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The Arcane Insurrection #1
Felix Faust
Morgenstern's debut novel: Telekinesis, illusions, and mind control all bring destruction in this sci-fi turned urban thriller.
Felix is a cold, eccentric, and arrogant freshman with psychokinetic powers to boost his ego, but once he sets foot outside of home, that ego takes a hit.
He is not the only one in the world with his powers.
Felix finds both an ally and mentor at school, one with abilities he’d never thought possible. That opens a new door to his mind’s potential, but also makes him a target.
Hunted by malicious forces, Felix has to hone his skills on the run, but when his enemies take someone dear to him, he has no choice but to take the fight to their front door.
Felix is a cold, eccentric, and arrogant freshman with psychokinetic powers to boost his ego, but once he sets foot outside of home, that ego takes a hit.
He is not the only one in the world with his powers.
Felix finds both an ally and mentor at school, one with abilities he’d never thought possible. That opens a new door to his mind’s potential, but also makes him a target.
Hunted by malicious forces, Felix has to hone his skills on the run, but when his enemies take someone dear to him, he has no choice but to take the fight to their front door.
290 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2012
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Dexter Morgenstern
8 books149 followersBorn in North Carolina and raised as a homeschooled army brat, Dexter’s early life spanned continents, from South Korea to Colorado. Along the way, he learned to channel his neurodivergence into discipline and creativity, finding focus through writing, music, and martial arts.
He published his first novel at seventeen, and by the time he graduated with a dual degree in Marketing and Business Administration, he had several more under his belt. His stories are often dark, morally complex, and mythically charged—reflect a lifelong fascination with myth, faith, and the gray space between good and evil.
Outside of writing, Dexter is an accomplished Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and national titleholder, as well as a coach. He’s performed across the Pacific Northwest both onstage and in the ring, and he’s just as comfortable behind a bass guitar as he is throwing elbows under pressure.
When he's not writing, he's slapping bass. When he's not doing that, he's in the ring slapping face.
His ultimate goal? Crippling civilization beneath the boots of sentient robots—one creative project at a time.
He published his first novel at seventeen, and by the time he graduated with a dual degree in Marketing and Business Administration, he had several more under his belt. His stories are often dark, morally complex, and mythically charged—reflect a lifelong fascination with myth, faith, and the gray space between good and evil.
Outside of writing, Dexter is an accomplished Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and national titleholder, as well as a coach. He’s performed across the Pacific Northwest both onstage and in the ring, and he’s just as comfortable behind a bass guitar as he is throwing elbows under pressure.
When he's not writing, he's slapping bass. When he's not doing that, he's in the ring slapping face.
His ultimate goal? Crippling civilization beneath the boots of sentient robots—one creative project at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 27, 2014
I found this story, Felix Faust (The Arcane Insurrection) by Dexter Morgenstern a fascinating read, just the kind of book I love to review, and I enjoyed reading it very much.
Felix Faust is a gifted university student, arrogant and rude but with the extraordinary power of telekinesis.
The author, Dexter Morgenstern, is an extremely eloquent writer, with an interesting vocabulary.
His powers of description are varied and right from the first page you quickly climb inside the main character, Felix Faust's head. This book is a fascinating insight into the world of psychic abilities, albeit from the author's perspective. Before too long, Felix realises that he's not half as clever as he thinks he is, when he meets someone who is far cleverer than he and has to quickly learn how to first protect himself and then challenge his opponent.
His learning curve is fascinating and you could be forgiven for thinking that maybe the author is psychic from the detailed descriptions of the main character's progress.
A fast paced and thrilling psychic adventure which will leave you breathless and very impressed. I know I was. Well plotted with excellent characterisation combined with excruciating tension so visual, it is as if you are watching it in real time.
It reminded me of those action films that never let your attention wander for fear of missing a valuable piece of the action, leaving you impressed but breathless.
The author, Dexter Morgenstern is to be applauded for his vivid imagination in the creation of this masterpiece.
http://dextermorgenstern.com
Felix Faust is a gifted university student, arrogant and rude but with the extraordinary power of telekinesis.
The author, Dexter Morgenstern, is an extremely eloquent writer, with an interesting vocabulary.
His powers of description are varied and right from the first page you quickly climb inside the main character, Felix Faust's head. This book is a fascinating insight into the world of psychic abilities, albeit from the author's perspective. Before too long, Felix realises that he's not half as clever as he thinks he is, when he meets someone who is far cleverer than he and has to quickly learn how to first protect himself and then challenge his opponent.
His learning curve is fascinating and you could be forgiven for thinking that maybe the author is psychic from the detailed descriptions of the main character's progress.
A fast paced and thrilling psychic adventure which will leave you breathless and very impressed. I know I was. Well plotted with excellent characterisation combined with excruciating tension so visual, it is as if you are watching it in real time.
It reminded me of those action films that never let your attention wander for fear of missing a valuable piece of the action, leaving you impressed but breathless.
The author, Dexter Morgenstern is to be applauded for his vivid imagination in the creation of this masterpiece.
http://dextermorgenstern.com
May 28, 2014
I was gifted this novel in exchange for an honest review.
First I must say I was impressed with the imagination and well described scenarios of Dexter Morgenstern. Every moment in this novel comes to life through his style of writing. I felt like I was watching a movie. The writer makes you feel he's just as gifted and special as his main character.
I'm deeply moved, because he's truly a gem.
It's about a boy with special powers, but I don't want to spoil too much. All I can say here is – characters are wonderfully developed, relatable and the „I“ perspective puts you right in Felix's shoes. While reading I totally believed in the existence of these powers, because the author describes it so naturally.
Tension is slowly built, but once it is – you won't be able to stop reading.
What a page turner, how astonishing and fascinating – it was a joy reading „Felix Faust“
I'm hooked and I can't wait for the next book by Dexter Morgenstern.
5 ½ out of 5 Stars – oh wait, that doesn't work. 5 then.
First I must say I was impressed with the imagination and well described scenarios of Dexter Morgenstern. Every moment in this novel comes to life through his style of writing. I felt like I was watching a movie. The writer makes you feel he's just as gifted and special as his main character.
I'm deeply moved, because he's truly a gem.
It's about a boy with special powers, but I don't want to spoil too much. All I can say here is – characters are wonderfully developed, relatable and the „I“ perspective puts you right in Felix's shoes. While reading I totally believed in the existence of these powers, because the author describes it so naturally.
Tension is slowly built, but once it is – you won't be able to stop reading.
What a page turner, how astonishing and fascinating – it was a joy reading „Felix Faust“
I'm hooked and I can't wait for the next book by Dexter Morgenstern.
5 ½ out of 5 Stars – oh wait, that doesn't work. 5 then.
May 28, 2013
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions below are entirely my own. Taken from my Amazon.com review.
Felix Faust was a character who I initially had a struggle with liking. He was cocky, closed-off, and what was more infuriating, he could really back up his confidence with power. It's a powerful author indeed who could take such a character and make him engaging, interesting, and get me to root for him - and Dexter Morgenstern is that author. Admittedly, the first portion of the book is a bit of a slog - it doesn't start off terribly interesting, but when the story picks up, it -really- picks up.
Morgenstern prefers a first-person writing style, which, when combined with his notably aloof protagonist, creates a highly unique view of the story and the world in which it is set, creating a generally fascinating reading experience. However, the book faces a significant issue in its technicalities - that is, as Faust explores and learns about his powers, he does so in a dry, analytical manner, requiring the reader to wade through several pages of abstract terminology. This bogged down the plot, and if I weren't such an analytical person myself, it might have brought the book down to a three star rating - if it's not to your taste, be warned.
The other trouble I had was with the end. For the plot resolution, the character development, the events and action, all of it was at a peak, and made it the highlight of the book. Endlessly fascinating, I couldn't put the book down as I neared its conclusion. However, I was often jarred by editing mistakes; several homonyms slipped through, as well as typos and mechanical problems. There were a handful scattered throughout, but they appeared with irritating frequency near the end.
Still, for all this, Felix Faust is an entertaining and engrossing read, most of the time. However, readers/parents of readers take note: This work contains graphic violence and sexual content. With questions or comments, please feel free to use the comment box below or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com.
Felix Faust was a character who I initially had a struggle with liking. He was cocky, closed-off, and what was more infuriating, he could really back up his confidence with power. It's a powerful author indeed who could take such a character and make him engaging, interesting, and get me to root for him - and Dexter Morgenstern is that author. Admittedly, the first portion of the book is a bit of a slog - it doesn't start off terribly interesting, but when the story picks up, it -really- picks up.
Morgenstern prefers a first-person writing style, which, when combined with his notably aloof protagonist, creates a highly unique view of the story and the world in which it is set, creating a generally fascinating reading experience. However, the book faces a significant issue in its technicalities - that is, as Faust explores and learns about his powers, he does so in a dry, analytical manner, requiring the reader to wade through several pages of abstract terminology. This bogged down the plot, and if I weren't such an analytical person myself, it might have brought the book down to a three star rating - if it's not to your taste, be warned.
The other trouble I had was with the end. For the plot resolution, the character development, the events and action, all of it was at a peak, and made it the highlight of the book. Endlessly fascinating, I couldn't put the book down as I neared its conclusion. However, I was often jarred by editing mistakes; several homonyms slipped through, as well as typos and mechanical problems. There were a handful scattered throughout, but they appeared with irritating frequency near the end.
Still, for all this, Felix Faust is an entertaining and engrossing read, most of the time. However, readers/parents of readers take note: This work contains graphic violence and sexual content. With questions or comments, please feel free to use the comment box below or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com.
November 15, 2012
I received a free copy of this book as part of a goodreads group giveaway.
I was pretty sure that i was going to like this story from reading the blurb but i really was surprised at how much i liked it. I wish we could rate in half stars as i would have given this book 4.5 stars if i could.
I thought the characters were well thought out and described. The story line flowed well and there was plenty of events that kept you wanting to read on to find out what happened and the solution they came up with. This is not really any romance within this book so if you don't mind a book were the characters fall in love within the first few pages, this might be a good book for you.
I would recommend this book for ages 16+. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
I was pretty sure that i was going to like this story from reading the blurb but i really was surprised at how much i liked it. I wish we could rate in half stars as i would have given this book 4.5 stars if i could.
I thought the characters were well thought out and described. The story line flowed well and there was plenty of events that kept you wanting to read on to find out what happened and the solution they came up with. This is not really any romance within this book so if you don't mind a book were the characters fall in love within the first few pages, this might be a good book for you.
I would recommend this book for ages 16+. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
December 2, 2012
+ Felix Faust is a great original story with a lot of explanation how psychic abilities work and being develloped by Felix without loosing your interest.
+ The book is well balanced with action, character building, mystery, and a main character who wishes to be 'normal'.
- At the beginning, the use of the I-form distracted me while reading.
+ The book is well balanced with action, character building, mystery, and a main character who wishes to be 'normal'.
- At the beginning, the use of the I-form distracted me while reading.
November 24, 2012
This book was an entertaining read. It has a good pace and plot. I also found it refreshing to find a series that doesn't involve the over-used vampires, werewolves, wizards, long-lost magical parents, etc. I look forward to reading the 2nd installation of this series
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews