to everyone, because there are a whole lot of unanswered questions, and I mean a WHOLE lot, you HAVE to read the next book, what Ryanna called the second wave. THEN she was talking about a 3rd wave so you have to wonder if there will be a third book, a year or so down the road. Yeah, I don’t think I’m up for that. I’ll wait until enough people read the second book and see if anyone says anything about it continuing on to a third book, and if it does I’ll pass. I’ll just let myself be happy with the HFN.
There was swearing in this book and the F-bomb was released 12 times.
However, there was not a single kiss in this story. So, if you’re looking for hot and steamy look a little further. If you’re looking for ANYTHING between a man and woman look somewhere else.
As to the narrator: I like Ms. Eby’s narration but may I suggest that when you’re about to attack a ton of people and there only 3 of you that when you’re making last minute plans you ‘whisper.” That’s the worst thing ever, when it’s soooo important that you whisper and you don’t. That throws me right out of the scene, and makes it seem so stupid.
First person…Third person…First person… Third person… And that’s how it went through the entire book. It wasn’t confusing but it was a little odd at first. However, you did get used to it after a while but I wouldn’t want to read too many other books like that.
One thing I will say about this book, it sure had enough FATHERS in it: Father Nardo, Father Santos, Father Gabriel, Father Barnabas, Father Cassiel, Father Zaniel, Father Disa, Father Palidor, Father Thanos, Father Manning, Father Angelo, Father Javan, Father Sachiel, Father Khoury, Father Caton, Father Taurin, Father Mandek, Father Raynor, Father Montego, Father Tierney, Father Hagan and Father Mannix. Gee, hope I didn’t miss any. Not to mention the other players: Josh and Rowan/Ryanna, Carl, Sumner, Ora, Lexy, Phoenix, Connie, Ashlyn, and I don’t know how many others.
This was an interesting story but I really don’t think it had to be almost 500 pages. That many pages tends to make the story go on and on, and you get soooo many characters in it. There were a couple of intense moments but no OMG ones. I might read the next book when it comes out since it’s only 350 pages. One person said this was the “best cliffhanger ever,” but that was the only one who said anything about a cliffhanger… It, pretty much, was…
You could consider this a HFN but if you want to know anything about what happens to everyone, because there are a whole lot of unanswered questions, and I mean a WHOLE lot, you HAVE to read the next book, what Ryanna called the second wave. THEN she was talking about a 3rd wave so you have to wonder if there will be a third book, a year or so down the road. Yeah, I don’t think I’m up for that. I’ll wait until enough people read the second book and see if anyone says anything about it continuing on to a third book, and if it does I’ll pass. I’ll just let myself be happy with the HFN.
There was swearing in this book and the F-bomb was released 12 times.
However, there was not a single kiss in this story. So, if you’re looking for hot and steamy look a little further. If you’re looking for ANYTHING between a man and woman look somewhere else.
As to the narrator: I like Ms. Eby’s narration but may I suggest that when you’re about to attack a ton of people and there only 3 of you that when you’re making last minute plans you ‘whisper.” That’s the worst thing ever, when it’s soooo important that you whisper and you don’t. That throws me right out of the scene, and makes it seem so stupid.
Read
June 17, 2016DNF about 1/2 way through.
I'm kind of shocked this book was written by a woman - the characterization, to me, seemed like typical macho nonsense - the only female POV character is tiny despite her diet of junk food, a couple other female characters are described in terms of their appearance in ways that felt misogynistic to me, and strangely sexualized, etc. I quit reading when the male "hero" gave the female character the "you need to stop asking questions and follow my orders exactly, because I'm an expert" in the exact same speech as he promised to put her safety ahead of the investigation EVEN THOUGH he was currently planning to take them back to DC, into the most dangerous place, just to further his investigation... and the female character didn't call him on his bullshit.
Not for me. Life is too short. (If I had a print version I'd probably skim to the end to see what happens with the cult. But with an audio version? I'll just assume it all works out okay.)
I'm kind of shocked this book was written by a woman - the characterization, to me, seemed like typical macho nonsense - the only female POV character is tiny despite her diet of junk food, a couple other female characters are described in terms of their appearance in ways that felt misogynistic to me, and strangely sexualized, etc. I quit reading when the male "hero" gave the female character the "you need to stop asking questions and follow my orders exactly, because I'm an expert" in the exact same speech as he promised to put her safety ahead of the investigation EVEN THOUGH he was currently planning to take them back to DC, into the most dangerous place, just to further his investigation... and the female character didn't call him on his bullshit.
Not for me. Life is too short. (If I had a print version I'd probably skim to the end to see what happens with the cult. But with an audio version? I'll just assume it all works out okay.)
June 27, 2018
More like a 3.5, parts of this were really interesting, other parts were a little boring.
August 27, 2016
I got bored. Really really really really bored.
So... What can I tell you about this book? Well we have a society of people that are abducting children that show any type of ESP qualities. We have them then re-entering society programmed to complete missions in adulthood with totally falsified identities. We have a detective who has connected the cases, a woman that realized she was one of said abducted children, and a plot to destroy our world. Sounds pretty exciting, but the execution left much to be desired. The plot is completely unbelievable, the spring autumn romance is ridiculous and I simply got bored. I abandoned this book with 3 chapters to go. I just don't even care how it ends. I need to move on.
I normally take a moment to recommend this book to readers of a specific genre, age group, or something, but I just cant. Best I can give you is there are implied but not graphically described sex scenes. The violence is not excessive, so it's probably safe enough for teen readers, or anyone that you would feel comfortable watching shows like CSI or Criminal Minds. That's all I've got for you on this one folks. If you choose this book I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
So... What can I tell you about this book? Well we have a society of people that are abducting children that show any type of ESP qualities. We have them then re-entering society programmed to complete missions in adulthood with totally falsified identities. We have a detective who has connected the cases, a woman that realized she was one of said abducted children, and a plot to destroy our world. Sounds pretty exciting, but the execution left much to be desired. The plot is completely unbelievable, the spring autumn romance is ridiculous and I simply got bored. I abandoned this book with 3 chapters to go. I just don't even care how it ends. I need to move on.
I normally take a moment to recommend this book to readers of a specific genre, age group, or something, but I just cant. Best I can give you is there are implied but not graphically described sex scenes. The violence is not excessive, so it's probably safe enough for teen readers, or anyone that you would feel comfortable watching shows like CSI or Criminal Minds. That's all I've got for you on this one folks. If you choose this book I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
May 24, 2017
Disclaimer: I received this book for free as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was so much more than I expected! It has characters with psychic abilities, a secret society implanted in our society, a FBI agent involved in a missing children case spanning several decades, and more. If you like a psychological thriller, I highly recommend this book! I started it with little expectations, and had a hard time putting it down. The characters are flawed, but relatable. The writing makes you feel very invested in the story. There were a few things I was able to figure out, but usually within a few chapters of when they were revealed. It wasn't extremely predictable, and there was no drawn-out love triangle, for which I was thankful. Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author...whether a continuation of this story, or a new one.
This book was so much more than I expected! It has characters with psychic abilities, a secret society implanted in our society, a FBI agent involved in a missing children case spanning several decades, and more. If you like a psychological thriller, I highly recommend this book! I started it with little expectations, and had a hard time putting it down. The characters are flawed, but relatable. The writing makes you feel very invested in the story. There were a few things I was able to figure out, but usually within a few chapters of when they were revealed. It wasn't extremely predictable, and there was no drawn-out love triangle, for which I was thankful. Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author...whether a continuation of this story, or a new one.
August 20, 2015
Maybe more a 3.5 star!
Kidnapped children with psychic abilities, a weird sect with "end times" goals and eugenic objectives, a dedicated FBI agent haunted by the case of a missing child from early in his career and currently pursuing the cases of other missing children, conspiracies, and more.
The shifts in perspectives are initially a little confusing, but eventually the different characters become compelling and the plot gains clarity. One character eventually adds a touch of comic relief to this pre-apocalyptic tale.
Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the journey. A Garden Carried in the Pocket
First is a series
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer (another one free on Kindle Unlimited)
Suspense/Paranormal. 2014; Sept. 29, 2015. Print length: 365 pages.
Kidnapped children with psychic abilities, a weird sect with "end times" goals and eugenic objectives, a dedicated FBI agent haunted by the case of a missing child from early in his career and currently pursuing the cases of other missing children, conspiracies, and more.
The shifts in perspectives are initially a little confusing, but eventually the different characters become compelling and the plot gains clarity. One character eventually adds a touch of comic relief to this pre-apocalyptic tale.
Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the journey. A Garden Carried in the Pocket
First is a series
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer (another one free on Kindle Unlimited)
Suspense/Paranormal. 2014; Sept. 29, 2015. Print length: 365 pages.
March 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this. When I initially downloaded this as a part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, it was because the synopsis intrigued me, but I wasn't 100% sure I was going to like it. I let it sit on my device for a couple of weeks, choosing other books over it, before finally deciding to take the plunge. I wish I had picked it up right away because it was fantastic. The plot is unique and gripping, unlike anything else I've ever read, and the characters are well developed and relatable. I can't wait to read the next installment. I will be waiting on it with pins and needles. I *need* to know what happens!
July 2, 2016
Futuristic novel that requires a lot of suspension of disbelief. It concerns an evil cult bent on taking over the world and killing all the "cockroaches," i.e. the rest of humanity. They have been kidnapping children with assorted psychic abilities over a lot of years and programming the children, some of them are now adults, to do their biding and to answer post-hypnotic suggestions. Telekinesis, mind reading, fire-starting are just some of the abilities. Story centers on Rian, who was one of the children but is now awakening, and Josh an FBI agent who has spent his career investigating the missing children. Fun, fast-paced, but not my favorite genre.
July 11, 2015
Wow, another random choice at a freebie and what a great one it was.
The book and it's characters with their abilities reminded me a bit of the TV show Heroes but it's so much more than that.
I really hope there will be a sequel as there is definitely another book material.
I'm guessing how it all finished if there will be a second book I'll have to add the post - apocalyptic shelf.
Totally interested in how it will all end.
Thanks to all these great new authors who give me the chance to get their books for free and enjoy them.
The book and it's characters with their abilities reminded me a bit of the TV show Heroes but it's so much more than that.
I really hope there will be a sequel as there is definitely another book material.
I'm guessing how it all finished if there will be a second book I'll have to add the post - apocalyptic shelf.
Totally interested in how it will all end.
Thanks to all these great new authors who give me the chance to get their books for free and enjoy them.
June 15, 2016
More Please!
I have never been more excited than when I realized there was a book 2.
This is the most original storyline that I have read in a long time. It was a struggle in the beginning to make sense of what was going on.. But hang in there reader it all comes together beautifully understandable.
This story follows several strong main and supporting characters who together solve an ongoing mystery surrounding children who have seemingly just disappeared. I won't give give away any spoilers.. Just be ready for some well written developments!
On to book two..
I have never been more excited than when I realized there was a book 2.
This is the most original storyline that I have read in a long time. It was a struggle in the beginning to make sense of what was going on.. But hang in there reader it all comes together beautifully understandable.
This story follows several strong main and supporting characters who together solve an ongoing mystery surrounding children who have seemingly just disappeared. I won't give give away any spoilers.. Just be ready for some well written developments!
On to book two..
January 19, 2017
A delightful read
Like other reviewers, I found the first few chapters difficult to navigate. However, as the story developed I found that I couldn't stop reading it, and finished in about 2 days. I allowed myself to become absorbed in the story, even the most fantastical of parts, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Like other reviewers, I found the first few chapters difficult to navigate. However, as the story developed I found that I couldn't stop reading it, and finished in about 2 days. I allowed myself to become absorbed in the story, even the most fantastical of parts, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
June 20, 2017
this book had me up & down. at times I was just ready for it to end and even thought about not finishing it. and at other times it was great & interesting & fun. so I'm just not sure about it. I don't think I will read the next one, if there is a next one.
July 23, 2018
Even worse than the loss was the suspicion that new memories were waiting just beyond my view, ready to fill the empty space with something far different from what had been removed. [p. 89]
FBI Agent Josh Metcalf is haunted by the memory of a little girl whose disappearance was one of his first cases. He uncovers what he believes is a long-standing conspiracy: hundreds of children have gone missing since the 1960s, many of them rumoured to have had some kind of psychic ability.
Rowan Wilson, who hunts asteroids for a living, is also haunted: in her case, by dreams of a childhood she can't recall, nightmares about cosmic catastrophe, and visions of dead people.
And Sumner Macey is haunted by the memories he's given everything to hold onto -- and by his mission to uncover a terrifying cult and destroy its priests.
This was a pacy read, but not a compelling one: I started reading it by the pool last Christmas, forgot about it for six months, picked it up to finish it, and promptly forgot (within about a week) that I'd read it. I'm not sure if this was because I read it during a difficult time, or because I actively disliked quite a few of the characters, or because I found the prose -- despite its short sentences and preponderance of dialogue -- sluggish. The plot isn't awful and the novel is well-structured: but the female characters seem to either be haggard, comical sex maniacs or pure young things who fall victim to predatory priests. While the theme of memory alteration is intriguing, its remedy seems improbably straightforward.
I think it'd make a watchable film, but as a novel, for this reader, it lacked depth.
June 14, 2017
Suspenseful, especially since it's a first of....
There were times I wondered if this would turn into a religious "end of days" novel. It did not. Thankfully, because that's something I cannot abide. Instead, it proved to be a pretty gripping apolcalyptic novel, one I can say is realistic because my specialty in university was mass extinction, with emphasis on the two "biggies", the end-Permian, a volcanic event, and the end Cretaceous, a mostly meteoric event. This story, being focused on religious zealotry turned "crime against humanity", is believable precisely because there are religious fanatics and politician allies who would be willing to create just such an endgame in order to "save our souls". Throughout, however, Freedman weaves a captivating and not-so-predictable story. What more can I ask? Perhaps I enjoyed it more understanding the events because I too am a scientist with Ryanne's background, but I think not. As long as you aren't a science-denying fool, you will understand everything clearly. I would only assure you this story is VERY plausible given the circumstances presented; let us just hope we live in a slightly more rational world. On to the next....I'm glad I did not have to wait. I don't have that many years left.
There were times I wondered if this would turn into a religious "end of days" novel. It did not. Thankfully, because that's something I cannot abide. Instead, it proved to be a pretty gripping apolcalyptic novel, one I can say is realistic because my specialty in university was mass extinction, with emphasis on the two "biggies", the end-Permian, a volcanic event, and the end Cretaceous, a mostly meteoric event. This story, being focused on religious zealotry turned "crime against humanity", is believable precisely because there are religious fanatics and politician allies who would be willing to create just such an endgame in order to "save our souls". Throughout, however, Freedman weaves a captivating and not-so-predictable story. What more can I ask? Perhaps I enjoyed it more understanding the events because I too am a scientist with Ryanne's background, but I think not. As long as you aren't a science-denying fool, you will understand everything clearly. I would only assure you this story is VERY plausible given the circumstances presented; let us just hope we live in a slightly more rational world. On to the next....I'm glad I did not have to wait. I don't have that many years left.
May 20, 2018
It's hard to categorize a book like "The Faithful". Is it apocalyptic? Is it fantasy? Is it sci-fi? Is a thriller? Well, it's actually a little of all of the above.
I didn't like the very beginning of the book. I usually get annoyed when an author starts out after the events of the book with a "prologue" that really isn't. You don't really know who the people were or what was going on in the prologue until the last chapter. I also don't know why the author wrote one chapter of the book from a first person perspective, then the next chapter was from the third person.
That being said, the premise of the book was different. Not necessarily original, but put together in an original way. Take a cult of fanatics, throw in psychic kids, kidnappings, mind manipulation, and cataclysmic events that will destroy the human race and you have an idea of what's in store.
The writing was pretty good for a first effort, but you did have to keep track of what was going on because the action jumped around a lot.
I listened to the Audible version of the book through Amazon Prima and the narrator did a good job. With so many characters, she did manage to vary her voice enough to portray the different people.
All in all, it's not great literature, but it was entertaining.
I didn't like the very beginning of the book. I usually get annoyed when an author starts out after the events of the book with a "prologue" that really isn't. You don't really know who the people were or what was going on in the prologue until the last chapter. I also don't know why the author wrote one chapter of the book from a first person perspective, then the next chapter was from the third person.
That being said, the premise of the book was different. Not necessarily original, but put together in an original way. Take a cult of fanatics, throw in psychic kids, kidnappings, mind manipulation, and cataclysmic events that will destroy the human race and you have an idea of what's in store.
The writing was pretty good for a first effort, but you did have to keep track of what was going on because the action jumped around a lot.
I listened to the Audible version of the book through Amazon Prima and the narrator did a good job. With so many characters, she did manage to vary her voice enough to portray the different people.
All in all, it's not great literature, but it was entertaining.
May 23, 2022
The cover and blurb of this book hooked me. The bloody rorschach image alone screams dark, psychological thriller, but it ended up being so much more. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but trust me when I say you get more than you bargained for when you pick up this book. Yes, it IS a thriller... but there are some crazy and wacky things going on that will keep you turning those pages and wondering if the author pulled a fast one on you (in a good way!). Consiracy theory? Check. Paranormal elements? Check. End of days kinda stuff? Check. Add in the hardened, 'dog with a bone' FBI agent who can't let go of the past, a beautiful red-headed NASA meteorite hunter who has secrets buried deep in her psyche, plus a few colorful characters you won't soon forget, and you've got a recipe for a fast-paced, entertaining, and thoroughly unique read. Freedman's writing is sharp and witty, and you get the feeling that some of her characters are based on real people she met while working as a private investigator. (so cool!) Will def be reading more from this author (including book 2 of this series!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews