Cleon

Omega Beginnings Miniseries #7

by Lizzy Ford

SHORT story.

A wealthy, ambitious man who grew up under the thumb of his abusive father, Cleon reacts to news of his father’s death with relief. His joy is short lived, for soon after, a high ranking politician visits him to deliver a message. Either Cleon leaves politics or he’ll be publically revealed as the person who planned his father’s murder. Cleon begins to realize his father wasn’t the only monster in the world and is faced with a challenge. Dare he risk everything by trying to outsmart the man blackmailing him? Does he have what it takes to follow in his father’s footsteps?

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Short Stories

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2015

About the author

I breathe stories. I dream them. If it were possible, I'd eat them, too. (I'm pretty sure they'd taste like cotton candy.) I can't escape them - they're everywhere! Which is why I write! I was born to bring the crazy worlds and people in my mind to life, and I love sharing them with as many people as I can.

I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!

I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord

Lizzy’s books include:

Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf

Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)

History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)

Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles

Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion

Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)

Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good

Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)

Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope

Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger

Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption

Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)

War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God

Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God

Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)

Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)

Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun

Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter

Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart

Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain

Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World

Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed

As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)

Reviews

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overshadowed No Longer

This series must be read in order. The first book is Alessandra. The second book is Mismatch. The third book is Phoibe. The fourth book is Lantos. The fifth book is Theodocia. The sixth book is Niko. This is the seventh book. I can't wait to read Herakles!


Cleon is (unfortunately) still afraid of his now dead father. You would think that once the sadistic monster dies the panic attacks would stop... Sadly it is not that easy to overcome years of torture and abuse. Why didn't Niko stick to the plan? Is he going to be implicated in the murder of his father? Will he be able to neutralize his siblings or will he be forced to commit Fratricide as well as Patricide? Will he be able to take over his father's position as Vice Magistrate?


***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers who enjoy paranormal in their modern fantasy suspense thrillers filled with the Old Gods and a bit of scifi :)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. Another snippet to the overall story, focusing on Cleon, the man who hired Nico to kill his father.

What surprised me most about this book is my overall opinion of Cleon. In Nico's book, I never would have pegged him as a wuss, but after reading this, he definitely does not come across as the quiet, powerful man he appeared to be in Nico. Believing Nico jumped the gun, but was at least successful in his assassination of Cleon's father, Cleon takes steps to assume his father's place as head of the family and eventually step into the Vice Magistrate position. However, before he gets too far into his plan, he receives an unexpected visitor who quickly disabuses him of any hope of filling his father's shoes. Unwilling to risk losing everything, he runs away to try to think through his next steps when someone from his past makes a reappearance into his life.

Cleon and everyone around him were at the mercy of his father, who ruled with an iron fist. Anyone not willing to conform was dealt with harshly. Cleon feared his father and allowed himself to be cowed. And just when he thought he was free, along comes a more powerful man who threatens him and off he goes without a backward glance. In addition, he sends others to do his bidding and by his own admission, is not a physical guy. Perhaps "wuss" is not the right word, but he definitely did not impress upon me as someone to be feared. And yet he sees Nico as someone so far below him. A thug who may or may not remain useful. There is a part of me that wants Nico to prove him wrong, and an even stronger part of me that isn't sure what Cleon's true intent is and if I should be looking at this as part of his transformation into someone to be wary of.

I can say that I looking forward to the next snippet, and so far, I definitely have not lost interest in this series.

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleon - book #7 of the Omega Beginnings Miniseries is AWESOME!!! I love how Lizzy Ford has taken time to do this mini-series and how she introduces each character in the upcoming Omega book.

This book introduces us to Cleon. Cleon was raised by a father who put up with nothing!!! As a result, Cleon hated his father and was....oh wait, I can't say anything further because if I did then I would be giving the storyline away -- and I refuse to write spoilers!!!

This is a short book - so it is a fast read and I am sure that once you start reading it, you will not stop until you finish!!!

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Tina Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleon was an abused child and so was his siblings. He still feared his father even as an adult and after he had his father killed or so he thought he could finally relax a little until another patch of roughness entered his way. He orignally tried to have his father killed to gain his father's status in career wise but when it backfired on him, I think he is going to be just like his abusive father. I knew Niko would end up either dead or getting beat up which did happen and who's to say he still won't end up dead. Can't wait until the Omega comes out.

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted to this mini series and can't wait to get straight to Herakles.

Having an insight into all these great characters makes me even more excited to read Omega, Lizzy has done it again her story's captivate you from the very beginning, and take you in a amazing journey of charismatic characters and magical worlds.

Lizzy is my go to author when I'm in a book funk and need my reading mojo back, her stories never fail to real me in and leave me wanting more.

If you love Lizzys books or want to add another awesome author to you reading list, this is the lady to add.

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleon having to make some rash decisions thought in doing so he would take on a higher position in the magistrate. What he failed to do was look at the bigger picture. Unsure of what he will be able to do next to keep his secret protected. Shortly after this move someone from his life comes to him asking for forgiveness and help. Can Cleon be the man he wants to be? Or will the life his father gave him only bring dark? I guess we will have to see. This was a great addition to the beginnings series and I cannot wait for the last installment before Omegas big release.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic as expected from author Lizzy Ford. We continue the Omega Beginnings saga with a look into Cleon's life. While he assumed that all would fall into place after the death of his father, he's realized that there's more at stake then anticipated. Other powerhouses are at play that will threaten his life and career. This short story continues to make me more and more intrigued and anxious to read Omega.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleon and his siblings feared their father and now that Cleon’s father is dead Cleon decides to put the same fear in his siblings; either it’s his way or no way at all. However, things don’t go exactly as planned. These short stories have a way of hooking you and keeping you wanting more. They are short but there is never a dull moment. Cleon is definitely an interesting character. I’m excited to read what happens next.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cleon will probably be the villain later on, like this series Darth Vader.

It's so sad and terrifying to see how some people, aka Cleon's father, find solace in breaking down their own children until they find no happiness, no trust, no love or peace in anything. Totally controlled by utter fear of death and pain in the hands of the one entrusted to protect them.

BUT HERAKLES THOUGH. WHAT THE F IS WRONG WITH YOU CLEON TO CREATE THE NEW FRANKENSTEIN OF A KID.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware, Heartache Approaches

Umm, what to say? To get a glimpse into the mind of a heartbroken and abused future tyrant, it is disturbing. But like an impending car crash, I cannot look away. Do not keep reading, if you cannot handle your heart being broken

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

Surprisingly I actually enjoyed Cleons mini series. I felt like it didn't get enough info to his back ground but I will admit I look forward to learning more about him and his development

[Jeanine Walsh palinkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply cannot get enough of these Omega short stories! I love reading about each character, in their own pov's. Cleon seems to have his work cut out for him! Anxious for more!

[Dakota-Luise Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Cleon, what he suffered to what he has to endure

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book very much, the ending was a cliff hanger and I would like to know what happens next. [

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story about Cleon. I enjoyed very much getting to know him a little better. He is definitely an interesting character.

[Michelle Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!!!! Must Read, mini series!!!!!!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I keep repeating myself, because I hate these stories for being sooooo short. I hope Omega is going to be really long, so I can enjoy it for a long time.