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The Apostates #2
Remnants
After the fall of the ruling Regime of New Megiddo, the John W. Schrubb Administration, the remnants of the country are fought over by the Republic of China Army, the Societatum Pentagram, ‘Database’ cartels, and independent city-states. Greta Sanchez, a former Apostate resistance commander who had sought refuge in West Europa is haunted by the nuclear annihilation of the old capital, New Megiddo City. In order to atone for her complicity in the destruction, she resolves to return to America to stop a new war. Greta sets out to track down her old comrades to reform the Apostates to meet new threats.
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2015
1 person is currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Lars Teeney
5 books44 followersLars Teeney was born in Montana. After going to an art school in San Francisco, and working for years as a freelance designer for the start-up culture, he became burnt out. He abandoned the Bay Area for the Pacific North-west, where he could hike and bike to his heart’s content. He has a keen passion for politics, history, science and art.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 4, 2015
The Apostates achieved tearing down the Regime and but failed to assure an aftermath that had guidance and cohesion. The continent is open to new invasions, new takeovers and the scavenging of its remains by individuals and the multitude of individual city-states. When a former Apostate can no longer live with the utter devastation and mass murders by nuclear attacks that leveled New Megiddo, she is determined to prevent another war from breaking out. Is it time to gather the Apostates together again as the watchdogs of freedom? Are they willing to risk life and limb for the hopes of re-building the land as it once was? Will they assure a cohesive and single leadership or will history repeat itself until there is nothing left but ash and bone?
Prepare to witness the tales of these former Apostates as many begin on the same quest, to bring peace from chaos, harmony from bitter feuds and acceptance of others from the hatred and mistrust of the former leaders, both governmental and religious. But has the church been decimated or has it survived its own beheading only to be re-incarnated as something just as vile and deadly?
After the massive battles and action of book one, visit the world that is left as quieter times become only a short break to more in The Apostates Book Two: Remnants. Lars Teeney tones down the action, and fills in the human side of war, the remaining tension, the attempts at political détente as one can feel an imminent resurgence of war on the horizon. A master at dystopian fiction, Mr. Teeney once again brings characters on board, as others are killed, tortured or maimed. Leaving us asking not IF but WHEN the other shoe will fall. This is definitely a well-constructed world with unanswered questions, high octane tension and a promise of more to come.
I received this copy from Lars Teeney in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Apostates - Book 2
Publication Date: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Lars Teeney
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy
Print Length: 199 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Prepare to witness the tales of these former Apostates as many begin on the same quest, to bring peace from chaos, harmony from bitter feuds and acceptance of others from the hatred and mistrust of the former leaders, both governmental and religious. But has the church been decimated or has it survived its own beheading only to be re-incarnated as something just as vile and deadly?
After the massive battles and action of book one, visit the world that is left as quieter times become only a short break to more in The Apostates Book Two: Remnants. Lars Teeney tones down the action, and fills in the human side of war, the remaining tension, the attempts at political détente as one can feel an imminent resurgence of war on the horizon. A master at dystopian fiction, Mr. Teeney once again brings characters on board, as others are killed, tortured or maimed. Leaving us asking not IF but WHEN the other shoe will fall. This is definitely a well-constructed world with unanswered questions, high octane tension and a promise of more to come.
I received this copy from Lars Teeney in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Apostates - Book 2
Publication Date: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Lars Teeney
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy
Print Length: 199 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 25, 2017
If you liked the Apostates for its clear plot and want more of the surviving characters, with more of the backstory from the "novella", then this is for you. The book is roughly split half and half with current day and the backstory. Sadly, none of it feels like it is moving someplace. In fact, it feels like someone is trying to move the pieces into place for a later book.
July 28, 2016
Author Lars Teeney sent me an e-version of The Apostates Book Two: Remnants for review.
Obviously being "book two" denotes that it is the second in a series (clever of me huh?). The Apostates Book Two: Remnants follows the story of the Apostate rebellion. It's no spoiler here to say the Apostates won (more or less) otherwise would we really need a sequel? So now we follow the characters from the first book as they try to re-establish the country in the power vacuum that they have created.
There are several groups, secular and religious, who wish to fill that vacuum. Although still an action oriented speculative fantasy, The Apostates Book Two: Remnants focuses more on the political machinations of those who still have personal agendas they are trying to fulfill. Have no fear, there is still plenty of action. Graphic violence is very much present (plasma blades are awesome!) as there are always advocates of violence to achieve their ends
Lars Teeney is very good at giving us characters that are well developed. He does not give us "comic book" characters. The good guys are not knights in shining armor who never ever make mistakes, and the bad guys are equally not one dimensional.
What I like most about this second book in the series is the continuation of the story beyond what could have easily been left as it was in the first book. The rebellion was over and everyone lived happily ever after is often the way such books end. Mr. Teeney has given us in essence an extended epilogue and kept us involved in the story.
The story line of my personal favorite character has not yet been resolved, and appears that it will figure prominently in book 3. I look forward to that.
Biggest positive for me? The 1968 Charger is still tearing up the road! Although why it has to be owned by such a nasty character is unfortunate. I hope it survives book 3.
The only negative for me were the times when the story was being told in a flash back type format. A stylistic device we have all seen before. It usually takes me a few sentences to realize; oh, I'm back in such and such a time. This doesn't hurt the story, and is, of course, a legitimate format to use, I personally just sometimes struggle with it. I do better when there is a note that we are now in a different time frame. But again, that is just me.
If you liked The Apostates (book one) I think you will really like The Apostates Book Two: Remnants.
Enjoy!
Mike
Obviously being "book two" denotes that it is the second in a series (clever of me huh?). The Apostates Book Two: Remnants follows the story of the Apostate rebellion. It's no spoiler here to say the Apostates won (more or less) otherwise would we really need a sequel? So now we follow the characters from the first book as they try to re-establish the country in the power vacuum that they have created.
There are several groups, secular and religious, who wish to fill that vacuum. Although still an action oriented speculative fantasy, The Apostates Book Two: Remnants focuses more on the political machinations of those who still have personal agendas they are trying to fulfill. Have no fear, there is still plenty of action. Graphic violence is very much present (plasma blades are awesome!) as there are always advocates of violence to achieve their ends
Lars Teeney is very good at giving us characters that are well developed. He does not give us "comic book" characters. The good guys are not knights in shining armor who never ever make mistakes, and the bad guys are equally not one dimensional.
What I like most about this second book in the series is the continuation of the story beyond what could have easily been left as it was in the first book. The rebellion was over and everyone lived happily ever after is often the way such books end. Mr. Teeney has given us in essence an extended epilogue and kept us involved in the story.
The story line of my personal favorite character has not yet been resolved, and appears that it will figure prominently in book 3. I look forward to that.
Biggest positive for me? The 1968 Charger is still tearing up the road! Although why it has to be owned by such a nasty character is unfortunate. I hope it survives book 3.
The only negative for me were the times when the story was being told in a flash back type format. A stylistic device we have all seen before. It usually takes me a few sentences to realize; oh, I'm back in such and such a time. This doesn't hurt the story, and is, of course, a legitimate format to use, I personally just sometimes struggle with it. I do better when there is a note that we are now in a different time frame. But again, that is just me.
If you liked The Apostates (book one) I think you will really like The Apostates Book Two: Remnants.
Enjoy!
Mike
January 6, 2016
This high stakes, high death count sequel picks up right where
The Apostates
(Apostates, #1) left off, but with the tighter writing of the prequel novella,
New Megiddo Rising
(Apostates, #0). The series is recommended.
In the prequel, most of the major character back stories start to emerge, as does the foundation of the fundamentalist theocracy, New Megiddo, that supplants the US of A after World War III, a Holy War in which Russia and New Megiddo battle West Europa, the Northern African Alliance and China. China acquires Alaska and Hawaii, Chicago is nuked, and the most of the rest of the continental US metropolises descend into slum status.
In Apostates, the branded enemies of the State rise up to stop New Megiddo's plans to create a man-made Second Coming, nuclear-based. The apostates must also fight against the sadistic neo-Catholic friars of The Societatum Pentagram that have subjugated Central America. The ensuing civil war ends New Megiddo.
The power vacuum created at the end of Apostates fills this sequel with many players looking for the upper hand in the New America. Greta, the former apostate leader and new mother, finds diplomatic courtship at the hands of both French and North African leaders wanting to create a puppet state. She eschews both offers and returns to America, potentially to take up a leadership role in a new government. Meanwhile, China has moved into the Pacific Northwest from their Alaskan Territory to make new potential claims. The rebuilt and brutal Societatum Pentagram has conquered Mexico and moved into Texas as they burn and crucify their path to the old capital of New Megiddo City / Washington DC. Remnants of New Megiddo loyalists still fight battles across the landmass. And some entity has hijacked the neural net that speaks to the loyalists, turning them all into potential jihadists.
For many of the main characters, this book is about delving into their own past and family. Former apostate leader Consuela, also a former Pentagram Friar, returns to Jamaica and Central America to find the family she was forced to abandon hoping that the Society would let them be. Former apostate leader and orphan, Evan, delves into his own mysterious past. Unlike the previous installments of the stories in which his homosexuality made him an outcast, his sexuality is not hinted at here. Rather, the racially rife history of America fills his story as he learns of the abuse of his Black Action family, also cultist in nature, that seems to lead to his orphaned state. This plot is not resolved. Finally, Craig, Evan's mentor, confronts his own past in which he fought the Chinese in Alaska for New Megiddo before becoming a POW.
Expect another sequel to resolve the lack of government and the world politics. Evan, Consuela, Greta, and new-ish character Simon, surviving grandson of the New Megiddo president, all need resolution to their personal stories, too. I received my copy of this novel directly from the author through bookreviewdirectory.wordpress.com.
[Check out my other reviews here.]
In the prequel, most of the major character back stories start to emerge, as does the foundation of the fundamentalist theocracy, New Megiddo, that supplants the US of A after World War III, a Holy War in which Russia and New Megiddo battle West Europa, the Northern African Alliance and China. China acquires Alaska and Hawaii, Chicago is nuked, and the most of the rest of the continental US metropolises descend into slum status.
In Apostates, the branded enemies of the State rise up to stop New Megiddo's plans to create a man-made Second Coming, nuclear-based. The apostates must also fight against the sadistic neo-Catholic friars of The Societatum Pentagram that have subjugated Central America. The ensuing civil war ends New Megiddo.
The power vacuum created at the end of Apostates fills this sequel with many players looking for the upper hand in the New America. Greta, the former apostate leader and new mother, finds diplomatic courtship at the hands of both French and North African leaders wanting to create a puppet state. She eschews both offers and returns to America, potentially to take up a leadership role in a new government. Meanwhile, China has moved into the Pacific Northwest from their Alaskan Territory to make new potential claims. The rebuilt and brutal Societatum Pentagram has conquered Mexico and moved into Texas as they burn and crucify their path to the old capital of New Megiddo City / Washington DC. Remnants of New Megiddo loyalists still fight battles across the landmass. And some entity has hijacked the neural net that speaks to the loyalists, turning them all into potential jihadists.
For many of the main characters, this book is about delving into their own past and family. Former apostate leader Consuela, also a former Pentagram Friar, returns to Jamaica and Central America to find the family she was forced to abandon hoping that the Society would let them be. Former apostate leader and orphan, Evan, delves into his own mysterious past. Unlike the previous installments of the stories in which his homosexuality made him an outcast, his sexuality is not hinted at here. Rather, the racially rife history of America fills his story as he learns of the abuse of his Black Action family, also cultist in nature, that seems to lead to his orphaned state. This plot is not resolved. Finally, Craig, Evan's mentor, confronts his own past in which he fought the Chinese in Alaska for New Megiddo before becoming a POW.
Expect another sequel to resolve the lack of government and the world politics. Evan, Consuela, Greta, and new-ish character Simon, surviving grandson of the New Megiddo president, all need resolution to their personal stories, too. I received my copy of this novel directly from the author through bookreviewdirectory.wordpress.com.
[Check out my other reviews here.]
May 22, 2016
The Apostates series caught my interest because of my love of all things science fiction. The Apostates series is very much a series that falls into the science fiction genre though they also have many elements of dystopian and post-apocalyptic. This is the second book in the series and takes place where book one left off. The Apostates managed to tear down the Regime, but that is all that they did. They left everything somewhat unfinished by not rebuilding and now the land is left vulnerable to new takeovers and invasions. This book is very much a post-apocalyptic book as the apocalyptic event has passed and is over and now it is time to try and putting everything back together. I found Greta to be my favorite character I liked how she realized that things needed to still be fixed and her initiative in tracking down the Apostates to reform them again to fix everything once more.
If you enjoyed The Apostates (The Apostates, #1) by Lars Teeney then you will absolutely love The Apostates Book Two: Remnants by Lars Teeney. The author stays true to his science fiction genre and yet he continues to move the story line forward. Often times sequels are not nearly as good as the originals, but I am happy to tell you that book two was just as good as book one. In fact I actually enjoyed book two more than book one. For me it was the fact that the rebellion succeeded, but they still need to fix everything. The author not only focused on the Apostates needed to fix everything again, but also on the threats that they faced from new enemies.
If you enjoyed The Apostates (The Apostates, #1) by Lars Teeney then you will absolutely love The Apostates Book Two: Remnants by Lars Teeney. The author stays true to his science fiction genre and yet he continues to move the story line forward. Often times sequels are not nearly as good as the originals, but I am happy to tell you that book two was just as good as book one. In fact I actually enjoyed book two more than book one. For me it was the fact that the rebellion succeeded, but they still need to fix everything. The author not only focused on the Apostates needed to fix everything again, but also on the threats that they faced from new enemies.
August 14, 2016
Following the Apostates win, we see a country left in chaos. If you remove a super power and you don’t have another one to fill in the void you will have a collapse. This is where we come into book two. Several individuals, states, countries and such are trying to take over what New Megiddo was controlling. Greta is living in Europe and is haunted by the chaos from the rebellion. She returns to America to try and gather her Apostate companions to fight those that are trying to take over what is left after the collapse.
Greta is has decided to return to what is left after the regimes collapse. She is planning on tracking down the other rebels and getting prepared to fight for what is left. But this book also explores the different characters pasts. Evan is looking into his past and hoe he became an orphan. Consuela is trying to find her family and hopes to be left alone. Craig, Evan’s mentor, is trying to live with his time fighting the Chinese in Alaska and being a POW. Then we have Simon who is meeting with the Pope Invictus to try and get his neural net system in Europe.
I loved delving into the different players backgrounds. It adds a richness to the story but also makes you more understanding of what is driving them. I love that Greta is determined to fix the problems caused by ending the regimes collapse. I can’t wait to see how this series is going to end. I hope and pray for the best but I have a feeling that things are not going to be an easy journey.
I received The Apostates Book Two: Remnants for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Greta is has decided to return to what is left after the regimes collapse. She is planning on tracking down the other rebels and getting prepared to fight for what is left. But this book also explores the different characters pasts. Evan is looking into his past and hoe he became an orphan. Consuela is trying to find her family and hopes to be left alone. Craig, Evan’s mentor, is trying to live with his time fighting the Chinese in Alaska and being a POW. Then we have Simon who is meeting with the Pope Invictus to try and get his neural net system in Europe.
I loved delving into the different players backgrounds. It adds a richness to the story but also makes you more understanding of what is driving them. I love that Greta is determined to fix the problems caused by ending the regimes collapse. I can’t wait to see how this series is going to end. I hope and pray for the best but I have a feeling that things are not going to be an easy journey.
I received The Apostates Book Two: Remnants for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2016
Review
Plot/Story: The rebellion won the fight and the government had fallen, but now things needs to be fixed and rebuild. The new world is left unclaimed which bring new players into a potentially new war.
Characters: Evan and Consuela in America while Greta in Paris. In this book we learn more about the character’s past and family. I loved learning more about them.
Writing: The author kept to his style here as well, making the read very east to follow, even with all the POV changes and history of the characters.
Beginning: You dive fast into the story and the chaos that was left from the first book, feels real with a lot of pain.
Ending: Missing some sort of a resolve for the character, but I think it might be in another book.
Cover Art: The author kept the same motive of the cover and I loved that the cover stay very much the same.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “Evan and Consuela had been dragged into situations and skirmished in and around New York and what had once been called New England.”
Highlights: I loved the old and new characters and to know more about them. I also enjoyed the writing style of the author a lot.
Lowlights: The story felt as unfinished and it was too short.
Final Thoughts: It was a good read and I enjoyed reading what happened to all my favorite characters.
Read more at: thereadingbud.com
Plot/Story: The rebellion won the fight and the government had fallen, but now things needs to be fixed and rebuild. The new world is left unclaimed which bring new players into a potentially new war.
Characters: Evan and Consuela in America while Greta in Paris. In this book we learn more about the character’s past and family. I loved learning more about them.
Writing: The author kept to his style here as well, making the read very east to follow, even with all the POV changes and history of the characters.
Beginning: You dive fast into the story and the chaos that was left from the first book, feels real with a lot of pain.
Ending: Missing some sort of a resolve for the character, but I think it might be in another book.
Cover Art: The author kept the same motive of the cover and I loved that the cover stay very much the same.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “Evan and Consuela had been dragged into situations and skirmished in and around New York and what had once been called New England.”
Highlights: I loved the old and new characters and to know more about them. I also enjoyed the writing style of the author a lot.
Lowlights: The story felt as unfinished and it was too short.
Final Thoughts: It was a good read and I enjoyed reading what happened to all my favorite characters.
Read more at: thereadingbud.com
June 12, 2016
Exciting post-apocalyptic fiction!
New Megiddo has fallen, the survivors are all battling each other, and former Apostate Greta Sanchez remains haunted by the decimation of New Megiddo City. Determined to redeem herself for her role in the cities destruction, she vows to returned to America to thwart an escalating war. In the meantime, she has gone in search for her old comrades to regroup the Apostates and ready them for new threats.
This is book two of the Apostate series and the third New Megiddo book I’ve had the pleasure of reading recently. I am hooked on the post apocalyptic setting. Lans Teeney does a terrific job creating his dystopian world where religion rules the nations. I particularly enjoyed the simultaneous storylines with Evan in America and Greta in France. I was a fan of Evan from the previous book and was happy to read more of his story. I also enjoyed Greta's determination. Teeney again uses his gift of vivid description and creating engaging, likable characters to hook the reader. I am definitely a fan and am looking forward to reading the next installment.
New Megiddo has fallen, the survivors are all battling each other, and former Apostate Greta Sanchez remains haunted by the decimation of New Megiddo City. Determined to redeem herself for her role in the cities destruction, she vows to returned to America to thwart an escalating war. In the meantime, she has gone in search for her old comrades to regroup the Apostates and ready them for new threats.
This is book two of the Apostate series and the third New Megiddo book I’ve had the pleasure of reading recently. I am hooked on the post apocalyptic setting. Lans Teeney does a terrific job creating his dystopian world where religion rules the nations. I particularly enjoyed the simultaneous storylines with Evan in America and Greta in France. I was a fan of Evan from the previous book and was happy to read more of his story. I also enjoyed Greta's determination. Teeney again uses his gift of vivid description and creating engaging, likable characters to hook the reader. I am definitely a fan and am looking forward to reading the next installment.
June 15, 2016
Another action-packed read by Lars Teeney. Book Two carries on, following the adventures of Greta, Consuela, Evan, Simon, the Greenbaums and more as they face terrorism, political intrigue, death, chaos and unravel more mysteries.
Lars Teeney's Apostates series is an incredibly ambitious saga spanning countless years. It follows several groups of people, each with their own political agendas and twisted histories. The premise of this series is incredibly creative and the action scenes are incredibly well-written. It's clear that the writer has spent a long time developing this plotline and that should always be commended. My only issue with this book is the fact that sometimes it gets a bit confusing due to the alternating viewpoints. There are many, many characters to keep track of and their stories can get a bit overwhelming to remember after a while.
Having read both Book 1 & 3, I think this book deserves a 3.75/5. Book 3 is absolutely amazing though and if you liked this book, the finale will knock you off your feet!
Lars Teeney's Apostates series is an incredibly ambitious saga spanning countless years. It follows several groups of people, each with their own political agendas and twisted histories. The premise of this series is incredibly creative and the action scenes are incredibly well-written. It's clear that the writer has spent a long time developing this plotline and that should always be commended. My only issue with this book is the fact that sometimes it gets a bit confusing due to the alternating viewpoints. There are many, many characters to keep track of and their stories can get a bit overwhelming to remember after a while.
Having read both Book 1 & 3, I think this book deserves a 3.75/5. Book 3 is absolutely amazing though and if you liked this book, the finale will knock you off your feet!
October 30, 2015
“The Apostates Book Two: Remnants” continues Lars Teeney’s complex tale of life in a near-future, a world somewhat recognisable, infinitely possible, a world still trembling from a Holy War which has ripped families and friends apart. We weave through overlapping story lines - Evan and Consuela in America on the trail for answers - who is Evan, where does he come from?, Greta in Paris, wooed by rival powers, we delve into a past into which Teeney has expertly woven anger, intrigue, betrayal, and a war which seems ever more like when we read through the newspapers of today. It’s an absolute must to have first read Book One (The Apostates) before delving into this one, but it’s well worth it. Fresh, lively, fantasy with bite. A highly recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews