Sectors

by Harule Stokes, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Joseph Marshall, ordered to partner with a potential madman in the most dangerous concentration camp on earth, decides to place his life in the hands of a beautiful prisoner.

With a Fallen partner and a murder he must solve, this super soldier has his hands full. The last this he needs to the fall in love... with the enemy.

If you enjoy thought provoking sci-fi with action and heart, look no further!

Genres: Science Fiction

Audible Audio

First published July 22, 2013

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

G.K.Chesterton, one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, has said, "The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." And that's what Joseph Marshall in Sectors was trying to do. Sectors by Harule Stokes is about a tale that will teach us how to be mature and know who we are and what we really want. A whole new world is created by the author, who keeps the readers more engaged to know about this strange world, where danger lurks at every corner. If you've read Performance Anomalies by Victor Robert Lee, then Joseph will remind you more of Cono, a super-human being!

A huge thanks to the author, Harule Stokes, for sending me over a copy of her book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

The author has created a military run society, where people are categorized according to their intelligence and physical factors. A young NextGen to the Fallen, Joseph is all about to graduate from the Academy, although he is ranked 8 out of 10 in that Academy, still he is assigned, by Commander Jacob, a Fallen, to figure out whether David Santos, another Fallen, in Westwood in Sector 9 (worst sector!),has switched sides or not. Sector stands for Concentration camps, where these Keynosian along with those super-power Fallen, live. After the war ended, these Keynosian are sent to live in those camps and once again Keynosians are on the verge of war with the Northern Alliance, because, the Northern Alliance people thinks that these Keynosians are need to be controlled, so they are facing the threats of being collared (drugged, to control their power!). We see why Joseph takes up this assignment and explains the reason to his mother. And the action begins henceforth. Joseph had quite a few friends, some were supportive of him and some had an agenda of their own.

The author has so vividly represented this world to us. Well, no doubt, it’s a very long book, but this book is surely going to keep you engrossed from the very beginning, since the author has included a lot of dialogues among his character and as a result you never feel bore eve for a single moment. These characters are very well-developed and including so many threatening events are bound to keep you hooked to this book. The author has a natural flair of story-telling. His imagination power seems very grand and kudos to him, for leading us into his imaginative world which is so lively and distinct. Even this book addresses all the social stigmas persisting in a modern-day society like caste systems, drugs, slavery and mistreatment, hence making this imaginative world more believable. Adding to that stormy and delirious climax makes the book more fascinating and thrilling!

Read this and get bowled over by this imaginative world of the author's and see that how he has tried to blend those modern-day stigmas, into his world!

[Harule Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sectors was a joy to write! Taking me about 2 years from inception to production, this novel came together bit by bit during my lunch hour and commute to and from work. Lots of eating in a rush and heartburn was the cost of making this story a reality.

The most interesting experience of writing this novel was the emotions I experienced while transferring my thoughts to the screen. Some days, I found myself fighting off tears. Other days, I laughed out loud, then realized I looked like a nutcase. Best of all, there were moments of catharsis, cleansing releases were I found myself expressing the dreams of who strive to and the sorrow of seeing the parts of myself I do not like.
Sectors is really about becoming an adult and taking responsibility for who you are and choosing who you'll become. Regardless of your environment, it is the person that must ultimately decide their own path. So choose.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sectors: Harule Stokes

Joseph Marshall is about to graduate from the Academy he has attended and will be deployed to a specific Sector or area for the remainder of his enlistment. Hearing his voice from the start of this novel and the conversation between Joseph and his mom, the tension mounts from the start, her concerns for his future revealed and their differences expressed. From the start we learn that the world created in this book is quite unique as author Harule Stokes allows readers into the world of the Keynosians and the rift between them and the Northern Alliance. Conflicts come about, characters become embroiled in the conflicts and the struggle for each one to find his/her own way and identity begins.


Caste systems are not new to many cultures and countries. Within the structure of the world created by the author find a military state run society where people are classified according to their intelligence levels and physical attributes. Intermingling with other members of other levels is frowned upon and job assignments after graduating from the Academy are given out accordingly. Where parties are fun but the drug level runs high allowing some to have access to certain drugs while others more potent we learn from the start that this society is run by the military with strict rules, regulations and whose purpose is to avoid war. Imagine what happens when Joseph Marshall is given his assignment and slated in a higher level, being sent to Westwood and under the radar of his Commander. Peace is essential and saving the world from war their goal but just what is his role and what about his feelings with being paired with a Fallen? A world that may appear quite opposite to ours yet when you dissect it and look closer you decide where the differences are. Meeting his Commander and hearing his true mission alerts readers to the background behind the society. The Commander gave his life for the Sacrifice and was granted Eternal Life. Although he fought in the Great War over 70 years before we meet Joseph, he does not age. The mission he is requested to investigate his new partner assigned to him in the Investigation and Control division in Westland the Sector he is assigned to. Just what part if any did he have in a recent murder?

Next we meet Joseph and his mother as they interact before leaving for the Sectors, their discussion on the way and the fear within her heart about his safety we learn more about his feelings about why he took on this assignment, her trepidations and her hopes for him to survive. As you meet the many recruits and you hear the discussion you learn more about why they collar and sedate the Keynosians, the meaning of their collar, the reasons why they are considered subhuman and the indignities they face just trying to survive. Hoping to change things and wanting to just complete his assignment something happens when he and the others tour the facility as one Keynosian refuses to submit to the drugs, the shots and the collar forcing so many to put their lives on the line and Joseph proving his metal or worth. Meeting Isaiah, David, Jennifer his girlfriend and Zek his best friend you begin to understand the different perspectives each has on these people, or Southies as they refer to them, the hate they feel for their fellow humans and the sadness that Joseph feels when he winds up killing one.

Dealing with the intake officer who cannot handle the razz, the questions and the harassment of the recruits the reinforcements arrive, sides are drawn, Joseph picks his and then we meet Ethel. Ethel is smart, strong, Level 10 and is taken with Joseph and is impressed with his ability to handle a dangerous situation even before getting to the Sectors. Jealousies arise as Jennifer dislikes Ethel’s attention to Joseph, arguments ensue and they separate as he is about to learn more about what he has to do, deal with the injuries from killing this man and hopefully survive the rest.

In a world where class, caste and discrimination reign we learn more about why these people are being subdued. Could it be because they are smart and could overturn what these people have created? Why can’t they contribute? What makes them so violent? Added in Zek has a plan or scheme to steal the plants placed on the grave of a dead Keynosian for profit. Earthbound is what it is called and from what we hear as we listen to the conversation if found, if picked in the right quantity it is worth quite a bit.

Enter the Sector and meet his superior David but first we meet Reynold a Keynosian working with David. Getting to know him we learn that he is collared but the drug does not seem to subdue him like others, we learn more about the Keynosian’s why some think they are dangerous and finally hear the voice of David. David and Joseph face off you might say, a rocky start, David’s awareness of why he has been sent there, the files that will help him uncover who murdered or killed Carl and the fingers that he hopes won’t point to David. Each step of the way we realize that oppressing these people seems to be the only way to protect the Northern Alliance yet David has his own methods that have yet to be revealed.

Truths lie hidden, different versions about these people are revealed and Joseph remembers what his mother related to him and what he learns from Reynold. Just why did things happen? Were these people “ commanded to work for goods they could provide for themselves?” Did their bosses burn their means of producing their food and force them to rely on the North? Did they sabotage the factories because they were not paid more and did not want to work for what they got? Just what is the truth? Added in we learn when meeting David about the King Sword, his symbol or respect and we hear Reynold’s take on it all.

Wars, abuse, drugs, slavery, mistreatment, oppression and classifying people according to their intelligence, physical strength and much more making this society one that allows only the best to interact, socialize and the rest left to do the menial jobs. Is getting lot of money going to help Joe’s family survive yet taking away his integrity? What about finding out the truth about the murder? What about the scheme that his friend has cooked up?

Enter each sector is vividly described by the author allowing readers to create a mental image of the greenery, the landscape, the people, the buildings, the plants and the smells. Making this mental image of each sector and each scene and you decide what kind of a world the author has created.

Each time David and Joseph discuss his mission and meet some of the others in the Sectors things happen. Breakfast with Reynold at his home is enlightening. Next we meet Satpal and her grandmother. She is an unempowered who appears distant and cold. But, something happens, an explosion occurs and once again Joseph is put to the test to see how fast he can handle serious situations. You make your own decisions and you make your own way says his mother, so does Reynold and so he begins to understand as he tries to find his own way, his own place in world filled with hate, filled with revenge and where vigilante justice and the rule of the people decides the fate of an individual. David murders a man in cold blood at the behest of the crowd “when his crimes are too serious to ignore” says, Satpal. Joseph’s reaction is remarkable and the end result might surprise you. Getting to know Satpal, dealing with dangerous situations, being reminded by his mother that he chooses his path and direction, Joseph begins to grow as a person, as a man and in his position. But, questions remain unanswered as he and Satpal recreate the murder scene find evidence of guilt in the photos and then have to decide on who is guilty. But, things get out of hand and Joseph is injured and his healing powers come into question, his friendship with David tested and his loyalties questioned. Meeting Satpal’s family and hearing the many voices of his new friends we begin to wonder about his heritage. Identifying those that are dead by their mark of an empowered, which enhances their body. The mark is what is killing the Fallen or consuming them. The reasons and the graphic explanation you can read at the bottom of page 287. However, the Keynosians feel that no one really dies and that what they claim about the mark is false. Dealing with her family and meeting her father he enters a whole new world learns about the Gathering, experiences it and then we learn more about Satpal as Joseph tries to take things one step further and her response lets you know that differences in races and people will not allow it and lines cannot be crossed.

Harsh realizations about those he trusts come to light and Joseph is faced with making a moral decision that will change the complexion of his life, his relationship with David, Satpal and Reynold when a hidden truth about each one of them is revealed. Faced with the death of a close friend how will he proceed to find those responsible? Who can he trust? Who is hiding in plain sight waiting to take him down? Not wanting to kill a young teen might have cost him a lot. His feelings about murder and treating people as human’s conflicts with those he works for and met. What will the end result be and will he complete his mission?

Deceptions run high as we close in on the truth behind what David and others were really enlisted to do as many lives are lost, trusts are betrayed and Joseph learns a harsh reality about himself as one friend is gone and his life rejoiced. Just where will the final road take him remains to be seen? You are the one that decides your destiny he has been told so many times. The ways of the Keynosian people are no longer foreign to him. An explosive ending that will make everyone stop and think about the way we treat people, how we interact with other races and why we cannot get along without wars, fighting for control and hurting others that are weaker than we are. The seeds of mother Earth where will they wind up? What does the future hold for Joseph? What’s next? Author Harule Stokes created a world that just might not be so farfetched in the future. The issues brought to light are many and the impact of this book is strong. A definite must read!
Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Aimeekay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Sectors for multiple reasons. There were a few things I didn’t like, but overall the book is solid and was a great read.

Let’s start with the world Stokes has created. I loved the rich detailing he gives. I could almost smell the flowers as he was describing them. I could see the beautiful way their homes are integrated with the nature that surrounds them. I think there could have been a bit more description put into the northern areas. But over all I could picture the land and the people easily.
As for the characters I really enjoyed them. Following Joseph on his path to figure out who he is was very interesting. Not that he doesn’t know WHO he is, but to finding out what type of person he is. Since it is told directly from his point of view, the reader really gets a feel for his emotions, fears, etc., that cause him to make the decisions that he does. Also I loved the female characters. Satpal, her grandmother, and Joseph’s mom, to name a view are strong and independent. Even Jennifer, who grated on my nerves, was strong in her own way. I really got attached to some of the other supporting characters as well. Not to spoil too much, but when Reynold has his rejoining I almost cried!

The story itself is well written as well. There is a huge racism factor between the north and the south that Stokes doesn’t shy away from. He brings it out and shows it exactly for what it is. He also shows how it came about. Along with this there are a lot of really deep soul searching moments as Joseph realizes he isn’t quite the person he thought he was. While there are some great obvious lessons that could be applied outside the novel, it doesn’t feel overbearing or preachy.
I only have two main issues with the book. One is minor. It’s that since the book is told through first person present tense pov there are obvious parts that are Josephs direct thoughts. But they are differentiated in the text in anyway. So it would just throw me once in a while when I was reading. Maybe if they had been put in italics?
The other issue is my main issue. It’s the ending. It’s not really a cliffie. I mean you know what Satpal and Joseph are going to do. But instead of following them to the end of their mission, the book just ends. I can assume that their plan succeeds, but I don’t know that for a fact.

Overall I enjoyed the book. Stokes descriptive writing style really pulled me in. I became enthralled with the land as well as the characters. I could easily recommend this one to both my male and female readers. There’s no graphic sex, but the violence tends to the extreme so I don’t know if I’d recommend it to any younger teens. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. It was a good read, but again I was disappointed with not having a more concrete ending.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you imagine living in a world today that consists of concentration camps? Some have already seen this world and wouldn't want to go through it again. Stokes has created a world readers can sink their teeth into. This new world has camps, or Sectors, that detain a people known as Keynosians; people who live in trees, go barefoot, eat plants for their juice and have a fungal mark that somehow gives them powerful strength. The problem is the Northern Alliance, a military infrastructure, thinks the Keynosians are savages and want to civilize them by putting Peacekeeper collars on them that drug them to keep them under control. Not all Keynosians are keen to this way of life and have put together their own resistance.

Joseph Marshall, as well as others, is a NextGen. He inherited the gene from his parents. This gene makes him massive in size, keen with all five sense, and basically unstoppable for the most part. He has joined the military academy against his mothers better judgment and is ranked an 8 out of 10 but has extraordinary intelligence. He has been trained to patrol the borders in the Sectors. For him this is the best way to provide a better life for himself, his brother and mother. He can make more money than if he were a garbage collector or security guard. At his level he would more likely be sent to a Sector with minimal need. Unfortunately for Joe that is not what happened. After graduation he is summoned to see Commander Jacob, a Fallen or father of the NextGen, who assigns him to Westwood in Sector 9 the worst sector ever. His job will be to use his strength and intelligence to monitor and uncover whether or not David Santos, another Fallen, has switched sides. Joseph must find out why David committed a murder and if he had any help from renegade Keynosians. This is an unusual assignment for an 8 but Joseph is up to the task.

Along with his new stresses, Joseph also has friends from the Academy and a few enemies too. His new girlfriend, Jennifer, is also vying for his attention. His best friend Zek is also wanting his help. A plant called Earthbound is grown from the dead bodies of Keynosians and holds the key to a popular drug which is in high demand and can only be found in Sector 9. Worth $3000 per plant, Zek has a plan to make money. But then, Zek always has an illegal plan and often gets Joseph entangled in his schemes. This could be trouble for Joseph since he will be reporting directly to Commander Jacob.

Joe has his first encounter with an empowered Keynosian who also becomes his first kill. These people have already changed him before he even gets to his assignment. Joseph begins to see why his mother participated in the Freedom For All (FAA) a group that tries to prevent the collaring of Keynosians. As Joseph makes his way through the politics, friendships and his investigation will he be able to make the right decisions? Will he be able to fight if necessary against one of the Fallen and survive? These are questions that will be answered as Josephs' story unfolds.

Stokes keeps readers engaged with a loads of dialogue which helps readers to better understand the characters and vivid scenery that brings life to this world and makes it believable. This interesting concept is a page turner that readers can relate to. The heart pounding fight scenes invite readers to share in the emotion. The storyline is well written although readers may find some adult language throughout the pages.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Sectors through a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

Overall I thought that Sectors was a fantastic book. For the most part, I really enjoyed the characters. While there were some that I didn't really care for, I found most enjoyable. I got quite attached to the characters as I read and considering I don't often get attached to characters when reading easily, that's saying something. They were entertaining, realistic and could be related to easily.

The world in the book that Stokes created was vivid, and beautiful. I felt like I was experiencing the vibrant areas within Westwood first hand as I read. I also really enjoyed the action scenes in the book. I found them exciting and intense. The story itself was well told and the plot was good. There was also a great deal of racism and prejudice in the book which works well to enhance the story and provide the reader with applications for real life as well. There were times when I stopped and thought about how some of the things in the book could have been applied to what has happened or what is currently happening in the world.

I really only have one complaint about the book and that would be the ending. While it was exciting I felt that the book should have continued through to the end of the task Joseph and Satpal were trying to accomplish rather than ending where it did. However, that did not stop me from giving Sectors a 5 star rating as I thought that apart from when the book ended, it was a phenomenal read and definitely deserved 5 stars. I highly recommend reading it.

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a read like none other for me. Ir is about so many different things. However at the core is a man's desire to save the world. No matter how messed up it is from future generations. Man will do anything to win a war. That is a well known fact from history. We have had Genocides, stealing of land and resources, terrorists and of course weapons of mass destruction. The author took a few of these things to make a killing machine. This has been done before in Terminator (man and machine), Total Recall, and others. However I can not remember when the empowered were involved with plantlife. I also thought a lot about being a sacrifice. Is that not what we ask of our soldiers? We ask them to sacrifice their families and often their lives. This was a really good book about needing to save everyone, when you have everything to live for. This was a little too long for me, and I would have liked it as maybe a trilogy. However it is the descriptions that made this book worth the read. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review through the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages and the author. However all opinions are my own.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit complicated for me.. as it dives into a world for which I don't read about but that's just me and in saying that though it was very well written.

Basically and not to give away to much its a story about a guy named Joseph and told in his POV.. on the concepts of war and the alliances. A murder to be solved.. path's that are set for each and unknown if can be changed. Its a very deep and intellectual book.. I think those that enjoy military and different concepts would enjoy. I give it 4 stars because it was well written.. even though not my genre.

[Stephen Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very very long. Very very slow at times.
Far too favorable towards the Keynosians but it gives a greater story depth without infodumping.
Pretty good sequel to Fallen Sun.