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The State
Embrace! Respect! Submit! The State is the last and only symbol of control in the not-so-distant future. Fear is the only existence most know. Servitude is the brand upon all. The Resistance is the last, and only semblance of hope; of freedom. Journey with the struggles of the protagonist, Agent 216, as he makes the tumultuous transition from top Agent of the State to the eventual leader of the Resistance.
It is a journey hard-fought, wrought with love and hate, death and life, violence and compassion, loss and gain. Yet, with determination and purpose he, as all within the Resistance, continues to fight for the one thing essential to existence - freedom. Will the Resistance prevail? Or will the State?
It is a journey hard-fought, wrought with love and hate, death and life, violence and compassion, loss and gain. Yet, with determination and purpose he, as all within the Resistance, continues to fight for the one thing essential to existence - freedom. Will the Resistance prevail? Or will the State?
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Published December 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 2, 2019
Disquieting. Suffocating. Distressing. In this novel by Sean K. Vlk the State controls everyone and everything. Citizens are only supposed to serve and obey. Agent 216 was raised by the State and owes everything he has to the State. But what is that if not utter emptiness? Are a lavish apartment and plenty of food to eat, when most of the population lives on rations, enough to escape from the solitude everyone lives in? He has no doubts about that until the Resistance kidnaps him. The struggle during his days as a captive is strong, but in the end, the resistance gives Agent 216 what the State always denied him: love, compassion, companionship, a sense of community and belonging. And no one could refuse such an offer, given for free and without pretending anything in return. In time, Agent 216 becomes an individual instead of being an appendage of the State and the Resistance grows with him and under his guidance. And that’s when things get interesting.
Is it going to end well? I asked myself. I had to read to the end of this explosive story to find out. And I wasn’t disappointed. Agent 216 reminds me of Winston Smith, and I’m sure the author was influenced by 1984 when writing this wonderful dystopian novel. And in some aspects, it’s even better than 1984. Here, the MC doesn’t even have the luxury of a name. He’s just a number but it doesn’t bother him like it doesn’t bother any of his colleagues. They don’t know any better. Individuality is annihilated and ostracised in all possible manners and violence is just a means to an end. This is not an easy reading and even if I liked it as much as I liked Orwell’s masterpiece, I had to take it in little doses. Definitely not an easy reading and certainly not for the fainthearted. Mr Vlk’s characters seem real, even too much real sometimes, but they’re always flashed out beautifully. The State is an addition to the good dystopian novels I read this year.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
Is it going to end well? I asked myself. I had to read to the end of this explosive story to find out. And I wasn’t disappointed. Agent 216 reminds me of Winston Smith, and I’m sure the author was influenced by 1984 when writing this wonderful dystopian novel. And in some aspects, it’s even better than 1984. Here, the MC doesn’t even have the luxury of a name. He’s just a number but it doesn’t bother him like it doesn’t bother any of his colleagues. They don’t know any better. Individuality is annihilated and ostracised in all possible manners and violence is just a means to an end. This is not an easy reading and even if I liked it as much as I liked Orwell’s masterpiece, I had to take it in little doses. Definitely not an easy reading and certainly not for the fainthearted. Mr Vlk’s characters seem real, even too much real sometimes, but they’re always flashed out beautifully. The State is an addition to the good dystopian novels I read this year.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
September 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It felt like it was a mix between the kinsman and hitman agent 47. This story was outside of what I normally read but I was drawn in from the start all the way to the gripping end! If you want something new to read than this is a must for anyone!
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September 4, 2019This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I've already finished and started again! This author is hands down one of the best writers I've ever come across. The State will keep you entertained and wanting more with every page you read!
October 21, 2019
What an awesome read. A tale of love and friendship, good versus evil, freedom and redemption. A tale where you cheer for the character you want to hate. A real page turner with lots of action. Couldn't wait to get to the end and then wanted more when I finished it. A must read!!!!
November 12, 2019
From the first page to the last I couldn't put it down! What great writing for his first novel! And why is it not showing up under best new books??? I should be right up there wit the rest of them! I
certainly give this book a thumbs up!!
certainly give this book a thumbs up!!
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September 9, 2019Riveting
Excellent for a first novel. Love the plot twists. Battle chapters got a little long and repetitive. Waiting for sequel
Excellent for a first novel. Love the plot twists. Battle chapters got a little long and repetitive. Waiting for sequel
October 22, 2019
Truly a good read! Keeps you interested and intrigued the whole way through. If you havent checked out this book, then you definitely should!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews