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Heretic of the Federation #1
The Heretic Lives
You cannot murder a person who never existed.
It is not impossible to rewrite history. In fact, when one computer runs the world, changing history happens faster.
Those who were heroes have been labeled villains. The alien Melagorns and Dreth, once friends, are now competitors at best.
The Regime works to instill loyalty to humanity. Loyalty to brotherhood. Loyalty to the state.
Loyalty to the words preached every night.
Humanity first. Truth!
Those with power are Tainted. Truth!
The Tainted prove Loyalty by working for the Regime. Truth!
Tainted who hide power seek to harm Humanity. Truth!
Hail, Victory! Hail, Humanity!
Except not everyone follows the truth.
John Dunn fled into a radioactive wasteland, seeking death rather than work in the Regime.
What he learns changes humanity forever.
It is not impossible to rewrite history. In fact, when one computer runs the world, changing history happens faster.
Those who were heroes have been labeled villains. The alien Melagorns and Dreth, once friends, are now competitors at best.
The Regime works to instill loyalty to humanity. Loyalty to brotherhood. Loyalty to the state.
Loyalty to the words preached every night.
Humanity first. Truth!
Those with power are Tainted. Truth!
The Tainted prove Loyalty by working for the Regime. Truth!
Tainted who hide power seek to harm Humanity. Truth!
Hail, Victory! Hail, Humanity!
Except not everyone follows the truth.
John Dunn fled into a radioactive wasteland, seeking death rather than work in the Regime.
What he learns changes humanity forever.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2020
543 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 30, 2021
This is YA, right?
It has to be. That's the only thing that makes sense.
And it started so well...
First chapter shows you MC in the process of trying to prevent his friends from going through with a rebellious operation against the Regime. He fails, and his friends are killed, or taken. Book does a decent job presenting the angst and powerlessness of MC, right until MC now becomes able to wield impressive offensive magic. MC stows away in a cargo ship, and lands in Chicago...
And then things start to go sour..
For a book that doesn't shy away from physical violence, it surprisingly lacks gravitas.
- The world appears eerily empty, as is often the case in b-movie distopias (and space operas).
- Of all the places they could land, MC gets unerringly dropped right into futur mentor's nest.
- "Deadly" Hunters conveniently refuse to consider MC's escape route, for dubious reasons.
- Evil bosses have the mother of all info dump moment.
- Evil bosses have a Pinky-and-the-Brain Evil triumvirate thing going on.
- Mentor went into cryo, so she's still young! How convenient for futur romantic tension!
- Author often confuses grandiloquent info dump for deep declamations.
- MCs find time to get into a juvenile snark contest right in the middle of a deadly heist.
At this point, I'm thinking that this book is not meant for people like me.
I'll pass the baton to a more receptive audience.
It has to be. That's the only thing that makes sense.
And it started so well...
First chapter shows you MC in the process of trying to prevent his friends from going through with a rebellious operation against the Regime. He fails, and his friends are killed, or taken. Book does a decent job presenting the angst and powerlessness of MC, right until MC now becomes able to wield impressive offensive magic. MC stows away in a cargo ship, and lands in Chicago...
And then things start to go sour..
For a book that doesn't shy away from physical violence, it surprisingly lacks gravitas.
- The world appears eerily empty, as is often the case in b-movie distopias (and space operas).
- Of all the places they could land, MC gets unerringly dropped right into futur mentor's nest.
- "Deadly" Hunters conveniently refuse to consider MC's escape route, for dubious reasons.
- Evil bosses have the mother of all info dump moment.
- Evil bosses have a Pinky-and-the-Brain Evil triumvirate thing going on.
- Mentor went into cryo, so she's still young! How convenient for futur romantic tension!
- Author often confuses grandiloquent info dump for deep declamations.
- MCs find time to get into a juvenile snark contest right in the middle of a deadly heist.
At this point, I'm thinking that this book is not meant for people like me.
I'll pass the baton to a more receptive audience.
February 11, 2021
This book is really poorly written. It's very disappointing to see hundreds of 4-5 star reviews for a book that so evidently warrants 2-3 at most. Such disingenuous reviews certainly do not help the industry, are fraudulent to the reader, and the also do a disservice to the author who never learns to improve their writing skills.
If cranking out event based text with no depth of character or setting is the goal then the author's mission has been accomplished.
You had a really great story idea here Michael. I encourage you to improve your skills and take the time to write a really good book for us.
If cranking out event based text with no depth of character or setting is the goal then the author's mission has been accomplished.
You had a really great story idea here Michael. I encourage you to improve your skills and take the time to write a really good book for us.
January 21, 2021
I will be honest & admit I sat and inhaled this book in one day. (Along with book 2 but that's for another review.) I've been an avid fan of Michael's worldbuilding saga since the first book (Death Becomes Her) about 4 years ago. I've read almost all the spin-offs and cross-overs I could. I, unfortunately, missed the Witch Of The Federation series and have fallen into the Heretic of the Federation series. For someone like me who has some history of the world this is apart of, it took a few chapters before I could come up to speed as there are heavy references to the Witch Of The Federation series. It covers the basics but if you really are a stickler for continuity like me, make certain you get to read the Witch Of The Federation series.
That said, onto the book I am reviewing. I was so caught up in the action from the first page that it was not surprising to me that I read it in one day. Every bit draws the reader into a world of magic, tragedy, greed, ruthlessness, hope, and unity. The backstories were heart-wrenching, but the hope for a better future kept being threaded throughout, even at its darkest. It is seriously a wonderful addition to the whole collection that it has made me go back to devour the series that sets things up.
That said, onto the book I am reviewing. I was so caught up in the action from the first page that it was not surprising to me that I read it in one day. Every bit draws the reader into a world of magic, tragedy, greed, ruthlessness, hope, and unity. The backstories were heart-wrenching, but the hope for a better future kept being threaded throughout, even at its darkest. It is seriously a wonderful addition to the whole collection that it has made me go back to devour the series that sets things up.
November 22, 2020
If you enjoyed Witch of the Federation, you should live this one!
Love the action and adventure. Follow the story of a18 year old australian boy and his adventures running for his life after seeing his best friend killed in cold blood. Because he has shown what the government referral to as "talent" but was formally considered magic. The government has sent their most dangerous agents, Talents with great power, to either capture John for induction into the Navy or to kill him. Kept me glued to the story as to either had me on the edge of tears out the edge of my seat. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next bill to be released! 👍🤓
Love the action and adventure. Follow the story of a18 year old australian boy and his adventures running for his life after seeing his best friend killed in cold blood. Because he has shown what the government referral to as "talent" but was formally considered magic. The government has sent their most dangerous agents, Talents with great power, to either capture John for induction into the Navy or to kill him. Kept me glued to the story as to either had me on the edge of tears out the edge of my seat. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next bill to be released! 👍🤓
November 21, 2020
If you've read the witch of the federation books, then you don't want to skip this book, because it's the start of a series about what happened after the federation books, and it's a very good book, and I suspect it will be an excellent series as well. If you haven't read those books, starting here won't hurt you, but you won't get a lot of the story references that are made to the previous books, so that may detract from fully enjoying the story, though you'll still get a decent story, and one that will probably make you want to read the witch of the federation books anyway.
November 26, 2020
Return of the Witch of the Federation?
The story of the Witch continues. The government greed and lies have continued. Twenty seven years have passed and the world has changed. Under the iron fist of the Regime, successor to the Federation, the magic users are hunted and enslaved to serve in the space navy, aliens are hated and feared, and ordinary humans are treated as slaves to the government elite. Not a pretty world. But a magic using untrained boy stumbled upon one of the friends of the Witch and begins the journey to enlightenment. A good read.
The story of the Witch continues. The government greed and lies have continued. Twenty seven years have passed and the world has changed. Under the iron fist of the Regime, successor to the Federation, the magic users are hunted and enslaved to serve in the space navy, aliens are hated and feared, and ordinary humans are treated as slaves to the government elite. Not a pretty world. But a magic using untrained boy stumbled upon one of the friends of the Witch and begins the journey to enlightenment. A good read.
December 28, 2020
Cannot wait to read whole series
John is a character that is easy to relate to. The story is well laid out. It introduced several interesting characters who I'm sure we will learn more about in future books. The main character will make you tear up as you root for him. There is no shortage of action a magic use. I cannot wait to see where the plot goes from here. It can only get better as a legend of the past collides with the present to clarify her legacy an influence the heroes of the future
John is a character that is easy to relate to. The story is well laid out. It introduced several interesting characters who I'm sure we will learn more about in future books. The main character will make you tear up as you root for him. There is no shortage of action a magic use. I cannot wait to see where the plot goes from here. It can only get better as a legend of the past collides with the present to clarify her legacy an influence the heroes of the future
April 8, 2021
There maybe less action than some books but I thought the world and character building were interesting and Necessary. It almost felt like an extended epilogue mixed with a prologue but with more action than either of horse usually merit. I was very sad at one part and still kinda wish it hadn’t happened that way but I understand why it did. I may not be a big fan of John cause he does seem to do a lot of dumb things but he is a likable character. I like Becca and ivy better though. Steph is in this book but not much I hope she appears more in the next one.
