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Dane Maddock Origins #1
Freedom
What dark secret did the Founding Fathers of America hide, and who will stop at nothing to uncover it?
Navy SEALs in-training, Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake can’t be in the same room without trying to kill each other, but soon find themselves caught up in a race with a secret society to solve a mystery that dates back to the founding of America.
Find out how it all began in the action-packed first Dane and Bones Origins novella… Freedom!
Navy SEALs in-training, Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake can’t be in the same room without trying to kill each other, but soon find themselves caught up in a race with a secret society to solve a mystery that dates back to the founding of America.
Find out how it all began in the action-packed first Dane and Bones Origins novella… Freedom!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2013
132 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
David Wood
100 books309 followersDavid Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 10, 2018
THE NEXT CUSSLER...NOT! I enjoy reading a detailed piece of historical fiction, something I can sink my teeth into. Sadly, Freedom by David Wood does not fit the bill. At about 35K words, I consider this a novella, not a novel. The editing is not up to par. The action seems contrived and everything happens too fast as if this is a preview to a lengthier novel.
On a positive note, if you are looking for a quick easy read, this book is meant for you. I would consider reading another book in the Dane and Bones series to see if this particular title is the odd man out. The choice of font made the book easy to read. The front cover is eye-catching and the back cover blurb is enticing.
On a positive note, if you are looking for a quick easy read, this book is meant for you. I would consider reading another book in the Dane and Bones series to see if this particular title is the odd man out. The choice of font made the book easy to read. The front cover is eye-catching and the back cover blurb is enticing.
January 4, 2016
I have previously read all of the Dane Maddock adventures authored by David Wood - including the new Atlantis, previewed in this origins story - but up until recently had not yet gotten around to checking out Freedom. You can tell from my other Maddock reviews that I do have my favorites, and that is a list that Freedom will definitely be joining.
Dane Maddock and Uriah "Bones" Bonebrake have just completed (successfully) the Navy SEALS 'BUDS' program and Bones is ready to knock the edge off with some righteous partying. Maddock, on the other hand, wants to stay focused on the next phase of their training and thinks Bones is a knucklehead. The problem is Maddock doesn't keep his opinion to himself and the next thing you know, the two SEALS are at each other's throats.
In an organization like the SEALS - one that lives and breathes discipline and teamwork - a brawl like this cannot end well. The pair are ordered into their CO's office where Commander Hartford Maxwell reads them from 'the book'. Extra duty? Washed out? What punishment can be severe enough so these two hard-chargers will learn their lesson? How about free tickets to Boston? Maxwell's punishment is unorthodox, sure, and it could backfire horribly.
The good news for us is that it kicks off another fast-paced, historical adventure featuring two of my favorite literary heroes. I won't spill the beans - no pun intended - on what happens in Boston, but suffice it to say that I am amazed at the level of detail and depth surrounding the mysteries that Dane and Bones get embroiled in. Wood, with new co-author Sean Sweeney, nails the history, the adventure, and the excitement dead on.
I would've given Freedom top marks in this review but I had to dock it a couple of points for a number of errors in the Kindle version that I read. I don't know if that's Amazon's fault or what, but there were a few places I had to back up and read through things a couple of times to get the drift. I know there are some reading purists out there that would cry foul louder than an umpire at Fenway Park, but if you do, you'll be doing yourself a grave injustice.
Freedom is either a short novel or a 'novella' (166 pages on my Kindle App) but either way it is a full-length, fantastic read, and a few typos shouldn't deter you from taking maximum enjoyment from another great offering in the Dane Maddock series.
MD
Dane Maddock and Uriah "Bones" Bonebrake have just completed (successfully) the Navy SEALS 'BUDS' program and Bones is ready to knock the edge off with some righteous partying. Maddock, on the other hand, wants to stay focused on the next phase of their training and thinks Bones is a knucklehead. The problem is Maddock doesn't keep his opinion to himself and the next thing you know, the two SEALS are at each other's throats.
In an organization like the SEALS - one that lives and breathes discipline and teamwork - a brawl like this cannot end well. The pair are ordered into their CO's office where Commander Hartford Maxwell reads them from 'the book'. Extra duty? Washed out? What punishment can be severe enough so these two hard-chargers will learn their lesson? How about free tickets to Boston? Maxwell's punishment is unorthodox, sure, and it could backfire horribly.
The good news for us is that it kicks off another fast-paced, historical adventure featuring two of my favorite literary heroes. I won't spill the beans - no pun intended - on what happens in Boston, but suffice it to say that I am amazed at the level of detail and depth surrounding the mysteries that Dane and Bones get embroiled in. Wood, with new co-author Sean Sweeney, nails the history, the adventure, and the excitement dead on.
I would've given Freedom top marks in this review but I had to dock it a couple of points for a number of errors in the Kindle version that I read. I don't know if that's Amazon's fault or what, but there were a few places I had to back up and read through things a couple of times to get the drift. I know there are some reading purists out there that would cry foul louder than an umpire at Fenway Park, but if you do, you'll be doing yourself a grave injustice.
Freedom is either a short novel or a 'novella' (166 pages on my Kindle App) but either way it is a full-length, fantastic read, and a few typos shouldn't deter you from taking maximum enjoyment from another great offering in the Dane Maddock series.
MD
November 9, 2014
Freedom: A Dane and Bones Origins Story (Dane Maddock Origins)
by David Wood , Sean Sweeney
"Freedom is an amazing work of fiction.."
Overall: 5 Stars, Performance: 5 Stars, Story: 5 stars.
If you could sum up Freedom in three words, what would they be?
An Absolute Pleasure
What other book might you compare Freedom to and why?
Indiana jones, Allan Quatermain, The Fargo Adventures, because there all Action/treasure hunting adventure Books that are Highly Entertaining.. & they save the world a few times as well :)
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
stand aside Indiana jones, The Fargo's or Allan Quatermain here comes Dane Maddock & Bones Bonebrake
Any additional comments?
This Being the first book in the Dan and Bones Origin Series was a great read this one didn't disappoint at all
I read the previous 6 books in the Dane Maddock Adventures and they were just Amazing if you like this book then get the 6 book in the Dane Maddock Adventures and listen to more adventures with dane and bones..
July 24, 2013
Freedom by David Woods take us back to the beginning of the team of Dane and Bones - where is all began. Dane and Bones are in Seal training. They despise each other and constantly bait the other one. Maxie, their superior officer, has had enough. He sends them to Boston on leave over the 4th of July.
In true Dane and Bones fashion... there is adventure, danger, mystery and of course a good looking girl. They get involved with a group with it's roots in the founding of the U.S. The Sons of the Republic still exist, in hiding, and continue to hide a secret surrounding George Washington.
Dane and Bones survive their Boston adventure and thus begin a long lasting friendship.
In true Dane and Bones fashion... there is adventure, danger, mystery and of course a good looking girl. They get involved with a group with it's roots in the founding of the U.S. The Sons of the Republic still exist, in hiding, and continue to hide a secret surrounding George Washington.
Dane and Bones survive their Boston adventure and thus begin a long lasting friendship.
June 20, 2015
A novella full of intrigue, action and friendship. While I read this I couldn't help but smirk every now and then when something was revealed or happened that had been eluded too in other books (the Dane Maddock Adventure series), it's one of the reasons I like origin stories but this one seemed to do it better than most. A talent that David Wood seems to have at capturing a readers attention. It was really interesting seeing how Dane and Bones' friendship came to be. I read it in one sitting...it is that good.
March 2, 2022
This one popped up on my recommended list and despite having never heard of the authors or series, I gave it a shot. It's a novella, only 150 pages or so and I was done in a couple of hours. Best description I can give is think National Treasure in about half the running time, but instead of a knowledgeable historian playing the hero role, swap in a couple of Navy SEALS in training who are on leave. I'll admit it sounds silly, and the idea that these two guys are somehow able to decipher centuries old clues and immediately find ancient shipwrecks, artifacts, and passageways seemingly with minimal effort - and in a single weekend no less - is hard to swallow. There's some minor grammar problems here and there, but nothing that bothered me much. That said, it's a light hearted adventure with no profanity and a perfect break from the more serious authors I read. For 99 cents, you can't go wrong. If I could get the rest of the series for a similar price I'd definitely continue.
On a side note, Bones Bonebrake is officially my new favorite character name of all time.
On a side note, Bones Bonebrake is officially my new favorite character name of all time.
September 3, 2025
Honestly...
if you want some quick read that stretches verisimilitude and makes Dan Brown look like a Literary Genuis, then this is the series for you.
I can barely stand Dan Brown's stuff, if I'm sitting on a beach, but this was so stupid and puerile and childish that nope, won't bother getting any of the rest of the series.
Honestly, the only reason I read this was because it was included free of charge in my Kindle plan... and it was worth every penny I paid for it.
if you want some quick read that stretches verisimilitude and makes Dan Brown look like a Literary Genuis, then this is the series for you.
I can barely stand Dan Brown's stuff, if I'm sitting on a beach, but this was so stupid and puerile and childish that nope, won't bother getting any of the rest of the series.
Honestly, the only reason I read this was because it was included free of charge in my Kindle plan... and it was worth every penny I paid for it.
March 2, 2017
3.5 stars. A new twist on an old story. I listened to this book on audible. The story was well written and the narration by Jeffrey Kafer was very well done. I really liked the characters of Bones and Dane and will read the next one to see what those two can come up with.
August 28, 2018
So now you've read the Dane and Bones adventures, but how did such an unlikely pair get together? Read "Freedom" and follow the two as they fight, argue, and eventually collaborate against an enemy bent on destroying the very foundation of our Freedom.
September 28, 2020
After reading so many of Dane and Bones books it was great to read their first adventure together and how they became friends. If I weren’t a huge fan if these 2, this book would’ve done it for me! Loved it!
February 18, 2017
Great start to the origin series!
This was a great easy read and it had good character development. I will start the next one I the series soon and I guess read the main series.
This was a great easy read and it had good character development. I will start the next one I the series soon and I guess read the main series.
July 27, 2019
Great beginning to a series!
September 19, 2019
A fun look at the beginning of the Dane/Bones relationship plus an interesting American History adventure. A quick and fun read.
October 23, 2019
I’ve read several of the Dane Maddock books and always wondered how Dane & Bones came together, now I know. Good little short story also.
January 6, 2020
Wonderful start to a new series. I loved seeing how Dane and Bones joined up.
December 31, 2021
This novella seems to have been targeted to an adolescent audience.
September 23, 2022
page turner
Love the character’s and plot twists. Fast read because you won’t be able to put it down, I highly recommend
Love the character’s and plot twists. Fast read because you won’t be able to put it down, I highly recommend
January 4, 2016
I have previously read all of the Dane Maddock adventures authored by David Wood - including the new Atlantis, previewed in this origins story - but up until recently had not yet gotten around to checking out Freedom. You can tell from my other Maddock reviews that I do have my favorites, and that is a list that Freedom will definitely be joining.
Dane Maddock and Uriah "Bones" Bonebrake have just completed (successfully) the Navy SEALS 'BUDS' program and Bones is ready to knock the edge off with some righteous partying. Maddock, on the other hand, wants to stay focused on the next phase of their training and thinks Bones is a knucklehead. The problem is Maddock doesn't keep his opinion to himself and the next thing you know, the two SEALS are at each other's throats.
In an organization like the SEALS - one that lives and breathes discipline and teamwork - a brawl like this cannot end well. The pair are ordered into their CO's office where Commander Hartford Maxwell reads them from 'the book'. Extra duty? Washed out? What punishment can be severe enough so these two hard-chargers will learn their lesson? How about free tickets to Boston? Maxwell's punishment is unorthodox, sure, and it could backfire horribly.
The good news for us is that it kicks off another fast-paced, historical adventure featuring two of my favorite literary heroes. I won't spill the beans - no pun intended - on what happens in Boston, but suffice it to say that I am amazed at the level of detail and depth surrounding the mysteries that Dane and Bones get embroiled in. Wood, with new co-author Sean Sweeney, nails the history, the adventure, and the excitement dead on.
I would've given Freedom top marks in this review but I had to dock it a couple of points for a number of errors in the Kindle version that I read. I don't know if that's Amazon's fault or what, but there were a few places I had to back up and read through things a couple of times to get the drift. I know there are some reading purists out there that would cry foul louder than an umpire at Fenway Park, but if you do, you'll be doing yourself a grave injustice.
Freedom is either a short novel or a 'novella' (166 pages on my Kindle App) but either way it is a full-length fantastic read, and a few typos shouldn't deter you from taking maximum enjoyment from another great offering in the Dane Maddock series.
MD
Dane Maddock and Uriah "Bones" Bonebrake have just completed (successfully) the Navy SEALS 'BUDS' program and Bones is ready to knock the edge off with some righteous partying. Maddock, on the other hand, wants to stay focused on the next phase of their training and thinks Bones is a knucklehead. The problem is Maddock doesn't keep his opinion to himself and the next thing you know, the two SEALS are at each other's throats.
In an organization like the SEALS - one that lives and breathes discipline and teamwork - a brawl like this cannot end well. The pair are ordered into their CO's office where Commander Hartford Maxwell reads them from 'the book'. Extra duty? Washed out? What punishment can be severe enough so these two hard-chargers will learn their lesson? How about free tickets to Boston? Maxwell's punishment is unorthodox, sure, and it could backfire horribly.
The good news for us is that it kicks off another fast-paced, historical adventure featuring two of my favorite literary heroes. I won't spill the beans - no pun intended - on what happens in Boston, but suffice it to say that I am amazed at the level of detail and depth surrounding the mysteries that Dane and Bones get embroiled in. Wood, with new co-author Sean Sweeney, nails the history, the adventure, and the excitement dead on.
I would've given Freedom top marks in this review but I had to dock it a couple of points for a number of errors in the Kindle version that I read. I don't know if that's Amazon's fault or what, but there were a few places I had to back up and read through things a couple of times to get the drift. I know there are some reading purists out there that would cry foul louder than an umpire at Fenway Park, but if you do, you'll be doing yourself a grave injustice.
Freedom is either a short novel or a 'novella' (166 pages on my Kindle App) but either way it is a full-length fantastic read, and a few typos shouldn't deter you from taking maximum enjoyment from another great offering in the Dane Maddock series.
MD
March 4, 2017
What a really enjoyable read ths novella is, having read all the other Maddock and Bones books this is a great insight to their early years and how their relationship started. The story is well thought out and based in Boston and is slightly reminiscent of The National Treaure film, not the treasure part. I look forward to more from the Maddock and Bones Origins series as well as the next full blown story.
June 22, 2013
Interesting and fun story. I enjoyed learning how Dane and Bones became friends as well as reading about the history of the founding of our country. I used to live in the Boston area so the landmarks were familiar and lent an air of credibility to the story. Recommended for all Maddock/Bonebreak enthusiasts.
June 27, 2013
If you are a fan of David Woods, Freedom gives some back history on Madocks and Bones. As with all of the books in this series, I totally enjoyed the characters and the story line. Rich in historical figures and an intriguing mystery/adventure. I always feel that I get my monies worth reading David Woods books.
January 19, 2015
Bones and Maddock are in the SEAL pipeline post BUD/S. Clashing personalities lead their commanding officer to send them on leave together. An adventure ensues in old Boston leading to the discovery of something interesting from the Revolutionary War. As prequels go, this is awesome. I'm looking forward to the next three. It's definitely not the let down Star Wars: Episode 1 was. :)
October 4, 2016
To much external knowledge driving the plot forward. Luckily I just happened to know of the ancient tunnels under the building where the thing we want is kept unguarded. Then I better call up my friend the journalist hacker I've not seen for a dozen years, at midnight I might add, then while I drive over he'll hack into the internets and get all the exposition.
July 31, 2015
Enjoyable story with interesting, decently fleshed-out characters and a fun story. Parts of this were predictable or formulaic, but the story was entertaining enough to keep me entertained during a long flight.
August 28, 2015
Excellent Historical Fiction
Good tale and believable. Accuracy in Historical events in and around Boston in the late 1700's. Highly recommend this. Only one editing goof (open instead of opened).
Good tale and believable. Accuracy in Historical events in and around Boston in the late 1700's. Highly recommend this. Only one editing goof (open instead of opened).
June 13, 2013
Loved this book!!! Maddock and Bones are awesome...love reading about these guys...so much fun!!
March 11, 2014
Loved it. A fast-paced quick read. And as always it was a fun, well written story. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Dane & Bones Origins Stories :)
February 18, 2014
A very enjoyable introduction to Dane and Bones, back before they became friends. Funny, interesting and action-packed :)
May 25, 2014
Decent read. Maybe a little juvenile at times but that's ok. I did enjoy the historic references and I will read the next two in the series.
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April 6, 2017Fun, quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews