Daron Sheehan's Blog

Bulldog: A Dystopian Novel

Latest 5 star review which has just appeared on Amazon...
5.0 out of 5 stars Socrates Project, April 5, 2013
By
Fergalhere - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The Socrates Project is a thought provoking book with a powerful message woven around a compelling story. The book's pace has an epic intensity to it, not unlike Bourne Supemacy ,The Matrix and Avatar movies. It's a meeting of wisdom's of the world with cutting edge science and technology with the main characters racing to save impending global disaster. I found myself drawn into the action immediately. The characters and plot are well developed and believable. It's beautifully written and I love the descriptions of the natural world and our connection to it .
I highly recommend you read it and I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes one of 2013's most exciting and best selling novels

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, 18 Feb 2013
By
JJ - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The story is fast-paced and exciting, as well as innovative and thought-provoking. A brilliant first novel for Daron Sheehan - can't wait for his next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars original thriller with vision & a message, 30 Mar 2013
By
DMA - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Hardcover)
Sheehan's first novel is a winner: gripping thriller with a wise message about sustainable living and the choices we are making now that will lead, in one way or another, to the scenerios he so cleverly describes.

5.0 out of 5 stars A very thought provoking adventure, 28 Mar 2013
By
Mark - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Paperback)
I felt The Socrates Project was written more like a film scrip than a traditional novel - it jumps quite a bit to start with but is also easy to visualise - once I got used to that style I was swept along in an amazing adventure that gives lots of reason to pause and think about events and news in the real world. A very different book than I would normally read, as it bordered on sic-fi in parts, but there was so much that is based on the real world and in real events that I found it fascinating. Certainly very well written for a first time author. Would well recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and make you think, 23 Feb 2013
By
Xtoph (UK) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Hardcover)
This is not only a good read as a thriller but manages, without being highbrow, to challenge us as the human race to think about how we work together to look after the world in which we live. Unfortunately Daron Sheehan's solution is not an option for us, so what will we do about it?

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping page turner..., 5 Feb 2013
By
James Alexander - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Hardcover)
This book was a great read. Not really being a big fan of reading I thought it was very well written with an enjoyable storyline that was intriguing and thought provoking. A real page turner. Daron has done a great job here and I can't wait for his next book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just finished it, page turner right to the end., 20 Mar 2013
By
SkyDave - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Paperback)
I was busy sometimes while reading this book and so had to put it down for a few days. Each time I couldn't wait to get back to it, and like a good friend we picked up easily where we left off. It held me engrossed right up to the very last page! However, don't bother reading the prologue; I found it confusing and unnecessary. I only mention this so that it does not put you off what is an excellent book.
helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "A mind-blowing rollecoaster of a novel", 15 Mar 2013
By
Max - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The Socrates Project is a mind-blowing rollercoaster of a novel, which blends gripping adventure with a voyage of discovery. Simon Oceandis and his fellow sicads discover an amazing world full of wonder and opportunity. The sicads were created to help solve the increasing social, financial and environmental challenges that undermine global peace and prosperity.
The Socrates Project is a thrilling read for all ages, but is especially aimed at the next generation who must find the inspiration to come together, like the sicads, to solve these threatening challenges in real life. As I like to say to today's youth, "There is an Everest for Everyone", but this is one mountain we must all climb together!

Max Chaya.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beware of governments seeking solutions......, 12 Mar 2013
By
Ejane - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
All is not what it seems in the world of the Socrates Project. Governments are asking questions....they are seeking solutions but do they really want to face the realities if the world they have in part created?

This books asks to be a movie or preferably a series for TV...watch the trailer and the interviews with the worthy and the good...someone needs to move fast to secure a deal? Blink and it will be gone.

A well crafted plot that imbeds environmental truths into a believable and intriguing contemporary scene.

Highly recommended....

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and entertaining - highly recommended, 25 Feb 2013
By
CGDykes - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
This is a highly readable, excellent novel and within the first few pages, I realised this was a book I was going to read quickly and late into the night. The characters are either very likeable or fascinatingly unpleasant and the reader is swept along with the drama of it all. I found myself discussing the book with friends, intrigued as to how it was going to turn out. The Socrates Project has all the elements of a good thriller, whilst also conveying an important message about the state of our planet without being preaching. I hope there is a sequel.

5.0 out of 5 stars Original And Thought Provoking, 25 Feb 2013
By
Tony - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
An original and thought provoking story, I enjoyed reading it immensely. With a young family of my own, I share the author's concern for a sustainable planet. Daron Sheehan's take on the future may not be too far from the truth !