November 1, 2020
This is now one of my all time favorite books. I read it after the Witch of the Federation series but it could be read as a stand alone, you'd just lose some context. It is definitely not just a tweaked repeat of witch, it is completely a new story and fascinating. So good that I stayed up reading all night. Has both action and introspection. I really can't say enough positive about it. I can't wait for the next in series.
November 7, 2020
Reading too much into the story
Heavy borrowing from New Testament Gospels. There, John was a prophet announcing the coming of the Messiah. Here, John does similarly. But there are significant differences, unless you equate magic or talent to the power of God. In that light, "Heretic" can be viewed as a struggle to explain the Gospels in another genre. Then again, maybe that was not Anderle's intent at all and I am simply reading too much into the story.
Heavy borrowing from New Testament Gospels. There, John was a prophet announcing the coming of the Messiah. Here, John does similarly. But there are significant differences, unless you equate magic or talent to the power of God. In that light, "Heretic" can be viewed as a struggle to explain the Gospels in another genre. Then again, maybe that was not Anderle's intent at all and I am simply reading too much into the story.
November 10, 2020
A much more cynical world
This book takes up where the Witch of the Federation left off, 27 years later. Humanity has not done well. It has driven away its alien allies, and demonized the one person who was able, and willing, to protect us all. Now magic users are Talents, and are considered less than human. They are recruited to serve the Regime or die.
The Morgana has not come back, yet, and the world cries out in need of her.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book takes up where the Witch of the Federation left off, 27 years later. Humanity has not done well. It has driven away its alien allies, and demonized the one person who was able, and willing, to protect us all. Now magic users are Talents, and are considered less than human. They are recruited to serve the Regime or die.
The Morgana has not come back, yet, and the world cries out in need of her.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 10, 2020
Great book!!!
First if you haven't read the Federation Witch series it would really behoove you to go and read all the first books then re-read this book. While this is a stand alone book the story is MUCH much better and clearer when you get I know Stephanie and her group. You learn and understand the "bad guys" and who and why they are the bad guys. The Federation Witch series is a great series one of my favorites! Happy reading!!
First if you haven't read the Federation Witch series it would really behoove you to go and read all the first books then re-read this book. While this is a stand alone book the story is MUCH much better and clearer when you get I know Stephanie and her group. You learn and understand the "bad guys" and who and why they are the bad guys. The Federation Witch series is a great series one of my favorites! Happy reading!!
November 11, 2020
This is a great beginning to a new series in the Witch’s universe. A lot has happened since Stephanie left Earth, and most of it is far from good. The story might be fiction, however the cover-ups, brainwashing of the masses, and rewriting of history are all too real facets of our world. This is a very intense storyline, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.
November 19, 2020
Awesome book!
What an awesome adjunct to the Stephanie Morgana series! John is the perfect hero, humble, yet strong and with heart. Don't t miss this series and make sure to read The Witch of the Federation series as well. I can't wait to see what happens next! Keep churning out the awesome stories, Mike!
What an awesome adjunct to the Stephanie Morgana series! John is the perfect hero, humble, yet strong and with heart. Don't t miss this series and make sure to read The Witch of the Federation series as well. I can't wait to see what happens next! Keep churning out the awesome stories, Mike!
December 4, 2020
A continuation of the Witch!
Finally another way to connect with Stephanie. This book was a little slow to start and almost had me giving up on it but damn! am I glad I stuck it out. Lots of action and intrigue and views of the aftermath of Stephanie's departure. On to the next book!
Finally another way to connect with Stephanie. This book was a little slow to start and almost had me giving up on it but damn! am I glad I stuck it out. Lots of action and intrigue and views of the aftermath of Stephanie's departure. On to the next book!
December 25, 2020
More of a quality series.
These books never fail to entertain. To be five star worthy they would need to inspire much like Ender's Game did with the 'Speaker for the Dead' or Dune managed to inspire deeper contemplation, or (God help me)Even the Thomas Covenant series with it's purple prose. These books are fun. Full Stop.
These books never fail to entertain. To be five star worthy they would need to inspire much like Ender's Game did with the 'Speaker for the Dead' or Dune managed to inspire deeper contemplation, or (God help me)Even the Thomas Covenant series with it's purple prose. These books are fun. Full Stop.
March 1, 2021
This story failed to grip me, I will give it a try another time a bit later, on, but for now it did not work for me. I probably was too attached to The Witch of the Federation Series and how the story flowed there (I loved it) so it is kind of understandable why this might not worked for me. Please still try it, it might be that you will like this story still.
