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Freedom #1
Legends
The exciting first book of the FREEDOM series. For 500 generations Humans have been addicted to a drug called Shackle. We are slaves to the alien species of the galaxy. Bought, traded, sold, and hunted for sport. Our value is only in credits. But a virus is sweeping through the Human population. Altering a gut bacteria, the virus is making Humans immune. As we become aware of our condition, we begin to yearn for freedom. Will the legends of our past be enough to show us the way?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2017
645 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Arseneault
156 books75 followersI came to this planet sixty some odd years ago. After exiting my mother's portal, the doctor slapped me around until I started breathing the oxygen. I'll admit, at the time, I had no idea what I was doing or where I was. Being an infant Human, I was completely reliant on the responsible actions of others. It was a time that I have largely forgotten.
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 27, 2018
It personally just felt all too easy to me, there was no internal struggle and when people did die I really didn't care. It's an interesting premise but poorly executed in my opinion.
July 8, 2018
Engrossing
Humans have been slaves and the lowest of the low for thousands of years. they're kept docile, stupid, and dirty by the administration (by aliens) of a highly addictive drug called Shackle. A virus that makes humans immune to the drug also makes them aware. A sympathetic alien and some aware humans are trying to change things. Interesting premise and enjoyable reading; I'm going to get the next book.
Humans have been slaves and the lowest of the low for thousands of years. they're kept docile, stupid, and dirty by the administration (by aliens) of a highly addictive drug called Shackle. A virus that makes humans immune to the drug also makes them aware. A sympathetic alien and some aware humans are trying to change things. Interesting premise and enjoyable reading; I'm going to get the next book.
April 22, 2020
Liked it a lot!! I've fond of sci-fi for decades, I love the classics (Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov, Lovecraft), those who paved the ways with ideas and plots.
Arseneault is very original. This plot is great, the characters are consistent, the story is gripping. While I still wouldn't put him on par with Heinlein or Clarke, no doubt he is carving a name with his novels.
(Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert)
I definitely liked the way he manages to show the shortcomings of non-human sentient races, when saying they are less intelligent. As a human writer (I hope Stephen is so :-) ) to simulate or describe this more limited intelligence in a meaningful and consistent way seems to me quite an accomplishment: the lowered capacity for deduction, the lessened ability to relate knowledge, even the reduced malice or complexity in their fiendish plots. The villains are quite naive.
So, in short, I loved it. For a great plot and an excellent handling of weird situations. Thanks!
Arseneault is very original. This plot is great, the characters are consistent, the story is gripping. While I still wouldn't put him on par with Heinlein or Clarke, no doubt he is carving a name with his novels.
(Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert - Spoiler alert)
I definitely liked the way he manages to show the shortcomings of non-human sentient races, when saying they are less intelligent. As a human writer (I hope Stephen is so :-) ) to simulate or describe this more limited intelligence in a meaningful and consistent way seems to me quite an accomplishment: the lowered capacity for deduction, the lessened ability to relate knowledge, even the reduced malice or complexity in their fiendish plots. The villains are quite naive.
So, in short, I loved it. For a great plot and an excellent handling of weird situations. Thanks!
July 8, 2018
Absolutely Loved It!
Not only is the book well written, with wonderful, captivating characters, it has a fantastic plot! Every human in the known universe is a double slave. All have alien masters, all are addicted to a drug that dumbs them down. They are completely docile and under control. But some become infected with a disease that leaves them free of the addiction and “awake”. Enter an alien master that recognizes the advantages of intelligent humans and the evils of slavery. If he can climb to a position with enough power he promises to free the slaves.
Who has the most power? Those with the most credits of course. Possibly you will recognize rich politicians or those behind the scenes as role models for these greedy aliens. I can’t wait for the book to see what happens next.
Not only is the book well written, with wonderful, captivating characters, it has a fantastic plot! Every human in the known universe is a double slave. All have alien masters, all are addicted to a drug that dumbs them down. They are completely docile and under control. But some become infected with a disease that leaves them free of the addiction and “awake”. Enter an alien master that recognizes the advantages of intelligent humans and the evils of slavery. If he can climb to a position with enough power he promises to free the slaves.
Who has the most power? Those with the most credits of course. Possibly you will recognize rich politicians or those behind the scenes as role models for these greedy aliens. I can’t wait for the book to see what happens next.
July 3, 2018
First of several (7?) volumes dealing with the creation and growth of a movement to assert Human presence in galactic society. 500 generations have passed since humanity was overthrown by the six? alien races they'd raised to civilisation, 500 generations of slavery addicted to a drug called Shackle before a virus appears that confers immunity to the drug so that the slaves become aware...
This covers a lot, from the history and the nature of the present Empire and its denizens, to the moulding of a team of aware humans as their 'master' aims to promote himself in society - perhaps to gain the imperial throne and ban human slavery.
This covers a lot, from the history and the nature of the present Empire and its denizens, to the moulding of a team of aware humans as their 'master' aims to promote himself in society - perhaps to gain the imperial throne and ban human slavery.
July 22, 2018
Intriguing, suspenseful, and full of surprises
This book has a truly interesting concept of humans as slaves for over 500 years under the influence of a drug called Shackle. Some humans are becoming immune to the drug and aware of what is going on around them. Stephen Arseneault describes his characters and scenes compellingly and keeps your attention to see what will happen next. He writes with precision detail in the hunt for humans for pleasure. This is a fascinating tale of how the humans are starting to fight back to gain their freedom. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. Happy reading!
This book has a truly interesting concept of humans as slaves for over 500 years under the influence of a drug called Shackle. Some humans are becoming immune to the drug and aware of what is going on around them. Stephen Arseneault describes his characters and scenes compellingly and keeps your attention to see what will happen next. He writes with precision detail in the hunt for humans for pleasure. This is a fascinating tale of how the humans are starting to fight back to gain their freedom. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. Happy reading!
March 12, 2019
Legends is the first book in the Freedom series. This book can be read as a standalone. Though personally I would not stop with this book as the plotline is too good to not read more about these characters. There is violence. I am really enjoying the start to this series! It really makes me wonder how I would react if I was one of these characters who became awake and aware. I also think it is interesting to note that these aliens are lazy and unimaginative and just rely on what we humans created millennia ago and haven't advanced beyond that tech.
October 25, 2018
Others will likely love it
This is a well constructed story. It weighs some heavy moral questions. Sadly that's where it lost me. The author is well reasoned and fair to both sides, I'm simply not interested in the politics of a fantasy world. I'm sure there is a wide audience for exactly this type of story.
In fairness, I did not finish. At about the halfway mark it felt a lot like an anthropology or sociology debate.
This is a well constructed story. It weighs some heavy moral questions. Sadly that's where it lost me. The author is well reasoned and fair to both sides, I'm simply not interested in the politics of a fantasy world. I'm sure there is a wide audience for exactly this type of story.
In fairness, I did not finish. At about the halfway mark it felt a lot like an anthropology or sociology debate.
October 20, 2019
Freedom
Loved the book, a very different scenario of the demise of the human race, and the slow rise to freedom. I thought the use of drugs to bring about our downfall a very human failing and very feasible idea. It was exciting and the characters were very believable, I found myself rooting for them and a real sense of anger for the treatment of our species, even though it was fantasy. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Fab
Loved the book, a very different scenario of the demise of the human race, and the slow rise to freedom. I thought the use of drugs to bring about our downfall a very human failing and very feasible idea. It was exciting and the characters were very believable, I found myself rooting for them and a real sense of anger for the treatment of our species, even though it was fantasy. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Fab
December 16, 2024
Humanity will Rise Again!
Ok. For your attention. Humanity, all 500 Billion of them, are slaves. Drug induced, mind blocked, addicted slaves to some of the most vile alien races. Alien races who had been raised up by the same humans.
Now, a remorseful alien, 10,000 years in the future, is slowly and carefully, bringing the humans back to awareness and technical training in an attempt to restore the wrong. Ride along for the journey!
Ok. For your attention. Humanity, all 500 Billion of them, are slaves. Drug induced, mind blocked, addicted slaves to some of the most vile alien races. Alien races who had been raised up by the same humans.
Now, a remorseful alien, 10,000 years in the future, is slowly and carefully, bringing the humans back to awareness and technical training in an attempt to restore the wrong. Ride along for the journey!
July 1, 2018
Anew and exciting perspective!
I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Arsenault's writing! His ability to create a vast strange and fascinating world had me hooked right away. The story he has created is a fresh look at an old genre. Frredom Legends left me wanting more so I'm off to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Arsenault's writing! His ability to create a vast strange and fascinating world had me hooked right away. The story he has created is a fresh look at an old genre. Frredom Legends left me wanting more so I'm off to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
August 16, 2019
I've read other stories where the human race was enslaved, and rebelled, but this book is the first time I've seen one of the subjecting races helping the humans start the rebellion. There are parts that don't quite ring true, but for the most part, this was a well done story. I will read more from this author.
January 25, 2020
Future of slavery, still alive and well.
Will the future be worst then the 400 years of slavery; not just for one race, but for all humans. Read the beginning of the book and remember the words of President Lincoln. Shoes on the other foot. Only this time the masters are aliens. 👽
Will the future be worst then the 400 years of slavery; not just for one race, but for all humans. Read the beginning of the book and remember the words of President Lincoln. Shoes on the other foot. Only this time the masters are aliens. 👽
August 27, 2020
Humans are the slaves kept down by compulsory drugs. The aliens haven't really progressed in the 10000 years that they have been in power.
One of the Masters decides to use some Aware humans to help him climb the power ladder.
The story is fun... but things happen too fast (training, politics). It is worth reading.
One of the Masters decides to use some Aware humans to help him climb the power ladder.
The story is fun... but things happen too fast (training, politics). It is worth reading.
September 18, 2017
No regrets
Enslaved for 10,000 yrs is a bummer. But only if you're aware of it. Nature has helped. A gastrol infection has immunized the mind numbing drug Shackle being administered. If a uncruel alien master wanna help, who's to say no? Freedom awaits the bold!
Enslaved for 10,000 yrs is a bummer. But only if you're aware of it. Nature has helped. A gastrol infection has immunized the mind numbing drug Shackle being administered. If a uncruel alien master wanna help, who's to say no? Freedom awaits the bold!
December 3, 2017
So far, I'm not feeling it. I have enjoyed all of Mr Arseneault's series prior to this one, but I've read two now and I'm not getting traction.
Maybe I'll warm up to it in book 3. I'll let you know!
Maybe I'll warm up to it in book 3. I'll let you know!
June 24, 2018
Unique story
Very different from most scifi. Great interaction between the human and aliens. Good example of how people can be manipulated various secrets, rumors, and hearsay. Will enjoy reading the next in the series.
Very different from most scifi. Great interaction between the human and aliens. Good example of how people can be manipulated various secrets, rumors, and hearsay. Will enjoy reading the next in the series.
June 24, 2018
A good book
This a good read, liked the characters, good character development and a good storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and of this series when the next book comes out.
This a good read, liked the characters, good character development and a good storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and of this series when the next book comes out.
August 11, 2018
Humans get aid from an unlikely source...
Hallik is non-human helping Humans who are no longer drugged by Shackle (smudge). With their help he plans on becoming emperor and freeing the Humans, but will this team succeed?
Jo-Ann Doyle
Hallik is non-human helping Humans who are no longer drugged by Shackle (smudge). With their help he plans on becoming emperor and freeing the Humans, but will this team succeed?
Jo-Ann Doyle
August 24, 2018
Interesting storyline
I have very much enjoyed the storyline,I'm looking forward to following everyone's journey. I hope they are not betrayed but I'm sure there are many more twists and turns for them.
I have very much enjoyed the storyline,I'm looking forward to following everyone's journey. I hope they are not betrayed but I'm sure there are many more twists and turns for them.
September 18, 2018
Freedom Legends
Although this was an interesting story, it was a bit too gruesome for my taste. The author should have had a little less gore, and it would have made the story palatable.
Although this was an interesting story, it was a bit too gruesome for my taste. The author should have had a little less gore, and it would have made the story palatable.
May 4, 2019
Awesome storyline!
I love a book that keeps moving, yet keeps you guessing. I also liked that it spent its words on the events happening and not filled with the gore. Definitely a series to read!
I love a book that keeps moving, yet keeps you guessing. I also liked that it spent its words on the events happening and not filled with the gore. Definitely a series to read!
November 11, 2019
Fascinating premise.
But feels like there are things missing. I don’t know. I’d ha e liked more detail and depth.
Overall it’s good.
And I do want to know what happens next.
I hope there’s more backstory.
But feels like there are things missing. I don’t know. I’d ha e liked more detail and depth.
Overall it’s good.
And I do want to know what happens next.
I hope there’s more backstory.
April 14, 2020
Excellent READ
It takes a little time to get in the story, but once you have you have you will not be disappointed, the story line continues to build up straight to the next instalment
It takes a little time to get in the story, but once you have you have you will not be disappointed, the story line continues to build up straight to the next instalment
March 3, 2018
He's gone and done it again, thats me hooked on another series have now bought all the books availabe so far in this series
July 1, 2018
Very good
A very good start to the series. Good suspense right plot moves quickly. The intrigue and actions are fun to watch and read about.
A very good start to the series. Good suspense right plot moves quickly. The intrigue and actions are fun to watch and read about.
July 3, 2018
"Legends" is the 1st book of a space opera.
Humans have been enslaved for thousands
of years, and now they are working for
freedom.
RECOMMENDED
Humans have been enslaved for thousands
of years, and now they are working for
freedom.
RECOMMENDED
August 26, 2018
A great book with lots of food for thought
August 26, 2018
Enjoyed the ride!
A storyline that grabs you as it unfolds and the characters develop and blossom ... left wanting more (and another six in the series to satisfy that need!)
A storyline that grabs you as it unfolds and the characters develop and blossom ... left wanting more (and another six in the series to satisfy that need!)
August 30, 2018
A good fast read on the order of the classic SCI-FI space operas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews