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Straybeck Rising: Calloway Blood - Book One
Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award.
“A gripping dystopian thriller packed full of twists and turns.”
Author shortlisted for The Hastings Legend Writing Award.
“This writer shows talent.”
One truth.... You kneel, or you die... This is Straybeck...
The Premier demands loyalty and controls his people through terror and violence. Thirty-three years ago, Robb Calloway almost died when he stood against the Government. He was captured, tortured and forced to live out his days a broken man.
Now he watches helplessly as his eldest son - Ryan - follows the same path. Ryan slips deeper into Straybeck’s underworld where revolutionaries and criminals fight against the gunnermen. A place where truth and lies are beyond separation and even the giants can’t keep blood off the streets.
Straybeck Rising is the heart-breaking story of one family’s struggle to survive. It shows a boy growing up too fast and a father and brother who can’t keep him safe. A must-read story that rocks the dystopian genre with its compelling blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
“A gripping dystopian thriller packed full of twists and turns.”
Author shortlisted for The Hastings Legend Writing Award.
“This writer shows talent.”
One truth.... You kneel, or you die... This is Straybeck...
The Premier demands loyalty and controls his people through terror and violence. Thirty-three years ago, Robb Calloway almost died when he stood against the Government. He was captured, tortured and forced to live out his days a broken man.
Now he watches helplessly as his eldest son - Ryan - follows the same path. Ryan slips deeper into Straybeck’s underworld where revolutionaries and criminals fight against the gunnermen. A place where truth and lies are beyond separation and even the giants can’t keep blood off the streets.
Straybeck Rising is the heart-breaking story of one family’s struggle to survive. It shows a boy growing up too fast and a father and brother who can’t keep him safe. A must-read story that rocks the dystopian genre with its compelling blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2018
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Michael James Lynch
1 book1 followerMichael Lynch started life as a baby and over several years grew to become an adult. He was born in Leeds and - like Jon Snow - is immensely proud of being a northerner. In fact, there is nothing Michael enjoys more than eating Yorkshire puddings, whilst drinking Yorkshire tea, as he walks a Yorkshire Terrier across the North Yorkshire Moors.
As a child he spent many a happy hour with his family and - later - his three dogs (two real...one imaginary). At the age of eighteen he went to Lancaster University where he studied Russian history. Three years after that - and arguably less employable than he had been before university - Michael stepped out into the great wide world.
He quickly landed a job working at a sewage plant (true story) and used his hard-earned pay to buy a ticket to Australia. Michael spent the next year travelling with friends and earning money as a barman, waiter and - when things got really bad - a door-to-door phone salesman.
He returned to England, applied for a job with Derbyshire Police and in 2005 was appointed to the 'Office of Constable' (aka...joined the fuzz). He enjoyed a seven year career in crimefighting and then promptly left it all behind in search of a fresh challenge.
Eventually - and in no way swayed by the long holidays - Mike re-trained as a teacher. He now works in a small village school in Derbyshire and finds something that makes him laugh each day. When he isn't working, reading, or spending time with his own wonderful family, Mike can be found writing stories. He dreams that one day soon he will own another dog.
As a child he spent many a happy hour with his family and - later - his three dogs (two real...one imaginary). At the age of eighteen he went to Lancaster University where he studied Russian history. Three years after that - and arguably less employable than he had been before university - Michael stepped out into the great wide world.
He quickly landed a job working at a sewage plant (true story) and used his hard-earned pay to buy a ticket to Australia. Michael spent the next year travelling with friends and earning money as a barman, waiter and - when things got really bad - a door-to-door phone salesman.
He returned to England, applied for a job with Derbyshire Police and in 2005 was appointed to the 'Office of Constable' (aka...joined the fuzz). He enjoyed a seven year career in crimefighting and then promptly left it all behind in search of a fresh challenge.
Eventually - and in no way swayed by the long holidays - Mike re-trained as a teacher. He now works in a small village school in Derbyshire and finds something that makes him laugh each day. When he isn't working, reading, or spending time with his own wonderful family, Mike can be found writing stories. He dreams that one day soon he will own another dog.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 2, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Straybeck Rising
Author: Michael Lynch
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Outstanding read. The family dynamics work well and the plot was full of twists I did not see coming.’ Male reader, aged 45
‘This author is pretty good. He works well with setting and character, but his strength is in designing a clever plot to keep the reader gripped. I enjoyed this very much.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘Good backstory, but not too much which helps with pacing. A slow start, allowing the reader time to get to know the characters, then a very pacey ending. Well-constructed and highly entertaining. Dark in parts which works well in the dystopian genre.’ Male reader, aged 49
‘Vividly described setting and a cleverly designed plot. I was rooting for the characters until the very end. This author has potential.’ Male reader (publisher), aged 54
‘Interesting read. I even liked the cover!’ Female reader, aged 21
‘This author should write another book. I’ll read it.’ Male reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping dystopian thriller packed full of twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended,’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Straybeck Rising
Author: Michael Lynch
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Outstanding read. The family dynamics work well and the plot was full of twists I did not see coming.’ Male reader, aged 45
‘This author is pretty good. He works well with setting and character, but his strength is in designing a clever plot to keep the reader gripped. I enjoyed this very much.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘Good backstory, but not too much which helps with pacing. A slow start, allowing the reader time to get to know the characters, then a very pacey ending. Well-constructed and highly entertaining. Dark in parts which works well in the dystopian genre.’ Male reader, aged 49
‘Vividly described setting and a cleverly designed plot. I was rooting for the characters until the very end. This author has potential.’ Male reader (publisher), aged 54
‘Interesting read. I even liked the cover!’ Female reader, aged 21
‘This author should write another book. I’ll read it.’ Male reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping dystopian thriller packed full of twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended,’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
May 8, 2019
This book captured my attention and held it from the first page until the very last. Set in a society that has lost its way as far as the treatment of human beings goes, it is an outstanding story about the strength of friendships and family. The author's ability to describe settings, people and events so vividly resulted in my seeing the story in my mind, and I really do believe it would be a remarkable story to watch in big screen format. There are aspects of humanity in this book that demonstrate how easy it is to be pulled under influence by others, no matter their intention. I wouldn't describe it as a happy ever after story, but it is one that reads as being very possibly real, and that in itself prompts thoughts about how each of us treat others in the here and now of reality.
I did love this author's writing style so much that I scoured the e-book stores in the hope of finding more by him. I was surprised that this seems to be his very first novel. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more, whether a continuation of this particular story, or anything else. It's a great first release by a very talented writer, and well worth the time to put in to read this substantial story. Absolutely no hesitation from me in giving this five out of five stars. Awesome!
I did love this author's writing style so much that I scoured the e-book stores in the hope of finding more by him. I was surprised that this seems to be his very first novel. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more, whether a continuation of this particular story, or anything else. It's a great first release by a very talented writer, and well worth the time to put in to read this substantial story. Absolutely no hesitation from me in giving this five out of five stars. Awesome!
December 2, 2018
This was one awesome ride. I'm an aficionado of the dystopia genre, and this book does not disappoint. The author does a fine job crafting the characters. You'll sympathize with them, at times even hate them, but you end up embracing them all as flawed and very real people. That's the charm of Straybeck Rising.
The novel uses a slow buildup, quickly becoming a time bomb for the finale which had me reading incessantly. You get a feel for the world and just the right amount of backstory for the regime itself. Perhaps most interesting is that the story hints at a continuation and I'd be delighted to read it upon release. That being said, this book stands on it own.
Exploring themes of authoritarianism, duty, and family, this is not one to miss.
The novel uses a slow buildup, quickly becoming a time bomb for the finale which had me reading incessantly. You get a feel for the world and just the right amount of backstory for the regime itself. Perhaps most interesting is that the story hints at a continuation and I'd be delighted to read it upon release. That being said, this book stands on it own.
Exploring themes of authoritarianism, duty, and family, this is not one to miss.
February 16, 2020
Just finished reading Straybeck Rising book one and I’m desperate for the next book.
For me it was a slow burner, the author was able to keep throwing me little twists and surprising turns that kept me gripped and wanting more.
The characters were interesting and relatable. Younger brother idolising his older brother.......Eldest son starting to question and rebel against his father, fighting against an oppressive regime.
The final few chapters were unexpected and the twist at the end knocked me for six. I have so many questions and can’t wait for the next part and for me this is a sign of a clever and talented author. Michael gave us just enough intrigue, excitement and depth to keep his audience shouting for more.
For me it was a slow burner, the author was able to keep throwing me little twists and surprising turns that kept me gripped and wanting more.
The characters were interesting and relatable. Younger brother idolising his older brother.......Eldest son starting to question and rebel against his father, fighting against an oppressive regime.
The final few chapters were unexpected and the twist at the end knocked me for six. I have so many questions and can’t wait for the next part and for me this is a sign of a clever and talented author. Michael gave us just enough intrigue, excitement and depth to keep his audience shouting for more.
March 15, 2020
The story drives you right into a bleak and gloomy world.
The streets of Straybeck are full of gunnermen who make sure that everyone follows the rules of an oppressive regime.
Straybeck Rising explores many interesting family relationships such as Robb hoping that his older son Ryan doesn’t repeat his same mistakes. The younger brother, John, looks up and idolizes the older brother. Ryan tries to grow up and make the right decisions. It’s about family values, friendship, and who to trust.
There are twists and turns that keep you guessing what will happen next.
If you are looking for a compelling, dark, dystopian story you will enjoy this book.
The streets of Straybeck are full of gunnermen who make sure that everyone follows the rules of an oppressive regime.
Straybeck Rising explores many interesting family relationships such as Robb hoping that his older son Ryan doesn’t repeat his same mistakes. The younger brother, John, looks up and idolizes the older brother. Ryan tries to grow up and make the right decisions. It’s about family values, friendship, and who to trust.
There are twists and turns that keep you guessing what will happen next.
If you are looking for a compelling, dark, dystopian story you will enjoy this book.
August 6, 2018
The most gripping book I’ve read in a long time. From the outset I felt part of the cold streets of Straybeck and the nightmarish world created by the author. Each character provoked a genuine emotional response from me and I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn't reading. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next .... please let there be a sequel!
February 21, 2020
I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry which I really wasn’t expecting. I know that some of the scenes in this book will stay with me for a long time and I hope a sequel is coming because I really want to see more of these characters. Five stars and a must read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews