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Beyond the Wall, #1
The Heretic
Librarian Note: Older cover of B00LH3Q0X0.
Earth is gone.
Centuries have passed since the First Cataclysm ended life on the blue planet. Humanity’s survivors are now dispersed among distant colonies, thousands of light years from the barren, frozen rock that was once their home.
A new Republic has formed – one in which freedom no longer exists. In return for the protection of the Consulate Magistratus, citizens must concede their rights absolutely. The Magistratus controls interstellar travel, access to technology – even procreation. Every citizen is implanted with a device to monitor their location, health and nutrition and emotions - perhaps even more. Organised religion is forbidden. All crime is punished by banishment, or a lifetime of penal servitude aboard the Kolyma prison fleet.
Humanity’s true history survives only in whispers of a secret archive.
Yet there are those who preach a new religion and who want to be free.
A revolution is coming…
The Heretic is the first book in the Beyond the Wall series, a hard science-fiction epic space opera about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
Earth is gone.
Centuries have passed since the First Cataclysm ended life on the blue planet. Humanity’s survivors are now dispersed among distant colonies, thousands of light years from the barren, frozen rock that was once their home.
A new Republic has formed – one in which freedom no longer exists. In return for the protection of the Consulate Magistratus, citizens must concede their rights absolutely. The Magistratus controls interstellar travel, access to technology – even procreation. Every citizen is implanted with a device to monitor their location, health and nutrition and emotions - perhaps even more. Organised religion is forbidden. All crime is punished by banishment, or a lifetime of penal servitude aboard the Kolyma prison fleet.
Humanity’s true history survives only in whispers of a secret archive.
Yet there are those who preach a new religion and who want to be free.
A revolution is coming…
The Heretic is the first book in the Beyond the Wall series, a hard science-fiction epic space opera about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2014
75 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Lucas Bale
17 books95 followersLucas Bale writes intense, thought-provoking science-fiction thrillers that dig into what makes us human and scrape at the darkness which hides inside every one of us.
His debut novel, The Heretic, is the gateway to the award-winning Beyond the Wall series, an epic space opera with an edge of hard science fiction about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
He wasn't always a writer. He was a criminal lawyer for fifteen years before he discovered crime doesn't pay and turned to something that actually pays even less. No one ever said he was smart, but at least he's happy.
His debut novel, The Heretic, is the gateway to the award-winning Beyond the Wall series, an epic space opera with an edge of hard science fiction about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
He wasn't always a writer. He was a criminal lawyer for fifteen years before he discovered crime doesn't pay and turned to something that actually pays even less. No one ever said he was smart, but at least he's happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 4, 2015
I ended up really enjoying The Heretic. This story was interesting and extremely thought provoking. This is how the story began:
Jordi and his family live in a village out in the middle of nowhere. Night falls and Jordi hears the sound of a dog barking. While investigating the sound, Jordi sees a group of armed men walking through the village. Jordi immediately wakes his family and they begin to flee their house.
The author didn't waste any time here. The beginning of the book was chaotic (in a good way). The setting was a mix of post apocalyptic and science fiction.
The Heretic had a very strong beginning. I was honestly pulled in from the very first page. The author made me care about the characters during the beginning of the story, even though I didn't know much about them. I was very impressed with how the beginning reeled me in.
The book starts off strong, and then slows down a good bit. There's not a lot happening during this time, but this is when we learn more about the plot and characters. We are also introduced to a new character and a really awesome spaceship. Yay for spaceships!
The main characters live in a state of repression. The citizens are teetering on the edge of a revolt due to a corrupt government. There is absolutely no freedom on this planet.
A little side note: A corrupt government is one of my most favorite things to read about. I am obviously the target market here. =)
There wasn't as much world building as I would have liked. Mr. Bale please give us more of this evil government! The world is so very intriguing and I need more.
The last quote is my favorite because it is so true. Julius Caesar once said to prevent a revolt all you need is bread and circuses. Keep their bellies full and their minds entertained. Why would they bite the hand that feeds them? Most wouldn't, even knowing that it may lead to eventual doom.
This is a short book, at only 192 pages (on Kindle). I found myself wanting more once I made it to the end. I'm hoping this is just an introduction, with many more books that follow. I was a bit shocked to learn that Mr. Bale is a self-published author and The Heretic is his very first book. I thought the book was written and edited very well. I can see how this reminded some readers of Star Wars (which I LOVE). One of the MCs reminded me of Han Solo. Oh, and this book was filled with so many amazing quotes.
I got this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Jordi and his family live in a village out in the middle of nowhere. Night falls and Jordi hears the sound of a dog barking. While investigating the sound, Jordi sees a group of armed men walking through the village. Jordi immediately wakes his family and they begin to flee their house.
"Freedom exists, he had told them, and there will come a time when you must all fight for it. No one will give it to you.
The author didn't waste any time here. The beginning of the book was chaotic (in a good way). The setting was a mix of post apocalyptic and science fiction.
The Heretic had a very strong beginning. I was honestly pulled in from the very first page. The author made me care about the characters during the beginning of the story, even though I didn't know much about them. I was very impressed with how the beginning reeled me in.
The book starts off strong, and then slows down a good bit. There's not a lot happening during this time, but this is when we learn more about the plot and characters. We are also introduced to a new character and a really awesome spaceship. Yay for spaceships!
The main characters live in a state of repression. The citizens are teetering on the edge of a revolt due to a corrupt government. There is absolutely no freedom on this planet.
A little side note: A corrupt government is one of my most favorite things to read about. I am obviously the target market here. =)
"What you believe in, you are told, is not your choice to make. The moment you refuse the First Concession-the moment you choose to believe in something greater than the Magistratus and its New Republic-you will be hunted forever. You must be ready to take your freedom."
There wasn't as much world building as I would have liked. Mr. Bale please give us more of this evil government! The world is so very intriguing and I need more.
"By conceding our freedom in return for protection, each citizen of the Republic permits that control."
"Citizens in the Core do not question that control, because they have everything they need to live their pampered lives; everything except the freedom to believe in something more than the Republic."
The last quote is my favorite because it is so true. Julius Caesar once said to prevent a revolt all you need is bread and circuses. Keep their bellies full and their minds entertained. Why would they bite the hand that feeds them? Most wouldn't, even knowing that it may lead to eventual doom.
This is a short book, at only 192 pages (on Kindle). I found myself wanting more once I made it to the end. I'm hoping this is just an introduction, with many more books that follow. I was a bit shocked to learn that Mr. Bale is a self-published author and The Heretic is his very first book. I thought the book was written and edited very well. I can see how this reminded some readers of Star Wars (which I LOVE). One of the MCs reminded me of Han Solo. Oh, and this book was filled with so many amazing quotes.
I got this book on Kindle Unlimited.
August 13, 2014
Very entertaining read, but it felt like I had read this story before... It's reads like Star Wars! This is not a bad thing, and the story is very well-written and moves along quickly and smoothly. There were several places in the book, though, in which the dialogue was almost word-for-word out of the original Star Wars, and I'm hoping it was either an homage to that groundbreaking film or a tongue-in-cheek "inside joke" type of thing. The author did say in the afterword that he based a lot of the concepts he used on "Firefly", but he may have been influenced by Star Wars more than he realizes. Still, I'm looking forward to the next book...
The schematics for the ship, Soteria, at the end of the book were a bonus, too.
Once you see these comparisons in the list below, it will be hard to un-see them, so tread lightly.
The schematics for the ship, Soteria, at the end of the book were a bonus, too.
Once you see these comparisons in the list below, it will be hard to un-see them, so tread lightly.
August 12, 2016
So, let me start that I first got this book as it was a free ebook at the time and I started it as something short to read. I was looking for a quick source of fun. And boy was I shocked by how much fun this was.
The book has a dual plot line, one centered on a boy named Jordi and the other on a man named Shepherd. Mankind has moved to galactic colonization as Earth was not a feasible option to live on anymore. The planet Herse is a frigid and rough place, but there are small villages on the planet and one is where Jordi lives until him and his people are forced to flee. Shepherd, a smuggler, ends up on the planet Herse because a job brought him. And from there, the plot starts and races to the finish line.
This book reminded me a little bit of the TV show Firefly... Which is a good thing because I love that show! Mr. Bale created an epic voyage in a short novel. Being 192 or so pages, I was expecting a shallow story. I was wrong. From the moment I entered Herse and Soteria (Shepherd's ship), I knew I was in for a deep journey. When I reached the end of the book, I had been fed so much content that I felt like I had read a 400 page novel. Now I don't mean that I was force fed information, I just mean that the book made you forget the length because of the quality. One thing I always notice is diction, and Mr. Bale sure does have great diction.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Firefly. I sure loved it and I think it was an excellent intro novel for what will be a great series. I will definitely be moving on to the next one.
The book has a dual plot line, one centered on a boy named Jordi and the other on a man named Shepherd. Mankind has moved to galactic colonization as Earth was not a feasible option to live on anymore. The planet Herse is a frigid and rough place, but there are small villages on the planet and one is where Jordi lives until him and his people are forced to flee. Shepherd, a smuggler, ends up on the planet Herse because a job brought him. And from there, the plot starts and races to the finish line.
This book reminded me a little bit of the TV show Firefly... Which is a good thing because I love that show! Mr. Bale created an epic voyage in a short novel. Being 192 or so pages, I was expecting a shallow story. I was wrong. From the moment I entered Herse and Soteria (Shepherd's ship), I knew I was in for a deep journey. When I reached the end of the book, I had been fed so much content that I felt like I had read a 400 page novel. Now I don't mean that I was force fed information, I just mean that the book made you forget the length because of the quality. One thing I always notice is diction, and Mr. Bale sure does have great diction.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Firefly. I sure loved it and I think it was an excellent intro novel for what will be a great series. I will definitely be moving on to the next one.
June 24, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
'The Heretic' is a fantastic debut novel written by Lucas Bale. I was enthralled by the world presented in this story from the first sentence. Both of the main character, Jordi and Shepherd, were captivating and well-developed. The whole story about the Magistratus was unique and I really can't wait to see what will happen in book 2. Hopefully it will come soon!
Thanks to Lucas Bale for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
'The Heretic' is a fantastic debut novel written by Lucas Bale. I was enthralled by the world presented in this story from the first sentence. Both of the main character, Jordi and Shepherd, were captivating and well-developed. The whole story about the Magistratus was unique and I really can't wait to see what will happen in book 2. Hopefully it will come soon!
Thanks to Lucas Bale for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2014
I might have missed this new gem if it hadn't been for a few readers whose opinion I trust raving about it. This is the author's debut novel and the first book in his 'Beyond the Wall' series and lived up to the praise I'd heard. It get's going quickly and well paced throughout in a tense adventure that for this story is quite claustrophobic in nature.
The immediate action drags you in to the lives of the characters involved and I felt for them straight away. There's a good mix of personalities, some seem obvious and others are more mysterious. I'm always saying that story is king and I'm happy to accept some clumsy prose if the story is good. Here we have the gem of good quality writing to carry an excellent and interesting plot. Some of the description really stood out and for a first novel is impressive.
The quality extends to the action prevalent in the later part of the book. Not only is this well written it draws more on the characters in the situation rather than the technology as happens in many science fiction stories. Although there was an interesting development on that front which I'm looking forward to learning more of.
The world that the book takes place in is well realised. However one of the aspects that struck me was the glimpses of the wider universe that are dotted throughout the story. There's potentially a lot to explore here so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. With this world is a history that reaches back to our own time and the consequences of choices that are made and how they effect the future.
This is fine science fiction adventure and a strong debut from a new author, may there be more to come from him.
The immediate action drags you in to the lives of the characters involved and I felt for them straight away. There's a good mix of personalities, some seem obvious and others are more mysterious. I'm always saying that story is king and I'm happy to accept some clumsy prose if the story is good. Here we have the gem of good quality writing to carry an excellent and interesting plot. Some of the description really stood out and for a first novel is impressive.
The quality extends to the action prevalent in the later part of the book. Not only is this well written it draws more on the characters in the situation rather than the technology as happens in many science fiction stories. Although there was an interesting development on that front which I'm looking forward to learning more of.
The world that the book takes place in is well realised. However one of the aspects that struck me was the glimpses of the wider universe that are dotted throughout the story. There's potentially a lot to explore here so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. With this world is a history that reaches back to our own time and the consequences of choices that are made and how they effect the future.
This is fine science fiction adventure and a strong debut from a new author, may there be more to come from him.
January 29, 2016
First off, wonderful cover art. It totally encapsulates the story!
I've seen this book/series floating around for awhile and finally decided to give it a try. I found it to be very well-written and really enjoyed the descriptions of the environments the characters were living in. All the various environments are one of my favorite things about reading sci fi - almost every author has some sort of unique idea for the settings in their stories. This wasn't your typical far-future sci fi where everyone lives in these sparkling, intricate cities with cutting-edge technology. The technology is still there to an extent, but if anything, this seemed like a more realistic representation of what life could potentially be like if humanity was ever able to expand into other planetary systems. People struggle to get by out on the edges of space, all while living in almost constant fear of the governing entity that rose to power by questionable means.
In that sense, the story reminded me a lot of Firefly (and I laughed when I saw the show mentioned in the acknowledgements at the end). But there were other elements that reminded me of other sci fi I've come to love over the years. Shepherd was essentially Han-Solo-meets-Mal-Reynolds (and let it be known that I've fan-cast a slightly-taller Sam Worthington to play him). I'm excited to find out a little more background information about both his ship and the preacher!
And can I just say that the diagrams of Soteria at the end of the book were super awesome?
I've seen this book/series floating around for awhile and finally decided to give it a try. I found it to be very well-written and really enjoyed the descriptions of the environments the characters were living in. All the various environments are one of my favorite things about reading sci fi - almost every author has some sort of unique idea for the settings in their stories. This wasn't your typical far-future sci fi where everyone lives in these sparkling, intricate cities with cutting-edge technology. The technology is still there to an extent, but if anything, this seemed like a more realistic representation of what life could potentially be like if humanity was ever able to expand into other planetary systems. People struggle to get by out on the edges of space, all while living in almost constant fear of the governing entity that rose to power by questionable means.
In that sense, the story reminded me a lot of Firefly (and I laughed when I saw the show mentioned in the acknowledgements at the end). But there were other elements that reminded me of other sci fi I've come to love over the years. Shepherd was essentially Han-Solo-meets-Mal-Reynolds (and let it be known that I've fan-cast a slightly-taller Sam Worthington to play him). I'm excited to find out a little more background information about both his ship and the preacher!
And can I just say that the diagrams of Soteria at the end of the book were super awesome?
July 8, 2014
Although The Heretic is a far-flung future dytopia, it carries with it the strong, heady flavor of the American Old West. As a fan of Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns, I’m certainly not complaining, and Lucas Bale nicely balances the genre mash-up in his sci-fi debut.
With the Magistratus in control of this interstellar Republic, and in charge of space travel, technology, and reproductive rights, the greatest heresy is the wish for freedom. The first in his ambitious Beyond The Wall series finds a frontier town on the frozen planet of Herse quarantined and much of its population murdered by Peacemakers following the arrival of a heretical preacher. Tainted by his teachings and the preacher’s call of freedom, the town’s few survivors are cast into the freezing wilderness and hunted by gunmen. On the port-side of this world is an armed trader, Shepherd, making an illegal delivery of medicine and who soon winds up ensnared in the conflict after crossing paths with another survivor seeking aid.
Shepherd is a smuggler, equal parts Han Solo and Hang ‘Em High’s Jed Cooper or Pale Rider, and the sort of archetype that will be immediately recognizable to many genre fans. Although there’s a few central characters, Shepherd is the main filter of information concerning life outside the Core of the Republic, and it’s primarily through him that we learn about the politics and world building, along with a few conversations between the preacher and one of the children in his flock. The world building is one of Bale’s strengths, and it’s quite clear he put a lot of thought and effort into crafting his future realms, and that his series has a lot of intriguing possibilities for expansion. The struggles and fears of Herse’s townsfolk, as well as the technological apparatuses the plot requires, come across quite realistically.
I’m very interested in seeing how this series expands in subsequent volumes. Clearly, Bale’s series has a long-term, epic focus, and in some ways, perhaps obliquely, manages to capture a hint of sprawling fantasy in its thousand-plus years of hidden future-history. With the overarching series title, Beyond The Wall, and references of the punishments awaiting those cast beyond that point, along with the iron fist of the elite ruling class, I’m immediately drawn to the parallels of George R.R. Martin’s work and can’t help but think of Jon Snow and the men of the Nightwatch whenever references to The Wall are made. While there might not be much room for comparison between a sword-and-sorcery marathon to a westernized space opera, I still found The Heretic to be of a similar taste, overall, and I can’t help but draw a few similarities in terms of craft-work, world building, and the enormous scope that is on display. In fact, it’s the easy familiarity to several other genre favorites and references ranging from Martin to Farscape and Star Wars, and the banditry/do-good-(but maybe only secondarily) vibe of Firefly, that makes The Heretic an enjoyable and compelling read.
The opening volume of a clearly expansive series, such as this, tend to be a bit tricky to encapsulate.Not all of the author’s cards are on the table yet, and The Heretic is so clearly a series-focused endeavor that it feels less like a complete read and more of a minor segment, a small opening salvo, if you will, in a grander tale. It works as a skillful bit of bricklaying and a teaser to a grander story that’s yet to unfold. I don’t mean for this to be a knock on the work, or blatantly negative as I did quite enjoy the story, but the book ends just as things get really f**king interesting, which immediately made me want more. It’s not really until the last half of the book that things kick into high-gear, the characters have all been maneuvered into place, and the action starts to kick mondo ass. And the last chapter is filled with such vital information and back-story, and a much-needed glimpse into the preacher’s past, that the abrupt cliff-hanger ending made me wish I could launch straight into book two (or, at the very least, demand spoilers from Bale!).
The fact that I wanted more should definitely be construed as a good thing though! I just need to quell my impatience a bit and hope that my next fix comes along soon. The Heretic is not a work that can stand on its own indefinitely, and cannot be cleanly detached from what must follow because it is so very clearly serialized. Thankfully, the author succeeds in creating a strong enough work to draw readers in for the next installment. What he’s done was done very well, indeed. Ultimately, Bale’s debut is a terrific distillation of many prior SFF works that I’ve enjoyed, if not flat-out loved entirely, and both his story and writing skills are strong enough to have hooked me along for future works in this series. I genuinely cannot wait to see where this story goes next and will be looking forward to Defiance, the next book, with eager anticipation.
With the Magistratus in control of this interstellar Republic, and in charge of space travel, technology, and reproductive rights, the greatest heresy is the wish for freedom. The first in his ambitious Beyond The Wall series finds a frontier town on the frozen planet of Herse quarantined and much of its population murdered by Peacemakers following the arrival of a heretical preacher. Tainted by his teachings and the preacher’s call of freedom, the town’s few survivors are cast into the freezing wilderness and hunted by gunmen. On the port-side of this world is an armed trader, Shepherd, making an illegal delivery of medicine and who soon winds up ensnared in the conflict after crossing paths with another survivor seeking aid.
Shepherd is a smuggler, equal parts Han Solo and Hang ‘Em High’s Jed Cooper or Pale Rider, and the sort of archetype that will be immediately recognizable to many genre fans. Although there’s a few central characters, Shepherd is the main filter of information concerning life outside the Core of the Republic, and it’s primarily through him that we learn about the politics and world building, along with a few conversations between the preacher and one of the children in his flock. The world building is one of Bale’s strengths, and it’s quite clear he put a lot of thought and effort into crafting his future realms, and that his series has a lot of intriguing possibilities for expansion. The struggles and fears of Herse’s townsfolk, as well as the technological apparatuses the plot requires, come across quite realistically.
I’m very interested in seeing how this series expands in subsequent volumes. Clearly, Bale’s series has a long-term, epic focus, and in some ways, perhaps obliquely, manages to capture a hint of sprawling fantasy in its thousand-plus years of hidden future-history. With the overarching series title, Beyond The Wall, and references of the punishments awaiting those cast beyond that point, along with the iron fist of the elite ruling class, I’m immediately drawn to the parallels of George R.R. Martin’s work and can’t help but think of Jon Snow and the men of the Nightwatch whenever references to The Wall are made. While there might not be much room for comparison between a sword-and-sorcery marathon to a westernized space opera, I still found The Heretic to be of a similar taste, overall, and I can’t help but draw a few similarities in terms of craft-work, world building, and the enormous scope that is on display. In fact, it’s the easy familiarity to several other genre favorites and references ranging from Martin to Farscape and Star Wars, and the banditry/do-good-(but maybe only secondarily) vibe of Firefly, that makes The Heretic an enjoyable and compelling read.
The opening volume of a clearly expansive series, such as this, tend to be a bit tricky to encapsulate.Not all of the author’s cards are on the table yet, and The Heretic is so clearly a series-focused endeavor that it feels less like a complete read and more of a minor segment, a small opening salvo, if you will, in a grander tale. It works as a skillful bit of bricklaying and a teaser to a grander story that’s yet to unfold. I don’t mean for this to be a knock on the work, or blatantly negative as I did quite enjoy the story, but the book ends just as things get really f**king interesting, which immediately made me want more. It’s not really until the last half of the book that things kick into high-gear, the characters have all been maneuvered into place, and the action starts to kick mondo ass. And the last chapter is filled with such vital information and back-story, and a much-needed glimpse into the preacher’s past, that the abrupt cliff-hanger ending made me wish I could launch straight into book two (or, at the very least, demand spoilers from Bale!).
The fact that I wanted more should definitely be construed as a good thing though! I just need to quell my impatience a bit and hope that my next fix comes along soon. The Heretic is not a work that can stand on its own indefinitely, and cannot be cleanly detached from what must follow because it is so very clearly serialized. Thankfully, the author succeeds in creating a strong enough work to draw readers in for the next installment. What he’s done was done very well, indeed. Ultimately, Bale’s debut is a terrific distillation of many prior SFF works that I’ve enjoyed, if not flat-out loved entirely, and both his story and writing skills are strong enough to have hooked me along for future works in this series. I genuinely cannot wait to see where this story goes next and will be looking forward to Defiance, the next book, with eager anticipation.
August 12, 2014
I received this book in return for an honest review.
The writing in this book captivated me and it has some of the most quotable lines I have ever read.
"Freedom is about picking your fights and living long enough to learn there's no such thing"(Bale 92).
"Wars are all fought by men who either believe they are right, or who have no other choice. How they fight defines who they are when the blood stops flowing"(Bale 171).
The writing itself is so fluid and fast-paced. The story follows two point of views. One being Jordi, a teenage boy, while the other Shepherd, a smuggler. Through a series of events these two cross paths and end up having to rely on each other. The character development between the two is constantly progressing throughout the book. I was immersed in the plot and characters in such a short amount of time. The world building in this book was wonderful also. I could envision this world and its terrain in my head as I read. The way he described it and made it look like was just remarkable. I would have to say that he does this best. Describing a scenery in a way that does not bore you and leaves you intrigued is such a wonderful skill. I read very few science fiction books, but I must say this book has led me to wanting to see much more of this genre. Also the photo in the back who I believe is Soteria is awesome and added a wonderful touch to the book itself. I recommend this book to everyone who loves science fiction or just wants to start. Lucas Bale created a world that felt so ethereal and captivating. I couldn't put this book down and I will definitely be getting the second book when it is released. Lucas Bale I NEED the next book I must know what is going to happen next. I shall support you from the sidelines as you continue this series, good luck!
The writing in this book captivated me and it has some of the most quotable lines I have ever read.
"Freedom is about picking your fights and living long enough to learn there's no such thing"(Bale 92).
"Wars are all fought by men who either believe they are right, or who have no other choice. How they fight defines who they are when the blood stops flowing"(Bale 171).
The writing itself is so fluid and fast-paced. The story follows two point of views. One being Jordi, a teenage boy, while the other Shepherd, a smuggler. Through a series of events these two cross paths and end up having to rely on each other. The character development between the two is constantly progressing throughout the book. I was immersed in the plot and characters in such a short amount of time. The world building in this book was wonderful also. I could envision this world and its terrain in my head as I read. The way he described it and made it look like was just remarkable. I would have to say that he does this best. Describing a scenery in a way that does not bore you and leaves you intrigued is such a wonderful skill. I read very few science fiction books, but I must say this book has led me to wanting to see much more of this genre. Also the photo in the back who I believe is Soteria is awesome and added a wonderful touch to the book itself. I recommend this book to everyone who loves science fiction or just wants to start. Lucas Bale created a world that felt so ethereal and captivating. I couldn't put this book down and I will definitely be getting the second book when it is released. Lucas Bale I NEED the next book I must know what is going to happen next. I shall support you from the sidelines as you continue this series, good luck!
March 8, 2015
This debut adventure sci-fi is a quick read and the main character Shepherd feels to me like a blend of Han Solo and Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly. It felt almost like a good season opener, with obvious room for a series. A secondary POV character had fewer chapters, so I struggled to really get into his arc, but I imagine he will play a more significant role going forward in the series.
I want to know what happened to the horse! *potential spoiler alert* Before the climactic chase scene, a bunch of people and one horse get on the ship, and we're told there is no way to really buckle in the horse. Then the ship has to go through a crazy dogfight with spins and rolls...so to me the horse would have been turned into spaghetti and maybe even taken out some of the other passengers, but we aren't told about it. A small nitpick, but it stuck in my head!
Anyhow, a very nice debut and anyone who enjoys action-packed sci-fi thrillers will want to see what happens next!
I want to know what happened to the horse! *potential spoiler alert* Before the climactic chase scene, a bunch of people and one horse get on the ship, and we're told there is no way to really buckle in the horse. Then the ship has to go through a crazy dogfight with spins and rolls...so to me the horse would have been turned into spaghetti and maybe even taken out some of the other passengers, but we aren't told about it. A small nitpick, but it stuck in my head!
Anyhow, a very nice debut and anyone who enjoys action-packed sci-fi thrillers will want to see what happens next!
November 13, 2014
It's nice, from time to time, to discover a new author at his debut. Lucas Bale has written a really interesting first part of what seems a promising trilogy.
The world he has created is well shaped and the main characters are well developed. The plot is satisfying even if the ending let you wishing for more.
Strongly suggested if you are a fan of post apocalyptic science fiction.
I hope the sequel comes out soon.
The world he has created is well shaped and the main characters are well developed. The plot is satisfying even if the ending let you wishing for more.
Strongly suggested if you are a fan of post apocalyptic science fiction.
I hope the sequel comes out soon.
October 27, 2014
Self published sci-fi seem to be a dime a dozen now. Rest assured that this is one of the good ones. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. Will definitely follow this author. For me, he ranks with Hugh Howey and Jason Gurley.
March 29, 2016
An action packed space opera. The characters are not as engaging as I'd like them to be, but the storyline keeps you moving. Great cliffhangers. It would make a great serial (like they made them when my dad was a kid).
December 20, 2014
The Heretic is gritty, down-to-earth, hard science fiction. On a border world within a galactic stone’s throw from The Wall, a preacher has convinced a town of a simple heresy: free thinking divorced from the dictates of the Consulate.
Characters
One of the highest praises I have to give this book is deceptive: its characters are irrevocably human. But not in the “they have flaws and are relatable” kind of way (they are those as well, mind).
They are people who I feel like I’ve met somewhere before, despite not knowing them at all. Their struggles feel real, their disappointments and triumphs something I want to be a part of.
And it reads so effortless. I don’t try to care about characters. I leave that to the author (scumbag reader I am), and from practically page 1 I was rooting for a little boy to pull off the impossible.
Plot
To be frankly honest, not very much happens in the 200-ish page book. And that is not a bad thing. The plot in sum is very small in scope, with a single, main conflict.
Again, referencing back to the characters, because their struggles are so real to me, and I feel like I’m “listening in” to their lives, the simplicity of the plot only enhanced how I felt about the characters. Each of the major ones kept gaining depth, even as the plot trucked quietly along.
Another thing I liked about the plot that worked into the overall setting was the tension. The plot revolves around something that is so heretical as to be an instant “cleansing” death sentence. Even in the quiet moments (and there are many), the feeling of dread and potential discovery lurk in the background.
Setting
This is where the book somewhat let me down. I am a lore junkie, so take my comments in that vein. There isn’t much detail in explaining the greater setting. A few of the grand edicts (dubbed Concessions) that keep the Consulate in power are named off, but not much more than that.
And honestly, that sort of lore detail was outside the scope of the book. If it had been there, it would look hamfisted and annoying. The fact that I wanted to know more, even with the great use of implication through comments and reactions, says plenty about my interest in the setting.
I just hope the sequel is a bit more expansive in that direction. Which I will be reading. It might already be out.
The Verdict
5/5 Stars.
Characters so well-stated that I felt like I knew them, a plot that allowed those characters to shine, and a setting with enough questions to sequel hook me. Go buy it.
Characters
One of the highest praises I have to give this book is deceptive: its characters are irrevocably human. But not in the “they have flaws and are relatable” kind of way (they are those as well, mind).
They are people who I feel like I’ve met somewhere before, despite not knowing them at all. Their struggles feel real, their disappointments and triumphs something I want to be a part of.
And it reads so effortless. I don’t try to care about characters. I leave that to the author (scumbag reader I am), and from practically page 1 I was rooting for a little boy to pull off the impossible.
Plot
To be frankly honest, not very much happens in the 200-ish page book. And that is not a bad thing. The plot in sum is very small in scope, with a single, main conflict.
Again, referencing back to the characters, because their struggles are so real to me, and I feel like I’m “listening in” to their lives, the simplicity of the plot only enhanced how I felt about the characters. Each of the major ones kept gaining depth, even as the plot trucked quietly along.
Another thing I liked about the plot that worked into the overall setting was the tension. The plot revolves around something that is so heretical as to be an instant “cleansing” death sentence. Even in the quiet moments (and there are many), the feeling of dread and potential discovery lurk in the background.
Setting
This is where the book somewhat let me down. I am a lore junkie, so take my comments in that vein. There isn’t much detail in explaining the greater setting. A few of the grand edicts (dubbed Concessions) that keep the Consulate in power are named off, but not much more than that.
And honestly, that sort of lore detail was outside the scope of the book. If it had been there, it would look hamfisted and annoying. The fact that I wanted to know more, even with the great use of implication through comments and reactions, says plenty about my interest in the setting.
I just hope the sequel is a bit more expansive in that direction. Which I will be reading. It might already be out.
The Verdict
5/5 Stars.
Characters so well-stated that I felt like I knew them, a plot that allowed those characters to shine, and a setting with enough questions to sequel hook me. Go buy it.
December 12, 2015
This was good fun - for the reader, that is; the characters largely had a horrible time of it all. The author proclaims the TV show Firefly as his main inspiration and this shows throughout. As for the story? It's a fairly straightforward, well-worn tale of the stranger lured to help villagers escape persecuting villains. It was a little confusing as to who was the The Heretic's primary lead - I initially assumed it was the young boy Jordi and that it was perhaps a YA novel - after a while it is the pilot Shepherd who comes to the fore. The world-building is nice and I felt myself shivering at the descriptions of the wintry forests and cold isolation into which the dispossessed villagers had to flee. The twist regarding the true nature of Shepherd's ship came out of nowhere and at a groan-inducing opportune time, but was explained reasonably well afterwards (and there's even some pretty pictures of it in the endpapers). There's a lot of background that serves largely to set up the rest of the series - on the whole, The Heretic reads like an extended prologue to a meatier epic. Recommended for fans of space opera.
November 27, 2014
I just finished reading The Heritic by Lucas Bale and must say that, without reservation, I completely loved this book!
It follows the story of Shepherd, a smuggler by trade who finds himself in the position of being a hero when all he is looking for is to get paid for services rendered. He becomes involved with a group of people who have survived an attack on their village because they are sheltering a character known as the Preacher.
Shepherd unintententionally winds up having to recruit the help of members of the village to take back his ship from forces of the Magistratus, who insists that if anyone is to be revered, it is him.
This is a character and story driven first novel in a series called Beyond the Wall. It can be easily read in a couple of sittings and is packed full of action that begins with the very first page and doesn't slow down until the last chapter when we get some important backstory and a clifhanger ending leading to Bale's second book in the series.
Highest Recommendations!
It follows the story of Shepherd, a smuggler by trade who finds himself in the position of being a hero when all he is looking for is to get paid for services rendered. He becomes involved with a group of people who have survived an attack on their village because they are sheltering a character known as the Preacher.
Shepherd unintententionally winds up having to recruit the help of members of the village to take back his ship from forces of the Magistratus, who insists that if anyone is to be revered, it is him.
This is a character and story driven first novel in a series called Beyond the Wall. It can be easily read in a couple of sittings and is packed full of action that begins with the very first page and doesn't slow down until the last chapter when we get some important backstory and a clifhanger ending leading to Bale's second book in the series.
Highest Recommendations!
March 23, 2015
Excellent Story!
I am not usually. SciFi book fan. Most tend to be too technical. But this, Oh My this, this is a meat & potato & gravy story. This is active suspense with the SciFi edge to push it over the top! I can rave all day but that won't do you any good. Go buy this story already. One small caveat; this is not a long story. I started it one night, finished it two days later with a big family wedding & good 4 hours of travel time one way in between the days. But wow! What a ride! Go, go buy it!
I am not usually. SciFi book fan. Most tend to be too technical. But this, Oh My this, this is a meat & potato & gravy story. This is active suspense with the SciFi edge to push it over the top! I can rave all day but that won't do you any good. Go buy this story already. One small caveat; this is not a long story. I started it one night, finished it two days later with a big family wedding & good 4 hours of travel time one way in between the days. But wow! What a ride! Go, go buy it!
September 8, 2015
This book was fantastic. I read it because I liked a Science Fiction anthology called No Way Home that he wrote in. I started reading this book not thinking much about it, by the time it was done I had already bought the second book.
This is seriously good Science Fiction drama with Space Opera hints, and a universe that just started to be fleshed out near the end. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is seriously good Science Fiction drama with Space Opera hints, and a universe that just started to be fleshed out near the end. I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 18, 2014
I was given this book to review and found it very entertaining and engaging. The characters were all unique and well-written, and the storyline was filled with enough twists and conflict to keep me flipping the (virtual) pages. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
November 10, 2014
A well-written exciting story from indie author Lucas Bale. The Heretic has plenty of action with a compelling story that examines the future of humanity centuries after the catastrophic end of Earth.
The protagonist, Shepherd, is a smuggler on his way to the remote planet of Herse where he is to make a delivery to an unknown client. On Herse, the local government begins exterminating a small religious sect that challenges its authority. Shepherd reluctantly finds himself entangled with the sect and its leader, a man known only as the Preacher.
Although The Heretic takes place centuries into the future, life isn't all that different. Herse is reminiscent of a third world country, with a predominantly impoverished population but a tiny wealthy and technologically advanced elite. There is modern interstellar technology but most people never get to travel off their own world. While some may find this boring, I appreciated the realism and stark contrast between the spacefaring class and the poor rural class.
There is some intellectual weight to the book but Bale is up to the task. The Preacher is part of a growing movement that is in conflict with the secular government. The Preacher claims they've been lied to about their past, in an effort to keep them docile and subservient. By spreading the truth, he believes the people will rebel against the oppressive secular government.
The story structure is very similar to Star Wars Episode IV and Firefly. The main difference is that the protagonist is the Han Solo character (Shepherd) rather than the Luke Skywalker character (a small boy named Jordi). The Preacher fulfills the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Like Malcom Reynolds, Shepherd has a close connection to his ship, the Soteria. Bale included several drawings of the ship. There is a distinct resemblance to the Serenity.
There are other details that also aren't that original. The demise of Earth is a fairly conventional global warming catastrophe. Post-apocalyptic movies have been using the climate change disaster for a long time. The self-inflicted apocalypse clashes with the idealistic view of the Preacher. Why should people be free? Last time they were free they killed a whole planet.
Bale doesn't explore the ideals of the rebellion in much detail. It is likely the sequel will take readers into the conflict in detail, but it would've been nice to a get a little more in first book.
As a result, you don't see Shepherd make the full turn from antihero to hero. His support of the religious sect is largely done because he is being blackmailed. Preacher fails to fully convince him of the merit of his cause either. There is also no glimpse of the antagonist, or the Darth Vader. The leaders of the new government, known as the Consuls, do not make an appearance in this book.
Despite some unoriginal elements and open-ended conclusion, The Heretic is worth picking up. It
is smart, exciting, and well-written, especially for being self-published. Lucas Bale definitely has something. I look forward to the next one.
The protagonist, Shepherd, is a smuggler on his way to the remote planet of Herse where he is to make a delivery to an unknown client. On Herse, the local government begins exterminating a small religious sect that challenges its authority. Shepherd reluctantly finds himself entangled with the sect and its leader, a man known only as the Preacher.
Although The Heretic takes place centuries into the future, life isn't all that different. Herse is reminiscent of a third world country, with a predominantly impoverished population but a tiny wealthy and technologically advanced elite. There is modern interstellar technology but most people never get to travel off their own world. While some may find this boring, I appreciated the realism and stark contrast between the spacefaring class and the poor rural class.
There is some intellectual weight to the book but Bale is up to the task. The Preacher is part of a growing movement that is in conflict with the secular government. The Preacher claims they've been lied to about their past, in an effort to keep them docile and subservient. By spreading the truth, he believes the people will rebel against the oppressive secular government.
The story structure is very similar to Star Wars Episode IV and Firefly. The main difference is that the protagonist is the Han Solo character (Shepherd) rather than the Luke Skywalker character (a small boy named Jordi). The Preacher fulfills the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Like Malcom Reynolds, Shepherd has a close connection to his ship, the Soteria. Bale included several drawings of the ship. There is a distinct resemblance to the Serenity.
There are other details that also aren't that original. The demise of Earth is a fairly conventional global warming catastrophe. Post-apocalyptic movies have been using the climate change disaster for a long time. The self-inflicted apocalypse clashes with the idealistic view of the Preacher. Why should people be free? Last time they were free they killed a whole planet.
Bale doesn't explore the ideals of the rebellion in much detail. It is likely the sequel will take readers into the conflict in detail, but it would've been nice to a get a little more in first book.
As a result, you don't see Shepherd make the full turn from antihero to hero. His support of the religious sect is largely done because he is being blackmailed. Preacher fails to fully convince him of the merit of his cause either. There is also no glimpse of the antagonist, or the Darth Vader. The leaders of the new government, known as the Consuls, do not make an appearance in this book.
Despite some unoriginal elements and open-ended conclusion, The Heretic is worth picking up. It
is smart, exciting, and well-written, especially for being self-published. Lucas Bale definitely has something. I look forward to the next one.
July 6, 2014
Lucas Bale's debut novel is a pacy sci-fi thriller set on a quiet outer rim planet in a grim future where humanity has been decimated and the remaining scattered few are controlled by the powerful Magistratus. The arrival of a freighter with a cargo of smuggled medicine starts off a chain of events that seems destined to re-kindle humanity's belief in an old idea - that of freedom.
Anyone familiar with Joss Whedon's brilliant 'Firefly' will recognise several of the elements at play here - the freighter pilot with a penchant for illicit cargo and his own skewed moral compass, an ageing freighter that is a character in itself, a Preacher figure with a less than devout past, outer planets with local leaders a law unto themselves. Far from being derivative though, Bale weaves these elements into his own rich world and delivers a fast paced story set against a much more grandiose mythology of his own devising, rooted in some of the problems we face today. The Beyond The Wall series promises to tell this story in full.
The Heretic is beautifully written, the winter-gripped planet of Herse coming to life in a beautiful, often brutal way. His characters are fully realised, drawing us into their struggles as they seek to make sense of an existence suddenly upended. Bale builds his world convincingly, with the future technologies believable and without gimmicks, though it is perhaps his naturalistic descriptions of the forests and mountains of Herse where he is at his most atmospheric and best. There is a sense of wonder here, of looking up at the night sky and seeing beyond the stars.
An excellent debut novel - I look forward to more in this series.
Anyone familiar with Joss Whedon's brilliant 'Firefly' will recognise several of the elements at play here - the freighter pilot with a penchant for illicit cargo and his own skewed moral compass, an ageing freighter that is a character in itself, a Preacher figure with a less than devout past, outer planets with local leaders a law unto themselves. Far from being derivative though, Bale weaves these elements into his own rich world and delivers a fast paced story set against a much more grandiose mythology of his own devising, rooted in some of the problems we face today. The Beyond The Wall series promises to tell this story in full.
The Heretic is beautifully written, the winter-gripped planet of Herse coming to life in a beautiful, often brutal way. His characters are fully realised, drawing us into their struggles as they seek to make sense of an existence suddenly upended. Bale builds his world convincingly, with the future technologies believable and without gimmicks, though it is perhaps his naturalistic descriptions of the forests and mountains of Herse where he is at his most atmospheric and best. There is a sense of wonder here, of looking up at the night sky and seeing beyond the stars.
An excellent debut novel - I look forward to more in this series.
April 1, 2015
Global warming destroys Earth and nearly all its inhabitants. The rich, backed by actual intelligence, forge a new path and take to the stars; using wormholes and Terra-forming to create new habitats for humanity. Although the numbers are a fraction of what once was, the Corporation evolved into the Consulate Magistratus, which is a reigning religious/politico force that eradicates anyone who dares question its authority.
Although the opening scene almost feels Medieval, we are quickly introduced to a Captain/Smuggler on a space freighter. Shepherd is on a simple run, but quickly becomes mixed up in the aftermath of a small village's destruction, a Heretic's ideals, and the brute power of the Magistratus.
A couple main themes are at play: Religious oppression kicks the can the loudest. Being governed by the technologically advanced that control travel, resources, thinking, and own the biggest guns, the rest of humanity must bow. Those closest to the riches are content to blindly follow as their needs are met. However, as one moves away toward the fringe, oppression is slightly diminished and allows for the potential of individual thought.
Freedom is the concurrent theme. Freedom to seek information outside of status-quo, to travel and seek new lands. There are a number of similarities between this story and Firefly:
Consulate Magistratus = Alliance
Core = Core
Wall = Fringe
Shepherd = Mal
Preacher = Shepherd
There is no Jayne equivalent, yet.
Overall, I tip my hat to Bale. As The Heretic is his debut novel, I found the story fun and the editing quite good. There are a couple typos, but I find that in the majority of 'main stream' fiction, too.
Although the opening scene almost feels Medieval, we are quickly introduced to a Captain/Smuggler on a space freighter. Shepherd is on a simple run, but quickly becomes mixed up in the aftermath of a small village's destruction, a Heretic's ideals, and the brute power of the Magistratus.
A couple main themes are at play: Religious oppression kicks the can the loudest. Being governed by the technologically advanced that control travel, resources, thinking, and own the biggest guns, the rest of humanity must bow. Those closest to the riches are content to blindly follow as their needs are met. However, as one moves away toward the fringe, oppression is slightly diminished and allows for the potential of individual thought.
Freedom is the concurrent theme. Freedom to seek information outside of status-quo, to travel and seek new lands. There are a number of similarities between this story and Firefly:
Consulate Magistratus = Alliance
Core = Core
Wall = Fringe
Shepherd = Mal
Preacher = Shepherd
There is no Jayne equivalent, yet.
Overall, I tip my hat to Bale. As The Heretic is his debut novel, I found the story fun and the editing quite good. There are a couple typos, but I find that in the majority of 'main stream' fiction, too.
July 21, 2014
The genre of science fiction has been moving away from vampires and werewolves and the supernatural toward dystopian universes. In his debut novel, Lucas Bale tackles this popular topic in a way that is (almost) uniquely his. If you've ever seen the hit show Firefly and have read this book, you know what I'm talking about.
Much of the inspiration from this book seems to draw from the show, and it gets hard to separate the two at points. The character of Shepherd comes off too much like Capt. Malcolm Reynolds, but because he's such likable character, you kind of just go with it.
There were definitely other elements that could be traced back to the show, but they were few and far between, and not something I dwelled upon.
The novel actually opens up with an introduction to Jordi, who I presumed at the time to be the main character, and what he is going through until the two plot points meet up near the end of the story. As a 14 year old boy, he has the characteristics and personality of someone younger and older than his age would suggest. I remember reading a line that said--and I'm paraphrasing here--that there was a "stirring in a place he didn't fully understand" when looking at the neighbor's wife. I don't know about you, but all the teenaged boys I know are fully aware of what that is by at least 12 years old. But then, a few chapters later, he's going up against men with guns like he does it all the time.
To read the rest of my review, head over to http://lifesunfilteredramblings.wordp....
Much of the inspiration from this book seems to draw from the show, and it gets hard to separate the two at points. The character of Shepherd comes off too much like Capt. Malcolm Reynolds, but because he's such likable character, you kind of just go with it.
There were definitely other elements that could be traced back to the show, but they were few and far between, and not something I dwelled upon.
The novel actually opens up with an introduction to Jordi, who I presumed at the time to be the main character, and what he is going through until the two plot points meet up near the end of the story. As a 14 year old boy, he has the characteristics and personality of someone younger and older than his age would suggest. I remember reading a line that said--and I'm paraphrasing here--that there was a "stirring in a place he didn't fully understand" when looking at the neighbor's wife. I don't know about you, but all the teenaged boys I know are fully aware of what that is by at least 12 years old. But then, a few chapters later, he's going up against men with guns like he does it all the time.
To read the rest of my review, head over to http://lifesunfilteredramblings.wordp....
March 3, 2015
This book was such a spellbinding age turner that it took me a little under two hours to read it because I simply couldn’t put it down!
It’s been several centuries since humanity has abandoned earth and has stretched out into space and begun colonizing many habitable or barely habitable planets thousands of miles away, some leading lives where they are barely surviving. The government of the time is a form of Corporation called the Consulate Magistratus, to whom the citizens must give up all human rights. The Magistratus controls interstellar travel, technology, the conception of children, and even religion; every citizen is lo-jacked, and monitored at all times.
In this atmosphere of oppression, two people, one by and one man are thrown together in a bid to free themselves and others from the control of the Magistratus. The man, Raine Shepherd is a freighter pilot given to a little bit of smuggling to make a living.
The boy, Jordi, is only fourteen when his family is forced to flee their village when they are reported to the Magistratus as heretics. The loss of his brother, Ishmael, leaves Jordi with a deep need for revenge. Together with Shepherd, they plan an escape from the planet of Herse with his parents and a man known as the Preacher to search for a way to stop the oppression.
Science fiction is not always appealing to me – I enjoy certain authors – but as a genre, it’s not always my first choice in reading. This book was well worth the read, and I will definitely be purchasing its sequel, Defiance, in the very near future.
It’s been several centuries since humanity has abandoned earth and has stretched out into space and begun colonizing many habitable or barely habitable planets thousands of miles away, some leading lives where they are barely surviving. The government of the time is a form of Corporation called the Consulate Magistratus, to whom the citizens must give up all human rights. The Magistratus controls interstellar travel, technology, the conception of children, and even religion; every citizen is lo-jacked, and monitored at all times.
In this atmosphere of oppression, two people, one by and one man are thrown together in a bid to free themselves and others from the control of the Magistratus. The man, Raine Shepherd is a freighter pilot given to a little bit of smuggling to make a living.
The boy, Jordi, is only fourteen when his family is forced to flee their village when they are reported to the Magistratus as heretics. The loss of his brother, Ishmael, leaves Jordi with a deep need for revenge. Together with Shepherd, they plan an escape from the planet of Herse with his parents and a man known as the Preacher to search for a way to stop the oppression.
Science fiction is not always appealing to me – I enjoy certain authors – but as a genre, it’s not always my first choice in reading. This book was well worth the read, and I will definitely be purchasing its sequel, Defiance, in the very near future.
April 13, 2015
The Heretic, by Lucas Bale, is a tremendous beginning to a new series. Very good pacing and action throughout this science fiction novel of the Beyond the Wall series. I really enjoyed getting to know the two central characters, Preacher and Shepherd. I was pretty unwilling to pick this up as it seemed to be another in the long line of post-apocalyptic stories. But the characters and story drew me in. Even the plucky ship they rely on is almost human and has you rooting for her survival.
Shepherd is similar to Han Solo from Star Wars as he is a unlikely hero that is not with the separatists led by Preacher. He resists helping them but is drawn in so he can save his ship. The Preacher leads a small band of families that are the only ones to escape the massacre of their town by The Magistratus (a.k.a the evil empire). I look forward to finding out more about these villains in Mr. Bales' second in the series, Defiance. I'm starting it right now and subscribed to Lucas's mailing list. Thanks for a great read, Lucas!
Shepherd is similar to Han Solo from Star Wars as he is a unlikely hero that is not with the separatists led by Preacher. He resists helping them but is drawn in so he can save his ship. The Preacher leads a small band of families that are the only ones to escape the massacre of their town by The Magistratus (a.k.a the evil empire). I look forward to finding out more about these villains in Mr. Bales' second in the series, Defiance. I'm starting it right now and subscribed to Lucas's mailing list. Thanks for a great read, Lucas!
March 24, 2015
I am a long-time fan of science fiction and this story drew me in like nothing I've read in a long time. Excellent story-telling with perfect pacing hooked me quickly and didn't falter or stumble throughout. The characters added another layer to the story and drew me in completely. Mr. Bale chose to focus on only a few characters and developed them with a masterful touch. He revealed important parts of their background without any info-dumping, while maintaining enough mystery to leave me wanting more. I think the world-building is intriguing, clever, and original. I am a Firefly fan and I can certainly see a similarity to that series, but this book is much, much more than simple fanfic.
I bought the second book as soon as I finished the first, which is something else that hasn't happened in a long time. I can't wait to read it!
I bought the second book as soon as I finished the first, which is something else that hasn't happened in a long time. I can't wait to read it!
August 6, 2014
This fine novel pulls you in from the well picked Milton quote onwards. Bale writes evocatively, with characters that are sympathetic and a plot that twists and turns as skillfully as the starship Soteria. There is a well developed world view here, with an attention to detail that stretches from credible theology to respect for physics, even to the extent of an FTL method which has recognisable antecedents but is still fresh and interesting. Fans of Firefly and Iain M Banks will certainly find much to enjoy here. There are even rather line drawings of the Soteria at the rear of the book.
It ends as a good book should, leaving you wanting more(even the acknowledgements are more fun to read than the average)....let's hope the sequel is on its way soon!
June 30, 2014
This book was one of the best I have read recently. It was well written, exciting, and intelligent. I loved the nods to other great sci-fi works like Firefly and probably FarScape.
The premise it starts with isn't particularly unique -- Earth's children are among the stars, struggling to survive and oppressed. Yet the story is different and the characters take it to a new place that is interesting and kept me reading. I will definitely look for the remainder of the series as I want to know what happens.
I highly recommend it for science fiction fans.
The premise it starts with isn't particularly unique -- Earth's children are among the stars, struggling to survive and oppressed. Yet the story is different and the characters take it to a new place that is interesting and kept me reading. I will definitely look for the remainder of the series as I want to know what happens.
I highly recommend it for science fiction fans.
July 17, 2014
What a great book! It reminded me of Firefly in the best possible way (and actually, at the end of the book, Bale mentions that he was inspired by Whedon's show).
The immersive descriptions immediately pulled me into Shepherd and Jordi's worlds. Plus, the descriptions of the spaceship chase scenes are FANTASTIC. Seriously, Soteria (Shepherd's ship) was my favorite character!
I hope the next one is out soon!
The immersive descriptions immediately pulled me into Shepherd and Jordi's worlds. Plus, the descriptions of the spaceship chase scenes are FANTASTIC. Seriously, Soteria (Shepherd's ship) was my favorite character!
I hope the next one is out soon!
September 2, 2017
Heretic
Author: Lucas Bale
Publisher: lucasabale.com
Date: 2014
Pgs: 183
Disposition: eBook
_________________________________________________
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Men with guns attack a small village. A young boy sees the attack begin and wakes his family. Few of the villagers escape into the snow and ice covered forest. In the quiet of a dead of night winter forest, the frightened villagers await the preacher who told them their way of life was a lie. He and his followers were the ones the armed men came for. A tramp freighter and her captain fall from the sky to deliver contraband medical supplies on a border world. He’s walked into something beyond his ken. A persecuted people, authorities wanting to seize his ship, there wasn’t much of a choice who he was going to side with.
A revolution is coming.
_________________________________________________
Genre:
Kindle
Mystery, thriller, suspense
Thriller
Technothrillers
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Science Fiction
Hard Science Fiction
Galactic Empire
_________________________________________________
Favorite Character:
Jordi and Shepherd are very well formed characters.
Least Favorite Character:
Cardboard cutouts.
The Feel:
I get into the flow and feel and start to enjoy. Then, a cliche smacks me in the face. I’m not saying that cliches don’t have their place. But when a cliche stops down your action or a great scene, it steps all over the narrative in a way that drags the enjoyment out of the story.
Reads like converted Firefly fan fic, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but you’ve got to step on the gas to give it some extra bite, instead of counting on the drama to carry it forward.
Can feel the cliff’s edge racing toward us as I cross the 75% line. Needed more fire and brimstone if this was going to leave the reader dangling off of a cliffhanger.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
There are some great scenes here that are sandwiched by cliches, flooded by.
Jordi’s escape from his scavenging trip into the village with Vaarden and his dog on his trail, through the snowy wilderness.
When Ishmael meets Shepherd at the spaceport is a great scene, but it plays out predictably afterward. When Jordi finds Ishmael in the town square after hearing that he had been caught, and the fire is stolen from the scene by having the refrigerator-splaining scene, ie: your brother got refrigerated and you want to make it mean something.
When the ship Soteria awakens under fire and on the run, bringing long dormant and unknown to her pilot systems online in their hour of need. The run for your life scene in the climax is well done.
Pacing:
Could have stepped on the gas a bit.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Shepherd as the character is presented should have tumbled to the idea that something wasn’t right on Herse Township sooner than he did.
Hmm Moments:
Can you call it hard science fiction when you are using wormholes, warp points, tunnels through subspace, whatever you want to call them? Or does that cross the line?
The things inside the colonists remind me of the Pax cruciforms from The Hyperion Cantos. Nice. Though as I get deeper into the story, I wonder if they are some type of cyborg leash that the Magistratus keeps on his people, rather than an organic like the ones the Pax used.
“Call me, Ishmael.” Okay, I laughed.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
Ishmael disappears from the narrative and ends up in that square with Jordi. Seems like the Ishmael scenes might have had more action than the ones we are shown. Including having him capture at the spaceport offscreen because we’re in Shepherd’s head when he gets drugged and kidnapped.
When Shepherd has his low oxygen flashback to his dad after we earlier were given a different take on that experience when he was having a reverie...I liked it better the first way. Gives it a tacked on feeling when it’s done like this.
Jordi’s showdown with Vaarden was telegraphed. High drama was felled by cliche.
Shepherd flies Soteria into the cloud banks over the mountains to hide from the gunships on his tail. And spends a paragraph describing the obsidian peeks and starlight above while in the cloud bank hiding.
Missed Opportunity:
The Magistrate, and the Consul are faceless and wispy figures only represented through the person of Vaarden and the wispy presence of the Guard.
The suggestion that some of the Guard aren’t human, but that’s as far as it goes. And then, they appear human, despite the inhumanity of the one Shepherd unmasked.
And the question of the Guard needing breathing apparatus inside atmosphere that they aren’t using for oxygen.
_________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
A hard editing and a rewrite away, maybe. The climax is great, but the anti-climax robs it of something. The unnamed guys the Preacher introduces in the last scene steal the thunder. Should have ended with the crew sitting around the fire looking up at the stars. Was sort of a hard jump cut putting them on the ground after the leap into the warp tunnel.
Author Assessment:
Case by case basis.
Editorial Assessment:
There’s a pretty good story here, hiding. Could have been dug out with liberal use of an editor’s pen.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
Meh!
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Author: Lucas Bale
Publisher: lucasabale.com
Date: 2014
Pgs: 183
Disposition: eBook
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REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Men with guns attack a small village. A young boy sees the attack begin and wakes his family. Few of the villagers escape into the snow and ice covered forest. In the quiet of a dead of night winter forest, the frightened villagers await the preacher who told them their way of life was a lie. He and his followers were the ones the armed men came for. A tramp freighter and her captain fall from the sky to deliver contraband medical supplies on a border world. He’s walked into something beyond his ken. A persecuted people, authorities wanting to seize his ship, there wasn’t much of a choice who he was going to side with.
A revolution is coming.
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Genre:
Kindle
Mystery, thriller, suspense
Thriller
Technothrillers
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Science Fiction
Hard Science Fiction
Galactic Empire
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Favorite Character:
Jordi and Shepherd are very well formed characters.
Least Favorite Character:
Cardboard cutouts.
The Feel:
I get into the flow and feel and start to enjoy. Then, a cliche smacks me in the face. I’m not saying that cliches don’t have their place. But when a cliche stops down your action or a great scene, it steps all over the narrative in a way that drags the enjoyment out of the story.
Reads like converted Firefly fan fic, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but you’ve got to step on the gas to give it some extra bite, instead of counting on the drama to carry it forward.
Can feel the cliff’s edge racing toward us as I cross the 75% line. Needed more fire and brimstone if this was going to leave the reader dangling off of a cliffhanger.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
There are some great scenes here that are sandwiched by cliches, flooded by.
Jordi’s escape from his scavenging trip into the village with Vaarden and his dog on his trail, through the snowy wilderness.
When Ishmael meets Shepherd at the spaceport is a great scene, but it plays out predictably afterward. When Jordi finds Ishmael in the town square after hearing that he had been caught, and the fire is stolen from the scene by having the refrigerator-splaining scene, ie: your brother got refrigerated and you want to make it mean something.
When the ship Soteria awakens under fire and on the run, bringing long dormant and unknown to her pilot systems online in their hour of need. The run for your life scene in the climax is well done.
Pacing:
Could have stepped on the gas a bit.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Shepherd as the character is presented should have tumbled to the idea that something wasn’t right on Herse Township sooner than he did.
Hmm Moments:
Can you call it hard science fiction when you are using wormholes, warp points, tunnels through subspace, whatever you want to call them? Or does that cross the line?
The things inside the colonists remind me of the Pax cruciforms from The Hyperion Cantos. Nice. Though as I get deeper into the story, I wonder if they are some type of cyborg leash that the Magistratus keeps on his people, rather than an organic like the ones the Pax used.
“Call me, Ishmael.” Okay, I laughed.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
Ishmael disappears from the narrative and ends up in that square with Jordi. Seems like the Ishmael scenes might have had more action than the ones we are shown. Including having him capture at the spaceport offscreen because we’re in Shepherd’s head when he gets drugged and kidnapped.
When Shepherd has his low oxygen flashback to his dad after we earlier were given a different take on that experience when he was having a reverie...I liked it better the first way. Gives it a tacked on feeling when it’s done like this.
Jordi’s showdown with Vaarden was telegraphed. High drama was felled by cliche.
Shepherd flies Soteria into the cloud banks over the mountains to hide from the gunships on his tail. And spends a paragraph describing the obsidian peeks and starlight above while in the cloud bank hiding.
Missed Opportunity:
The Magistrate, and the Consul are faceless and wispy figures only represented through the person of Vaarden and the wispy presence of the Guard.
The suggestion that some of the Guard aren’t human, but that’s as far as it goes. And then, they appear human, despite the inhumanity of the one Shepherd unmasked.
And the question of the Guard needing breathing apparatus inside atmosphere that they aren’t using for oxygen.
_________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
A hard editing and a rewrite away, maybe. The climax is great, but the anti-climax robs it of something. The unnamed guys the Preacher introduces in the last scene steal the thunder. Should have ended with the crew sitting around the fire looking up at the stars. Was sort of a hard jump cut putting them on the ground after the leap into the warp tunnel.
Author Assessment:
Case by case basis.
Editorial Assessment:
There’s a pretty good story here, hiding. Could have been dug out with liberal use of an editor’s pen.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
Meh!
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March 12, 2015
Thrill ride
A 5 star story. Starts out slow and turns into a page Turner. Can't wait to read the next book. Mr. Bale certainly knows how to catch your attention from the first word to the cliffhanger ending.
A 5 star story. Starts out slow and turns into a page Turner. Can't wait to read the next book. Mr. Bale certainly knows how to catch your attention from the first word to the cliffhanger ending.
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