5.0 out of 5 stars The Socrates Project, 22 Feb 2013
By
TomHodgkin - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The Socrates Project is a real page-turning thriller. Romance, adventure, technology, conspiracy, culture and philosophy blended into a gripping novel. From the start you are swept away in an adventure that is closer to reality than imagined. It is engaging on many levels; the quality of the storytelling and plot will have you engrossed, then questions emerge as you reflect on the themes of the book. I won't give it away any further - a genuine must-read!

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a piece of fiction, 21 Feb 2013
By
jswags - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
When I first read The Socrates Project I just couldn't put it down! Every chapter kept me hooked with action, adventure, love and passion. It blends popular fiction with real world issues. The storytelling is outstanding, with edge of your seat moments and brilliant characterisation I felt like I was there, every step of the way.

And for me the journey didn't end once I finished reading The Socrates Project. I looked at my life, my friends, my family and wondered, what can I do, what can we do, to save this wonderful planet today and make a real difference now and in the future.

The Socrates Project is more than a piece of fiction, it makes you think, it starts the conversation and it's up to all of us to act now for future generations.

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern take on Asimov!, 20 Feb 2013
By
Maximus_Decimus - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
This book is a fantastic read! the best way to describe it would be an international thriller/sci-fi. Very interesting with a fresh take on the current events. Overall a story with a lot at stake, that simply cannot be ignored! READ IT NOW !!!

4.0 out of 5 stars A message that rings true, 20 Feb 2013
By
Holly Hunt - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The Socrates Project is a roller coaster of an adventure, filled with a great mix of characters, adrenaline and emotion. What really stayed with me after reading the book though, were not the car chases, but the poignant message throughout that rang so true for me. This story is not so very far from reality and tells of a truth that is vital for us all to acknowledge.

4.0 out of 5 stars Socrates Project, 19 Feb 2013
By
Wilton_Nick - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
The Socrates Project is a thrilling rollercoaster set in a global theatre with action, intrigue, and betrayal throughout. The underlying premise of the novel makes you think about the relationships that we as humans have with each other and our natural world. Good read, thoroughly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars By K. H. Kikstra "7summits.com" (Amsterdam, Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Hardcover)
The Socrates project will hold you in its grip from the first pages onwards. It is a well-written and very original story as it covers many current issues (environment, social issues), wrapped in a thriller with romantic and science fiction undertones.

Often I felt quite depressed while reading this as the author managed to put into words my exact thoughts and worries about these important issues, but it was good to read a fiction book about these non-fictional problems. The pace picks up during the book until it reaches Dan Brown speed.

I am taking one star off for some editing, the abrupt ending and some open questions, but I assume that a next book will follow up on these, looking forward to reading it.


5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and thought provoking, February 23, 2013
By
David Moran - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
One of those rare books that is not only a gripping read with an adventurous theme, but also a book that makes one consider the perils of humanity. Well researched and developed I found it very enjoyable, I can thoroughly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, February 22, 2013
By
John Y. Chen (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
Really enjoyed reading this novel, great pacing with lots of elements like romance, suspense, politics and science fiction. Each character is well developed and you really get to dislike the bad guys in this one and fall in love with the heroes

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book!, February 21, 2013
By
Aziza Noujaim - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
A real page turner, this book has it all, adventure, science fiction, environmental, religious, social and political issues, it makes you look at our world differently! Very enjoyable with extremely deep thoughts!

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly original and fascinating!, February 18, 2013
By
irene mommers - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
This is one of those rare books that keeps you busy afterwards. The plot is truly original and fascinating. Will this be our reality in 2050? A must read for all open minds and earth lovers!

Irene Mommers – Director of Boenda – fair eBooks, The Netherlands

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it!, February 17, 2013
By
Michael Freischmidt - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Socrates Project (Kindle Edition)
Best book I have read in a very long time. The exciting plot kept me turning the pages, but the content really made me think about what is important in life.

The very first review of Draft 1 from the literary critic and author Ross Leckie. Another 5 were to follow, all of which Ross read.

From: Ross Leckie
Sent: 01 April 2010 16:33
To: Daron Sheehan
Subject: The Socrates Project

Daron –

Firstly, congratulations. Even this first draft is engaging, entertaining and thought–provoking – three cardinal virtues in good fiction. It’s also, as you know, very timely (and look at the response to MacEwan’s recent Solar.) Edited hard and condensed into a novella or short story, I think what you’ve done would be eminently publishable – with which I might well be able to help. In particular, your creation of the sicads and then your managing to convey the ‘humanising’ of a sicad is a tremendous achievement.

With very best wishes,

Ross.