June 1, 2021
Finding this was such a gem because I really enjoyed the witch of the federation series
Having read much of Michael's work I had looked forward to the witch of the federation series and was very sad when I got to the end of it finding this as a continuation I really considered a blessing and have really enjoyed this first book can't wait to dig into the next
Having read much of Michael's work I had looked forward to the witch of the federation series and was very sad when I got to the end of it finding this as a continuation I really considered a blessing and have really enjoyed this first book can't wait to dig into the next
December 24, 2021
A new power is abound
While fighting against oppression John Dunn, an Australian teen, watches his friends get killed by soldiers of the Regime. Escaping to Chicago in the US he meets the person who will set him on a journey to clean up the world.. Also to help the Morgan set things right again.
While fighting against oppression John Dunn, an Australian teen, watches his friends get killed by soldiers of the Regime. Escaping to Chicago in the US he meets the person who will set him on a journey to clean up the world.. Also to help the Morgan set things right again.
November 1, 2020
I'm a fan of this series now.
Another 5 star for you as I couldn't put it down. I have high hopes that this series will produce a younger generation (who are hopefully reading this book) who believes in Justice for All & have a healthy skepticism of those in Power.
Bravo!
Another 5 star for you as I couldn't put it down. I have high hopes that this series will produce a younger generation (who are hopefully reading this book) who believes in Justice for All & have a healthy skepticism of those in Power.
Bravo!
November 2, 2020
Oh snap
Once again Michale (aka Yoda) shows why he is a master story teller . Warning, Don't start before bed and Don't make plans for the day.. once you start!!. You won't stop until its done.
Once again Michale (aka Yoda) shows why he is a master story teller . Warning, Don't start before bed and Don't make plans for the day.. once you start!!. You won't stop until its done.
November 3, 2020
Outstanding start
About time. I am not sure where this story is going but I love the start. It is very exciting so far and I cannot wait for the next installment to see what happens next.
About time. I am not sure where this story is going but I love the start. It is very exciting so far and I cannot wait for the next installment to see what happens next.
November 3, 2020
Painful Start, Strong Finish
Setting the story was painful to the main character John, but it explained the situation well. I suggest reading until John's situation gets better. It is worth the read to get to the end.
Eagerly awaiting the next book!
Setting the story was painful to the main character John, but it explained the situation well. I suggest reading until John's situation gets better. It is worth the read to get to the end.
Eagerly awaiting the next book!
November 8, 2020
Onto the next books!
High quality action, story, and character development. The usual quality reading time courtesy of LMBPN / Michael Anderle. Now let's whip MA for the next books!
High quality action, story, and character development. The usual quality reading time courtesy of LMBPN / Michael Anderle. Now let's whip MA for the next books!
December 9, 2020
Decent start to a new but connecting storyline
I enjoyed this book and was happy to meet John and friends. Could have been better with more Stephanie and what happened to Ivy, Kristin and the others? Perhaps the next will tell.
I enjoyed this book and was happy to meet John and friends. Could have been better with more Stephanie and what happened to Ivy, Kristin and the others? Perhaps the next will tell.
January 8, 2021
Wow
Things have changed since the Witch was last seen and not for the better. Talents, as the Regime calls them are hunted and made to join them or die. Talents hide for this reason. There are still some that remember the Witch. When will she come back?
Things have changed since the Witch was last seen and not for the better. Talents, as the Regime calls them are hunted and made to join them or die. Talents hide for this reason. There are still some that remember the Witch. When will she come back?
January 18, 2021
At the end of the previous series I wasn't sure I would keep reading. Now I am once again invested in the character and interested to see what happens. So much so that I went and bought the next two books.
February 2, 2021
A welcome reunion
The witch of the federation series was my introduction to the work of Michael Anderson. It was such a strong intro that I have followed his work through several universes. Now to return to the start. I cheered as each character from the original series was reintroduced and laughed and shed a few tears over the fate of others Definitely worth the read, especially for fans of urban fantasy
The witch of the federation series was my introduction to the work of Michael Anderson. It was such a strong intro that I have followed his work through several universes. Now to return to the start. I cheered as each character from the original series was reintroduced and laughed and shed a few tears over the fate of others Definitely worth the read, especially for fans of urban fantasy
February 12, 2021
Excellent
Started off slow to me. But then I am so used to BA and the fast pace of that series. It picked up in the middle and didn’t let me down. Definitely a series that I hope is continued.
Started off slow to me. But then I am so used to BA and the fast pace of that series. It picked up in the middle and didn’t let me down. Definitely a series that I hope is continued.
February 17, 2021
Good book and fun characters
This was a good book in the witch universe.
The characters introduced so far not only tie into the previous books but add a new and interesting layer on top of the existing universe to carry the story forward. I recommend this book and new series.
This was a good book in the witch universe.
The characters introduced so far not only tie into the previous books but add a new and interesting layer on top of the existing universe to carry the story forward. I recommend this book and new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews