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Teres: A Novel by Gershom Reese Wetzel
'' Teres unflinchingily delivers Wetzel's message while offering blistering hi-tech action set against the backdrop of his dark vision for the future'' - George Wright Padgett, Author of Spindown
Meet Teres Norman, Maxyra police officer of Talonia -- America's future form where religion is confined to quarters -- where science, technology, and politics are saving the day one ruin at a time.
Little do her squad mates know, Teres has a secret that threatens to put her on the run from the very government she loyally serves.
As Teres' hunt for a ghostly madman takes her across the globe, she soon discovers that religious zealots and Talonian Law are the least of her worries.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable sci-fi adventure now.
Meet Teres Norman, Maxyra police officer of Talonia -- America's future form where religion is confined to quarters -- where science, technology, and politics are saving the day one ruin at a time.
Little do her squad mates know, Teres has a secret that threatens to put her on the run from the very government she loyally serves.
As Teres' hunt for a ghostly madman takes her across the globe, she soon discovers that religious zealots and Talonian Law are the least of her worries.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable sci-fi adventure now.
394 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2013
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Gershom Reese Wetzel
1 book11 followersBorn in Italy and raised in Texas, Gershom Reese Wetzel resides in the DFW area with his wife and sons.
His love of books is rooted in the enigmatic tales told by science-fiction master Robert A. Heinlein (who has a title -- Stranger in a Strange Land -- that is the meaning of the name "Gershom") and the profound accounts of both human and divine conflicts found in the Bible (wherein the name "Gershom" is defined). Other favorites include C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
"The history of my own life comes to me in fragments, glimpses like of a story I fell asleep to and only half remember. It's standard fare. A troubled childhood, teen life in the crags...and I don't mean poverty or gangs or any of that. There are two worlds: the one we wake up to, and the one that rides around inside us as we go about in the former. Surviving it all was a fight I didn't want, and making the two worlds play nice isn't something I've quite got the hang of yet. It's war inside. But I suppose that's where the stories are born."
In early 2013, he co-founded Aoristos, which is Greek for "Without Limits."
His love of books is rooted in the enigmatic tales told by science-fiction master Robert A. Heinlein (who has a title -- Stranger in a Strange Land -- that is the meaning of the name "Gershom") and the profound accounts of both human and divine conflicts found in the Bible (wherein the name "Gershom" is defined). Other favorites include C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
"The history of my own life comes to me in fragments, glimpses like of a story I fell asleep to and only half remember. It's standard fare. A troubled childhood, teen life in the crags...and I don't mean poverty or gangs or any of that. There are two worlds: the one we wake up to, and the one that rides around inside us as we go about in the former. Surviving it all was a fight I didn't want, and making the two worlds play nice isn't something I've quite got the hang of yet. It's war inside. But I suppose that's where the stories are born."
In early 2013, he co-founded Aoristos, which is Greek for "Without Limits."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2014
“…So we’ve got this plane ride to see to its end….a millionaire to embody, and your body to recover, if possible. Oh yeah, and a world to recover from the maniacal powers that be. Did I miss anything?”
As someone who generally does not pick up dystopian novels, I found myself more than surprised by Teres. Set in the near-apocalyptic future, the reader is allowed a glimpse in the life of this remarkable woman named Teres. I say glimpse, because we meet her just before everything in life she has ever known changes…for good. From the get go you are thrown into the middle of this off kilter world and submersed into Teres’s life, I enjoyed the element of living in her thoughts and getting to be an onlooker as she works everything out. But don’t worry, if you’re a fan of action this story is not just for the contemplative, from page one the action doesn’t stop. The only problem I had was with some of the abbreviations and lingo because I don’t often read action novels, but, like most books, if you don’t get hung up on it you’ll find you pick up the gist of it quickly. I absolutely loved the ending, instead of tying everything up into a tidy little bow for the reader, Wetzel’s ending let’s you work it. Like the rest of the story, his ending makes you think. Not to mention leaves plenty of room for sequels if we are so lucky. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you have a love for the futuristic dystopian types.
As someone who generally does not pick up dystopian novels, I found myself more than surprised by Teres. Set in the near-apocalyptic future, the reader is allowed a glimpse in the life of this remarkable woman named Teres. I say glimpse, because we meet her just before everything in life she has ever known changes…for good. From the get go you are thrown into the middle of this off kilter world and submersed into Teres’s life, I enjoyed the element of living in her thoughts and getting to be an onlooker as she works everything out. But don’t worry, if you’re a fan of action this story is not just for the contemplative, from page one the action doesn’t stop. The only problem I had was with some of the abbreviations and lingo because I don’t often read action novels, but, like most books, if you don’t get hung up on it you’ll find you pick up the gist of it quickly. I absolutely loved the ending, instead of tying everything up into a tidy little bow for the reader, Wetzel’s ending let’s you work it. Like the rest of the story, his ending makes you think. Not to mention leaves plenty of room for sequels if we are so lucky. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you have a love for the futuristic dystopian types.
December 10, 2013
Teres is all action and go from start to finish. It’s glorious sci fi patterned stylistically after typical books of the genre, but with a depth that is not easily comparable in anything else I’ve read. Wetzel may not have intended delivering such a moving message about life, government, and religion, but by nature he’s a wise messenger and that couldn’t help but come across in his writing.
What makes Wetzel’s work so engrossing is what a visual masterpiece he has created. He is first and foremost an artist, then a graphic designer and author. His writing is enhanced by the images his fingers itch to draw out on paper. It’s also really cool that he has the ability to do all his own cover and concept art.
I can’t wait to see more from this character – and her creator. I see sequels and graphic novels and films of the Aeon Flux caliber in Teres’ future.
To read my full review and reading experience, visit my blog: http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
What makes Wetzel’s work so engrossing is what a visual masterpiece he has created. He is first and foremost an artist, then a graphic designer and author. His writing is enhanced by the images his fingers itch to draw out on paper. It’s also really cool that he has the ability to do all his own cover and concept art.
I can’t wait to see more from this character – and her creator. I see sequels and graphic novels and films of the Aeon Flux caliber in Teres’ future.
To read my full review and reading experience, visit my blog: http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
January 16, 2014
This story's layered world-building is impressive in both breadth and depth. In Wetzel's futuristic world, terrorism and fear have led to the logical outcome of a totalitarian regime that tolerates no belief except belief in a government that will benevolently protect the interests of its citizens. Anyone who questions the government, who does not conform or holds onto antiquated beliefs becomes an enemy of the state and must therefore be removed.
Teres, the main character, begins our story as a Maxyra elite terrorist fighter, an insider; but she has secrets to hide and a slip of the tongue alienates her. She is forced out of the only life she has ever known and is left with no choice but to join an intriguing group of outsiders who all possess extraordinary competence, even in the tensest moments. TERES's spot-on dialogue, complex characters, and driving plot lines will keep you turning the page from the first Talonian raid to the last explosion. Highly recommend for lovers of good quality sci-fi.
Teres, the main character, begins our story as a Maxyra elite terrorist fighter, an insider; but she has secrets to hide and a slip of the tongue alienates her. She is forced out of the only life she has ever known and is left with no choice but to join an intriguing group of outsiders who all possess extraordinary competence, even in the tensest moments. TERES's spot-on dialogue, complex characters, and driving plot lines will keep you turning the page from the first Talonian raid to the last explosion. Highly recommend for lovers of good quality sci-fi.
February 5, 2014
Full disclosure: I know this guy! Wetzel is a colleague; we’ve worked together. In fact, I’m usually apprehensive about reading a friend’s published work. I know they’ll want to know what I think and I tend to be … well, honest.
That works for me this time. I enjoyed Teres. Here’s why: Aside from its nuts and bolts sci-fi language and first-person shooter pace, I found the characters interesting and likeable (very important). There are incomplete backstories and unfulfilled follow-throughs which leads me to believe there is a sequel in the works.
This is not Bradbury, but every novel doesn’t have to be. The sure fire way for me know if I like a book is if I look forward to reading it each evening. I did with Teres.
That works for me this time. I enjoyed Teres. Here’s why: Aside from its nuts and bolts sci-fi language and first-person shooter pace, I found the characters interesting and likeable (very important). There are incomplete backstories and unfulfilled follow-throughs which leads me to believe there is a sequel in the works.
This is not Bradbury, but every novel doesn’t have to be. The sure fire way for me know if I like a book is if I look forward to reading it each evening. I did with Teres.
December 5, 2013
In “Teres”, Gershom tells the tale of a world on the edge of apocalypse, from the perspective of a very UNIQUE woman, Teres. It did not take long to get your bearings in this story, and once you did it never let go. I am a slow reader. Sometime I have to flip back a few pages to re-reference a name, but not with this book, it just seemed to take off. Do not recall a book I ever read in just two and a half days… Very good book cannot wait for the sequel or other works from both Gershom and Aoristos…
- Glendon W. Wetzel
- Glendon W. Wetzel
November 22, 2013
Read a preview copy of Teres. I really enjoyed this look into a possible dystopian world where the technology and political realm are based in realism. I enjoyed watching Teres as she discovered who she was and what she is capable of accomplishing. I look forward to hopefully more of Teres the future.
December 4, 2013
With "Teres" Wetzel poignantly delivers a story of heart and consequence set against the backdrop of a world that is both familiar and equally unrecognizable as our own. Almost instantly you are enthralled in his vision of what it means to be human in a world that has forgotten humanity. A thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover.
November 16, 2013
Gershom Reece Wetzel wastes no time in crafting a tight-knit SciFi adventure with Teres. Well worth the small investment for a book you'll want to revisit again and again!
May 6, 2014
I wrote this book. Of course, I think it's a five-star story. On the self-critic side, sure, there's plenty I'd revise...especially now that sequel and spinoff stories are in the works, little things I'd tweak here or there. But I like this story. And I believe you will, too. Otherwise, I wouldn't have released it.
Teres fun fact:
I use a phrase in the opening chapter and in the epilogue concerning "the odds." The casual onlooker may assume I read The Hunger Games and hijacked from there, since that's the trendy mainstream title (published September 14, 2008) that makes use of "the odds." Nope. I completed the first draft of Teres in May of 2006 (the same year Suzanne Collins signed her 3-book six-figure deal to write THG trilogy) and have only made minor grammatical edits prior to its 2013 release. I didn't even know what THG was until about 3 months before it released as a movie...and by then Teres was 5 years old on my computer, my use of "the odds" being a feature of the first draft. ~GRW
Teres fun fact:
I use a phrase in the opening chapter and in the epilogue concerning "the odds." The casual onlooker may assume I read The Hunger Games and hijacked from there, since that's the trendy mainstream title (published September 14, 2008) that makes use of "the odds." Nope. I completed the first draft of Teres in May of 2006 (the same year Suzanne Collins signed her 3-book six-figure deal to write THG trilogy) and have only made minor grammatical edits prior to its 2013 release. I didn't even know what THG was until about 3 months before it released as a movie...and by then Teres was 5 years old on my computer, my use of "the odds" being a feature of the first draft. ~GRW
April 23, 2015
Highly recommend.
With most books, you can tell withing a few pages what the book is going to be about: like sitting in your car and preparing to take a trip from Texas to Montana. You may not know what twists and turns the road is going to take, or exactly where all the mountains are, but you have a good idea of where you are now and where you are going.
"Teres" is like sitting down and expecting to be going to Montana, and then looking up half way through the trip and realizing that you are in the middle of Outer Mongolia. It is a superbly written story that takes you on twists and turns like a roller-coaster. Wetzel crafts his characters into realistic people you can easily relate to. At the same time he brings up ideas and questions that cause you to introspectively analyze your own personal conflicts and those that we as a society are only beginning to see the consequences of.
I can't hardly wait for the sequel!
With most books, you can tell withing a few pages what the book is going to be about: like sitting in your car and preparing to take a trip from Texas to Montana. You may not know what twists and turns the road is going to take, or exactly where all the mountains are, but you have a good idea of where you are now and where you are going.
"Teres" is like sitting down and expecting to be going to Montana, and then looking up half way through the trip and realizing that you are in the middle of Outer Mongolia. It is a superbly written story that takes you on twists and turns like a roller-coaster. Wetzel crafts his characters into realistic people you can easily relate to. At the same time he brings up ideas and questions that cause you to introspectively analyze your own personal conflicts and those that we as a society are only beginning to see the consequences of.
I can't hardly wait for the sequel!
May 8, 2014
Told from the point of view of Teres, a Maxyra operative from a new branch of the U.S. government, Mr. Wetzel delivers an action oriented story which asks some questions we all need to ask ourselves. Among other things, he asks questions regarding the role of government, religion, humanity, morality, and more.
I loved hearing it from Teres' perspective, with my favorite quotes:
"It was strange to hear someone sincerely petition the air."
and
"We switched freighters at a location that is none of your business..."
I normally read 5-6 books at a time, but put all other books on hold until I finished this one.
I got lost once or twice when people would assume aliases. I would forget which alias was for whom, but it was simple enough to do a search in the kindle app to remind myself who they were.
Go read it now.
I loved hearing it from Teres' perspective, with my favorite quotes:
"It was strange to hear someone sincerely petition the air."
and
"We switched freighters at a location that is none of your business..."
I normally read 5-6 books at a time, but put all other books on hold until I finished this one.
I got lost once or twice when people would assume aliases. I would forget which alias was for whom, but it was simple enough to do a search in the kindle app to remind myself who they were.
Go read it now.
February 20, 2016
Gershom Reese Wetzel's debut novel, Teres, offers readers an eerily prophetic look at what America may become in the near future. Teres Norman, a law-enforcement operative in future America, has her life turned upside down when she falls victim to the same despotic laws she herself has vowed to uphold, and finds herself on the run, fighting terrorists as well as those she once knew as friends.
Teres is a fast-paced, enjoyable read with a frightening, and very believable view of what our country may come to if things are allowed to proceed the way they are now. I am looking forward to the continuation of this epic sci-fi actioner.
Teres is a fast-paced, enjoyable read with a frightening, and very believable view of what our country may come to if things are allowed to proceed the way they are now. I am looking forward to the continuation of this epic sci-fi actioner.
August 12, 2015
I give Teres a one point star rating...just kidding, how do you give a one point rating on awesome? It's a well written novel that keeps you on your toes until the very end. Leaves you wanting more in this science fiction adventure that will blow you away.
February 3, 2019
The author did a great job at painting a very believable and disturbing vision of the near future.
His character development quickly gets the reader invested in the lives of the key players.
The only negative is that the end of the book came too quickly and now I must wait for the continuation of the story.
His character development quickly gets the reader invested in the lives of the key players.
The only negative is that the end of the book came too quickly and now I must wait for the continuation of the story.
May 2, 2014
In a post-postmodern America hostile to religion and independent thought, enter Teres, a unique Maxyra officer raised and trained in the system, with her own questions about it. One word strips it all from her, throwing her into an explosion of frenetic activity. Every belief she has ever held is challenged, and she must adapt or die. Teres is told in vivid imagery and a fast pace which will hold the reader to the end. Well worth your time.
July 27, 2014
The high-tech, yet decaying society of America in this story is very original and fascinating. When you think you know what is happening in the story, the author throws another spin to propel our main character into the next crisis. At times, this can be a little confusing, but it keeps you guessing, which is usually a good aspect of a story shrouded in so much mystery.
May 31, 2015
A very well written, well paced vision of the future with great character depth and growth. Great detail and thought has gone into the creation Teres' universe, from the political situation to technology. The author's investment to his craft is truly admirable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews