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Sedition
A trucker, a blogger, and a congressman determine the fate of the most powerful empire the world has ever known.Americans are angry and divided along party lines. They’re tired of the endless wars, high gas prices, and high unemployment. They’re tired of the graft in DC and on Wall Street. They’re tired of being spied on and herded like cattle into the prison industrial complex. Like in years before, they’re certain that, this time, their guy will change everything. The Republican and Democratic saviors make their promises, and the true believers swoon, but domestic terrorists aren’t buying what these politicians are selling.Truck driver George Chapman is in the right place at the right time to foil an assassination attempt on one of the most influential men in politics. Some might say the reluctant hero was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some might say it was a false flag. Nonetheless, his fifteen minutes of fame grows because of his extraordinary gift. Will he use his gift and newfound fame to unite the country or to tear it apart?A revolution is coming. Which side are you on?Buy this this page turner that’s been described as a modern-day Atlas Shrugged.Adult language, content, and sexual violence.What readers are sayingAll in all, I've read two other novels by Williams, and in my view he is one of the best contemporary novelists in the English-speaking world." - Donna Nissani, Author, LIVES IN THE The Cold War and American Politics, 1945-1991 ★★★★★“I'm a huge fan of dystopian scenarios but this is literally the scariest one I've ever encountered.” – R. Bivone ★★★★★"This book was absolutely amazing! I didn't realize when I bought it, that it was 600+ pages! I figured I would take a month to read it. It hooked me from the first 3 pages. I ended up reading the book just about nonstop for 2 days. Anyone wanting a great thought provoking book, grab this one now!" - Koditten ★★★★★"Williams hits this one out of the park." - Jerry G. ★★★★★
614 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2017
581 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Phil M. Williams
39 books366 followersPhil M. Williams is the author of twenty-five books primarily in the thriller genre. His thrillers span many subgenres, such as: murder mysteries, political, domestic, dystopian, legal, psychological, and technothrillers. His stories often feature regular Joes and Janes in extraordinary situations that are ripped from today’s headlines.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 5, 2024
Very adequate
August 23, 2018
Kudos
I wasn’t sure about reading Sedition, but needed a change. OMG! I’m so glad I took the chance as this absolutely thought provoking, edge of your chair!
Considering the situations in our world today, is this maybe time to get your life right? You bet!
I wasn’t sure about reading Sedition, but needed a change. OMG! I’m so glad I took the chance as this absolutely thought provoking, edge of your chair!
Considering the situations in our world today, is this maybe time to get your life right? You bet!
February 12, 2019
Sedition by Phil M. Williams is a political horror thriller. Any writer who attempts to write a political thriller in the turbulent times we are expressing probably must work hard to keep up. What could be more chaotic, unpredictable and absurd than things we see on the daily news? Williams presents us with a novel that is a thinly disguised parody of “real” life. Representative John Bradley, a main character has one chapter devoted to him titled “John and the Art of the Deal.” John is, of course, an ambitious politician with visions of the White House in mind. He just wants to stay in Washington D. C. and help “drain the swamp.” Are any memory bells ringing yet?
This is a very scary novel that presents horrible possibilities for a future of the USA with such convincing certainty that readers will not be creating remote bunkers as Main Character George does but might be applying for (Swiss) citizenship as does the family of Kate, a wildly successful YouTube entrepreneur. Three central themes guide the novel. The first is that the economic system of the USA is inherently doomed to failure. An economic system based on increasing debt that is paid by printed money of decreasing value creates a bubble that will inevitably burst. Secondly, there is a ruling elite that encourages increasing debt and who profit from it by ever increasing corrupt means that eventually lead to curtailing civil liberties. This leads to a dictatorship ruled by a total use of state power to include the military. Finally, through social media, the “masses” are manipulated to the point they contribute to their own demise. Readers will inevitably be led to a comparison made to the manipulation of the German “masses” in the past.
This could have been written as a straightforward political rant, but Williams decided to use fiction supported by a lot of non-fiction to produce a very scary warning of a possible future. It is a future centered on the USA, but chaos is, expectedly, worldwide. It is just that the USA comes out as the biggest loser and is forced to accept the responsibility for its own loss. The non-fiction support is presented by Main Character George. He just wants to get through the day by delivering motorcycles, his self-created cottage industry. Everything he does is self-created. He built his own house in a remote area. He grows his own food. With no friends (by choice) he is an autodidact who reads a lot and fills “blank” time by listening to podcasts and NPR. (This is getting too close to home already). He might have lived his life as an avowed Anarchist, affecting no one in society, except for the accident by which he saved Congressman Bradley’s life. During a motorcycle delivery, George saw a man with a concealed weapon preparing to assassinate John and, acting on instinct, tackled the assassin. The Congressman survived, the assassin didn’t, and George got shot by responding police. This propelled George into public interest through the efforts of Kate, an entrepreneur who looked for opportunities to make money through her YouTube channel. Getting an interview with George would be a coup for Kate and spike her channel’s ratings through the ceiling.
George resists all efforts at publicity but is dragged bit by bit into the public eye as he explains his belief in Anarchy as the only way to restore true civil liberties. George is a total pacifistic anarchist; he rejects violence. This is not true of other factions believing in anarchy; the movement is not monolithic. This is where the bulk of the non-fiction comes in. Podcasts will present the basis of his beliefs. As George listens, readers will find lengthy tracts on economic theories of the past. What worked, what didn’t, and why didn’t they? George has an almost superpower he doesn’t want, the inability to forget anything he has ever heard or read. He would be a winner at any Trivial Pursuit game. Not only does he remember content, he remembers sources, dates, and even times. This will be handy as Julie, Kate, and Max drag George into making public appearances. It is not a shy nature that drives George’s reluctance to appear in public; he suffers from stage fright that causes him to vomit at every attempt to speak publicly.
As George presents his well-supported views in both private and, eventually, public venues, many readers will be tempted to further check George’s sources. Author Williams tries to keep these sections interesting (they are) and not clunky (sometimes they are) as some of these parts remind me of the writings of Ayn Rand. Although I am an Ayn Rand fan, she (and Williams) sometimes beat the reader over the head repeatedly with the same point. This is the only weakness I found in the book. We know the themes, they are well supported, but we don’t need several repetitions of the same support anecdotes.
Very serious non-fiction material is embedded in a fictional setting that involves romantic relationships, betrayals, redemptions (or not), a rigged election, and very scary portrayals of what happens when government power is highjacked by unscrupulous, self-centered, individuals focused on immediate gratification, to include sex. (Interlude while we make comparisons to present day situations). Sexual language is kept to the minimum necessary but feel free to skip over a prison scene; one that is brutal.
Don’t fail to read the very well written Author’s Note. That is followed by approximately thirty Kindle pages listing resources the author used in support of the non-fiction facts embedded in this fictional political horror show. If you look at the Bibliography you might be tempted to read the articles and books mentioned. If you begin to think everything is hopeless, look at the Author’s note again about his comparison of present times to those of the American Revolution.
Despite Ayn Rand(esque) occasional clunkiness, I give this novel five Amazon stars and highly recommend it as a modern-day political horror novel. Is there a genre for this? Somehow, I managed to purchase this book for free on Amazon, so it was not a giveaway or an author request. It is now on sale for USD 8.99 or available as a free read through Kindle Unlimited.
I don’t say this about many novels: I would have paid the full purchase price of USD 8.99.
This is a very scary novel that presents horrible possibilities for a future of the USA with such convincing certainty that readers will not be creating remote bunkers as Main Character George does but might be applying for (Swiss) citizenship as does the family of Kate, a wildly successful YouTube entrepreneur. Three central themes guide the novel. The first is that the economic system of the USA is inherently doomed to failure. An economic system based on increasing debt that is paid by printed money of decreasing value creates a bubble that will inevitably burst. Secondly, there is a ruling elite that encourages increasing debt and who profit from it by ever increasing corrupt means that eventually lead to curtailing civil liberties. This leads to a dictatorship ruled by a total use of state power to include the military. Finally, through social media, the “masses” are manipulated to the point they contribute to their own demise. Readers will inevitably be led to a comparison made to the manipulation of the German “masses” in the past.
This could have been written as a straightforward political rant, but Williams decided to use fiction supported by a lot of non-fiction to produce a very scary warning of a possible future. It is a future centered on the USA, but chaos is, expectedly, worldwide. It is just that the USA comes out as the biggest loser and is forced to accept the responsibility for its own loss. The non-fiction support is presented by Main Character George. He just wants to get through the day by delivering motorcycles, his self-created cottage industry. Everything he does is self-created. He built his own house in a remote area. He grows his own food. With no friends (by choice) he is an autodidact who reads a lot and fills “blank” time by listening to podcasts and NPR. (This is getting too close to home already). He might have lived his life as an avowed Anarchist, affecting no one in society, except for the accident by which he saved Congressman Bradley’s life. During a motorcycle delivery, George saw a man with a concealed weapon preparing to assassinate John and, acting on instinct, tackled the assassin. The Congressman survived, the assassin didn’t, and George got shot by responding police. This propelled George into public interest through the efforts of Kate, an entrepreneur who looked for opportunities to make money through her YouTube channel. Getting an interview with George would be a coup for Kate and spike her channel’s ratings through the ceiling.
George resists all efforts at publicity but is dragged bit by bit into the public eye as he explains his belief in Anarchy as the only way to restore true civil liberties. George is a total pacifistic anarchist; he rejects violence. This is not true of other factions believing in anarchy; the movement is not monolithic. This is where the bulk of the non-fiction comes in. Podcasts will present the basis of his beliefs. As George listens, readers will find lengthy tracts on economic theories of the past. What worked, what didn’t, and why didn’t they? George has an almost superpower he doesn’t want, the inability to forget anything he has ever heard or read. He would be a winner at any Trivial Pursuit game. Not only does he remember content, he remembers sources, dates, and even times. This will be handy as Julie, Kate, and Max drag George into making public appearances. It is not a shy nature that drives George’s reluctance to appear in public; he suffers from stage fright that causes him to vomit at every attempt to speak publicly.
As George presents his well-supported views in both private and, eventually, public venues, many readers will be tempted to further check George’s sources. Author Williams tries to keep these sections interesting (they are) and not clunky (sometimes they are) as some of these parts remind me of the writings of Ayn Rand. Although I am an Ayn Rand fan, she (and Williams) sometimes beat the reader over the head repeatedly with the same point. This is the only weakness I found in the book. We know the themes, they are well supported, but we don’t need several repetitions of the same support anecdotes.
Very serious non-fiction material is embedded in a fictional setting that involves romantic relationships, betrayals, redemptions (or not), a rigged election, and very scary portrayals of what happens when government power is highjacked by unscrupulous, self-centered, individuals focused on immediate gratification, to include sex. (Interlude while we make comparisons to present day situations). Sexual language is kept to the minimum necessary but feel free to skip over a prison scene; one that is brutal.
Don’t fail to read the very well written Author’s Note. That is followed by approximately thirty Kindle pages listing resources the author used in support of the non-fiction facts embedded in this fictional political horror show. If you look at the Bibliography you might be tempted to read the articles and books mentioned. If you begin to think everything is hopeless, look at the Author’s note again about his comparison of present times to those of the American Revolution.
Despite Ayn Rand(esque) occasional clunkiness, I give this novel five Amazon stars and highly recommend it as a modern-day political horror novel. Is there a genre for this? Somehow, I managed to purchase this book for free on Amazon, so it was not a giveaway or an author request. It is now on sale for USD 8.99 or available as a free read through Kindle Unlimited.
I don’t say this about many novels: I would have paid the full purchase price of USD 8.99.
March 19, 2019
Both enjoyed and scared the crap out of me. Once again Mr. Williams educates and entertains while providing a very enjoyable reading experience. It was a good thing I was on vacation while reading this and it didn’t matter that I was up until 2 AM finishing this book.
I would recommend this as well as the 3 other books I have read by this author. Hopefully his cautionary tales about some of the weaknesses of our society will remain with you after you have completed the book. Just bought “Rumors” and can’t wait to start it.
I would recommend this as well as the 3 other books I have read by this author. Hopefully his cautionary tales about some of the weaknesses of our society will remain with you after you have completed the book. Just bought “Rumors” and can’t wait to start it.
July 8, 2018
The reader does not have to buy into the author's political scenario to enjoy this novel. He makes a lot of valid points about the financial house of cards that the U.S. banking system has become. His espousing Anarchism as the solution to the country's problems is just a bit silly. But, it does make for an interesting novel.
January 10, 2022
Wow!
Simply magnificent and unputdownable. This book was not only highly entertaining, but it will challenge your current beliefs. 5 stars isn't enough.
Simply magnificent and unputdownable. This book was not only highly entertaining, but it will challenge your current beliefs. 5 stars isn't enough.
April 18, 2020
So much I didn’t know...
This is a good book! I hate to say it’s educational, even though it is, because most people associate that with something boring – and you will be anything but bored with the plot of this book. Whether you are an R, or a D, you will see some of yourself in this book, and hopefully you learn some things are not black and white, but rather many shades of gray. And just maybe, find an open line of dialogue with someone you’ve considered ‘other’ than you, and try to resist together.
This is a good book! I hate to say it’s educational, even though it is, because most people associate that with something boring – and you will be anything but bored with the plot of this book. Whether you are an R, or a D, you will see some of yourself in this book, and hopefully you learn some things are not black and white, but rather many shades of gray. And just maybe, find an open line of dialogue with someone you’ve considered ‘other’ than you, and try to resist together.
September 12, 2019
Thank You
Many thanks for a very eye opening novel that reads more like a current happening or a portent of the near future. Fortunately I'm heading for my eightieth birthday and doubt that I'll be around when this comes too pass if it ever does
Many thanks for a very eye opening novel that reads more like a current happening or a portent of the near future. Fortunately I'm heading for my eightieth birthday and doubt that I'll be around when this comes too pass if it ever does
December 28, 2019
Where to start with this immense book? It’s ambitious in its scope and disturbing in its plausibility. Essentially it’s about the US financial system and its vulnerability. It’s obvious the author has put in his research with this one and it’s a subject close to his heart. There are a lot of very interesting characters showing various viewpoints as the tensions grow and things become dangerous for everyone, not just those directly involved. If half of what Phil M Williams writes is accurate the world really could be in trouble. The main thing that I took from this book was that it made me think a lot about how the world is structured. Any writing that can do that is great writing in my opinion. Phil M Williams always writers with authenticity and that’s what keeps me coming back for each of his books. Give this a go and be prepared for it to worry you long after you finish it.
September 3, 2018
Such a good book! I've read all of his books now, and am eagerly awaiting the next.
November 29, 2020
Great book, very thought-provoking
I think this is the most thought-provoking book that I have read in a long time. Research was excellent and blended perfectly into the storyline. Thank you for sharing this great piece work Mr. Williams, I will remember this book and many of the 'podcasts' you quoted..... and I will definitely look and listen more closely to politicians forever.
I think this is the most thought-provoking book that I have read in a long time. Research was excellent and blended perfectly into the storyline. Thank you for sharing this great piece work Mr. Williams, I will remember this book and many of the 'podcasts' you quoted..... and I will definitely look and listen more closely to politicians forever.
February 22, 2018
Phil's best book by far... so full of truth it's scary!
October 17, 2017
kindle unlimited, topical/timely *{see end note/s}
A trucker, a blogger, and a congressman determine the fate of the most powerful empire the world has ever known. Americans are angry and divided along party lines. They’re tired of the endless wars, high gas prices, and high unemployment. They’re tired of the graft in DC and on Wall Street. They’re tired of being spied on and herded like cattle into the prison industrial complex. Like in years before, they’re certain that, this time, their guy will change everything. The Republican and Democratic saviors make their promises, and the true believers swoon, but domestic terrorists aren’t buying what these politicians are selling. Truck driver George Chapman is in the right place at the right time to foil an assassination attempt on one of the most influential men in politics. Some might say the reluctant hero was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some might say it was a false flag. Nonetheless, his fifteen minutes of fame grows because of his extraordinary gift. Will he use his gift and newfound fame to unite the country or to tear it apart? A revolution is coming. Which side are you on?
*Adult language, content, and sexual violence.
At the end there was some personal notes, one being that people during the 2016 election voted D or R; I personally didn't vote either, really...I don't vote political 'party', I vote platform, and that has to have been proven by previous and ongoing actions. I voted for a 'Democratic Socialist', and was Iowa during the caucus lies and theft of votes and delegates by Clinton as well as the lies leading up to and beyond, all the way to today and beyond, of the ongoing lies/alternative truths of the Washington swamp that was drained and filled back up with worse swamp monsters. We as a nation should change the slogan from God Bless America to be almost British...God Save America...but no one and nothing can do that alone, it takes ongoing commitment that does not back down in the face of adversity {or worse}. Immigrants, those seeking freedom of religion and basic personal human rights were what this country was founded on, and even though it flounders now, there is still hope, because there are good people out there, in this country, and no matter how long or what it takes, we will get the country back for everyone, no matter color, creed, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability...time is on our side, so use it wisely, watch and listen and act.
A trucker, a blogger, and a congressman determine the fate of the most powerful empire the world has ever known. Americans are angry and divided along party lines. They’re tired of the endless wars, high gas prices, and high unemployment. They’re tired of the graft in DC and on Wall Street. They’re tired of being spied on and herded like cattle into the prison industrial complex. Like in years before, they’re certain that, this time, their guy will change everything. The Republican and Democratic saviors make their promises, and the true believers swoon, but domestic terrorists aren’t buying what these politicians are selling. Truck driver George Chapman is in the right place at the right time to foil an assassination attempt on one of the most influential men in politics. Some might say the reluctant hero was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some might say it was a false flag. Nonetheless, his fifteen minutes of fame grows because of his extraordinary gift. Will he use his gift and newfound fame to unite the country or to tear it apart? A revolution is coming. Which side are you on?
*Adult language, content, and sexual violence.
At the end there was some personal notes, one being that people during the 2016 election voted D or R; I personally didn't vote either, really...I don't vote political 'party', I vote platform, and that has to have been proven by previous and ongoing actions. I voted for a 'Democratic Socialist', and was Iowa during the caucus lies and theft of votes and delegates by Clinton as well as the lies leading up to and beyond, all the way to today and beyond, of the ongoing lies/alternative truths of the Washington swamp that was drained and filled back up with worse swamp monsters. We as a nation should change the slogan from God Bless America to be almost British...God Save America...but no one and nothing can do that alone, it takes ongoing commitment that does not back down in the face of adversity {or worse}. Immigrants, those seeking freedom of religion and basic personal human rights were what this country was founded on, and even though it flounders now, there is still hope, because there are good people out there, in this country, and no matter how long or what it takes, we will get the country back for everyone, no matter color, creed, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability...time is on our side, so use it wisely, watch and listen and act.
March 11, 2019
Another great Phil Williams novel. Well written, well researched, and thought provoking. A few graphic scenes might give you some consideration about younger readers, but the the political and economic ideas are relevant to all. A must read in today's partisan political environment.
February 5, 2018
Excellent
Expertly written and researched. Informative. Piercing insight into the System. Engaging and entertaining. Artful. Follows through to the well thought out ending. Loved it!
Expertly written and researched. Informative. Piercing insight into the System. Engaging and entertaining. Artful. Follows through to the well thought out ending. Loved it!
July 4, 2018
Excellent novel, gripping read. Well researched, what-if story that likely isn’t far from the future if we don’t, as a nation, figure this out.
October 26, 2020
Is This the Future?
This book is so different from most that I read, not just entertainment, but very thought provoking (thus my title). Current US political issues are floated throughout the early years of the book (2018 if I remember correctly), and as an outsider looking into these messages, I worry that some of what happens in the early to mid 2020s may not be far from the truth got the US. Conspiracy theories about currencies, energy, the gold standard (I am old enough to remember Nixon ending the gold standard), taxes, big government etc. are very front and centre. I hope my comments want to make you read this, because it could be somewhat the future. Stay safe, and ENJOY!
This book is so different from most that I read, not just entertainment, but very thought provoking (thus my title). Current US political issues are floated throughout the early years of the book (2018 if I remember correctly), and as an outsider looking into these messages, I worry that some of what happens in the early to mid 2020s may not be far from the truth got the US. Conspiracy theories about currencies, energy, the gold standard (I am old enough to remember Nixon ending the gold standard), taxes, big government etc. are very front and centre. I hope my comments want to make you read this, because it could be somewhat the future. Stay safe, and ENJOY!
February 14, 2023
Going bad faster
I have thought for a long time that things were going from bad to worse. I believe that we are not represented by our elected leaders. The make promises they don't keep, talk in glittering generalities, and engage in wishful thinking. The change is evident in everyday life. No one is competent anymore. Credentialing has replaced critical thinking, practical skills, and work experience. In the position I retired from, we used to hire high school and junior college students to do mundane tasks like sorting and filing. There were two skills that were usually lacking; how to spell and how to count. IT WAS ASTONISHING!!!! My older grandkids are especially useless. Only one out of five graduated from high school and that school was one that prided itself on never failing to graduate anyone. A book like this that is in the military-techno thrillers genre of Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Stephen Coonts, Harold Coyle, Michael Crichton; political economic alternative fiction like Paul Erdman and Edward Bellamy; and dystopian futures such as Alas, Babylon, Atlas Shrugged, and others already identified by the author, should remind us of Ronald Reagaan's admonition "Trust, but verify". This was a very good book.
I have thought for a long time that things were going from bad to worse. I believe that we are not represented by our elected leaders. The make promises they don't keep, talk in glittering generalities, and engage in wishful thinking. The change is evident in everyday life. No one is competent anymore. Credentialing has replaced critical thinking, practical skills, and work experience. In the position I retired from, we used to hire high school and junior college students to do mundane tasks like sorting and filing. There were two skills that were usually lacking; how to spell and how to count. IT WAS ASTONISHING!!!! My older grandkids are especially useless. Only one out of five graduated from high school and that school was one that prided itself on never failing to graduate anyone. A book like this that is in the military-techno thrillers genre of Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Stephen Coonts, Harold Coyle, Michael Crichton; political economic alternative fiction like Paul Erdman and Edward Bellamy; and dystopian futures such as Alas, Babylon, Atlas Shrugged, and others already identified by the author, should remind us of Ronald Reagaan's admonition "Trust, but verify". This was a very good book.
August 18, 2020
Brilliant!
This is a fantastic novel that uses little known facts about our banking system and the history of our currency to nearly lay out an argument for a Voluntarist society. Using the NAP as the basis for a polite, fair and equitable governance (or lack thereof) Mr. Williams uses the humble George as the reluctant spokesman for a new stateless society, free of government graft, theft, and manipulation. He deftly draws attention to serfdom mistaken for patriotism and answers all the silly questions one encounters when the idea of (merely) less government interference in our lives is suggested ( "Who will build the roads?!" I suppose the same people who will sell me my ticket to Somalia? ).
This was a great book. Not everyone will like it, some will find it offensive or "kooky", but his arguments against central banking, fiat currency, and support for the NAP are spot on in my opinion after years of reading, discussion and much thought and reflection. Blending all this information into a well-crafted story with relatable characters may help apolitical or staunch D/Rs see there is another way.
This is a fantastic novel that uses little known facts about our banking system and the history of our currency to nearly lay out an argument for a Voluntarist society. Using the NAP as the basis for a polite, fair and equitable governance (or lack thereof) Mr. Williams uses the humble George as the reluctant spokesman for a new stateless society, free of government graft, theft, and manipulation. He deftly draws attention to serfdom mistaken for patriotism and answers all the silly questions one encounters when the idea of (merely) less government interference in our lives is suggested ( "Who will build the roads?!" I suppose the same people who will sell me my ticket to Somalia? ).
This was a great book. Not everyone will like it, some will find it offensive or "kooky", but his arguments against central banking, fiat currency, and support for the NAP are spot on in my opinion after years of reading, discussion and much thought and reflection. Blending all this information into a well-crafted story with relatable characters may help apolitical or staunch D/Rs see there is another way.
April 3, 2023
I wasn't sure whether to rate Sedition a 5 for the content or 1 for scaring me so thoroughly! In the end I decided it didn't deserve the lower rating because the fear it evoked was more attributable to the extent that it mirrored, and played to, my own concerns about the future, rather than the storyline itself.
Indeed it certainly deserves maximum rating for the scale of its ideas and the themes it conveys alone. As far as I can recall it is the first fictional book I have ever read with such a comprehensive bibliography. Not only are these references impressive but they also impel you to read them to find out more about the themes that underpin the author's writing: the ideas are as much the subject of the book as the characters, perhaps even more so. Which all makes it an impressive piece of writing. Whether you agree or not with the dystopian scenario that the author depicts, or the likelihood of the looming collapse of our western monetary systems, this is ultimately a book of ideas. As such it demands to be read and further thought afterwards. That in itself makes it a worthwhile book and thus deserving of being considered a good read, doesn't it?
Indeed it certainly deserves maximum rating for the scale of its ideas and the themes it conveys alone. As far as I can recall it is the first fictional book I have ever read with such a comprehensive bibliography. Not only are these references impressive but they also impel you to read them to find out more about the themes that underpin the author's writing: the ideas are as much the subject of the book as the characters, perhaps even more so. Which all makes it an impressive piece of writing. Whether you agree or not with the dystopian scenario that the author depicts, or the likelihood of the looming collapse of our western monetary systems, this is ultimately a book of ideas. As such it demands to be read and further thought afterwards. That in itself makes it a worthwhile book and thus deserving of being considered a good read, doesn't it?
February 15, 2023
I just finished this book and it kept my interest all of the way through. As the author stated, he wrote this after the 2016 election which was quite bitter.
The areas addressed in this book are quite series and readers should think hard about them. One area is the Stock Market which has jumped to high levels. People need to realize that this is only paper money and it is only valuable if other people want to take over the risk. There is no backing for stocks from the companies that they are issued for.
The political arena as it currently stands is noth like what it was originally. The Congress has giv en the President a blank check and is permitting him to do whatever he wants. The time of checks and balances is gone. The monetary system of this country and the rest of the world is only as good as what other people think since there is no backing of this so called paper.
The situations that are reflected in this story are possibly a harbinger of what is to come.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
The areas addressed in this book are quite series and readers should think hard about them. One area is the Stock Market which has jumped to high levels. People need to realize that this is only paper money and it is only valuable if other people want to take over the risk. There is no backing for stocks from the companies that they are issued for.
The political arena as it currently stands is noth like what it was originally. The Congress has giv en the President a blank check and is permitting him to do whatever he wants. The time of checks and balances is gone. The monetary system of this country and the rest of the world is only as good as what other people think since there is no backing of this so called paper.
The situations that are reflected in this story are possibly a harbinger of what is to come.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
September 21, 2022
If you want a warm, cuddly fuzzy book after you've parked your brain for the night then this isn't for you! It challenges both established economic beliefs and probably your view of life reminding me of some of my more radical lecturers from over fifty years ago. If the author only gets his readers to think again about the society we live in then he's done us a service. As in his previous books that I've read I can't help getting angry at petty laws and their enforcers abusing their position to achieve their ends at the expense of the poor. It's easier than tacking the rich with real economic and political clout who would grind them down instead.
I know that I'm vague concerning the content but please read it if you want to delve into something that's even more terrifying than the scariest horror movie you've watched. Blame me if you disagree with my thoughts.
I know that I'm vague concerning the content but please read it if you want to delve into something that's even more terrifying than the scariest horror movie you've watched. Blame me if you disagree with my thoughts.
January 22, 2020
AN EXCEPTIONAL BOOK
An exceptional book. It was a breath of fresh air, and not just because of the subject matter, but the author's writing style as well. If you're like me and your eyes would glaze over in ECON 101, the banking, marketing, and overall financial information portrayed here can be pretty overwhelming. But hold fast! It's important that we know the history of how our economic system has been built, maintained, and kept alive; usually on life support, so it seems. And while I still believe the United States to be the best country on the planet, the book has given me a LOT to think about. And that is what truly defines this novel, in my opinion: its great strength is that it helps to teach one HOW to think, not necessarily WHAT to think. Highly recommended.
An exceptional book. It was a breath of fresh air, and not just because of the subject matter, but the author's writing style as well. If you're like me and your eyes would glaze over in ECON 101, the banking, marketing, and overall financial information portrayed here can be pretty overwhelming. But hold fast! It's important that we know the history of how our economic system has been built, maintained, and kept alive; usually on life support, so it seems. And while I still believe the United States to be the best country on the planet, the book has given me a LOT to think about. And that is what truly defines this novel, in my opinion: its great strength is that it helps to teach one HOW to think, not necessarily WHAT to think. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
I’ve read several of the author’s books, and it every case they are based on a body of thought that is challenging and even polarizing. None more so than Sedition.
If you want a fictional story for entertainment, perhaps read his 2050-series. That 5-novel series still has Mr. Williams’ usage of voluntaryist idiom as the plot background, but is easier to handle as a ranging Story being developed.
But this sprawling novel of personal and governmental conflict may be hard to follow for casual readers. Some may give up in frustration, or indignation.
For those who do follow through, the term “thought-provoking” may seem hollow, whether you agree or disagree with the Author’s idiology.
If you want a fictional story for entertainment, perhaps read his 2050-series. That 5-novel series still has Mr. Williams’ usage of voluntaryist idiom as the plot background, but is easier to handle as a ranging Story being developed.
But this sprawling novel of personal and governmental conflict may be hard to follow for casual readers. Some may give up in frustration, or indignation.
For those who do follow through, the term “thought-provoking” may seem hollow, whether you agree or disagree with the Author’s idiology.
February 21, 2023
I devoured this book
I recommend this book. The plot lines worked well, the dialogue/conversation natural. It obviously kept me interested. I recommend it because the state the world is in today (2/2023) is just about what is described in the book, almost. It was interesting to see the story carried out on Mr. Williams's vision. It's horrifying but all too plausible. The idea of the armed forces turning on American citizens is almost unimaginable. But a life without the disgusting, illegal & unlawful bloat of bs bureaucracy we call a government is delightful to contemplate. This is not what the founders envisioned, and I hope things are soon rectified for us all.
I recommend this book. The plot lines worked well, the dialogue/conversation natural. It obviously kept me interested. I recommend it because the state the world is in today (2/2023) is just about what is described in the book, almost. It was interesting to see the story carried out on Mr. Williams's vision. It's horrifying but all too plausible. The idea of the armed forces turning on American citizens is almost unimaginable. But a life without the disgusting, illegal & unlawful bloat of bs bureaucracy we call a government is delightful to contemplate. This is not what the founders envisioned, and I hope things are soon rectified for us all.
August 1, 2020
Very well-written, thoroughly researched, and very effectively presented, enabling a reader with one of the three primary viewpoints to consider his viewpoint was accurately described. I suspect that strongly-held beliefs would be unchanged by reading this book, though I am certain that astute readers will be inspired to shore up their beliefs with research. Perhaps even be prepared to argue their views opposing other views with intelligence and respect
May 14, 2021
Is politics corrupt? To what extent can any government be trusted? There are rules and laws that govern us all. But how many laws does it take for a civil society? Does coercion make society safer?
To my mind one should follow the rules we each internally know to be right. What is imposed by others should be questioned not followed blindly. This author poses some of the best questions for us to truly consider in the format of enthralling fiction.
To my mind one should follow the rules we each internally know to be right. What is imposed by others should be questioned not followed blindly. This author poses some of the best questions for us to truly consider in the format of enthralling fiction.
October 21, 2024
Fast forward
Fast forward to now and you might not be far off the mark. Reading this has opened my eyes to the ever present danger of a government that becomes to powerful, to untouchable and too corrupt. Like now? Could we see this happening sooner than we thought? This is a story that breaks down thoughts and is open to interpretation. Mr. Williams has given us a scenario of what can happen to us.
Fast forward to now and you might not be far off the mark. Reading this has opened my eyes to the ever present danger of a government that becomes to powerful, to untouchable and too corrupt. Like now? Could we see this happening sooner than we thought? This is a story that breaks down thoughts and is open to interpretation. Mr. Williams has given us a scenario of what can happen to us.
February 8, 2019
This is a book that takes you outside the box.
If you are interested at all, about the political mess we are in, this writer takes us back to what created this mess & why.
I’d read anything he wrote now, because I want to know more.
My mind is insatiable when it comes to the whys & where’s of things & without having to go digging, I found a lot of answers here.
If you are interested at all, about the political mess we are in, this writer takes us back to what created this mess & why.
I’d read anything he wrote now, because I want to know more.
My mind is insatiable when it comes to the whys & where’s of things & without having to go digging, I found a lot of answers here.
February 13, 2019
WOW!
What an eye opening book! Through a very interesting story line, the author has taught me more about government, politics, monetary systems, banking, and propaganda than I've previously learned in my fairly well-educated life. Like Plato's cave, I can't go back to ignorance. As a novel, this was a wonderful book. As an educational tool, it was eye opening!
What an eye opening book! Through a very interesting story line, the author has taught me more about government, politics, monetary systems, banking, and propaganda than I've previously learned in my fairly well-educated life. Like Plato's cave, I can't go back to ignorance. As a novel, this was a wonderful book. As an educational tool, it was eye opening!
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