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Sherdan #1
Sherdan's Prophecy
Sherdan has spent many years planning for the future. Now he’s in control and he is expected to forge a fresh new start for the people in his program, people he has shaped and can’t abandon, but Britain’s PM has other ideas and Sherdan must face the full might of the UK. On top of all this he has to face the one thing he never expected to feel; love.
Anya is on a mission from God to find out why she has been sent to the heart of Bristol, and what she can do to stop the world being plunged into war. When she finds herself forced to pick a side and join the fight, only her faith in God can see her through.
Sherdan’s Prophecy is a tale of high stakes and political intrigue. A science fiction novel where faith and technology come together to take the human race another step closer to the final showdown. Where a few select people make decisions on behalf of many. A gritty account of power that shows both the best and the worst of humanity.
Anya is on a mission from God to find out why she has been sent to the heart of Bristol, and what she can do to stop the world being plunged into war. When she finds herself forced to pick a side and join the fight, only her faith in God can see her through.
Sherdan’s Prophecy is a tale of high stakes and political intrigue. A science fiction novel where faith and technology come together to take the human race another step closer to the final showdown. Where a few select people make decisions on behalf of many. A gritty account of power that shows both the best and the worst of humanity.
- GenresChristian Fiction
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mountifield
111 books66 followersJess was born in the quaint village of Woodbridge in the Uk, has spent some of her childhood in the States and now resides in the beautiful Roman city of Bath. She lives with her husband Phil and her very dapsy cat, Pleaides. Jess can often be found either in a cafe, grinning behind a large mug of hot chocolate, at her desk, getting annoyed with her cat for sitting on her keyboard, or on her comfy corner sofa with friends, enjoying her high definition tv and surround sound system.
Jess likes playing massively multiplayer on-line games and has written fan fiction for Entropia. Her choose your own adventure story, written under the penname Marie Woodell, covers a romance about two in game characters. She also runs Flight Productions, a film production company, with a fellow writer. Jess' role is managing script writing and she's involved with a science fiction twitter project, a television fantasy drama and a feature film. She also has a clothing company where she produces her own original designs in a gothic style.
Jess likes playing massively multiplayer on-line games and has written fan fiction for Entropia. Her choose your own adventure story, written under the penname Marie Woodell, covers a romance about two in game characters. She also runs Flight Productions, a film production company, with a fellow writer. Jess' role is managing script writing and she's involved with a science fiction twitter project, a television fantasy drama and a feature film. She also has a clothing company where she produces her own original designs in a gothic style.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 27, 2013
"Sherdan's Prophecy" by Jess Mountifield tells the story of Dr. Sherdan Harper and his scientifically orientated group/ community/ cult that have a vision for a better future; to achieve this they seek Independence from the UK. The highly religious Anya is sent by her church to find out about Sherdan's prophecy, not realising that she is an actual part of the prophecy. Sherdan keeps Anya prisoner but treats her humanely with the aim of making her his wife.
Throughout the struggle for political Independence from the UK and the internal arguments between Sherdan and his followers there is the central relationship between Anya and Sherdan. Can they become lovers, overcome their different world views and find true love with someone who does not believe in what is the core of the other - religion and science?
This book does not seem to judge either of the variants and does not favour the other, the two main characters are portrayed as humans rather than pure representatives of their school of thought. I found the idea of a Anya, who reads the bible and continuously feels connected to God, a bit of a challenge but Mountifield seems to have purely portrayed a believable religious character who doesn't preach as much as seeks respect for her believes from someone whose own belief system runs so contrary to the scientific world he lives in and is fighting for.
Lesser authors would have engaged in a political battle or a principle ridden struggle between the two lovers, Mountifield keeps it personal and on the level of two lovers.
With my own personal take on the conflict portrayed I found some of this reading slightly uncomfortable but I must applaud the author for her tactful and sensitive approach. There is plenty of food for thought in this book, skilled writing and enough suspense to make this an entertaining and stimulating read worth your time.
Throughout the struggle for political Independence from the UK and the internal arguments between Sherdan and his followers there is the central relationship between Anya and Sherdan. Can they become lovers, overcome their different world views and find true love with someone who does not believe in what is the core of the other - religion and science?
This book does not seem to judge either of the variants and does not favour the other, the two main characters are portrayed as humans rather than pure representatives of their school of thought. I found the idea of a Anya, who reads the bible and continuously feels connected to God, a bit of a challenge but Mountifield seems to have purely portrayed a believable religious character who doesn't preach as much as seeks respect for her believes from someone whose own belief system runs so contrary to the scientific world he lives in and is fighting for.
Lesser authors would have engaged in a political battle or a principle ridden struggle between the two lovers, Mountifield keeps it personal and on the level of two lovers.
With my own personal take on the conflict portrayed I found some of this reading slightly uncomfortable but I must applaud the author for her tactful and sensitive approach. There is plenty of food for thought in this book, skilled writing and enough suspense to make this an entertaining and stimulating read worth your time.
August 4, 2013
This reader thought Sherdan's Prophecy was a well written novel that puts together a Christian woman with a strong faith in her religion and a man of science following a prophecy.
From the beginning I was riveted as Anya was captured and tortured by Sherdan's men while trying to find the book that held the prophecy. Her faith holds strong in her God and she never wavers. Sherdan stops the torture of the his prisoner and while she recovers he tries to convince her to be his queen of this new Utopia. With the gifts his people have, can they make a new and different world? Can he convince Anya the Christian, to live in his world of science? Can Utopia separate from the UK and become their own country or will they be destroyed? There is a growing love between them but can Anya forgive Sherdan's treatment of her? All good questions...
I don't read political intrigue novels and this one kept my attention. I read it all in one day of reading.
I didn't see the end coming, so Surprise! Thank you Jess Mountifield for a great read and I look forward to reading more from you.
WaAr
From the beginning I was riveted as Anya was captured and tortured by Sherdan's men while trying to find the book that held the prophecy. Her faith holds strong in her God and she never wavers. Sherdan stops the torture of the his prisoner and while she recovers he tries to convince her to be his queen of this new Utopia. With the gifts his people have, can they make a new and different world? Can he convince Anya the Christian, to live in his world of science? Can Utopia separate from the UK and become their own country or will they be destroyed? There is a growing love between them but can Anya forgive Sherdan's treatment of her? All good questions...
I don't read political intrigue novels and this one kept my attention. I read it all in one day of reading.
I didn't see the end coming, so Surprise! Thank you Jess Mountifield for a great read and I look forward to reading more from you.
WaAr
June 21, 2013
Sherdan's Prophecy by Jess Mountifield is written with such conviction and delicacy that every word has significance as the story is beautifully brought to life with elegant grace. The author is able to bring to the forefront an excellent love story with plenty of emotional turmoil for many well portrayed characters on the backdrop of a national emergency. Action scenes are purposefully placed and are an excellent pace changer to keep readers on their toes and with a few mysteries interwoven into the storyline that readers will be hooked until the last words and beyond.
September 8, 2013
A very intriguing and thought provoking book and something quite different to anything I expected. To me, this story was an emotional battlefield, where the two main characters confronted each other, not on a physical level, but more on a spiritual one.
Sherdan is obviously a highly intelligent man, a scientist who has created a drug, an enzyme designed to trigger special abilities in his 'subjects.' Anya, who sneaks her way into his compound knows of a `prophecy' which immediately causes unrest. She is immediately captured and worse, subjected to two days of torture by his interrogation team. Yet, somehow, she resists by entering a trance-like state - until Sherdan stops the interrogation for reasons even he cannot explain. It appears that Anya is on a higher mission. Yet when Hitchin tells him of a 2nd prophecy, one in which Anya plays a vital part, Sherdan's feelings change and he ultimately wants to protect her.
His over-ambitious 'plan' to establish his own country `Utopia' in which his `subject' reside, angers the British government to an extent where the prime minister calls the troops in. But Sherdan has developed sophisticated defence mechanisms which render their artillery useless. As the story develops, I began to think that Sherdan was not an evil person - a megalomaniac, yes, obsessed with power and trying to play God. Yet he genuinely believes that what he is doing is `good' in trying to create a perfect world. I enjoyed the power play between the two characters. Anya is so sweet and genuinely innocent, she seems almost divine. I could identify with her arguments that a `Utopia' could never exist, due to the corruptible nature of the human mind.
I liked was the gradual change in Sherdan as he began to fall in love with her. It changes him in ways you don't expect. Instead of trying to break her, he tries to understand her. He wants to make her happy, so that she may genuinely come to love him too and stay in his compound because she wants to and not through force. There is a lot more I'd like to say about this story - and was curious how Anya developed a special power of her own (without the drug). So I'll end this review by saying this was an exceptional book, with a very interesting underlying concept and I am interested to know where the story will go next, since it ends on a cliff hanger.
Sherdan is obviously a highly intelligent man, a scientist who has created a drug, an enzyme designed to trigger special abilities in his 'subjects.' Anya, who sneaks her way into his compound knows of a `prophecy' which immediately causes unrest. She is immediately captured and worse, subjected to two days of torture by his interrogation team. Yet, somehow, she resists by entering a trance-like state - until Sherdan stops the interrogation for reasons even he cannot explain. It appears that Anya is on a higher mission. Yet when Hitchin tells him of a 2nd prophecy, one in which Anya plays a vital part, Sherdan's feelings change and he ultimately wants to protect her.
His over-ambitious 'plan' to establish his own country `Utopia' in which his `subject' reside, angers the British government to an extent where the prime minister calls the troops in. But Sherdan has developed sophisticated defence mechanisms which render their artillery useless. As the story develops, I began to think that Sherdan was not an evil person - a megalomaniac, yes, obsessed with power and trying to play God. Yet he genuinely believes that what he is doing is `good' in trying to create a perfect world. I enjoyed the power play between the two characters. Anya is so sweet and genuinely innocent, she seems almost divine. I could identify with her arguments that a `Utopia' could never exist, due to the corruptible nature of the human mind.
I liked was the gradual change in Sherdan as he began to fall in love with her. It changes him in ways you don't expect. Instead of trying to break her, he tries to understand her. He wants to make her happy, so that she may genuinely come to love him too and stay in his compound because she wants to and not through force. There is a lot more I'd like to say about this story - and was curious how Anya developed a special power of her own (without the drug). So I'll end this review by saying this was an exceptional book, with a very interesting underlying concept and I am interested to know where the story will go next, since it ends on a cliff hanger.
January 13, 2013
Sherdan's Prophecy is one of those books that make me say "End? What?!"
A strong book about the battle between science and religion without exaggerating either side. A scientist who has a dream he wants to fulfil at seemingly any cost, even when he needs to 'break' people for that, meets his match in someone whose resilience is beyond what he can imagine.
The end of this book, which is the first part of the Sherdan series, left me in need of the sequel.
Note of warning to parents: this book is not suited for readers younger than 16, perhaps even 18, as there quite some violence and abuse in the story.
A strong book about the battle between science and religion without exaggerating either side. A scientist who has a dream he wants to fulfil at seemingly any cost, even when he needs to 'break' people for that, meets his match in someone whose resilience is beyond what he can imagine.
The end of this book, which is the first part of the Sherdan series, left me in need of the sequel.
Note of warning to parents: this book is not suited for readers younger than 16, perhaps even 18, as there quite some violence and abuse in the story.
August 7, 2013
This book has a very interesting story line. In it, they're creating mutants successfully. One can create, another reads peoples mind. They even start their own country, Utopia. Anya is a good Christian girl who gets caught up in all of this. Once she becomes a part of the picture, she throws a monkey wrench in the whole works inadvertently.
I'm probably in the minority of readers, but I didn't like Sherdan. He's a control freak would be a large part of the reason. To tell you the truth, I would have liked to have seen him die. Really liked Anya, she someone I would have liked to meet in real life.
I was provided a review copy.
I'm probably in the minority of readers, but I didn't like Sherdan. He's a control freak would be a large part of the reason. To tell you the truth, I would have liked to have seen him die. Really liked Anya, she someone I would have liked to meet in real life.
I was provided a review copy.
June 24, 2015
Sherdan's Prophecy was an enjoyable read. First in a series, and it does leave you kind of hanging. Christian girl meets dictator, some of it was a little far fetched. The main character is a Christian, but there isn't any scriptures or witnessing. End times book with a twist. Written by a UK author so some of the language is different (car trunk is "boot" and almost nine is "going on nine") I will probably finish the series at some point to get the rest of the story. I give it three stars. I liked it.
February 3, 2015
2 to 2.5 * - was intriguing but then deteriorated into a far-fetched silly romance. Won't continue with the series
The concept behind the story and the action is really good. Unfortunately, The Christian aspects of the book weren't well thought out - it was all a bit naff - also the quick way the UK government capitulates to the Utopian "government", the UN's quick decision to recognise Utopia (which was weird as there wasn't a vote - and I'm sure the UK has a veto), plus the super fast way the characters fall in love ruined it.
The author's constant mention of "Upper Class" was also rather vulgar and in this age of money-buying anything - it can also buy a toffy accent. Just send the kids to a posh school. No "upper class" to it - well spoken people aren't necessarily "upper class" - it was rather naff
Sherdan - tall, dark and handsome professor of science, he's (apparently) super brainy and ruthless. The author isn't shy about demonstrating this with torture, rape and other forms of abuse mentioned. It actually worked really well as we see him as a ruthless horrible villain who might even consider rape to get his way. In no way does the author try to convey Sherdan as a hero. The only hero is God - and I think the author did really well with that.
Anya - sweet, little blonde pretty artist. The Warmth and Sweetness to Sherdan's Cold and Ruthless blah blah blah. I think this ruined it for me - I liked that Anya was a fighter and didn't give up easily- she had an inner strength that wasn't all flashy and showy and genuinely was caring. But the whole "I'm a simple-minded artists and you're a super clever scientist" bit was annoying. As well as him falling in love with her because she's so sweet and kind - it was a bit too Mills & Boon. I think it would have worked better if she was a doctor herself, but a caring doctor with brains and warmth.
I don't think the author listed anyone's ages or perhaps I missed them but it would have helped.
The Plot: decent plot- would have got 5* but was rather far-fetched. I can imagine Sherdan somehow managing to turn Utopia into a independent region but a whole new country didn't make sense. Just look how hard Ireland and Scotland fought for independence. I appreciate Utopia had all those special powers - but that won't do much against sanctions, and chemical warfare. Furthermore, Utopia has no government. How can Sherdan be sure there won't be coup against him. And why wouldn't someone try to run away and sell their secrets for loads of money? The army was all over the place to ensure their safety. It just seemed a bit too pat.
There's loads more plot holes and other aspects that didn't make sense but I don't want to give anything away.
The Romance: this started out really well. Sherdan was a complete brute - the cold scientist dictator that the author alleged. He was portrayed as ruthless and his actions demonstrated that. However, eventually he change into a puppy who falls in love with Anya - but for what reason I have no idea. I can appreciate Anya falling for Sherdan - he's powerful, she's locked up in his prison and it's a psychological thing. But it didn't make sense why this cold-hearted, genius would fall for Anya in the space of 6 weeks. It can't be just because she's a pretty face as he seems to have no problem in that department. And it seems daft if it's all because SHE WAS THE FIRST GIRL TO SAY NO. And if it's due to her SWEET & WHOLSOME and LOVING personality - then PUH-LEEZE!!! Vomit.
Anyway, the story is really good initially but the ending was daft and I lost interest.
The concept behind the story and the action is really good. Unfortunately, The Christian aspects of the book weren't well thought out - it was all a bit naff - also the quick way the UK government capitulates to the Utopian "government", the UN's quick decision to recognise Utopia (which was weird as there wasn't a vote - and I'm sure the UK has a veto), plus the super fast way the characters fall in love ruined it.
The author's constant mention of "Upper Class" was also rather vulgar and in this age of money-buying anything - it can also buy a toffy accent. Just send the kids to a posh school. No "upper class" to it - well spoken people aren't necessarily "upper class" - it was rather naff
Sherdan - tall, dark and handsome professor of science, he's (apparently) super brainy and ruthless. The author isn't shy about demonstrating this with torture, rape and other forms of abuse mentioned. It actually worked really well as we see him as a ruthless horrible villain who might even consider rape to get his way. In no way does the author try to convey Sherdan as a hero. The only hero is God - and I think the author did really well with that.
Anya - sweet, little blonde pretty artist. The Warmth and Sweetness to Sherdan's Cold and Ruthless blah blah blah. I think this ruined it for me - I liked that Anya was a fighter and didn't give up easily- she had an inner strength that wasn't all flashy and showy and genuinely was caring. But the whole "I'm a simple-minded artists and you're a super clever scientist" bit was annoying. As well as him falling in love with her because she's so sweet and kind - it was a bit too Mills & Boon. I think it would have worked better if she was a doctor herself, but a caring doctor with brains and warmth.
I don't think the author listed anyone's ages or perhaps I missed them but it would have helped.
The Plot: decent plot- would have got 5* but was rather far-fetched. I can imagine Sherdan somehow managing to turn Utopia into a independent region but a whole new country didn't make sense. Just look how hard Ireland and Scotland fought for independence. I appreciate Utopia had all those special powers - but that won't do much against sanctions, and chemical warfare. Furthermore, Utopia has no government. How can Sherdan be sure there won't be coup against him. And why wouldn't someone try to run away and sell their secrets for loads of money? The army was all over the place to ensure their safety. It just seemed a bit too pat.
There's loads more plot holes and other aspects that didn't make sense but I don't want to give anything away.
The Romance: this started out really well. Sherdan was a complete brute - the cold scientist dictator that the author alleged. He was portrayed as ruthless and his actions demonstrated that. However, eventually he change into a puppy who falls in love with Anya - but for what reason I have no idea. I can appreciate Anya falling for Sherdan - he's powerful, she's locked up in his prison and it's a psychological thing. But it didn't make sense why this cold-hearted, genius would fall for Anya in the space of 6 weeks. It can't be just because she's a pretty face as he seems to have no problem in that department. And it seems daft if it's all because SHE WAS THE FIRST GIRL TO SAY NO. And if it's due to her SWEET & WHOLSOME and LOVING personality - then PUH-LEEZE!!! Vomit.
Anyway, the story is really good initially but the ending was daft and I lost interest.
February 9, 2016
This book rather unsettled me. I had no idea how to label it when placing shelves; is it sci-fi or fantasy? Does it belong with dystopian fiction or apocalyptic? None of those labels seem to accurately describe this book.
I couldn't get a grasp on what angle the author was taking in the balance between religion and technology. Neither side was preachy, simply matter-of-fact in the beliefs presented. It was in interesting approach that kept my attention through the whole book, waiting for something dramatic to happen. I expected a few things that didn't end up happening (some of which relieved me). I genuinely have no idea where the author is going with this series, which makes me want to read more.
I couldn't get a grasp on what angle the author was taking in the balance between religion and technology. Neither side was preachy, simply matter-of-fact in the beliefs presented. It was in interesting approach that kept my attention through the whole book, waiting for something dramatic to happen. I expected a few things that didn't end up happening (some of which relieved me). I genuinely have no idea where the author is going with this series, which makes me want to read more.
November 29, 2013
How set we can be in our thinking when we make certain things absolute? Sherdan can only think towards one goal and is so used to always have his way that it doesn’t even enter his mind that events can have a different reason or explanation other than for the benefit of him and his compound. Narcissistic much?
Enter Anya, there on a mission from her God and with the blessing of her church. She falls for Sherdan despite his ego problem. Her presence confuses him and challenges him which eventually leads to change.
The set up is intriguing and interesting, with the creation of a new country and all the political upheaval that goes with it, issues of religion versus love, science versus religion, manipulation versus truth. Anya’s faith is interesting, but had me scratching my head as well. The character in the background – Hitchins - turns out to be somewhat different than anticipated, resulting in quite an unexpected turn of events.
The end is unravelling a bit too fast to my liking, though the cliff hanger is good – leaving me wanting to know how Sherdan and Anya will continue with their lives and what will happen next with Utopia.
WaAR
Enter Anya, there on a mission from her God and with the blessing of her church. She falls for Sherdan despite his ego problem. Her presence confuses him and challenges him which eventually leads to change.
The set up is intriguing and interesting, with the creation of a new country and all the political upheaval that goes with it, issues of religion versus love, science versus religion, manipulation versus truth. Anya’s faith is interesting, but had me scratching my head as well. The character in the background – Hitchins - turns out to be somewhat different than anticipated, resulting in quite an unexpected turn of events.
The end is unravelling a bit too fast to my liking, though the cliff hanger is good – leaving me wanting to know how Sherdan and Anya will continue with their lives and what will happen next with Utopia.
WaAR
August 23, 2013
How do you put a new prophet and a very religious christian girl together in a book? Jess Mountifield managed to write a first book in a series about exactly this situation. Anya has been sent by God to the place where Sherdan is trying to build a new society according to a prophecy. The book then gives in detail the problems in a new type of society, the problems with the world around, with the government of the country they're in.
The whole idea is nicely developped, also the growing relation between Anya and Sherdan.
The end of the book is still very open, even when one episode is clearly coming to an end there.
Finding the good and the bad guys is not that easy there, idealists are not always thinking about the others...
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series, hoping it won't take too long!
ps. I received a free e-book in return for an honest review, this has in no way influenced the outcome of this text!
The whole idea is nicely developped, also the growing relation between Anya and Sherdan.
The end of the book is still very open, even when one episode is clearly coming to an end there.
Finding the good and the bad guys is not that easy there, idealists are not always thinking about the others...
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series, hoping it won't take too long!
ps. I received a free e-book in return for an honest review, this has in no way influenced the outcome of this text!
August 9, 2013
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
This is a very intriguing read! I just had to keep reading to see what would happen next especially with Sherdan and Anya and whether or not my mis-trust in Hitchin is well founded!!!
I loved reading as Sherdan managed to secure his "Country"
I was really shocked by Anya leaving the way she did and the fact that I was my right in my thought's concerning Hitchin's!!!
I really can't wait to read the next book in this series to see where Sherdan's and Anya's lives take them and if they will ever be reunited!!!
This is a very intriguing read! I just had to keep reading to see what would happen next especially with Sherdan and Anya and whether or not my mis-trust in Hitchin is well founded!!!
I loved reading as Sherdan managed to secure his "Country"
I was really shocked by Anya leaving the way she did and the fact that I was my right in my thought's concerning Hitchin's!!!
I really can't wait to read the next book in this series to see where Sherdan's and Anya's lives take them and if they will ever be reunited!!!
September 12, 2013
Jess Mountifield
Sherdan’s Prophecy
Sherdan #1
I loved the concept of this book, but as I was reading it I felt the Christian aspect was pushed a little too much in the first half, the second half was much more subtle. I would love to know more about the abilities and how they evolve in each individual, this part of the book was a little light on details. Over all, it was an intriguing read and the more I read the more I enjoyed the book. I would love to see the idea developed further, with more detail.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sherdan’s Prophecy
Sherdan #1
I loved the concept of this book, but as I was reading it I felt the Christian aspect was pushed a little too much in the first half, the second half was much more subtle. I would love to know more about the abilities and how they evolve in each individual, this part of the book was a little light on details. Over all, it was an intriguing read and the more I read the more I enjoyed the book. I would love to see the idea developed further, with more detail.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2013
Anya is sent on a mission by God. A new country is being formed by Sherdan, by way of manipulation. Once Anya is inside she is held captive, beaten and nearly destroyed. Hitchin, the resident doctor tells Sherdan this woman is to be his bride. This story follows the twists and turns of this uprising country and the war that begins. Is Anya's faith enough to save her? Great read, but it does end abruptly leaving you looking for book two. WaAR
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