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Renaissance 2.0 #1
Carnival of Characters, Crusades, and Causes
A collapsed global economy. And a world gone to hell. People going postal. There seems but two things to do: cave in to the herculean pressures, or use them to transform from the human to the transhuman. So are born the Renaissance types of the early 21st Century.
One in particular, Robin Wakefield, may be destined to lead them. If only he can steepen his learning curve, and keep his own mind from imploding, before one of the Renaissance figures, in the absence of proper mentoring, takes out the rest of the planet.
His first challenge will be to survive the trials by fire that will transform him from a person of modest means into someone who is beyond even genius. On the other side of the initiations lies a realm of magic and wonder only a handful of Zen masters throughout history have reputedly ever reached. A place where teleportation, being in more than one place at once, and other miracles are commonplace. But so far, no one living has survived all the tests.
The above comments pertain to Renaissance 2.0: Volume 1, Books 1-5, which form a continuous story arc.
One in particular, Robin Wakefield, may be destined to lead them. If only he can steepen his learning curve, and keep his own mind from imploding, before one of the Renaissance figures, in the absence of proper mentoring, takes out the rest of the planet.
His first challenge will be to survive the trials by fire that will transform him from a person of modest means into someone who is beyond even genius. On the other side of the initiations lies a realm of magic and wonder only a handful of Zen masters throughout history have reputedly ever reached. A place where teleportation, being in more than one place at once, and other miracles are commonplace. But so far, no one living has survived all the tests.
The above comments pertain to Renaissance 2.0: Volume 1, Books 1-5, which form a continuous story arc.
- GenresScience Fiction
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
1 person is currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Dean C. Moore
46 books642 followersWhile action-packed sci-fi/techno-thrillers set in the near future are my forte, I also stray into other genres from time to time, such as space operas, paranormal fantasy, and detective stories. All my novels can be described as action-thrillers, no matter the sub-genre.
You can sample my writing with a free sci-fi e-book set in the near future by visiting my website https://deancmoore.com and signing up for my email list.
I live in the country where I breed bluebirds, which are endangered in these parts, as my small contribution to restoring nature's balance. When I'm not writing, or researching my next book, I may also be found socializing with friends, or working in the garden.
If you'd like to know what compels me to write, it's simple. I write as a force for peace. Fiction has a way of engaging our whole minds, not just our intellects, but various layers of our conscious, superconscious, and unconscious. Novels also encourage our left and right cerebral hemispheres to get in sync and, with just enough magic and wizardry, can help to transform people into more enlightened souls (the writer included) better than a hundred years of therapy or rational arguments to the same ends.
I've remained a lifelong student of philosophy, spirituality, psychology, science, and the arts.
Mark Freeman Enterprises (MFE) is my company. I sometimes publish under that label or simply under Amazon Digital Services.
You can sample my writing with a free sci-fi e-book set in the near future by visiting my website https://deancmoore.com and signing up for my email list.
I live in the country where I breed bluebirds, which are endangered in these parts, as my small contribution to restoring nature's balance. When I'm not writing, or researching my next book, I may also be found socializing with friends, or working in the garden.
If you'd like to know what compels me to write, it's simple. I write as a force for peace. Fiction has a way of engaging our whole minds, not just our intellects, but various layers of our conscious, superconscious, and unconscious. Novels also encourage our left and right cerebral hemispheres to get in sync and, with just enough magic and wizardry, can help to transform people into more enlightened souls (the writer included) better than a hundred years of therapy or rational arguments to the same ends.
I've remained a lifelong student of philosophy, spirituality, psychology, science, and the arts.
Mark Freeman Enterprises (MFE) is my company. I sometimes publish under that label or simply under Amazon Digital Services.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 29, 2014
Think Rabelais for the twenty-first century and you'll be coming close to the dark, violent humour which drives this amazing book. This is narrative which just goes to prove that independently published fiction often dares to courageously push at boundaries that mainstream publishers might be wary of.
In a fragmented global economy, the characters in the first volume of Dean C. Moore's Renaissance 2.0 go 'postal' in a range of disturbing, unexpected ways. Surviving in this off-kilter parallel world is a question of accessing mind-evolving drugs or technology. Social-adjustment, well-being and stability are very much relative concepts, and notions of gender and sexual identity have become so fluid as to have been rendered virtually irrelevant.
Moore's characters are often obliterated from the Carnival almost as soon as they emerge: 'ensemble players' who fade in and out of view. Thrown into the middle of their stories, the reader is swept into an environment in which the only way to respond to the fall-out from an economy in meltdown is through acts of extreme violence or, in some cases through chemical mind-expansion. The human psyche is simply not strong enough to cope alone with the forces to which it is exposed. There are, however, a few characters who anchor the narrative around a series of plots which reflect the larger crisis at hand. These include Robin, a policeman attempting to come to terms with the fact that his wife has opted for a sex change in order to secure her position amongst the social elite, and Hartmann, a super-human college professor whose experimentations on his own students have devastating consequences.
It is not, however, simply Moore's narrative experimentation which makes this such a powerful read. The pyrotechnics of his prose are reminiscent of Martin Amis, in terms of the zest which Moore extracts from his language, and dialogue which drips with black, cynical humour.
This is writing which throws into relief the failings of our own globalised society - which takes the dynamics of twenty-first century living and pushes them to their extremes. It is a fable for our times, and I strongly recommend it.
In a fragmented global economy, the characters in the first volume of Dean C. Moore's Renaissance 2.0 go 'postal' in a range of disturbing, unexpected ways. Surviving in this off-kilter parallel world is a question of accessing mind-evolving drugs or technology. Social-adjustment, well-being and stability are very much relative concepts, and notions of gender and sexual identity have become so fluid as to have been rendered virtually irrelevant.
Moore's characters are often obliterated from the Carnival almost as soon as they emerge: 'ensemble players' who fade in and out of view. Thrown into the middle of their stories, the reader is swept into an environment in which the only way to respond to the fall-out from an economy in meltdown is through acts of extreme violence or, in some cases through chemical mind-expansion. The human psyche is simply not strong enough to cope alone with the forces to which it is exposed. There are, however, a few characters who anchor the narrative around a series of plots which reflect the larger crisis at hand. These include Robin, a policeman attempting to come to terms with the fact that his wife has opted for a sex change in order to secure her position amongst the social elite, and Hartmann, a super-human college professor whose experimentations on his own students have devastating consequences.
It is not, however, simply Moore's narrative experimentation which makes this such a powerful read. The pyrotechnics of his prose are reminiscent of Martin Amis, in terms of the zest which Moore extracts from his language, and dialogue which drips with black, cynical humour.
This is writing which throws into relief the failings of our own globalised society - which takes the dynamics of twenty-first century living and pushes them to their extremes. It is a fable for our times, and I strongly recommend it.
June 27, 2017
This is quite the book! What stands out most is the sheer inventiveness of Dean C. Moore's writing- he creates an immensely detailed world that is both like our own yet completely bizarre. It's shocking, humorous and horrific all at once. With so many characters leaping in and out of the story, I did find it slightly difficult to engage- I'd just be getting to know and like someone when they'd have their brains suddenly blown out- but when the protaganist, Robin, finally revealed himself he proved to be fascinating, multi-layered and really interesting to read about.
A highly original read that you won't easily forget!
A highly original read that you won't easily forget!
January 28, 2015
You feel as if you don’t really need to leave a review of Renaissance as the insightful author already knows what you are thinking! At least that is the impression you come away with after reading the book. The author, Dean Moore, takes us through an extraordinary – almost transcendental – journey, and at break-neck speed. One minute you are on a motorbike, riding rough-shod across the tops of cars stuck in a traffic jam like some outrageous character from a Marvel comic; the next disappearing through a portal akin to that of the rabbit hole in a very adult version of Alice in Wonderland. This time it isn't the Queen who comes charging at you screaming “Off with her head!” but a learned college professor.
