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The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel
Murder can happen on Mars too.
The sudden death of a Martian census worker sparks a murder investigation on the red planet—and everyone is a suspect. To clear his name, janitor Herbert Hoover Palminteri must dredge up the long-buried secrets of his college days as a member of a notorious secret society, the Order of the Scepter and Gavel, where he was witness to scandal and tragedy in an initiation prank gone wrong.
As the investigation unspools, Herbert is swept up in an interplanetary conspiracy that proves you are never safe from your secrets—especially in the confines of Mars.
The sudden death of a Martian census worker sparks a murder investigation on the red planet—and everyone is a suspect. To clear his name, janitor Herbert Hoover Palminteri must dredge up the long-buried secrets of his college days as a member of a notorious secret society, the Order of the Scepter and Gavel, where he was witness to scandal and tragedy in an initiation prank gone wrong.
As the investigation unspools, Herbert is swept up in an interplanetary conspiracy that proves you are never safe from your secrets—especially in the confines of Mars.
- GenresScience FictionMystery
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
13 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Ponticello
10 books40 followersNicholas Ponticello is an educator and writer in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with degrees in mathematics and astrophysics and later earned his masters in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ponticello is interested in exploring the intersection of science, sustainability, mental health, and education, and hopes to encourage more systems thinking and sustainability-themed curricula at the secondary school level.
Mr. Ponticello is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. In 2020, he was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for his work on a YA novel provisionally titled WHAT IF I DID? What If I Did? is based on his experience coping with debilitating OCD and his struggle to overcome it through years of cognitive behavioral therapy. Mr. Ponticello completed the six-week intensive outpatient clinic at UCLA and went on to become an advocate for the International OCD Foundation. He has written for the IOCDF blog and has spoken on a panel about relationships and OCD at the annual IOCDF Conference.
Mr. Ponticello grew up in Northern California and began his career as the operations manager at KOMENAR Publishing in Oakland, CA. He is a longtime runner, and has coached champion cross-country and track & field teams at the high school level. Mr. Ponticello is also the author of Do Not Resuscitate, a fictional biography that considers transhumanism and the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has studied writing under Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Zombie Tales 2061) and Bruce Miller (Handmaid's Tale, ER). Do Not Resuscitate won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, and a CIPA EVVY Award. His second novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Destiny Unknown, also won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and was listed as one of 100 Notable Books from the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.
Mr. Ponticello is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. In 2020, he was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for his work on a YA novel provisionally titled WHAT IF I DID? What If I Did? is based on his experience coping with debilitating OCD and his struggle to overcome it through years of cognitive behavioral therapy. Mr. Ponticello completed the six-week intensive outpatient clinic at UCLA and went on to become an advocate for the International OCD Foundation. He has written for the IOCDF blog and has spoken on a panel about relationships and OCD at the annual IOCDF Conference.
Mr. Ponticello grew up in Northern California and began his career as the operations manager at KOMENAR Publishing in Oakland, CA. He is a longtime runner, and has coached champion cross-country and track & field teams at the high school level. Mr. Ponticello is also the author of Do Not Resuscitate, a fictional biography that considers transhumanism and the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has studied writing under Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Zombie Tales 2061) and Bruce Miller (Handmaid's Tale, ER). Do Not Resuscitate won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, and a CIPA EVVY Award. His second novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Destiny Unknown, also won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and was listed as one of 100 Notable Books from the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 3, 2024
I was absolutely delighted with “The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” by Nicholas Ponticello, and I think that anyone out there who enjoys a good mystery, humorous sci-fi, or simply a fun story will just love it. Put simply, this is the story about a murder on Mars. Seems kind of interesting and different, right? As you start to turn the pages, however, what you find is not a simple murder mystery but one set in the future that is actually two separate stories being told at the same time and how they actually tie together.
“The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” is the story of Herbert Hoover Palminteri (yes, you read that right… someone in baby Herbert’s life was obviously a fan of President Hoover). In the year 2080 Herbert and his wife are living on Mars where he works as a janitor. Having come from a rich family on Earth, Herbert was meant for great things until he became involved with a secret society in college and his life took a turn for the worse. Now he finds himself being questioned about the crime due to his job.
Of course, everyone in the Mars colony is a suspect but Herbert feels the need to really delve into things and clear his own name as he begins to suspect that the murder might have something to do with the antics of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel, the society he and some other members of the Mars colony were a part of during their time in college back in 2040. As we learn more about the murder, life on Mars, and life back on Earth at Vanderough University, the fun never stops. Can Herbert figure out who the real murderer is, and can he deal with the connection it may have to a part of his past? The fun is in finding out and I recommend you read the book to find the answers. It is well worth it.
Nicholas Ponticello has given readers a fabulous story that uses a little bit of mystery, a lot of humor, and great characters to leave its mark on your memory. “The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” is written through the eyes of only one character, Herbert. It is his point of view on all of the events, both in the present and the past. Herbert is an excellent and well-developed character. From his relationship with his parents…to his depressing and boring job at the zoo…to his exciting induction into a secret society…to his meeting and developing a relationship with the woman destined to become his wife…the reader is shown all aspects of his personality, and it is riveting. The dialogue in the story is excellent and each character, the good and the bad, has a wonderful voice as well as an important part to play in Herbert’s narrative.
I highly recommend “The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” to mystery fans (a great mystery to solve) and to science fiction fans (a perfect outer space setting for the story) alike. The book is a humorous look at the past and present of the main character’s life through his own eyes, and you will not be disappointed as you follow Herbert on his journey. I am anxious to see what this author comes up with next. I must admit that there is more than one character in this book whose entire life I would enjoy seeing in the pages of the next book.
“The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” is the story of Herbert Hoover Palminteri (yes, you read that right… someone in baby Herbert’s life was obviously a fan of President Hoover). In the year 2080 Herbert and his wife are living on Mars where he works as a janitor. Having come from a rich family on Earth, Herbert was meant for great things until he became involved with a secret society in college and his life took a turn for the worse. Now he finds himself being questioned about the crime due to his job.
Of course, everyone in the Mars colony is a suspect but Herbert feels the need to really delve into things and clear his own name as he begins to suspect that the murder might have something to do with the antics of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel, the society he and some other members of the Mars colony were a part of during their time in college back in 2040. As we learn more about the murder, life on Mars, and life back on Earth at Vanderough University, the fun never stops. Can Herbert figure out who the real murderer is, and can he deal with the connection it may have to a part of his past? The fun is in finding out and I recommend you read the book to find the answers. It is well worth it.
Nicholas Ponticello has given readers a fabulous story that uses a little bit of mystery, a lot of humor, and great characters to leave its mark on your memory. “The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” is written through the eyes of only one character, Herbert. It is his point of view on all of the events, both in the present and the past. Herbert is an excellent and well-developed character. From his relationship with his parents…to his depressing and boring job at the zoo…to his exciting induction into a secret society…to his meeting and developing a relationship with the woman destined to become his wife…the reader is shown all aspects of his personality, and it is riveting. The dialogue in the story is excellent and each character, the good and the bad, has a wonderful voice as well as an important part to play in Herbert’s narrative.
I highly recommend “The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel” to mystery fans (a great mystery to solve) and to science fiction fans (a perfect outer space setting for the story) alike. The book is a humorous look at the past and present of the main character’s life through his own eyes, and you will not be disappointed as you follow Herbert on his journey. I am anxious to see what this author comes up with next. I must admit that there is more than one character in this book whose entire life I would enjoy seeing in the pages of the next book.
January 24, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some leave a mark on your brain, forever etched into your memory. [book:Cuckoo Cuckoo|61350337 is one such book. I’ve been waiting to see what the author offers next, and it’s finally due to make its debut: The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. While I can’t guarantee this novel will still be lingering in my brain like Cuckoo Cuckoo, I find it difficult to fathom that it won’t.
The novel takes place across two time periods. The first, from which the book’s protagonist, Herbert, narrates the story, is the year 2080. Herbert was once destined for greatness, but instead works as a janitor on Mars, thanks to his prior involvement in a secret society. Following a murder, Herbert suspects it may be connected to his time within the society, and he recounts the story of the book’s second period, the early 2040s, and the events that led to his current status.
Although the book's framed by the murder mystery, it's so much more. The murder mystery has shades of a classic whodunnit, but it's less focused on rolling out the suspects than establishing the world, characters and past events. The second mystery, which forms the crux of the story, revolves around what, exactly, this secret society is, and what events of 2041 led to its downfall. As if a mystery within a mystery isn't enough, the book is filled with sci-fi elements amd humour, while also serving as a piece of literary fiction that defies the readers’ expectations.
Yet, the greatest strength is its humanity. This is a story about a murder on Mars and secret societies, packaged with a dry wit. Above it all, it’s a story about Herbert, someone born into money but suffering from distant family connections. It’s about his friends and loved ones, the times they enjoy together and the times they don’t. The book's wit draws the reader into a false sense of security before suddenly pulling on their heartstrings with an emotional sucker punch.
Herbert is the book’s sole POV character, and therefore anchors the story. As the book hints at transgressions as a member of the Order, it quickly establishes his flaws. For all of his flaws are also strengths; he's a delight to follow. The other characters are shown through Herbert’s own prism, coloured by his opinion of them. Yet they'e all fully formed, often flawed in their own way, and thoroughly entertaining.
The book also providea commentary on today’s society and politics. It examines current politics, shining a lens on ultraconservative viewpoints, and using fear to implement regressive policies. The book uses the two periods to offer a message of hope for the future, even if progress is slower than it should be.
Each sentence is finely constructed to draw the reader in and guide them through the story. This is a book where the reader will want to luxuriate in the words, not for their beauty, but for their style, and how they present the protagonist’s voice. The dialogue, too, delights, with each character having a wonderful voice that works with the prose to form the book’s overall feel.
The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel is a book that needs to be read. Its prose and dialogue are an utter delight, and hand in hand, they present a wryly humorous tale. It'a consistently funny without overpowering the other elements, and through this comes its heart. Regardless of its genres, fans of wonderful literature will delight in this novel.
My full review will be available on my website from 7 February 2024. To read it, and a host of other reviews, including Cuckoo Cuckoo, click here.
Some leave a mark on your brain, forever etched into your memory. [book:Cuckoo Cuckoo|61350337 is one such book. I’ve been waiting to see what the author offers next, and it’s finally due to make its debut: The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. While I can’t guarantee this novel will still be lingering in my brain like Cuckoo Cuckoo, I find it difficult to fathom that it won’t.
The novel takes place across two time periods. The first, from which the book’s protagonist, Herbert, narrates the story, is the year 2080. Herbert was once destined for greatness, but instead works as a janitor on Mars, thanks to his prior involvement in a secret society. Following a murder, Herbert suspects it may be connected to his time within the society, and he recounts the story of the book’s second period, the early 2040s, and the events that led to his current status.
Although the book's framed by the murder mystery, it's so much more. The murder mystery has shades of a classic whodunnit, but it's less focused on rolling out the suspects than establishing the world, characters and past events. The second mystery, which forms the crux of the story, revolves around what, exactly, this secret society is, and what events of 2041 led to its downfall. As if a mystery within a mystery isn't enough, the book is filled with sci-fi elements amd humour, while also serving as a piece of literary fiction that defies the readers’ expectations.
Yet, the greatest strength is its humanity. This is a story about a murder on Mars and secret societies, packaged with a dry wit. Above it all, it’s a story about Herbert, someone born into money but suffering from distant family connections. It’s about his friends and loved ones, the times they enjoy together and the times they don’t. The book's wit draws the reader into a false sense of security before suddenly pulling on their heartstrings with an emotional sucker punch.
Herbert is the book’s sole POV character, and therefore anchors the story. As the book hints at transgressions as a member of the Order, it quickly establishes his flaws. For all of his flaws are also strengths; he's a delight to follow. The other characters are shown through Herbert’s own prism, coloured by his opinion of them. Yet they'e all fully formed, often flawed in their own way, and thoroughly entertaining.
The book also providea commentary on today’s society and politics. It examines current politics, shining a lens on ultraconservative viewpoints, and using fear to implement regressive policies. The book uses the two periods to offer a message of hope for the future, even if progress is slower than it should be.
Each sentence is finely constructed to draw the reader in and guide them through the story. This is a book where the reader will want to luxuriate in the words, not for their beauty, but for their style, and how they present the protagonist’s voice. The dialogue, too, delights, with each character having a wonderful voice that works with the prose to form the book’s overall feel.
The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel is a book that needs to be read. Its prose and dialogue are an utter delight, and hand in hand, they present a wryly humorous tale. It'a consistently funny without overpowering the other elements, and through this comes its heart. Regardless of its genres, fans of wonderful literature will delight in this novel.
My full review will be available on my website from 7 February 2024. To read it, and a host of other reviews, including Cuckoo Cuckoo, click here.
November 26, 2023
Nicholas Ponticello's "The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel" presents an intriguing blend of futuristic ambition, secret societies, and the complications that follow. The narrative skillfully weaves together Herbert's aspirations for Mars with the mysterious allure of The Order of the Scepter & Gavel. Ponticello's world-building effortlessly transports readers to a Martian future, capturing the essence of Vanderough University's unique challenges.
While the plot is gripping, there are instances where the pacing feels a tad uneven, affecting the overall momentum. However, Ponticello's storytelling prowess shines, crafting a tale that balances suspense and futuristic elements. "The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel" is a captivating exploration of ambition, secrecy, and the lingering consequences of one's past.
While the plot is gripping, there are instances where the pacing feels a tad uneven, affecting the overall momentum. However, Ponticello's storytelling prowess shines, crafting a tale that balances suspense and futuristic elements. "The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel" is a captivating exploration of ambition, secrecy, and the lingering consequences of one's past.
August 29, 2024
The Secret Order of the Scepter and Gavel is an engaging and witty science fiction set in the near-future, bouncing between timelines of a murder mystery on “modern day” Mars and the narrator’s college days in 2041. While the core of the story is an interesting and suspenseful arc, the author’s creativity and voice really shine in the tangents and details. Side stories like the plots of plays and movies the characters attended or the backstories of side characters kept me fascinated, chuckling, and intrigued for more. Highly recommend, even for readers typically not interested in science fiction. The book aptly assumes the trappings of the future for humanity (social inequality, political division) will be the same as today.
December 8, 2024
A very unusual sci-fi mystery told in dual timelines and with a lot of extra musings, this book wasn't quite what I'd expected. It's not so much a murder-mystery-thriller, more an older man recounting his college days while using his understanding of those past events to piece together why a murder occurred in his present time.
His present time being the 2080s, and location being Mars.
Hertbert's seemed very meandering and detailed. I wondered if the fixation on numbers and facts coupled with little "verbal" tics indicated neurodiversity on our narrator's part. He's clearly intelligent, well-read and BIG on small details. While you might think they don't seem relevant, he always has a way to bring things back to the here and now (except maybe some of the medical condition details - yikes!) You learn so much about his life and world. It's not a fast paced book but I flew through it wanting to get to the events that lead to him being a janitor on Mars and how it connected to the murder. The ending does lack a little in tension.
Unorthodox in its telling, it was certainly an interesting, detailed and imaginitive read.
His present time being the 2080s, and location being Mars.
Hertbert's seemed very meandering and detailed. I wondered if the fixation on numbers and facts coupled with little "verbal" tics indicated neurodiversity on our narrator's part. He's clearly intelligent, well-read and BIG on small details. While you might think they don't seem relevant, he always has a way to bring things back to the here and now (except maybe some of the medical condition details - yikes!) You learn so much about his life and world. It's not a fast paced book but I flew through it wanting to get to the events that lead to him being a janitor on Mars and how it connected to the murder. The ending does lack a little in tension.
Unorthodox in its telling, it was certainly an interesting, detailed and imaginitive read.
May 18, 2024
3 STARS
CW: murder, mention of prostitution, mention of rape, mention of terrorism, hate speech, Islamophobia, drugs, cancer, death (including of loved ones), gore, violence, pregnancy, abortion
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a story about the eponymous Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel and about our narrator and protagonist Herbert who lives on Mars and works as a janitor due to the events that transpired during his college years. We get to know about both timelines intermittently and the book is a mix of murder mystery, sci-fi and political novel.
I'm not bothered by the fact that the sci-fi elements were more of a backdrop to the story, I enjoyed them nonetheless. The world building of having a university dedicated to educating future colonists of Mars was actually very intriguing and I kept reading because I wanted to know how everything was connected. One issue I had with the murder mystery plot (which really only applies to the present timeline but I'm counting the plot of joining and falling with Scepter & Gavel in the past timeline as well) was that after some time, it just wasn't intriguing enough anymore.
Maybe in the end this boils down to the problem I had with Herbert as a character and narrator. I did not care for him much and found his style of narrating the story a little exhausting and repetitive after a while. Many of the things that could have been mysterious and tense were rendered uninteresting because Herbert keeps clumsily hinting at how things will go or simply telling the reader about what will happen to another character in the future. I think if that had been a little toned down, the reading experience could have been more fun.
Nevertheless, I was interested until the end, waiting for the grand finale that is alluded to in pretty much every chapter in one way, shape or form and blew over very quickly in my opinion.
I thought the parallels to recent / current political developments were very thinly veiled and I didn't love it but I certainly wasn't bothered by that.
Overall, this was a fun story to read and experience. The essential idea is engaging and some aspects of the execution were lacking in my opinion but not so much that I struggled to keep on reading. Quite the opposite, the writing & narrating style (despite my dislike for the character) was actually very easy to read.
Finally, some words on the resolution of the murder mystery: I thought it was a little disappointing and predictable but okay.
CW: murder, mention of prostitution, mention of rape, mention of terrorism, hate speech, Islamophobia, drugs, cancer, death (including of loved ones), gore, violence, pregnancy, abortion
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a story about the eponymous Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel and about our narrator and protagonist Herbert who lives on Mars and works as a janitor due to the events that transpired during his college years. We get to know about both timelines intermittently and the book is a mix of murder mystery, sci-fi and political novel.
I'm not bothered by the fact that the sci-fi elements were more of a backdrop to the story, I enjoyed them nonetheless. The world building of having a university dedicated to educating future colonists of Mars was actually very intriguing and I kept reading because I wanted to know how everything was connected. One issue I had with the murder mystery plot (which really only applies to the present timeline but I'm counting the plot of joining and falling with Scepter & Gavel in the past timeline as well) was that after some time, it just wasn't intriguing enough anymore.
Maybe in the end this boils down to the problem I had with Herbert as a character and narrator. I did not care for him much and found his style of narrating the story a little exhausting and repetitive after a while. Many of the things that could have been mysterious and tense were rendered uninteresting because Herbert keeps clumsily hinting at how things will go or simply telling the reader about what will happen to another character in the future. I think if that had been a little toned down, the reading experience could have been more fun.
Nevertheless, I was interested until the end, waiting for the grand finale that is alluded to in pretty much every chapter in one way, shape or form and blew over very quickly in my opinion.
I thought the parallels to recent / current political developments were very thinly veiled and I didn't love it but I certainly wasn't bothered by that.
Overall, this was a fun story to read and experience. The essential idea is engaging and some aspects of the execution were lacking in my opinion but not so much that I struggled to keep on reading. Quite the opposite, the writing & narrating style (despite my dislike for the character) was actually very easy to read.
Finally, some words on the resolution of the murder mystery: I thought it was a little disappointing and predictable but okay.
December 13, 2023
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
12th December 2023
TITLE: The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel
AUTHOR: Nicholas Ponticello
Star Rating: 4
‘A strongly plotted sci-fi novel set (partly) on Mars – and a murder mystery to boot!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Written in the first person, this is the story of Herbert who now works on Mars mopping floors. Yes, he’s the janitor! Back in the day, he was a member of the (secretive) Order of the Septer & Gavel and hoped to be an engineer. But the scandal of ’41 put a stop to that. I must say, I enjoyed this story very much. The focus in the first half is very much on Herbert proving himself to the Order; then we move on to the ‘MURDER’ which Herbert thinks is linked to the Order of the Scepter & Gavel.
I suspect most sci-fi fans will get a kick out of this novel. For a start, the author works hard with the red planet setting in terms of the politics, how they live, work, currency, etc. etc. It feels very planned, very well thought-out which sci-fi readers always love. Secondly, I liked the protagonist, Herbert. Not only did the author help me to get to know him well, but he was also fun to root for. In many ways, I’d describe him as the ‘boy next door’ sort of character; the sort Tom Hanks is so good at playing. Finally, I felt the author was adept with speech, successfully using it to develop the characters and the plot.
So, what needs work? Not a lot. The author has a tendency to go off track which I did find a little annoying. And I did feel the ending wasn’t the strongest; it just lacked oomph. Which is a shame as readers always remember the ending the best. But, other than that, it’s a compelling story set within a fully thought-out futuristic world. So, if sci-fi is your ‘thing’ and you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir (although this is in no way as technical), you’ll probably enjoy the coolly entitled The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. All in all, it’s a bit of a blast!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
12th December 2023
TITLE: The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel
AUTHOR: Nicholas Ponticello
Star Rating: 4
‘A strongly plotted sci-fi novel set (partly) on Mars – and a murder mystery to boot!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Written in the first person, this is the story of Herbert who now works on Mars mopping floors. Yes, he’s the janitor! Back in the day, he was a member of the (secretive) Order of the Septer & Gavel and hoped to be an engineer. But the scandal of ’41 put a stop to that. I must say, I enjoyed this story very much. The focus in the first half is very much on Herbert proving himself to the Order; then we move on to the ‘MURDER’ which Herbert thinks is linked to the Order of the Scepter & Gavel.
I suspect most sci-fi fans will get a kick out of this novel. For a start, the author works hard with the red planet setting in terms of the politics, how they live, work, currency, etc. etc. It feels very planned, very well thought-out which sci-fi readers always love. Secondly, I liked the protagonist, Herbert. Not only did the author help me to get to know him well, but he was also fun to root for. In many ways, I’d describe him as the ‘boy next door’ sort of character; the sort Tom Hanks is so good at playing. Finally, I felt the author was adept with speech, successfully using it to develop the characters and the plot.
So, what needs work? Not a lot. The author has a tendency to go off track which I did find a little annoying. And I did feel the ending wasn’t the strongest; it just lacked oomph. Which is a shame as readers always remember the ending the best. But, other than that, it’s a compelling story set within a fully thought-out futuristic world. So, if sci-fi is your ‘thing’ and you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir (although this is in no way as technical), you’ll probably enjoy the coolly entitled The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. All in all, it’s a bit of a blast!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
February 18, 2024
Herbert is your average janitor. He cleans up after people in the offices and labs he’s assigned to, carts the waste out to the dump, and does it all again the next day. He and his wife have a simple life…until his past comes back to haunt him. Youthful mistakes and peer pressure-fueled stunts back in college are suddenly evidence against him once again decades later. The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel was supposed to be a matter of prestige, helping him build connections to further his career. But here he is, a janitor, and murder suspect for the second time in his life.
Nicholas Ponticello delivers a murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end in his latest release The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. Ponticello pulls on his studies in astrophysics to provide the added twist in this novel’s unique setting: a Mars settlement. This book is a cautionary tale of how vengeance can destroy both sides, and leads readers to question if someone can move past youthful transgressions to be a meaningful part of society. The author has received multiple awards for previous works, and I expect no less for this newest creation.
I give The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel 5 out of 5 stars. I went into reading this book with two things in mind: I don’t normally read science fiction and secret societies aren’t normally my kind of thing. Ponticello’s writing style and thoughtfulness in the plot twists blew my expectations out of the water. I appreciate the inclusion of mental healthcare in a way that shows the usefulness and makes it socially acceptable. The author also includes a few “Easter eggs” with references to historical figure namesakes that this history buff in me loved! I also appreciated the dual timelines to help readers connect certain points in both eras together and further the plot. There were several points in the reading where I thought I had figured out the ending too early, only to have my guesses proven wrong - this is exactly the kind of mystery writing I love!
While this book does have aspects of science fiction, readers like me who aren’t fond of that genre will have no trouble connecting with this plot and the writing. I would recommend this book for readers who like small town or cozy mysteries as well as those who like science fiction. With discussions of death and dangerous pranks, I would direct this to more mature readers over the age of 13.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel by the author. Nicholas Ponticello and I connected on social media a few months back – I have really enjoyed Author Threads and the new independent authors I have been introduced to in that space! Like with the reading challenge we did last year, ARC opportunities from independent authors have really opened my horizons to new writers and genres I would not normally have chosen for myself. This was a binge read for me, too – I started it one Saturday morning and just couldn’t put it down. You will love this book!
Looking to grab a copy of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel? You can preorder the book on Amazon ahead of it’s April 1, 2024, release date with Kindle delivery direct to you at release!
Nicholas Ponticello delivers a murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end in his latest release The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. Ponticello pulls on his studies in astrophysics to provide the added twist in this novel’s unique setting: a Mars settlement. This book is a cautionary tale of how vengeance can destroy both sides, and leads readers to question if someone can move past youthful transgressions to be a meaningful part of society. The author has received multiple awards for previous works, and I expect no less for this newest creation.
I give The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel 5 out of 5 stars. I went into reading this book with two things in mind: I don’t normally read science fiction and secret societies aren’t normally my kind of thing. Ponticello’s writing style and thoughtfulness in the plot twists blew my expectations out of the water. I appreciate the inclusion of mental healthcare in a way that shows the usefulness and makes it socially acceptable. The author also includes a few “Easter eggs” with references to historical figure namesakes that this history buff in me loved! I also appreciated the dual timelines to help readers connect certain points in both eras together and further the plot. There were several points in the reading where I thought I had figured out the ending too early, only to have my guesses proven wrong - this is exactly the kind of mystery writing I love!
While this book does have aspects of science fiction, readers like me who aren’t fond of that genre will have no trouble connecting with this plot and the writing. I would recommend this book for readers who like small town or cozy mysteries as well as those who like science fiction. With discussions of death and dangerous pranks, I would direct this to more mature readers over the age of 13.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel by the author. Nicholas Ponticello and I connected on social media a few months back – I have really enjoyed Author Threads and the new independent authors I have been introduced to in that space! Like with the reading challenge we did last year, ARC opportunities from independent authors have really opened my horizons to new writers and genres I would not normally have chosen for myself. This was a binge read for me, too – I started it one Saturday morning and just couldn’t put it down. You will love this book!
Looking to grab a copy of The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel? You can preorder the book on Amazon ahead of it’s April 1, 2024, release date with Kindle delivery direct to you at release!
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April 7, 2024While the author's world-building and plot had promise, I couldn't help but feel bogged down by the heavy-handed insertion of liberal viewpoints. As someone who reads to decompress from the constant left vs. right dichotomy, it was disappointing to find this book reinforcing the same divisive themes.
I believe that science fiction should explore complex ideas without resorting to preachy or dogmatic narratives. Unfortunately, this book didn't strike the right balance for me. I long for stories that challenge my perspectives without alienating me with overt political agendas.
Perhaps readers more aligned with the author's views will find this book engaging. For me, it missed the mark as a refuge from the political noise. I'll keep searching for sci-fi that truly transport me beyond the constraints of our polarized world.
I believe that science fiction should explore complex ideas without resorting to preachy or dogmatic narratives. Unfortunately, this book didn't strike the right balance for me. I long for stories that challenge my perspectives without alienating me with overt political agendas.
Perhaps readers more aligned with the author's views will find this book engaging. For me, it missed the mark as a refuge from the political noise. I'll keep searching for sci-fi that truly transport me beyond the constraints of our polarized world.
April 16, 2024
First off, let me start by saying the story is enjoyable and interesting. I would happily recommend this book to others to read. However, where it lost stars for me, is that it cannot decide whether or not it is a sci-fi novel or a political novel. It seems to be trying too hard to make a not so subtle commentary of the current political landscape that sometimes the actual story seems to fall by the wayside. Setting a story in the future but then making characters not-so-veiled versions of current politicians just stops the ability of the reader to suspend disbelief. I would have just enjoyed it being a murder story set on Mars in the future.
June 17, 2024
Science fiction, mystery and comedy expertly woven together into a brilliant narrative that keeps the reader fascinated, guessing, and chuckling as it breezes them effortlessly through. Packed with cool ideas, wry observations about humanity, and a fantastic huge cast of very colorful characters. Sucked me in immediately and held me all the way to the end. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, or humor, or philosophy, or mystery, or psychology, or drama, or romance... basically anyone who enjoys any type of fiction. :)
July 8, 2024
I’m a sucker for any story that takes place on Mars, and this had the benefit of being a good one! I loved the conversational tone, I felt like I was having a drink with the narrator as he was telling me his life story, just waiting for his wife to get back from the bathroom, you know the vibe. My own wife also found the concept and the framing to be interesting as I explained it her. Would love to see if Herb has any future adventures!
October 6, 2024
Very interesting story that takes place in the future and in space (in case you're doing the Pop Sugar challenge).
Well written and clever, I'm glad I won a copy from Goodreads!
Well written and clever, I'm glad I won a copy from Goodreads!
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