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The American Fathers #1
Swept Away
Set in a near future America, the world is a bit different. Powerful houses run the politics, and hence, the country, from behind the scenes. Sworn fealty to a powerful house can bring the average person a decent paying job in a world where society is scrambling to hold it together. Sheila, a smart lass from Tennessee, sees through this BS and is trying to open the public’s eyes to this power shift. Meanwhile, the Lebanese congressional correspondent Jasira agrees with Sheila, off the record. Yet, despite Sheila’s unarguable attraction to Jasira, she can’t help but question Jasira’s motives.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2014
About the author
Henry L Sullivan III
9 books57 followersHenry L Sullivan III is an author, avid traveler, and independent consultant who specializes in insurance adjusting and survey research. As the author of several up-and-coming audiobooks, alongside his thriller novel Coliseum, Henry aims to entertain his readers with gritty and authentic stories that explore pressing real-life challenges through the lens of near-future crime and speculative fiction. He draws on his passion for philosophy and social activism to write novels that challenge our beliefs and invite us to think deeply about topics including violence, entertainment, and the struggle between good and evil.
Henry graduated from Xavier University, attended the Ohio State University School of Law, and earned his master’s in public administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His passion for adventure has led him to travel and work across America, from his home city of New Orleans, Louisiana, to Texas, New Mexico, Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, and even as far afield as Brazil. Henry currently resides in New York.
Henry graduated from Xavier University, attended the Ohio State University School of Law, and earned his master’s in public administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His passion for adventure has led him to travel and work across America, from his home city of New Orleans, Louisiana, to Texas, New Mexico, Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, and even as far afield as Brazil. Henry currently resides in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 22, 2015
The American Fathers: Swept Away by Henry Sullivan Set in a near future America, the world is a bit different. Powerful houses run the politics, and hence, the country, from behind the scenes. Sworn fealty to a powerful house can bring the average person a decent paying job in a world where society is scrambling to hold it together. Sheila, a smart lass from Tennessee, sees through this BS and is trying to open the public’s eyes to this power shift. Meanwhile, the Lebanese congressional correspondent Jasira agrees with Sheila, off the record. Yet, despite Sheila’s unarguable attraction to Jasira, she can’t help but question Jasira’s motives.
I stepped into this book thinking it was more near future scifi + politcs than romance + erotica. However, I couldn’t help but be caught up in the story. The author does a very good job of showing us, through Sheila’s eyes, the power structure and what Sheila believes to be wrong with it. The story opens with a hosted TV show on which Sheila and Jasira are guests. Through that show, they get to interact with a few members of the show’s audience, who have questions that leave the the door open for Sheila to comment on the politics of the day.
There’s only a touch or two of what you might call futuristic tech. Honestly, telling your sound system to play a certain selection of music is possible now with a swanky system. Still, it was nice to have these small reminders that this is a near-future story and not some alternate story of what Earth and politics might be today. I personally would have preferred a little more future tech.
This is a romance erotica and that part of the book is sweet. When Jasira turned on the charm, I melted. The sex scene doesn’t happen until the end and there is a very nice build up. We get a clear picture of who each of these ladies are – and they are both smart and savvy in their own ways. Plus there are those hints of hidden secrets and things rather not said for both ladies, giving the story that overtone of possible future conflicts of interests. By the time the sex scene arrived, I was thoroughly caught up in the characters and so wanted them to be happy with each other. The descriptions of the love making were detailed but not gauche. It was a very nicely done piece of erotica thrown into a larger story of political intrigue. As a side note, I really like that we have more than 1 ethnicity represented in this story. I will definitely be looking for episode 2.
I received this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: This was an excellent performance all around. Sheila’s character had a light regional accent that wasn’t overdone. The voice for Jasira was perfect – by turns clever and insightful, and then sexy and tempting. The rest of the character voices were distinct and well done. The production was smooth with touches of ambient sounds that never drowned out the dialogue.
I stepped into this book thinking it was more near future scifi + politcs than romance + erotica. However, I couldn’t help but be caught up in the story. The author does a very good job of showing us, through Sheila’s eyes, the power structure and what Sheila believes to be wrong with it. The story opens with a hosted TV show on which Sheila and Jasira are guests. Through that show, they get to interact with a few members of the show’s audience, who have questions that leave the the door open for Sheila to comment on the politics of the day.
There’s only a touch or two of what you might call futuristic tech. Honestly, telling your sound system to play a certain selection of music is possible now with a swanky system. Still, it was nice to have these small reminders that this is a near-future story and not some alternate story of what Earth and politics might be today. I personally would have preferred a little more future tech.
This is a romance erotica and that part of the book is sweet. When Jasira turned on the charm, I melted. The sex scene doesn’t happen until the end and there is a very nice build up. We get a clear picture of who each of these ladies are – and they are both smart and savvy in their own ways. Plus there are those hints of hidden secrets and things rather not said for both ladies, giving the story that overtone of possible future conflicts of interests. By the time the sex scene arrived, I was thoroughly caught up in the characters and so wanted them to be happy with each other. The descriptions of the love making were detailed but not gauche. It was a very nicely done piece of erotica thrown into a larger story of political intrigue. As a side note, I really like that we have more than 1 ethnicity represented in this story. I will definitely be looking for episode 2.
I received this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: This was an excellent performance all around. Sheila’s character had a light regional accent that wasn’t overdone. The voice for Jasira was perfect – by turns clever and insightful, and then sexy and tempting. The rest of the character voices were distinct and well done. The production was smooth with touches of ambient sounds that never drowned out the dialogue.
August 31, 2015
(I was provided with a free download to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.)
An intriguing introduction to what looks to be an interesting series, "The American Fathers: Swept Away" is smart, attention-grabbing, and well written. In a near future where powerful dynasties and families have all but taken the place of the government, college professor Sheila is convinced that America needs to turn away from this modern feudalism, or be destroyed. Is the attractive Jasira her enemy, or an ally in the upcoming struggle?
This book gets several points for creativity; I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this done. Contemporary feudalism might sound like a bit much for the plot of a book, but the introductory chapters were done in a way that made the plot was easily understood and digested. I liked the concept of these powerful families and companies all but ruling the country through the populace and their employees. There's a lot of potential in the storyline that's set up here!
As for the characters, I loved Sheila from the first; smart, competent, determined, a little awkward, and really cute. Jasira as a love interest was really great as well, just mysterious enough to pique your interest.
The sex scene was a bit awkward, I won't lie! But there were none of the male-gazey vibes I sometimes get when men write f/f. Overall I can't wait to see where the romance between Sheila and Jasira goes.
A good read! I'm probably going to get my hands on the others in the series when I'm able to. I'd recommend this for lovers of suspense, science fiction, and romance.
3.5 stars
An intriguing introduction to what looks to be an interesting series, "The American Fathers: Swept Away" is smart, attention-grabbing, and well written. In a near future where powerful dynasties and families have all but taken the place of the government, college professor Sheila is convinced that America needs to turn away from this modern feudalism, or be destroyed. Is the attractive Jasira her enemy, or an ally in the upcoming struggle?
This book gets several points for creativity; I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this done. Contemporary feudalism might sound like a bit much for the plot of a book, but the introductory chapters were done in a way that made the plot was easily understood and digested. I liked the concept of these powerful families and companies all but ruling the country through the populace and their employees. There's a lot of potential in the storyline that's set up here!
As for the characters, I loved Sheila from the first; smart, competent, determined, a little awkward, and really cute. Jasira as a love interest was really great as well, just mysterious enough to pique your interest.
The sex scene was a bit awkward, I won't lie! But there were none of the male-gazey vibes I sometimes get when men write f/f. Overall I can't wait to see where the romance between Sheila and Jasira goes.
A good read! I'm probably going to get my hands on the others in the series when I'm able to. I'd recommend this for lovers of suspense, science fiction, and romance.
3.5 stars
September 9, 2014
I am not sure what the author’s intent with this “book” or story or prequel is. I did not think it was long enough to form any kind of opinion about whether to read more or not. The story involves Sheila McKinley a college professor who has just experienced a relationship break up, who sees a pundit on TV and immediately grows to like her. Shelia’s friend invites her to dinner, and has also invited this pundit as a surprise guest. The two of them end up touring the town, as Shelia shows the pundit the sights. There was not enough of a book/story here for me to form any opinion, as I said. I felt nothing one way or the other about the main character. I might or might not read more about this character, after reading this. Frankly, I saw little use in reading this, since it did nothing. It was written well enough, but had no story or “teaser” to suck in the reader. I am not sure who, if anyone, would enjoy this or be enticed to read more of the story in subsequent works. I received this from Library Thing in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
Narrated by a cast of five actors, The American Fathers Episode 1 is a short audiobook, 58 minutes. Sound effects are sprinkled throughout the prose. This combination, i.e., the length, cast, and sound effects, brought to mind radio mysteries. Well produced.
Both dialogue and narration are excellent. Snappy and authentic. The cast of actors does a terrific job in transitions with voices/characters. You’ll find a seamless reading and will have absolutely no trouble discerning who-says-what-to-who.
Although the story itself is short, the topic is intriguing. In a not-to-distant future, a very powerful movement will thrust the country into a haves and have-nots culture. Dynasties of enormous wealth call the shots and there are a few who see a future of unknown but certain failures of a catastrophic nature. Two women find their commonalities are deeper than their similar viewpoints and a predicable liaison ensues.
With The American Fathers Episode 1, a lot happens in a short time. Note this book is for mature audiences and is LGBTQ.
The quality of this work is very good. But, you may be disappointed in the brevity.
Both dialogue and narration are excellent. Snappy and authentic. The cast of actors does a terrific job in transitions with voices/characters. You’ll find a seamless reading and will have absolutely no trouble discerning who-says-what-to-who.
Although the story itself is short, the topic is intriguing. In a not-to-distant future, a very powerful movement will thrust the country into a haves and have-nots culture. Dynasties of enormous wealth call the shots and there are a few who see a future of unknown but certain failures of a catastrophic nature. Two women find their commonalities are deeper than their similar viewpoints and a predicable liaison ensues.
With The American Fathers Episode 1, a lot happens in a short time. Note this book is for mature audiences and is LGBTQ.
The quality of this work is very good. But, you may be disappointed in the brevity.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews