What do you think?
Rate this book
Archangel Project #3
Heretic
The day of reckoning is coming … Commander Noa Sato has almost reached the Kannukah Cloud. Within hours her crew may be able to reach Sol System through a hidden time gate. If they make it, she and her crew won’t just save their own lives--they’ll save millions from genocide at the hands of Luddeccean fanatics. But the Luddeccean "fanatics" may not be as mad as Noa believes. If the Ark reaches Sol, Professor James Sinclair will be revealed as the imposter he is. Designed to be the perfect spy, James's love for Noa seems to be the only thing truly his own. But what can love be to an agent of the gates? When the final confrontation occurs, and the truth of the gates is revealed, James and Noa will have choices to make ... Choices that may divide them forever and lead to the destruction of the human race.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2017
256 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
C. Gockel
67 books572 followersC. Gockel got her start writing fanfiction, and she is not ashamed! Much. She received emails, messages and reviews from her fans telling her she should 'do this professionally'. She didn't; because she is a coward and life as a digital designer, copywriter and coder is more dependable. But in the end, her husband's nagging wore her down: "You could be the next '50 Shades of Gray' and I could retire!" Unfortunately, the author isn't much for writing smut. She is sad about this; she'd love for her husband to be able to retire and just work for her so she could nag him.
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 15, 2018
The three books of the Archangel Project are a rollicking romp through a fictional planetary system complete with low life, artificial intelligence and good old humans trying to find a way to coexist even among their own. The weasel like, poisonous, "werfls" named Carl Sagan and Albert Einstein bring humor along with a sex 'bot named 6T9. There is a little bit of everything for the Sci. Fan in this series. Space battles, of course.
Amazing entertainment!
Amazing entertainment!
June 10, 2019
Good fast-paced trilogy on AI selfdiscovery and human relations
The three books on the archangel project are fabulous reading. The selfdiscovery of sentient AI and the fierce determination of Fleet Captain “never leave the crew behind” Noa Sato expose some interesting debate on the relationship of human, AI, and werfles. Adventure, action, excellent rithm and thoughtful debates on what constitutes free will and life when facing adversities and accepting differences.
The three books on the archangel project are fabulous reading. The selfdiscovery of sentient AI and the fierce determination of Fleet Captain “never leave the crew behind” Noa Sato expose some interesting debate on the relationship of human, AI, and werfles. Adventure, action, excellent rithm and thoughtful debates on what constitutes free will and life when facing adversities and accepting differences.
January 10, 2025
This trilogy (though it may have been extended beyond three books) has convincing worldbuilding, compelling and unusual characters, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat plot turns. I found the third book to be the strongest, always a satisfying progression.
July 29, 2019
Lots of action and suspense with deeply thought provoking questions on what it means to be alive. This is a true science fiction tale — not fantasy. Excellent world building and characters.
October 9, 2024
I am enjoying this series more now. I accidentally read episode 4 after 2 and skipped this episode. This book seemed to work as a standalone novel as well. My ratings have also gone up.
December 23, 2017
Heretic was longer than the earlier two novels in this series – Archangel Down and Noa’s Ark. At points there was a lighter – playful, even – tone. But the characters were outstanding, the world-building and the storyline both fresh, and challenging, and the action scenes as intense as needed.
I noted a review by ”happyogini” on Amazon.com:. “Jungian motives abound”. And, yes, this is a deeper and more thoughtful story about the nature of humanity. C. Gockel could have settled for a straightforward space opera that would have been a great read. For me, this was a much superior novel, and puts C. Gockel near the top of my Must-Read authors.
This captivating series may have concluded, but even better things are on the horizon.
I noted a review by ”happyogini” on Amazon.com:. “Jungian motives abound”. And, yes, this is a deeper and more thoughtful story about the nature of humanity. C. Gockel could have settled for a straightforward space opera that would have been a great read. For me, this was a much superior novel, and puts C. Gockel near the top of my Must-Read authors.
This captivating series may have concluded, but even better things are on the horizon.
September 23, 2019
Continuing the Archangel Project with lots of non-stop action as Noa, James, 6T9, Carl Sagan and the others flee from the Luddaccean fleet aboard the Ark as they head for Gate 8. If you enjoyed the previous books, you'll love this one. They are desperately trying to alert the Earth's Fleet to the crisis on Luddaccea. Since this is a continuing story, most enjoyment will result if you start with "Carl Sagan's Hunt for Intelligent Life in the Universe" (free). Then, if you like the characters and the writing, continue with "Archangel Down" Book 1 and "Noa's Ark" Book 2 (as I did). The extensive, interesting and significant character and plot development are necessary for maximum enjoyment of "Heretic".
The Ark arrives at Kanakah Cloud, only to be met with deadly drones and phaser cannons. After surviving that threat, the Luddaccean fleet arrives to destroy the Gate and the Ark. James's secret is revealed as he sacrifices himself to save Noa. Noa's brother works with the Luddaccean scientists trying to determine what James is, and is not. To them, he seems to be more than a machine, but cannot be recognized as human. The Gates have achieved sentience, so they are considering how best to inform humanity of that development, and also determine if humanity is a threat to them that needs to be neutralized. Humans are trying to decide whether to fight the Gates or ally humanity with them against possible hostile aliens. The decisions made result in a surprise ending.
The Ark arrives at Kanakah Cloud, only to be met with deadly drones and phaser cannons. After surviving that threat, the Luddaccean fleet arrives to destroy the Gate and the Ark. James's secret is revealed as he sacrifices himself to save Noa. Noa's brother works with the Luddaccean scientists trying to determine what James is, and is not. To them, he seems to be more than a machine, but cannot be recognized as human. The Gates have achieved sentience, so they are considering how best to inform humanity of that development, and also determine if humanity is a threat to them that needs to be neutralized. Humans are trying to decide whether to fight the Gates or ally humanity with them against possible hostile aliens. The decisions made result in a surprise ending.
May 12, 2024
Herein lies the end of Noa and James’s story. A romance, a space opera, a diplomatic mission … all of these fit the book.
Deep characters with thoughts, passions, plans and courage are tested to their limits as the time gates try to decide whether they should annihilate the inferior life forms, or strike a pact to co-exist. As it stands, the humans aren’t aware that the time gates are sentient, or that nothing they do is private because of their abilities.
James is the agent of Eight, one of the more contentious gates. Noa is one of the few humans who know what the gates are, and can do. Eight wants to kill her so badly, he’s like a young child doing the pee-pee dance. James deprograms the compulsion he has to love Noa, thinking her dead. But like he says, “she’s sneaky.” Not only is she alive, she’s looking for James, even knowing that Eight is her enemy.
The plot entanglements are delicious - watching James, Noa and the rest of the gate agents work their way through the mess is terrific. This is the quintessential space opera / romance / diplomatic mission.
If this author is not already on your ‘auto-purchase’ list, she should be.
Deep characters with thoughts, passions, plans and courage are tested to their limits as the time gates try to decide whether they should annihilate the inferior life forms, or strike a pact to co-exist. As it stands, the humans aren’t aware that the time gates are sentient, or that nothing they do is private because of their abilities.
James is the agent of Eight, one of the more contentious gates. Noa is one of the few humans who know what the gates are, and can do. Eight wants to kill her so badly, he’s like a young child doing the pee-pee dance. James deprograms the compulsion he has to love Noa, thinking her dead. But like he says, “she’s sneaky.” Not only is she alive, she’s looking for James, even knowing that Eight is her enemy.
The plot entanglements are delicious - watching James, Noa and the rest of the gate agents work their way through the mess is terrific. This is the quintessential space opera / romance / diplomatic mission.
If this author is not already on your ‘auto-purchase’ list, she should be.
September 29, 2018
Noa is.An amazing and resilient woman, who never gives in to the impending disasters she and James face. And as James comes to terms with exactly what he is, he's afraid of the consequences of this new existence. They must now risk themselves and each other to save the people they care for. And James must do some deep thinking on just how much of his programming influences him to be with Noa. Separated from each other, and with the Fleet on the way, they must figure out how to stop Time Gate 8's plan to wipe out humans on Ludeccea.
They'll truly find out if humanity is ready to share their world with intelligent life forms, and know that they're not alone in the vastness of space. Also Noa's brother is a selfish waste of space, truely villainous. I loved this story, it was everything I wanted it to be from the beginning. I do wish there were more of James and Noa's exploits through space, along with Caral Sagan. But I got adventure, romance, and all the space action that made this a great read.
They'll truly find out if humanity is ready to share their world with intelligent life forms, and know that they're not alone in the vastness of space. Also Noa's brother is a selfish waste of space, truely villainous. I loved this story, it was everything I wanted it to be from the beginning. I do wish there were more of James and Noa's exploits through space, along with Caral Sagan. But I got adventure, romance, and all the space action that made this a great read.
May 21, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the three-book story. I finally know what the Gates are and that they're not untouchable. I also better understand their "agents" and could actually accept them - as well as the "Gates" - as unique forms of life.
The comparison of the 1K years-into-the future to actual humanity's past permitted me to better understand race issues of current times, by witnessing fear and discrimination in the future toward "throwbacks," augmented persons, and beings of artificial intelligence, aka cyborgs.
I found the three-book series compelling and had to read them, one right after the other. For me, the characters maintained driving personas. The books kept me guessing as to who were the "good guys" vs. the "bad guys." The ending was a valid attempt of summing up the events and providing a sense of resolution but left me feeling a little short-changed. That being said, it's not very different than life and perhaps it was the best ending for which one could hope.
The comparison of the 1K years-into-the future to actual humanity's past permitted me to better understand race issues of current times, by witnessing fear and discrimination in the future toward "throwbacks," augmented persons, and beings of artificial intelligence, aka cyborgs.
I found the three-book series compelling and had to read them, one right after the other. For me, the characters maintained driving personas. The books kept me guessing as to who were the "good guys" vs. the "bad guys." The ending was a valid attempt of summing up the events and providing a sense of resolution but left me feeling a little short-changed. That being said, it's not very different than life and perhaps it was the best ending for which one could hope.
December 4, 2018
Noa and James’ adventures continue and you are on the edge of your seat to see if they will make it away from the fanatic Luddecceans. Who is James and what are the gates? This story is all about revealing both of them.
What constitutes being a family? This story spends a lot of time looking at that issue especially toward the end. Noa is in love with James even though she knows what or who he is. But is James truly in love with Noa or is it the result of something else? You get to see a lot of what they are both thinking and you get an understanding of who they are and how they look at the world.
What I found so interesting about this story is that is shows how the moral compass can become so broken. It shows a future with all of its scientific advances that has just as much division as our current world. What drives this division is so tied up with religion and fear of technology.
What constitutes being a family? This story spends a lot of time looking at that issue especially toward the end. Noa is in love with James even though she knows what or who he is. But is James truly in love with Noa or is it the result of something else? You get to see a lot of what they are both thinking and you get an understanding of who they are and how they look at the world.
What I found so interesting about this story is that is shows how the moral compass can become so broken. It shows a future with all of its scientific advances that has just as much division as our current world. What drives this division is so tied up with religion and fear of technology.
June 16, 2018
I couldn't wait to get into this novel after the build up of the last two. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt flat when I'd finished, as I'd become so invested in the characters. I read it really quickly. The ending didn't disappoint either, as so many others have. It was a good conclusion. Lots of hidden parallels with humanity's skewed moral compass. The portrayal of the alien race was great, much more believable than the whole ET thing which some writers are still going overboard on. I'd definitely buy from this author again.
September 20, 2020
Carolynn hit another one out of the park. She pulled in all our favorite characters. She was able to blend men and women, young and old, man and machine, animals too. There's enough action to not want to put the book down. Then sometimes so much action you have to walk away - until you hear it calling you back - that doesn't take long. There's love and devotion to your team. There's a desire for galactic peace and total misunderstanding by short-sighted people.
Pick this up and read it. You will really enjoy.
Pick this up and read it. You will really enjoy.
March 20, 2018
Thought provoking storyline
Sentient artificial life forms are the harbinger of the end of humanity. At least if you are from Luddeccea that is what you think and will do anything to prevent it. Thankfully, not everyone agrees and as the agents gradually let their true nature be known the battle against Luddeccea and one powerful sentient heats up. This is well written, very creative and highly entertaining. Would love to see this one on the big screen!
Sentient artificial life forms are the harbinger of the end of humanity. At least if you are from Luddeccea that is what you think and will do anything to prevent it. Thankfully, not everyone agrees and as the agents gradually let their true nature be known the battle against Luddeccea and one powerful sentient heats up. This is well written, very creative and highly entertaining. Would love to see this one on the big screen!
June 14, 2018
What is sentience?
This series deals with the big questions si-fy does with so well. What does it mean to be alive, what does it mean to be human. It does this with break neck action and a little romance thrown in. Really good believable main and supporting characters. Great tech, lots of battles and skin of the teeth moments. Solid writing and good editing. Really enjoyed this.
This series deals with the big questions si-fy does with so well. What does it mean to be alive, what does it mean to be human. It does this with break neck action and a little romance thrown in. Really good believable main and supporting characters. Great tech, lots of battles and skin of the teeth moments. Solid writing and good editing. Really enjoyed this.
August 6, 2017
This series packs a serious wallop.
This series has a bit of everything. Consentration camps, intelligent AI, murder,
Greed, deceit, space fighters and love.
Do you think that love between machine and humans is possible?
Then read on and find out. Great series, great book , great read
This series has a bit of everything. Consentration camps, intelligent AI, murder,
Greed, deceit, space fighters and love.
Do you think that love between machine and humans is possible?
Then read on and find out. Great series, great book , great read
May 24, 2019
Fast read; kept my interests.
Better than the first two books in this series. Some unanswered questions, one of them being how did a technology fearing society actually discover the gate intelligence. Yes, Kenzie is a genius, but how did he figure it out? Finding extra frequencies could mean lots of things.
Better than the first two books in this series. Some unanswered questions, one of them being how did a technology fearing society actually discover the gate intelligence. Yes, Kenzie is a genius, but how did he figure it out? Finding extra frequencies could mean lots of things.
December 2, 2023
Great third book
This was probably the best of the three books I’ve read so far in this series. I love the creativity, especially in how the protagonist always comes up with a plan in seemingly hopeless situations. Also, the presentation of self-aware AI as alien intelligence is genius!
This was probably the best of the three books I’ve read so far in this series. I love the creativity, especially in how the protagonist always comes up with a plan in seemingly hopeless situations. Also, the presentation of self-aware AI as alien intelligence is genius!
August 10, 2025
The end of the beginning.
Similar to the fight against a religious section, who send out their witch hunters, creating a Holocaust. One person Noa Sato holds the fate of humankind in her hands, with the aid of a rogue sensient "android" wo may be her dead husband, recreated by a bunch of aliens, one of whom desires the end of humankind after they attacked.
Similar to the fight against a religious section, who send out their witch hunters, creating a Holocaust. One person Noa Sato holds the fate of humankind in her hands, with the aid of a rogue sensient "android" wo may be her dead husband, recreated by a bunch of aliens, one of whom desires the end of humankind after they attacked.
August 19, 2017
Sci Fi Not Fantasy
Nice to read sci fi (not fantasy) and with real characters and themes. Read all three columns straight through. Only complaint was seaweed and whales at end of Vol 2. It read like filler.
Nice to read sci fi (not fantasy) and with real characters and themes. Read all three columns straight through. Only complaint was seaweed and whales at end of Vol 2. It read like filler.
May 12, 2019
The final book in the series does not disappoint.
Another interesting read.
I love the relationship that has grown between Noa and James, and it was interesting to see how it would play out considering he considered himself no alive.
Another interesting read.
I love the relationship that has grown between Noa and James, and it was interesting to see how it would play out considering he considered himself no alive.
Read
June 15, 2020Noa, James, Kanakh Cloud
James is Noa's lover, but is hiding the fact that he is now a Cyborg. They are escaping from the Luddicean's who are luddites regarding computer tech.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
James is Noa's lover, but is hiding the fact that he is now a Cyborg. They are escaping from the Luddicean's who are luddites regarding computer tech.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
August 17, 2020
This comment is for the three books read so far, the first three in the series. These books are fun to read. They are full of well described action as well as interesting relationships between the characters. I'm impressed and will definitely read the other books in this series.
October 27, 2020
Once again, a very good book... just not what I was expecting (and the ending... shouldn't have ended). There could have easily been more books in this series with these people, however... there are more books, but they take place 100 years AFTER this book 3.
Even though, still a very good read.
Even though, still a very good read.
June 8, 2021
The unusual characters and events that Gockel presents never disappoint.
The sometimes surprising 10 legged Carl Sagan and the android 6T9 continue to get into trouble saving their comrades. The human attributes of these characters are developed nicely.
The sometimes surprising 10 legged Carl Sagan and the android 6T9 continue to get into trouble saving their comrades. The human attributes of these characters are developed nicely.
April 3, 2018
Well worth the read
An amazing finish for a really great book. You won't want to miss the conclusion to this spellbinding trilogy. Hard to put down.
An amazing finish for a really great book. You won't want to miss the conclusion to this spellbinding trilogy. Hard to put down.
August 26, 2018
I loved all three of the main title & am on the Carl Sagan spin off!
August 27, 2018
Fast moving and exciting. Kept me turning pages right to the end. Interesting take on the question of alien life.
September 30, 2018
Excellent series
Good movement without lost...I enjoyed the characters and their interaction between worlds/ether! I will be watching for the next book
Good movement without lost...I enjoyed the characters and their interaction between worlds/ether! I will be watching for the next book
December 18, 2018
Pretty good for a space opera
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews