What do you think?
Rate this book
The Minus Faction #1
Breakout
An enigmatic mastermind recruits four people with extraordinary abilities and offers them everything they want in exchange for the impossible. But after one of them uncovers a plot to hack the human race, they're not sure which side they're on -- just that not all of them will survive.
"The Minus Faction" is a super-powered speculative thriller in seven novella-length episodes. In Episode One . . .
Beaten. Burned. Broken.
Capt. John Regent returns a paraplegic after escaping months of captivity and torture -- except no one knows who took him or what he disclosed.
When a government agent comes for answers, she discovers John's fantastical secret and sets him at war with his own country. But the veteran in the wheelchair has one last mission, and he'll fight off the powers-that-be long enough to save the life of a troubled soldier -- even if it costs John his own.
"The Minus Faction" is a super-powered speculative thriller in seven novella-length episodes. In Episode One . . .
Beaten. Burned. Broken.
Capt. John Regent returns a paraplegic after escaping months of captivity and torture -- except no one knows who took him or what he disclosed.
When a government agent comes for answers, she discovers John's fantastical secret and sets him at war with his own country. But the veteran in the wheelchair has one last mission, and he'll fight off the powers-that-be long enough to save the life of a troubled soldier -- even if it costs John his own.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
46 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Rick Wayne
20 books52 followersAdvance release of unpublished works,
Full audio library,
Full digital library,
Wholesale paperbacks,
and more... for $2.50 a month.
Visit RickWayne.com/subscribe
Full audio library,
Full digital library,
Wholesale paperbacks,
and more... for $2.50 a month.
Visit RickWayne.com/subscribe
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 7, 2014
This is a serialized piece, so this is only the beginning, but The Minus Faction starts out with a punch in Episode 1: Breakout.
Which, starting out with a punch was consequently the only (stressing: only) flaw in this episode. The reader is hit with a heavy action scene starting on the first page without much room to breathe. But read on a few more pages, and Wayne gives you the time to catch your bearings.
With a bit of suspense, a bit of political conspiracy, and a lot of sympathy for a wounded vet with a super power, and there's very little to complain about in this first installment.
Since it's very similar to a comic book in feel, I won't recommend it if you are dead-set against comics. But for those who love action/suspense/super powers, pick this one up.
The characters, thus far, have been well-rounded. The action sequences are described with just enough to ground us without over-explaining. The plot moves along quickly, but also allows us time to get to know Regent intimately.
There was even a point where my eyes got a little dust in them... which hasn't happened with this kind of action/suspense in a long time.
So kudos to Wayne. He accomplished something pretty brilliant. I can't wait for the next installment.
Which, starting out with a punch was consequently the only (stressing: only) flaw in this episode. The reader is hit with a heavy action scene starting on the first page without much room to breathe. But read on a few more pages, and Wayne gives you the time to catch your bearings.
With a bit of suspense, a bit of political conspiracy, and a lot of sympathy for a wounded vet with a super power, and there's very little to complain about in this first installment.
Since it's very similar to a comic book in feel, I won't recommend it if you are dead-set against comics. But for those who love action/suspense/super powers, pick this one up.
The characters, thus far, have been well-rounded. The action sequences are described with just enough to ground us without over-explaining. The plot moves along quickly, but also allows us time to get to know Regent intimately.
There was even a point where my eyes got a little dust in them... which hasn't happened with this kind of action/suspense in a long time.
So kudos to Wayne. He accomplished something pretty brilliant. I can't wait for the next installment.
August 14, 2014
After reading "The Minus Faction: Episode 1", the latest book from Rick Wayne, I am so excited for the next episode to be released.
I have read all he has written so far, and while I loved the plucky pulp sci-fi mash-up that "Fantasmagoria" was, I think this one is my favorite.
I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it in one sitting. John Regent, the protagonist, has been burned, broken, but not beaten as he fights back against injustices the only way he can, transporting his mind to a heathy 'receptacle'. From the keyboard of the unique mind of Rick Wayne you can expect out-of-the ordinary plots and creative word crafting and page-turning excitement.
I have read all he has written so far, and while I loved the plucky pulp sci-fi mash-up that "Fantasmagoria" was, I think this one is my favorite.
I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it in one sitting. John Regent, the protagonist, has been burned, broken, but not beaten as he fights back against injustices the only way he can, transporting his mind to a heathy 'receptacle'. From the keyboard of the unique mind of Rick Wayne you can expect out-of-the ordinary plots and creative word crafting and page-turning excitement.
June 1, 2016
(to be posted at atmorbookreviews.blogspot.com on the morrow)
"That's how they got people to give up their freedoms and to take other people's away. Make it about safety, and never ask for more than a tiny bit at a time."
Rick Wayne's Minus Faction, Episode 1: Breakout is a brutally honest, heart-wrenching thriller. Do you see that first sentence? I struggled to come up with words because I'm still processing everything. Like, I just read it, y'know? AND OH MAN IT WAS SO GOOD! After all the praise I've read about Wayne and his Minus Faction books I figured there just had to be at least a shred of truth (understatement). There was. Oh man, there really was. It is a serialized novel, with Breakout acting as the first installment.
Captain John Regent is an ex-military personnel currently residing in an advanced, high-tech VA rehab facility. Now a paraplegic in a wheel-chair with a heavily burned face, these days he uses his everyday life to spread what happiness he can break to the other vets, telling them war stories and bringing smiles to even the most downtrodden of faces. It is, on the surface, a simple-yet-painful life.
Until John Regent's hidden abilities finally catch up with him.
You see, Regent has a special power. He can, in fact, be in two places at once. How, you ask? Well, misters and misses, I guess you'll just have to read the story and find out! HA!
*~*~*~*~*
You know, I honestly don't even know where to begin. Minus Faction is rich with energy and action, political intrigue, memorable characters, a plot riddled with fierce adrenaline... and that cliffhanger at the end? Yeah. Oh yeah. OH yeah.
While the story is rife with action and political intrigue (those who like a story with a military vibe will find this totes entertaining), but that doesn't overshadow the writing itself. The intricacy and heart put in this story is tremendous. You feel for every character. It's almost as if you could put down that book, go out into your everyday lives, and these characters will be there.
And that's really the cool thing. Because they are. They *are* there.
These characters represent ordinary people. Sure, this is science fiction *says with a booming voice that echoes across the cosmos*, but the reality is that Wayne crafts some truly realistic characters. From PTSD to the caring of a mother, to a father's doubts, to friendships strengthened... I could go on and on. Really, I could. But this thing is already getting kind of long, isn't it?
Let me just stop and say that you need to read this book. Like, now. If not now, then soon. If you don't, you're really doing yourself a disfavor. I'm not normally a science fiction sort of person (my attention usually drifts to fantasy), but Wayne and Minus Faction have me wondering what I've been missing. How Wayne is not already a household name boggles my mind.
READ THIS BOOK, PEOPLE.
"That's how they got people to give up their freedoms and to take other people's away. Make it about safety, and never ask for more than a tiny bit at a time."
Rick Wayne's Minus Faction, Episode 1: Breakout is a brutally honest, heart-wrenching thriller. Do you see that first sentence? I struggled to come up with words because I'm still processing everything. Like, I just read it, y'know? AND OH MAN IT WAS SO GOOD! After all the praise I've read about Wayne and his Minus Faction books I figured there just had to be at least a shred of truth (understatement). There was. Oh man, there really was. It is a serialized novel, with Breakout acting as the first installment.
Captain John Regent is an ex-military personnel currently residing in an advanced, high-tech VA rehab facility. Now a paraplegic in a wheel-chair with a heavily burned face, these days he uses his everyday life to spread what happiness he can break to the other vets, telling them war stories and bringing smiles to even the most downtrodden of faces. It is, on the surface, a simple-yet-painful life.
Until John Regent's hidden abilities finally catch up with him.
You see, Regent has a special power. He can, in fact, be in two places at once. How, you ask? Well, misters and misses, I guess you'll just have to read the story and find out! HA!
*~*~*~*~*
You know, I honestly don't even know where to begin. Minus Faction is rich with energy and action, political intrigue, memorable characters, a plot riddled with fierce adrenaline... and that cliffhanger at the end? Yeah. Oh yeah. OH yeah.
While the story is rife with action and political intrigue (those who like a story with a military vibe will find this totes entertaining), but that doesn't overshadow the writing itself. The intricacy and heart put in this story is tremendous. You feel for every character. It's almost as if you could put down that book, go out into your everyday lives, and these characters will be there.
And that's really the cool thing. Because they are. They *are* there.
These characters represent ordinary people. Sure, this is science fiction *says with a booming voice that echoes across the cosmos*, but the reality is that Wayne crafts some truly realistic characters. From PTSD to the caring of a mother, to a father's doubts, to friendships strengthened... I could go on and on. Really, I could. But this thing is already getting kind of long, isn't it?
Let me just stop and say that you need to read this book. Like, now. If not now, then soon. If you don't, you're really doing yourself a disfavor. I'm not normally a science fiction sort of person (my attention usually drifts to fantasy), but Wayne and Minus Faction have me wondering what I've been missing. How Wayne is not already a household name boggles my mind.
READ THIS BOOK, PEOPLE.
August 29, 2014
This book kept me turning the pages from start to finish. It starts as we meet Captain John Regent, a horribly disfigured veteran. His body is trapped in a wheelchair but his consciousness wanders, giving him the superheroic power to hitch a ride in other people’s bodies for a time. As we learn more about John and the shadowy forces that are after him, the pace of the story never lets up. But more than a simple thriller-meets-comic book plot, Wayne gives his characters a realism, depth, and heart that makes you care for all of them.
My only complaint: I wish I could read the whole story now rather than have to wait for it in serialized doses.
My only complaint: I wish I could read the whole story now rather than have to wait for it in serialized doses.
October 4, 2014
Episode 1 of Rick Wayne's serial novel THE MINUS FACTION had me at the opening sentence. Protagonist John Regent isn't described as a super hero, but he definitely is a unique character and belongs in the super hero union. He doesn't fly around like classic super heroes in a cape, tights and mask. Instead he accomplishes his unexpected deeds by completely using someone else's body. What does that mean? You'll have to read Episode 1 of THE MINUS FACTION to find out. I read the entire episode in one sitting and then read it again a few days later. Do I recommend Episode 1? Yes, especially if you are a fan of contemporary sci-fi and graphic novels with a military drift.
October 7, 2014
Rare that I queue up a story/book on my Kindle and finish it in one sitting.
This story grabbed me and didn't let go from the first sentence until the last.
Then I screamed at Rick for hooking me so thoroughly that I now have to track down Episode Two ASAP.
it's what I'd call neopulp and what most bookstores would shelf among the sf/f books, but it's also a superheroic book without capes or masks (or at least that's the vibe I got from it).
Hope Rick Wayne writes fast, as this story's a crackling good roller-coaster of a story that you'll want to ride through the end...and then go again.
This story grabbed me and didn't let go from the first sentence until the last.
Then I screamed at Rick for hooking me so thoroughly that I now have to track down Episode Two ASAP.
it's what I'd call neopulp and what most bookstores would shelf among the sf/f books, but it's also a superheroic book without capes or masks (or at least that's the vibe I got from it).
Hope Rick Wayne writes fast, as this story's a crackling good roller-coaster of a story that you'll want to ride through the end...and then go again.
June 24, 2015
Fun, fun, fun.
This series is just delightful! The episodes are full of action and not at all predictable. I recommend them to one and all though I must warn... much like watching a tv series with an over arching plot these episodes are a part of something and none of us save Mr. Wayne himself have any idea where it's going yet. Enjoy!
This series is just delightful! The episodes are full of action and not at all predictable. I recommend them to one and all though I must warn... much like watching a tv series with an over arching plot these episodes are a part of something and none of us save Mr. Wayne himself have any idea where it's going yet. Enjoy!
August 29, 2014
Great story full of meaty characters that I really ended up rooting for. Rick Wayne did a great job keeping me turning pages the entire time, and not only that but I cannot wait until the second episode is released. I definitely recommend this story.
December 18, 2014
Great beginning. This is an excellent start to this series. The main character has fabulous depth. This book is well written. Even though it is a series there is an end that will leave you wanting more. Amazing action and mystery.
August 20, 2017
I feel like I should have enjoyed this more than I did. It hits all the right buttons... veterans (and the military in general) presented in a positive light. PoC as the heroes. Good folks doing good things. But somehow, it just... it didn't quite connect for me.
September 11, 2014
I didn't care much for Fantasmagoria, but this was amazing. Gritty, concise, gripping, full of heart, brimming with promise. Looking forward to more.
July 4, 2015
Short and sweet. No unnecessary exposition and tough guy acting. Respected the veterans who suffer PTSD and delivered a kick-ass paranormal story to go along with it.
July 14, 2015
Action packed! It's like the Borne Legacy meets Jack Reacher! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next episode! Seriously, an amazing read!
May 15, 2021
Good, but too short.
September 16, 2014
Rick Wayne writes with such skill and unassuming ease, his prose is worth the reading if nothing else for the clarity and spark of it. But for two bothersome flaws, the Minus Faction would earn my full five stars.
The flaws? First a technical nit with regards to in-scene character point of view hopping. Had it happened once, I would have ignored it. But it happens often enough as to merit mention from this student of the writing craft. If you don't know what I'm talking about, move on and enjoy the story.
Perhaps a bit more troublesome is a logical flaw with a key premise of the story. Yes, someone may be able to take over someone else's body. But make that body do things it wasn't trained to do, including highly specialized fighting techniques? Mind control and muscle memory (or muscle strength and capability) aren't the same thing. Muscles of someone in a coma atrophy.The story needed to do a better job explaining this.
That aside, this story exemplifies great dialog, terrific characterization, and strong pacing to keep the reader yearning for the next page and the next installment in the series when he runs out of pages to turn. Pick it up, read the sample and see if you aren't compelled to read and read and read.
The flaws? First a technical nit with regards to in-scene character point of view hopping. Had it happened once, I would have ignored it. But it happens often enough as to merit mention from this student of the writing craft. If you don't know what I'm talking about, move on and enjoy the story.
Perhaps a bit more troublesome is a logical flaw with a key premise of the story. Yes, someone may be able to take over someone else's body. But make that body do things it wasn't trained to do, including highly specialized fighting techniques? Mind control and muscle memory (or muscle strength and capability) aren't the same thing. Muscles of someone in a coma atrophy.The story needed to do a better job explaining this.
That aside, this story exemplifies great dialog, terrific characterization, and strong pacing to keep the reader yearning for the next page and the next installment in the series when he runs out of pages to turn. Pick it up, read the sample and see if you aren't compelled to read and read and read.
July 23, 2016
Wow.
It's not often I say I loved everything about a story, but I loved everything about this. The characters had tremendous depth, the plot is rich and complex, and the writing is fantastic. This story has it all.
John has gone through hell, surviving extreme torture. He's suffered life-altering injuries (look at the cover), and has no hope of recovery. His only solace is that he can project his mind out of his shattered body and do some good through others. But he's made plenty of enemies as an elite soldier in a top secret military organization, and now that his powers have been discovered, he's in a great deal of danger.
One scene in this story had me misty-eyed. While I waited for the bus to work. The bus ride was a little awkward, with my having to pause and collect myself so I wasn't breaking down in front of complete strangers.
I'm glad I didn't start reading this from the beginning, because the ending leaves the story wide open to the next episode. Since he already has 5 out of 6 episodes published, it's a good time to get into this serial novel!
It's not often I say I loved everything about a story, but I loved everything about this. The characters had tremendous depth, the plot is rich and complex, and the writing is fantastic. This story has it all.
John has gone through hell, surviving extreme torture. He's suffered life-altering injuries (look at the cover), and has no hope of recovery. His only solace is that he can project his mind out of his shattered body and do some good through others. But he's made plenty of enemies as an elite soldier in a top secret military organization, and now that his powers have been discovered, he's in a great deal of danger.
One scene in this story had me misty-eyed. While I waited for the bus to work. The bus ride was a little awkward, with my having to pause and collect myself so I wasn't breaking down in front of complete strangers.
I'm glad I didn't start reading this from the beginning, because the ending leaves the story wide open to the next episode. Since he already has 5 out of 6 episodes published, it's a good time to get into this serial novel!
Read
May 10, 2016I hate to admit this, but this is one of those books that have been sitting in my Kindle app's carousel for who knows how long. (long enough for the covers to change)
Episode Five of this series was just recently released, which jogged my memory of Episode One sitting patiently waiting to be read...
(Episode One is currently Free, on Kindle! Whether this is due to the recent release of Episode Five, I do not know, but I suggest that you download this book ASAP!)
For those of you who have read Ken Preston's 'Joe Coffin' series, this is a series written in a similar "episodic" format. (You can easily picture this story as an episode of a television series.)
Episode One starts off with a bang and doesn't let up the entire time! Wayne has created some well-established characters, (one of which is even named Ayn Rand) and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
If you can't already tell, I definitely recommend this one!
Episode Five of this series was just recently released, which jogged my memory of Episode One sitting patiently waiting to be read...
(Episode One is currently Free, on Kindle! Whether this is due to the recent release of Episode Five, I do not know, but I suggest that you download this book ASAP!)
For those of you who have read Ken Preston's 'Joe Coffin' series, this is a series written in a similar "episodic" format. (You can easily picture this story as an episode of a television series.)
Episode One starts off with a bang and doesn't let up the entire time! Wayne has created some well-established characters, (one of which is even named Ayn Rand) and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
If you can't already tell, I definitely recommend this one!
January 30, 2016
DISCLOSURE:I talk with Rick Wayne on social media. That being said, the book was free on Amazon. This is my honest opinion on the book.
The only way I know how to explain this book is that it is like reading an action movie.
Fast paced doesn't begin to describe it. Everything that needs to be said or explained is covered in a no-bullshit, believable way and it covers a lot of plot line in a nice quick read. There's tension, emotion, empathy and the stakes feel real.
John's situation (no spoilers here) is a unique and interesting take that I've not seen before. Yet he's more than his situation and that's awesome.
This episode is part of the staging for the series yet a complete story in its own right. It's satisfying and worth checking out on its own. While I get the need for a bit of a cliffhanger, serials need to strike a balance and this series does it well.
The only way I know how to explain this book is that it is like reading an action movie.
Fast paced doesn't begin to describe it. Everything that needs to be said or explained is covered in a no-bullshit, believable way and it covers a lot of plot line in a nice quick read. There's tension, emotion, empathy and the stakes feel real.
John's situation (no spoilers here) is a unique and interesting take that I've not seen before. Yet he's more than his situation and that's awesome.
This episode is part of the staging for the series yet a complete story in its own right. It's satisfying and worth checking out on its own. While I get the need for a bit of a cliffhanger, serials need to strike a balance and this series does it well.
August 29, 2019
Fantabulous, to coin a word.
I first learned of Rick through social site. We are both in the process of bringing our Asian wives to live with us. It's a daunting process to go though. But as I kept following his blog pulling me in. When I went to college, I finally realized that my father was the most intelligent man I knew. You see, he was an aerospace physicist, He was highly regarded, and chased by many multinational headhunters, to steal him away. What got to me is that when I studied history, religion, ancient literature, literary greats, speaking, writing, psychology and counseling, from top profesors, I would be shocked that he often knew more than them, due to his incurable desire to always learn more. Rick reminds me of that kid of drive and desire, and I love it! This was very entertaining to read, and the whole series is in my near future!
I first learned of Rick through social site. We are both in the process of bringing our Asian wives to live with us. It's a daunting process to go though. But as I kept following his blog pulling me in. When I went to college, I finally realized that my father was the most intelligent man I knew. You see, he was an aerospace physicist, He was highly regarded, and chased by many multinational headhunters, to steal him away. What got to me is that when I studied history, religion, ancient literature, literary greats, speaking, writing, psychology and counseling, from top profesors, I would be shocked that he often knew more than them, due to his incurable desire to always learn more. Rick reminds me of that kid of drive and desire, and I love it! This was very entertaining to read, and the whole series is in my near future!
November 5, 2018
Rick Wayne writes without pulling punches. The characterisation is great, the story is fun, the action is packed (hah).
My only minor complaint is that the linguistic style could be a little more challenging. Wayne takes a leaf of Stephen King's writing book, and produces fairly short, simple sentences. It fits the book, and makes for an easy read, so I can't really criticise the choice. It's just that some passages leave me slightly bored from that point of view.
Saying that... I devoured the book because, overall, it kicks some serious butt. Read this niggle as a complaint of someone who appreciates language over plot at times :)
My only minor complaint is that the linguistic style could be a little more challenging. Wayne takes a leaf of Stephen King's writing book, and produces fairly short, simple sentences. It fits the book, and makes for an easy read, so I can't really criticise the choice. It's just that some passages leave me slightly bored from that point of view.
Saying that... I devoured the book because, overall, it kicks some serious butt. Read this niggle as a complaint of someone who appreciates language over plot at times :)
June 6, 2016
Wow, what an awesome combination of action, plot, explosions and general badass-ness! I loved this. It's true that I have a soft spot for veteran stories, but this was so much more than that and the entire series is just too cool for words.
June 6, 2016
And so it begins...
Wow! This first chapter of the John Regent saga begins with a knock down, drag out and ends with an even greater mystery left for our hero to solve.
I was hooked from paragraph one! I'm excited to read what Mr. Wayne has in store for our good Captain.
Wow! This first chapter of the John Regent saga begins with a knock down, drag out and ends with an even greater mystery left for our hero to solve.
I was hooked from paragraph one! I'm excited to read what Mr. Wayne has in store for our good Captain.
May 28, 2017
An imaginative, intense read, Breakout is a thriller with sci-fi elements that hint of a clandestine world-wide conspiracy. Follow the enigmatic John Regent as the damaged, disabled veteran finds himself unwillingly tangled into the web of this secretive and powerful organization.
December 15, 2015
Perfectly paced with a fascinating main character and premise, my only disappointment was that it was so brief. I guess I'll have to look into the rest of the episodes.
September 1, 2016
Quick read. Quite unexpected, and really enjoyed this story, and am anxious to find out what's next.
November 27, 2016
Great premise. Thrilling so far, can't wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews