Title: New Megiddo Rising: An ‘Apostates’ Novella
Author: Lars Teeney
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Book Blurb:
At the Dawn of the Texas Republic declaring independence from Mexico, New Megiddo was born. Created by a death cult led by the Reverend Brigham Wainwright, who actively worked to flood the empty, barren land with his American followers; undermining his Mexican overlords.
Fast-forward several centuries and America has become New Megiddo, a theocracy run by the Schrubb Administration, where order is kept using the technology of the [Virtue-Net] to feed the Reverend Wilhelm Wainwright's sermons to the minds of the people. In the slums, the humble beginnings of an insurgency of Apostates take shape. The cruel and clueless policies of the Church of New Megiddo and the ruling Regime push the disenfranchised masses one step closer to all-out rebellion.
My Review:
This is a book for someone who wants to be transported to a different world...that all the while eerily reminds the reader of current day.
The 'America' in this book is craftily created by the author to set the stage for the multifaceted society that exists. Several of the characters are intriguing and a reader can be caught up in those characters quickly which shows a skill that is hard to find in many of the books today. The promise that comes from this prequel novella whets the appetite of the reader and leaves one wanting to read the next part of the story.
For me, the necessary detailing of the ruling society drags on and on. I quickly developed a detestation for the scum who run the 'church' society. I was offended by the leader of the girl's home who preys on the children he is supposed to be molding. That pervert needs a good axe in the head.
I was bothered by the detail of Ayane being bullied and brutalized by her 'school mates' but then, instead of detail of her murdering the ringleader, it was a fade to black and return. I would prefer less bullying detail and more detail of the bully being brutally murdered. That is just me. I absolutely loved the rebels attack on the deacon caravan in LA. That was the best writing I saw in the novella and re-read it several times. That alone makes me want to read book two.
My Rating: 4 stars
Buy it now:
Currently free on Amazon!
Author Biography:
Lars Teeney was born in Montana. After going to an art school in San Francisco, racking up insane student loans and working for years as a freelance designer for the start-up culture, he became burnt out. He abandoned the Bay Area for the Pacific North-west, where he could hike and bike to my heart's content. He has worked for a variety of technology companies and has a keen passion for politics, history, science and art.
Social Media Links:
Website http://larsteeney.tumblr.com/
Twitter @lars_teeney
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/larsteeney/
Reviewed by: Mr. N