Coming from the UK, I have to confess that some of the American expressions and also acronyms went over my head – as did some of the rather deep philosophical conversations – but this is one heck of a writer whose imagination leaves one reeling with admiration. Renaissance is a book comprising of so many subliminal layers that you feel compelled to give it a second – or even third – reading before you can claim to have exhausted all of its potential.
Coming from the UK, I have to confess that some of the American expressions and also acronyms went over my head – as did some of the rather deep philosophical conversations – but this is one heck of a writer whose imagination leaves one reeling with admiration. Renaissance is a book comprising of so many subliminal layers that you feel compelled to give it a second – or even third – reading before you can claim to have exhausted all of its potential.
March 28, 2015
I haven't felt surprised by a sci-fi novel in a long time. It seems that even though this should be an important factor of the genre most authors tend to lean on the obvious plots and scenarios. This book did the exact opposite, it presents a complete out of the box way of carrying out the 'meta-human age' plot making it funny and dinamic at the same time.
I find its best feature to be the dark and sarcastic humor most of its characters excel at, which matches perfectly with all the gore moments that elevate the philosophically intriguing dialogues to brilliant epic and raunchy scenes.
I'm very fond of finding characters with alternative inner dramas I'm sure I never found in any other sci-fi novel and I think it's what makes the read feel so current and organic.
If you liked other indie sci-fi stories such as 'The invisibles' by Grant Morrison you will definetly enjoy this series.
http://latortugadeatlas.blogspot.com....
I find its best feature to be the dark and sarcastic humor most of its characters excel at, which matches perfectly with all the gore moments that elevate the philosophically intriguing dialogues to brilliant epic and raunchy scenes.
I'm very fond of finding characters with alternative inner dramas I'm sure I never found in any other sci-fi novel and I think it's what makes the read feel so current and organic.
If you liked other indie sci-fi stories such as 'The invisibles' by Grant Morrison you will definetly enjoy this series.
http://latortugadeatlas.blogspot.com....
September 6, 2016
Moore's book is an action-packed adventure and mystery popping with ideas. All of it is an exploration of what it means to be human in the face of technology, virtual reality, violence, and advances in all branches of science.
December 28, 2014
I was gobsmacked and didn't pick my chin up until the end!
I was a couple of chapters in when I laughed, and then wondered if I should. It immediately reminded me of my first exposure to the film Pulp Fiction; that first inadvertent burst of laughter when John Travolta’s gun accidentally fired in the car. I was aghast at myself. Was I supposed to laugh? The scene was so over the top. So too is this novel. What is its classification: comedy horror or horror comedy, or something else? Is it supposed to be a serious novel? I finished reading without deciding.
It’s set in the modern day and everything is familiar: the world, the way ordinary people live their lives and earn their living, the traumas we face. Even the incessant killing is a reflection of our gone-mad society. But there the similarities end.
From the cover, when I bought the book, I thought it was a sci-fi story. From the title, Renaissance 2.0, I thought it was a nod to the 14th—16th century European Renaissance and the author was creating a second, 21st century, perhaps global, renaissance. And although I didn’t see any evidence of one in this book it no doubt becomes apparent in subsequent books in the series.
There is a definite sci-fi element with technologies that shatter life being created in back rooms and just as quickly being disposed of by mysterious forces; there’s a beserk drug culture; in fact it’s sheer mayhem from start to finish. Multiple characters make brief appearances never to return and it’s only well into the story that I realised there is a recurring character who, by the end, is identified as the protagonist who will be taking the series forward. He’s a detective with a wife who is becoming a man, which is forcing him into thinking he should become a woman. Yes, you read that right!
The author takes you deep into the psyches of his characters. There’s plenty of esoterica as he delves into psychology and philosophy. If you’re not interested in that you can skim without losing the plot.
I have no idea how the author will sustain this level of tortuous inventiveness over a series. As five volumes have already been published I don’t have to wait to find out.
This is an exceptional read. I was gobsmacked from very early on and didn’t pick my chin up until I’d finished reading.
It’s very different. Read it and see what you think.
I was a couple of chapters in when I laughed, and then wondered if I should. It immediately reminded me of my first exposure to the film Pulp Fiction; that first inadvertent burst of laughter when John Travolta’s gun accidentally fired in the car. I was aghast at myself. Was I supposed to laugh? The scene was so over the top. So too is this novel. What is its classification: comedy horror or horror comedy, or something else? Is it supposed to be a serious novel? I finished reading without deciding.
It’s set in the modern day and everything is familiar: the world, the way ordinary people live their lives and earn their living, the traumas we face. Even the incessant killing is a reflection of our gone-mad society. But there the similarities end.
From the cover, when I bought the book, I thought it was a sci-fi story. From the title, Renaissance 2.0, I thought it was a nod to the 14th—16th century European Renaissance and the author was creating a second, 21st century, perhaps global, renaissance. And although I didn’t see any evidence of one in this book it no doubt becomes apparent in subsequent books in the series.
There is a definite sci-fi element with technologies that shatter life being created in back rooms and just as quickly being disposed of by mysterious forces; there’s a beserk drug culture; in fact it’s sheer mayhem from start to finish. Multiple characters make brief appearances never to return and it’s only well into the story that I realised there is a recurring character who, by the end, is identified as the protagonist who will be taking the series forward. He’s a detective with a wife who is becoming a man, which is forcing him into thinking he should become a woman. Yes, you read that right!
The author takes you deep into the psyches of his characters. There’s plenty of esoterica as he delves into psychology and philosophy. If you’re not interested in that you can skim without losing the plot.
I have no idea how the author will sustain this level of tortuous inventiveness over a series. As five volumes have already been published I don’t have to wait to find out.
This is an exceptional read. I was gobsmacked from very early on and didn’t pick my chin up until I’d finished reading.
It’s very different. Read it and see what you think.
April 6, 2014
Fiction or Prediction?
I am privileged in being gifted this book for the purpose of critique.
This is the dawn of the Renaissance Age following the collapsed global economy, with the world lost and leaderless . The planet is in peril. People have the choice of submitting tot he massive pressures of life imposed on them or se those pressures to transform themselves from human to transhuman.
This is the world of Robin wakefield and his wife who undergo that transformation and we follow their adventures throught he story.
Dean C Moore id a formidable writing talent, but he is more than that, he is also a philosopher having a way with his writing of producing work that is not only believable, but which appears to be predictable. This is such a story. In fact, it is a series of short stories from multiple starting points threading together with the reappearances of the main characters to connecting the stories thematically.
The book is populated with zany characters and incredible events with an overdose of imagination and contrived technologies that should be unbelievable, but which are logical.
It is sometimes horrific and at other times hilarious. The book is expertly written with minimalist descriptions,fantastic use of similes, brilliant dialogue and rich, realistic characters. The whole interwoven with original humour as it traces the adventures of our hero through to the climax.
But that is not the end of the story as this is the first book in the author's Renaissance series.
This is a work of fiction that is written in the early 21st century. Ask yourselves these questions.
Where are we now in time?
What is going on right now in the world around us?
Has Dean C Moore used his considerable intellect to produce a work of fiction that might be prophetic?
You will have to read the book to answer these questions for yourselves!
I found this book highly absorbing, entertaining and at times disturbing and is highly recommended
I am privileged in being gifted this book for the purpose of critique.
This is the dawn of the Renaissance Age following the collapsed global economy, with the world lost and leaderless . The planet is in peril. People have the choice of submitting tot he massive pressures of life imposed on them or se those pressures to transform themselves from human to transhuman.
This is the world of Robin wakefield and his wife who undergo that transformation and we follow their adventures throught he story.
Dean C Moore id a formidable writing talent, but he is more than that, he is also a philosopher having a way with his writing of producing work that is not only believable, but which appears to be predictable. This is such a story. In fact, it is a series of short stories from multiple starting points threading together with the reappearances of the main characters to connecting the stories thematically.
The book is populated with zany characters and incredible events with an overdose of imagination and contrived technologies that should be unbelievable, but which are logical.
It is sometimes horrific and at other times hilarious. The book is expertly written with minimalist descriptions,fantastic use of similes, brilliant dialogue and rich, realistic characters. The whole interwoven with original humour as it traces the adventures of our hero through to the climax.
But that is not the end of the story as this is the first book in the author's Renaissance series.
This is a work of fiction that is written in the early 21st century. Ask yourselves these questions.
Where are we now in time?
What is going on right now in the world around us?
Has Dean C Moore used his considerable intellect to produce a work of fiction that might be prophetic?
You will have to read the book to answer these questions for yourselves!
I found this book highly absorbing, entertaining and at times disturbing and is highly recommended
December 9, 2014
Science Fiction, Action And Philosophy In A World Gone Mad!
In this thoughtful and entertaining romp, we visit an alternate history – like a Pynchon novel – in which a worldwide depression leads to people going crazy. We follow the story of a politician and a detective who have philosophical debates that try to explain the reasons for the craziness (between the action in their own lives) amidst ‘snapshots’ of the effects of the worldwide depression on those who are less grounded – i.e., who let madness overtake them. There’s a hunt for a serial killer, a professor who suffers from the ‘thoughts’ of his students while developing superhuman strength, a bevy of criminals who may or may not get their just desserts, police officers acting like the motorcycle cops in Magnum Force, and a host of others.
The novel is an enjoyable tour-de-force which makes one think of how David Foster Wallace would write if he had a sci-fi bend, and a propensity for violent action scenes.
In this thoughtful and entertaining romp, we visit an alternate history – like a Pynchon novel – in which a worldwide depression leads to people going crazy. We follow the story of a politician and a detective who have philosophical debates that try to explain the reasons for the craziness (between the action in their own lives) amidst ‘snapshots’ of the effects of the worldwide depression on those who are less grounded – i.e., who let madness overtake them. There’s a hunt for a serial killer, a professor who suffers from the ‘thoughts’ of his students while developing superhuman strength, a bevy of criminals who may or may not get their just desserts, police officers acting like the motorcycle cops in Magnum Force, and a host of others.
The novel is an enjoyable tour-de-force which makes one think of how David Foster Wallace would write if he had a sci-fi bend, and a propensity for violent action scenes.
February 13, 2015
Renaissance 2.0: Carnival of Characters, Crusades, and Causes (Renaissance 2.0 #1) by Dean C. Moore is perhaps the most amazing scifi new order new religion novel ever written. I was completely blown away by this author's brilliant style, dark humour and insane imagination. This is Dune on speed.
What happens when our economy collapses? Read this novel and find out about a deranged professor even more insane cops and wonderfully weird characters coping with transcendentalism on a grand scale never written before. There are one-liners galore and the pace is frantic and never lets up. Oh and the title refers to a new breed of humans Renaissance types of the early 21st Century and one of them, Robin Wakefield, may be destined to lead them but his path is a topsy-turvy one to say the least.
All I can say is download this incredible scifi novel and it so highly recommended that not even God would refuse to read it.
What happens when our economy collapses? Read this novel and find out about a deranged professor even more insane cops and wonderfully weird characters coping with transcendentalism on a grand scale never written before. There are one-liners galore and the pace is frantic and never lets up. Oh and the title refers to a new breed of humans Renaissance types of the early 21st Century and one of them, Robin Wakefield, may be destined to lead them but his path is a topsy-turvy one to say the least.
All I can say is download this incredible scifi novel and it so highly recommended that not even God would refuse to read it.
March 10, 2014
If I had to give one word that described this story, then it would be epic. Renaissance is not for the faint of heart. It has one of the largest cast of characters I have read in a book. It can be intimidating at first, but once you get over that it is a pleasure to read. Dean C Moore is the master at writing dialogue, and nowhere else does that shine through then this story. As you read, you cannot help but cheer Mr. Moore's characters as they preach their philosophy. I found myself inspired as if they were speaking directly to me. The humor is spot on as well, with a few laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a grand adventure, and are not in a hurry to finish it, then this is the book for you.
August 19, 2014
This is an unbelievably entertaining book that is the start of a truly epic journey. As with all Dean C Moore's stories his characters take center stage and are strong and compelling. They will have you in stitches one minute and tears the next. 'Carnival of characters, Crusades and Causes is book one of what promises to be the most fascinating series. I have already read book two and got my hands on book 3, which both have yet to be released through this market place, but I can honestly say that it has been an enthrawling set of books so far. Just one word of warning, read this first book and you will be hooked. Before you know it you will want to devour the complete set. Hopefully it will not be too long to wait for the sequels to be made available on Amazon.
May 8, 2014
Renaissance 2.0 has a lot going on; multiple complex characters fighting for supremacy in a very detailed world. A lot of novels fall short when unfolding such an epic, ambitious story, but I'm pleased to say Dean C. Moore handles his work with care and pulls off what is a great read.
Following detailed characters as they flow through their twisted and often surreal lives is a real joy. There is a lot to be said as this story takes you deep into bowels of humanity and urges you to really think about it's subject matter.
The scope is amazing, as is the vision and it's all delivered with Dean's usual clear, flowing style.
Following detailed characters as they flow through their twisted and often surreal lives is a real joy. There is a lot to be said as this story takes you deep into bowels of humanity and urges you to really think about it's subject matter.
The scope is amazing, as is the vision and it's all delivered with Dean's usual clear, flowing style.
January 3, 2015
Renaissance 2.0 - Amazing Characters and Plenty of Dark Humor
In Renaissance 2.0, the author weaves together a collection of stories with richly developed characters, all tragic heroes searching for their higher purpose. This is a very smart book, nothing is off limits and much of the technology advances are certainly plausible as mankind hurtles toward a "new" dark Renaissance, in the shadow of a collapsed global economy. With so many tragic heroes and plenty of dark humor mixed in, this is a wonderfully entertaining novel. Make sure you also read "Love on the Run" a fast paced adventure written in the same style. Highly recommend!
In Renaissance 2.0, the author weaves together a collection of stories with richly developed characters, all tragic heroes searching for their higher purpose. This is a very smart book, nothing is off limits and much of the technology advances are certainly plausible as mankind hurtles toward a "new" dark Renaissance, in the shadow of a collapsed global economy. With so many tragic heroes and plenty of dark humor mixed in, this is a wonderfully entertaining novel. Make sure you also read "Love on the Run" a fast paced adventure written in the same style. Highly recommend!
August 24, 2014
Renaissance is an epic novel, of course written by no other than Dean C Moore. This novel consists of the largest cast of characters I have seen to date (aside from maybe GOT). With numerous characters comes a large world, in Renaissance's case, multiple worlds, all of which Dean has created to the high standard he prides himself on.
Renaissance is an amazing action filled sci fi adventure that has you thinking more than a lot of other books I have read. It is a spellbinding read and another fantastic job by Mr Moore.
Renaissance is an amazing action filled sci fi adventure that has you thinking more than a lot of other books I have read. It is a spellbinding read and another fantastic job by Mr Moore.
January 14, 2015
Over the top and riveting Futuristic Novel! The time may be now, but the story makes a glimpse a ‘not so charming’ future. Well-written, horrifying, and often funny, this unusual novel ticks many boxes. You want action? Tick. Humor, Tick, Thriller/Crime, Tick. Violent and not for the faint-hearted, this novel lets the reader see almost too much of what we are and what we will become. Many characters come and go in the novel, but most will impact you! Recommended for the intelligent reader who is able to sit out on the limb with their novel!
January 14, 2015
The time may be now, but the story makes a glimpse a ‘not so charming’ future. Well-written, horrifying, and often funny, this unusual novel ticks many boxes. You want action? Tick. Humor, Tick, Thriller/Crime, Tick. Violent and not for the faint-hearted, this novel lets the reader see almost too much of what we are and what we will become. Many characters come and go in the novel, but most will impact you! Recommended for the intelligent reader who is able to sit out on the limb with their novel!
March 21, 2014
This is the opening book of this great series. We get introduced to the major characters and follow them through action and adventure until we get to the climatic ending. As always, the cast of characters each take their own path to seeking enlightenment with some having more success than others. Dean C Moore balances all of this perfectly to give us the first book in a great series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews