A Simple Man

by Mark Bacci

The year is 2078. The former United States of America is a bleak and fading memory for the few citizens of New America. Nearly five years after his wife was taken to a birthing camp by Secans, New America’s mercenaries, John Bradford is left to raise his two children alone in
an increasingly dangerous and desolate world.

Tagged by nanotechnology, their every move is tracked, limiting their ability to do anything not permitted by the new regime. When his daughter is chosen, Secans arrive to take her to a birthing camp. John swears if he doesn't let her go, they will all be killed. She reminds him of the promise he made to their mother, that he would do whatever it took to protect them.

Struggling between his promise and the real consequences of any action, the decision is made for John when his son brandishes a shotgun and kills one of the Secans. With no time to think, John grabs his children and goes on the run, but it is only a matter of time before the Secans find them and kill them. John has no choice but to return to his secret past, the only place where he knows he has a chance – The Circuit, an underground fight-to-the-death competition run by a ruthless mobster.

John’s return as one of the best fighters in Circuit history rekindles old rivalries and vendettas. With The Circuit rigged against him, Secans chasing after him, and danger at every turn, John fights his way across the country to save his children and fulfill the promise he made to his wife. This is John's fight, and it is one he cannot afford to lose.

290 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2016

About the author

I'm a Canadian living in Hawaii with my family. When I'm not writing, I'm directing, producing, and/or drinking lots of coffee.

Life is too short to take seriously.

Reviews

[Tori (InToriLex) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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This was the most terrifying and unfortunate family road trip, I could ever imagine. John is a relateable protagonist who had to make hard decisions and fight his way through faceless and brutal Secan soldiers. The action and relationships were believable, but the world building wasn't enough to create a immersible experience for the reader. John continued to have unbelievable immense strength and ability's despite horrific injuries, through numerous fights. His children Angela, and Sam and his wife Sarah operated in cliche roles that weren't unique enough to be interesting. I kept reading because of  my interest in the oppressed society of New America, led by the psychopath Atwell who thinks hes on par with God.

"Mercy comes to those who ask for it, with hands upward toward God. Not man. It is not my job to provide mercy; it is my job to provide strong leadership to a country lost in the ruins of greed."

I have a love for dystopias, but how the New America came to be and how it remained so powerful was never explained in detail. I enjoyed the use of witty banter and learning about the horrors of New America.  But never felt a emotional connection to the story or it's characters. This was an okay read, but it's no-where near a well thought out narrative. This was the author's first book his experience producing, what I read reflected that and would have translated better to TV or film. Some things should have been fleshed out more, and there were too many side characters who quickly disappear never to be seen again.

"Women, children, and the elderly-- all murdered-- and there was nothing we could do but watch it burn. I can still hear the screams. I can still smell the charring flesh. That smell will never leave me."

I did not enjoy the ending because the whole book seems to be leading up to something, but the ending doesn't satisfactorily tie up the details of the story line. Despite my criticism I still read it hoping to learn more about the characters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading action packed dystopia's but this book just didn't work well for me.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't stop after the first couple chapters, the book grows stronger and more intense as it goes on

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action in this story certainly starts off from the first sentence of this novel! The intensity of the opening chapter draws you into the story immediately, and the pacing of the entire story remains quite high throughout. The overall story is very intense, and lovers of dystopian novels will really enjoy this novel. Although the story deals with very strong and powerful themes, it was easy to read this novel and become involved in the storyline and the characters. The writer does a good job in helping the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story and the action, and he brings the characters, settings and events alive, so it is easy to forget where you are whilst reading the novel. When reading this genre I am always concerned that the story can become too unbelievable and far-fetched, but this is not the case with this novel, and the author has done a really good job at maintaining believability throughout the characters and story. I recommend this novel to readers who love dystopian/sci-fi/drama novels, especially those looking for a new, exciting author in the genre.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bradfords have accepted the new state of the union and it is cruel. They hold together as long as they can trying to live under the radar but that’s not how this new world operates. They always know where you are. What they don’t know, is what you’re made of. Facing the death of families this new regime imposes, John is finally pushed too far and makes the big break for the last of free America: California. But does it even exist? It doesn’t matter when what you’re dealing with is so socially destructive. You just hold hands, have faith and keep moving. The pace of the story is perfect. You care for your characters before the world crashes down and then you see the backbone, determination and love that is required to survive. Fascinating.
An advanced reader’s copy of this book was provided for an honest review.

[J. Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A Simple Man is a fast-paced, dystopian novel; the most interesting part of the book to me was the use of nanotechnology that the capital-s State (Feds) utilize to keep track of the citizens. The book is both touching and violent; the man protagonist (the simple man of the title) and his children are realistic and the bonds of the family is well done. On the other hand, the fight to the death element of the story is brutal and violent, not that I'm complaining. Good dialogue, good characters, strong plot and storyline. A fast read also, I think I read it in a day over vacation. Recommended for anyone who likes dystopian fiction. Think: Fight Club meets 1984.

[Devra Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been my pleasure to represent this book. It fast pasted action with a great story-line, loved it! I can see how this will be a major motion picture soon. It one of the best dystopian novels out there.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good twist on dystopia future.