What do you think?
Rate this book
The State #1 - 3
The State
The State is the complete collection of all three books in the trilogy, action-packed sci-fi dystopian novellas.
The resistance fights the state on every hand, trying to gain a foothold against their military might.
Kara, a young soldier, reunites with Matt, her childhood friend. For several years, he’s been indoctrinated by the state. Kara must work to turn him back while fighting to stop the force that captured him so long ago.
Orem, the leader of the resistance, seeks to atone for his past by saving the future. But the more he tries to avoid violence, the more deaths pile up. He and Kara race against time to bring peace to the warring factions before it's too late.
The resistance fights the state on every hand, trying to gain a foothold against their military might.
Kara, a young soldier, reunites with Matt, her childhood friend. For several years, he’s been indoctrinated by the state. Kara must work to turn him back while fighting to stop the force that captured him so long ago.
Orem, the leader of the resistance, seeks to atone for his past by saving the future. But the more he tries to avoid violence, the more deaths pile up. He and Kara race against time to bring peace to the warring factions before it's too late.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
10 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
22 books46 followersGattaca is in my top 5 favorite movies. It's an intellectual film that forces you to think and reconsider your opinions.
But sometimes I don't want to watch Gattaca. Sometimes I want to watch Independence Day. Or Jurassic Park. Or, GI Joe 2: Retaliation. There, I said it. I loved GI Joe 2. Sometimes you just want to sit back, turn on the TV, and watch explosions for 2 hours. And that's okay. Other times you want to watch Gattaca.
I write the Friday-night-action-movie-books that I want to read. I call them: Action-packed action books of action.
Thanks for checking them out.
Tom Wright lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Molly, and their daughters, Tara Dactyl and Meg Alodan, and dogs Bear and Thor.
But sometimes I don't want to watch Gattaca. Sometimes I want to watch Independence Day. Or Jurassic Park. Or, GI Joe 2: Retaliation. There, I said it. I loved GI Joe 2. Sometimes you just want to sit back, turn on the TV, and watch explosions for 2 hours. And that's okay. Other times you want to watch Gattaca.
I write the Friday-night-action-movie-books that I want to read. I call them: Action-packed action books of action.
Thanks for checking them out.
Tom Wright lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Molly, and their daughters, Tara Dactyl and Meg Alodan, and dogs Bear and Thor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 19, 2016
Fast-paced, with well-written action scenes, but lacking in emotion and depth.
The characters had murky motives. While I like the idea of two opposed warlords secretly meeting for fishing trips and respecting each other's ideologies, their reasoning never convinced me. Just about every major character in this novel switches sides at the drop of a hat. They might as well be playing paintball instead of fighting for moral reasons. None of them seem to think deeply at all about why they're fighting, or why they believe what they believe. As a result, they're not compelling to read about.
The whole enslavement of humanity was never explained. How does La Pax work? People make millions of choices every day. If the drones are going to wipe themselves after using a toilet, or avoid slamming into walls while they walk, then they'd need to be individually micromanaged throughout the day. I can't see how removing free will would result in functioning drones.
Even if La Pax somehow works the way it's shown, I don't believe that a majority of otherwise nice people would flippantly agree that enslaving humankind is the best solution to generalized violence (especially since it didn't actually solve violence). There's a reason why slavery is currently outlawed in every nation on Earth. So this premise felt half-baked to me; not believable and not thoroughly explored. I can't respect a character who believes that slavery is great, as long as he's not the slave.
There's some tight writing here, and nice dramatic irony. I love how the solution to one of our major global problems (the energy crisis) has unintended consequences that these characters are dealing with. This is an author with promise.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters had murky motives. While I like the idea of two opposed warlords secretly meeting for fishing trips and respecting each other's ideologies, their reasoning never convinced me. Just about every major character in this novel switches sides at the drop of a hat. They might as well be playing paintball instead of fighting for moral reasons. None of them seem to think deeply at all about why they're fighting, or why they believe what they believe. As a result, they're not compelling to read about.
The whole enslavement of humanity was never explained. How does La Pax work? People make millions of choices every day. If the drones are going to wipe themselves after using a toilet, or avoid slamming into walls while they walk, then they'd need to be individually micromanaged throughout the day. I can't see how removing free will would result in functioning drones.
Even if La Pax somehow works the way it's shown, I don't believe that a majority of otherwise nice people would flippantly agree that enslaving humankind is the best solution to generalized violence (especially since it didn't actually solve violence). There's a reason why slavery is currently outlawed in every nation on Earth. So this premise felt half-baked to me; not believable and not thoroughly explored. I can't respect a character who believes that slavery is great, as long as he's not the slave.
There's some tight writing here, and nice dramatic irony. I love how the solution to one of our major global problems (the energy crisis) has unintended consequences that these characters are dealing with. This is an author with promise.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2015
Set in San Marcos, TX; Highly technical machinery assembled the intelligent neo-engine guns while drones adjusted the attached pieces. Sparks flew everywhere as mechanical arms welded the metal parts together. There was a constant motion of parts moving on conveyor belts. The State kept constant monitoring & tabs on them.
Taylor (f, resistance) had terminal cancer & takes Lapaz (liquid medicine). Regardless she had a mission to do.
Kara (soldier) & Bella were on patrol & were confronted by a 3 troop dragons. Orem Hays (40, leader of the resistance) is there boss.
Kara & Bella shot down 2 attack helicopters & killed the Academic piolets/soldiers.
Kara (Karam) later fired a grenade launcher at the 3rd chopper & it went up like a ball of fire.
There had once been a gas crisis & the neo-engine wars.
& we mustn’t forget overcrowding in cities, violent crime, disease, & poverty also plagued the other world countries. The better developed world countries did nothing to help out.
The State now allowed the refugees to join the workforce & take Lapaz. It seemed to curtail their violent behavior.
Inks Lake campsite was fill of refugees.
Andrew & Orem caught a turtle for supper.
Matt Williams (Academics) & Kara Ibrahim were in a battle zone again.
Can Orem Hays (resistance leader) trust Andrew Laclair?
What orders did Congresswoman Klein hand down?
What will happen with Congress?
What about the Lapaz distribution center?
What will happen with the Lapaz survivors?
The MRE’s they make for civilian hikers/campers are pretty darn good. The Army 1’s I had well I guess it beat raw animal meat, bugs or whatever else you could find. Humans (cannibalism) never tried them.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi (dystopian) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; BookLikes; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Taylor (f, resistance) had terminal cancer & takes Lapaz (liquid medicine). Regardless she had a mission to do.
Kara (soldier) & Bella were on patrol & were confronted by a 3 troop dragons. Orem Hays (40, leader of the resistance) is there boss.
Kara & Bella shot down 2 attack helicopters & killed the Academic piolets/soldiers.
Kara (Karam) later fired a grenade launcher at the 3rd chopper & it went up like a ball of fire.
There had once been a gas crisis & the neo-engine wars.
& we mustn’t forget overcrowding in cities, violent crime, disease, & poverty also plagued the other world countries. The better developed world countries did nothing to help out.
The State now allowed the refugees to join the workforce & take Lapaz. It seemed to curtail their violent behavior.
Inks Lake campsite was fill of refugees.
Andrew & Orem caught a turtle for supper.
Matt Williams (Academics) & Kara Ibrahim were in a battle zone again.
Can Orem Hays (resistance leader) trust Andrew Laclair?
What orders did Congresswoman Klein hand down?
What will happen with Congress?
What about the Lapaz distribution center?
What will happen with the Lapaz survivors?
The MRE’s they make for civilian hikers/campers are pretty darn good. The Army 1’s I had well I guess it beat raw animal meat, bugs or whatever else you could find. Humans (cannibalism) never tried them.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi (dystopian) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; BookLikes; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 12, 2015
*I won the ebook version from a giveaway on BookLikes.
** This review will also be posted on Booklikes.
First, I just want to say that I love how all of the characters in this military Sci-fi novel (with 3 novellas all in one), no matter who they are, are strong. They all sacrifice things in their lives to fight for what they believe is right, [the drones sacrifice their whole lives, basically] even when they know not all of their actions are the best. And they all are courageous, being able to take the truth and still move on, as Andrew and Orem said a lot, “Truth is the best defence, and offence,”, and fighting a war that could have ended a lot sooner. They are strong enough to realize what they have to do when the time comes, to stand up to their enemies, and to merge together in the end to save lives.
I also really like how the author isn't afraid to kill off important characters though, like Orem and Andrew, and how there was nothing romantic in the writing expect for that one kiss Matt and Kara shared, and how there is a lot of action. I mean, I know it's a war and actin is to be expected, but other books I have read like this did not have as much action, and I love action. So this satisfied me. Like, there was action everywhere, and it was pretty fast-paced and there was a lot death, and it was just seriously brilliant.
For me, this is definitely worth a re-read, and I don't re-read books often. Anyone who likes action, distopian, or sci-fi novels are sure to enjoy this tale immensely.
** This review will also be posted on Booklikes.
First, I just want to say that I love how all of the characters in this military Sci-fi novel (with 3 novellas all in one), no matter who they are, are strong. They all sacrifice things in their lives to fight for what they believe is right, [the drones sacrifice their whole lives, basically] even when they know not all of their actions are the best. And they all are courageous, being able to take the truth and still move on, as Andrew and Orem said a lot, “Truth is the best defence, and offence,”, and fighting a war that could have ended a lot sooner. They are strong enough to realize what they have to do when the time comes, to stand up to their enemies, and to merge together in the end to save lives.
I also really like how the author isn't afraid to kill off important characters though, like Orem and Andrew, and how there was nothing romantic in the writing expect for that one kiss Matt and Kara shared, and how there is a lot of action. I mean, I know it's a war and actin is to be expected, but other books I have read like this did not have as much action, and I love action. So this satisfied me. Like, there was action everywhere, and it was pretty fast-paced and there was a lot death, and it was just seriously brilliant.
For me, this is definitely worth a re-read, and I don't re-read books often. Anyone who likes action, distopian, or sci-fi novels are sure to enjoy this tale immensely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2015
The State by Tom Wright (Booklikes Giveaway) I won this e-book in a giveaway on Booklikes!
The story takes place in a dystopian society, where a neo-engine war is going on.
I was pretty excited to read it, the plot seemed really interesting, and it was! But it took me quite a long time to read it, I had difficulty reading it. I could not connect with any of the characters, they were not really well developed (and I didn't care for any of them, I mean they could all have died). But the story was well constructed, the plot was interesting and the book was well written. It's just not the kind of book I usually read, and it was not for me. I enjoyed the fact that some of the characters did a lot of references to present day books/movies. That was nice!
I recommend this to people who really love action (because there is a lot of action going on, virtually all the time).
The story takes place in a dystopian society, where a neo-engine war is going on.
I was pretty excited to read it, the plot seemed really interesting, and it was! But it took me quite a long time to read it, I had difficulty reading it. I could not connect with any of the characters, they were not really well developed (and I didn't care for any of them, I mean they could all have died). But the story was well constructed, the plot was interesting and the book was well written. It's just not the kind of book I usually read, and it was not for me. I enjoyed the fact that some of the characters did a lot of references to present day books/movies. That was nice!
I recommend this to people who really love action (because there is a lot of action going on, virtually all the time).
March 16, 2015
The State - Tom Wright
The author creates a very interesting dystopian society created after the gas crises and a neo-engine war, both concepts plausible in our near future in 25 years. Add an obedience drug placed in water to control the populace. Once you are introduced to this society, you meet the adult leaders who remember television programs, movies and other references to present day life. Once you get to chapters 11-12 the philosophy of the two battling factions of psychological terrorism and references to John Rawls' beliefs ground the realism of this speculative fiction. The action of teens in this society is non-stop for a read you do not want to put down.
The author creates a very interesting dystopian society created after the gas crises and a neo-engine war, both concepts plausible in our near future in 25 years. Add an obedience drug placed in water to control the populace. Once you are introduced to this society, you meet the adult leaders who remember television programs, movies and other references to present day life. Once you get to chapters 11-12 the philosophy of the two battling factions of psychological terrorism and references to John Rawls' beliefs ground the realism of this speculative fiction. The action of teens in this society is non-stop for a read you do not want to put down.
March 4, 2015
A military Sci-fi novel (3 novellas in 1) that includes elements of dystopia, classic Sci-fi, and action. The story is fast-paced and it starts off with a bang. The characters are interesting but don't look for depth; the plot and action are the strong points. I like that the MCs are from minority groups too. If you love pulp fiction, you will enjoy this work. For Sci-fi fans.
LT Member Giveaway
LT Member Giveaway
March 10, 2015
[The State] by [Tom Wright] is a fantastic action adventure. In the future the world has free, environmental energy and no crime. This should be a good thing but the energy has been used as a weapon and there is no crime because people are drugged into control by the state.
You get to see both sides of but also find that the right way may be somewhere in the middle. This concept is driven by plot twists and strong characters. I would recommend this to my students in heartbeat.
You get to see both sides of but also find that the right way may be somewhere in the middle. This concept is driven by plot twists and strong characters. I would recommend this to my students in heartbeat.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews