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Future Schism
schism
ˈs(k)izəm
noun
a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief
The year is 2076, the year of The Great Schism, the year the struggle between liberals and conservatives, the culture war, split America in two. It’s also the year the Second American Civil War began. By the time it’s over, the United States of America is no more, having been divided into two provinces.
Nearly a century later the Corporate Synod forces citizens in the Red Zone to accept mandatory genetic modifications. Some “mods” greatly enhance intelligence but strip people of their humanity. Other mods increase physical strength and stamina that make workers in the factories more productive, but significantly decreases their lifespans. Meanwhile, The New Zion Church imprisons or executes anyone caught worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew, or anywhere other than the NZC.
In the Blue Zone, however, life is good; if you’re one of the very select few who are members of the elite Gentry Class. For the vast majority who are not, however, food is increasingly scarce, disease and starvation are rampant, and government slavery is spreading rapidly.
Daniel Washington leads the People of the Founders, the Red Zone resistance movement. At first, he works only to topple the corrupt Red Council and restore freedom in the Red Zone. After he meets Kayla Ross, however, leader of the Militiamen Freedom Fighters, the resistance movement against the Gentry in the Blue Zone, they join forces, and together they discover they can do far more together than falling in love, they can start a revolution.
ˈs(k)izəm
noun
a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief
The year is 2076, the year of The Great Schism, the year the struggle between liberals and conservatives, the culture war, split America in two. It’s also the year the Second American Civil War began. By the time it’s over, the United States of America is no more, having been divided into two provinces.
Nearly a century later the Corporate Synod forces citizens in the Red Zone to accept mandatory genetic modifications. Some “mods” greatly enhance intelligence but strip people of their humanity. Other mods increase physical strength and stamina that make workers in the factories more productive, but significantly decreases their lifespans. Meanwhile, The New Zion Church imprisons or executes anyone caught worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew, or anywhere other than the NZC.
In the Blue Zone, however, life is good; if you’re one of the very select few who are members of the elite Gentry Class. For the vast majority who are not, however, food is increasingly scarce, disease and starvation are rampant, and government slavery is spreading rapidly.
Daniel Washington leads the People of the Founders, the Red Zone resistance movement. At first, he works only to topple the corrupt Red Council and restore freedom in the Red Zone. After he meets Kayla Ross, however, leader of the Militiamen Freedom Fighters, the resistance movement against the Gentry in the Blue Zone, they join forces, and together they discover they can do far more together than falling in love, they can start a revolution.
302 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2017
249 people want to read
About the author
Jeff W. Horton
10 books225 followersJeff W. Horton was an Information technology professional for twenty-five years before deciding to pursue his lifelong dream of being a writer. Since becoming an author and screenwriter of family-friendly fiction, Jeff has written two screenplays and eight published novels in several genres including apocalyptic-fiction, science-fiction, religious fantasy, and romance thrillers.
His current list of works includes:
-Future Schism
-Heaven’s Oasis
-New Beginnings
-Frontiers
-Cybersp@ce
-The Last Prophet
-The Way of Nacor
-The Dark Age
-The Great Collapse
When he's not penning his next novel, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, going to church, and reading. Among his favorite authors are many immediately recognizable names including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy, C.S. Lewis, Ted Dekker, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Jeff Horton is a member of the North Carolina Writers Network.
For more information visit www.hortonlibrary.com
Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/Author.Jeff.H....
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/Jeff_Horton
Pinterest Page:
http://pinterest.com/authorjhorton/
His current list of works includes:
-Future Schism
-Heaven’s Oasis
-New Beginnings
-Frontiers
-Cybersp@ce
-The Last Prophet
-The Way of Nacor
-The Dark Age
-The Great Collapse
When he's not penning his next novel, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, going to church, and reading. Among his favorite authors are many immediately recognizable names including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy, C.S. Lewis, Ted Dekker, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Jeff Horton is a member of the North Carolina Writers Network.
For more information visit www.hortonlibrary.com
Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/Author.Jeff.H....
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/Jeff_Horton
Pinterest Page:
http://pinterest.com/authorjhorton/
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 11, 2018
Small Press Bookwatch: February 2018
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
Review Rating: * * * * * (5-STARS)
Future Schism
Jeff W. Horton
World Castle Publishing
www.worldcastlepublishing.com/home.html
9781629898162, $21.99, HC, 302pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The year is 2076, the year of The Great Schism, the year the struggle between liberals and conservatives, the culture war, split America in two. It's also the year the Second American Civil War began. By the time it's over, the United States of America is no more, having been divided into two provinces.
Nearly a century later the Corporate Synod forces citizens in the Red Zone to accept mandatory genetic modifications. Some "mods" greatly enhance intelligence but strip people of their humanity. Other mods increase physical strength and stamina that make workers in the factories more productive, but significantly decreases their lifespans. Meanwhile, The New Zion Church imprisons or executes anyone caught worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew, or anywhere other than the NZC.
In the Blue Zone, however, life is good; if you're one of the very select few who are members of the elite Gentry Class. For the vast majority who are not, however, food is increasingly scarce, disease and starvation are rampant, and government slavery is spreading rapidly.
Daniel Washington leads the People of the Founders, the Red Zone resistance movement. At first, he works only to topple the corrupt Red Council and restore freedom in the Red Zone. After he meets Kayla Ross, however, leader of the Militiamen Freedom Fighters, the resistance movement against the Gentry in the Blue Zone, they join forces, and together they discover they can do far more together than falling in love, they can start a revolution.
Critique: A deftly written and simply riveting read from cover to cover, "Future Schism" is an original, dystopian, action/adventure science fiction at its very best. While strongly and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicates SF fans that "Future Schism" is also available in a paperback edition (9781629898179, $12.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
Review Rating: * * * * * (5-STARS)
Future Schism
Jeff W. Horton
World Castle Publishing
www.worldcastlepublishing.com/home.html
9781629898162, $21.99, HC, 302pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The year is 2076, the year of The Great Schism, the year the struggle between liberals and conservatives, the culture war, split America in two. It's also the year the Second American Civil War began. By the time it's over, the United States of America is no more, having been divided into two provinces.
Nearly a century later the Corporate Synod forces citizens in the Red Zone to accept mandatory genetic modifications. Some "mods" greatly enhance intelligence but strip people of their humanity. Other mods increase physical strength and stamina that make workers in the factories more productive, but significantly decreases their lifespans. Meanwhile, The New Zion Church imprisons or executes anyone caught worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew, or anywhere other than the NZC.
In the Blue Zone, however, life is good; if you're one of the very select few who are members of the elite Gentry Class. For the vast majority who are not, however, food is increasingly scarce, disease and starvation are rampant, and government slavery is spreading rapidly.
Daniel Washington leads the People of the Founders, the Red Zone resistance movement. At first, he works only to topple the corrupt Red Council and restore freedom in the Red Zone. After he meets Kayla Ross, however, leader of the Militiamen Freedom Fighters, the resistance movement against the Gentry in the Blue Zone, they join forces, and together they discover they can do far more together than falling in love, they can start a revolution.
Critique: A deftly written and simply riveting read from cover to cover, "Future Schism" is an original, dystopian, action/adventure science fiction at its very best. While strongly and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicates SF fans that "Future Schism" is also available in a paperback edition (9781629898179, $12.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).
June 23, 2018
This novel took me completely by surprise. I was taken by the description and knew it would be an entertaining ride. But it ended up being more than that! This novel really packs a punch! It would make a great movie. I encourage Horton to promote this to those in Hollywood for this to be optioned for being made into such.
I have said in a previous novel of Horton's that it was his best, but this novel surpasses that and is now his best! This does not read like a Horton novel of previous novels but that is not a negative criticism. It is quite a compliment as it shows Horton has improved his craft as a novelist. He has really come into his own with this one and increased his versatility.
Horton has used this novel to send a message as to what could happen if the current deconstruction of the social ideologies of our society, in the case The United States of America, are allowed to progress unchecked and unchallenged. Seeing the progression of how the USA in the novel was separated into two regions both vastly different from each other and both evolved into corrupt, dictatorships with inhumane policies and policing leading to abuse of the masses and their oppression while the governments in both zones live in wealth and privileged lives. While reading this novel, I cannot ignore the reality that the seeds of this is now happening in society, especially in America. This novel is a sobering account of the progression of these seeds of unrest and deconstruction and taking one full century for the country to realise the error of their ways and to have the country rebuilt into a New United States of America based on America's original Founding Fathers. Not surprising that the only way for this to happen is, as history has repeatedly shown, that people have to take action, form a Resistance and start a revolution to overthrow the corrupt governing bodies and take back what is rightfully theirs, their freedom.
It is this that the novel is structured and forms the basis of all the action and depiction of its themes. I was totally enthralled by this and to quote a cliche, I could not put it down. It is here that you start to imagine this as a movie!
In any novel, it is essential that the characters are well developed, relational and believable. In the genre of this novel, it is even more important that this is the case. Horton excels here. I found myself endeared to Kayla and Daniel and empathised with them in their endeavours to command the Resistance while falling in love, establish their relationship and become parents. I must confess that as much as I love this novel, I spent the entire time tense as the speculative elements of its themes paint a picture of a bleak reality that would be our lives if this became real. It is a scary thought after a novel like this that shows the possible outcome of the seeds that are taking root in today's world!
When you read this novel, you will identify that Horton has not created this novel for just an entertaining read but one that shows his concern for the future of America and a deep patriotism. He is obviously very concerned about what he sees happening in America and this novel is his way of showing what is most likely one very plausible outcome if the rejection of religion and especially Christianity and other societal ideologies are deconstructed and abolished.
Perhaps his greatest solution is shown in the theme of returning to the reason America was founded in the first place and a return to its Judaeo-Christian roots and its Constitution. The way Horton does this and embeds it into the story is very clever. The speeches he has composed as spoken by Daniel, Kayla and especially Christian is brilliant and shows Horton's passion and love for his country and how founding a country on Biblical principles is guaranteed for safety, security and success/prosperity. Reading these speeches/narratives, I imagined that Horton could be quite successful as a speechwriter for politics or such. The speech at the end of the novel by Christian is the best out of all of them and is very inspiring. Surpasses the speech by actor Bill Pulman in the movie, Independence Day, not that you could possibly compare these two speeches!!!
Horton adeptly described the corruptness, greed and evilness of both governmental regimes (Red and Blue Zones) and it is this that contributed to the sense of unease and tenseness I experienced reading this throughout. He brings this evilness to a head when he describes the torture of Daniel. I cried at this but also tears of joy from the peace that surpasses all understanding that both Kayla and Daniel had from their relationship with God and their submission to Him, accepting His will for them. This peace is found in a prophecy delivered to Daniel through a dream/vision and which leads to both him and Kayla learning about the Gospel of Christ and accepting His gift of salvation. It is this vision that gives Daniel the instruction from God on how to overthrow this evil regime, which led to an action-packed and climactic finale, albeit a very satisfying one. This prophecy shows what can happen when we take on the mind and character of Christ (by submission to Him in obedience, allowing ourselves to be a vessel for the Spirit to act through our lives) and we accept with His peace what outcome He wants for us and for lives of those around us. In this novel, it not only meant for the overthrow of both evil regimes but it affected the populations of other countries. Even though the spiritual/Biblical/Christian elements in this novel are not extensive or frequent, they are there and form a solid undercurrent that guides the novel to its final outcome.
Horton has successfully crafted a novel that is relevant to the times we are living in now. He shows one possible result when countries dispose of/deny/eradicate God and everything He is and stands for in their countries and lives. This novel is Horton's alert/wake up call to his countrymen of what he is seeing happen to America's way of life. It is also an analogy of what could happen worldwide. He also shows the hope we have when we repent and are restored to a relationship with God, not only individually but collectively as a people and even as a Government.
Future Schism is Horton at his best. This is now one of my favourite novels and I look back with fondness at its entertainment value, cleverness in construction and the message it delivers about the hope of Christ within us when we take a stand for Him.
Highly recommended.
I have said in a previous novel of Horton's that it was his best, but this novel surpasses that and is now his best! This does not read like a Horton novel of previous novels but that is not a negative criticism. It is quite a compliment as it shows Horton has improved his craft as a novelist. He has really come into his own with this one and increased his versatility.
Horton has used this novel to send a message as to what could happen if the current deconstruction of the social ideologies of our society, in the case The United States of America, are allowed to progress unchecked and unchallenged. Seeing the progression of how the USA in the novel was separated into two regions both vastly different from each other and both evolved into corrupt, dictatorships with inhumane policies and policing leading to abuse of the masses and their oppression while the governments in both zones live in wealth and privileged lives. While reading this novel, I cannot ignore the reality that the seeds of this is now happening in society, especially in America. This novel is a sobering account of the progression of these seeds of unrest and deconstruction and taking one full century for the country to realise the error of their ways and to have the country rebuilt into a New United States of America based on America's original Founding Fathers. Not surprising that the only way for this to happen is, as history has repeatedly shown, that people have to take action, form a Resistance and start a revolution to overthrow the corrupt governing bodies and take back what is rightfully theirs, their freedom.
It is this that the novel is structured and forms the basis of all the action and depiction of its themes. I was totally enthralled by this and to quote a cliche, I could not put it down. It is here that you start to imagine this as a movie!
In any novel, it is essential that the characters are well developed, relational and believable. In the genre of this novel, it is even more important that this is the case. Horton excels here. I found myself endeared to Kayla and Daniel and empathised with them in their endeavours to command the Resistance while falling in love, establish their relationship and become parents. I must confess that as much as I love this novel, I spent the entire time tense as the speculative elements of its themes paint a picture of a bleak reality that would be our lives if this became real. It is a scary thought after a novel like this that shows the possible outcome of the seeds that are taking root in today's world!
When you read this novel, you will identify that Horton has not created this novel for just an entertaining read but one that shows his concern for the future of America and a deep patriotism. He is obviously very concerned about what he sees happening in America and this novel is his way of showing what is most likely one very plausible outcome if the rejection of religion and especially Christianity and other societal ideologies are deconstructed and abolished.
Perhaps his greatest solution is shown in the theme of returning to the reason America was founded in the first place and a return to its Judaeo-Christian roots and its Constitution. The way Horton does this and embeds it into the story is very clever. The speeches he has composed as spoken by Daniel, Kayla and especially Christian is brilliant and shows Horton's passion and love for his country and how founding a country on Biblical principles is guaranteed for safety, security and success/prosperity. Reading these speeches/narratives, I imagined that Horton could be quite successful as a speechwriter for politics or such. The speech at the end of the novel by Christian is the best out of all of them and is very inspiring. Surpasses the speech by actor Bill Pulman in the movie, Independence Day, not that you could possibly compare these two speeches!!!
Horton adeptly described the corruptness, greed and evilness of both governmental regimes (Red and Blue Zones) and it is this that contributed to the sense of unease and tenseness I experienced reading this throughout. He brings this evilness to a head when he describes the torture of Daniel. I cried at this but also tears of joy from the peace that surpasses all understanding that both Kayla and Daniel had from their relationship with God and their submission to Him, accepting His will for them. This peace is found in a prophecy delivered to Daniel through a dream/vision and which leads to both him and Kayla learning about the Gospel of Christ and accepting His gift of salvation. It is this vision that gives Daniel the instruction from God on how to overthrow this evil regime, which led to an action-packed and climactic finale, albeit a very satisfying one. This prophecy shows what can happen when we take on the mind and character of Christ (by submission to Him in obedience, allowing ourselves to be a vessel for the Spirit to act through our lives) and we accept with His peace what outcome He wants for us and for lives of those around us. In this novel, it not only meant for the overthrow of both evil regimes but it affected the populations of other countries. Even though the spiritual/Biblical/Christian elements in this novel are not extensive or frequent, they are there and form a solid undercurrent that guides the novel to its final outcome.
Horton has successfully crafted a novel that is relevant to the times we are living in now. He shows one possible result when countries dispose of/deny/eradicate God and everything He is and stands for in their countries and lives. This novel is Horton's alert/wake up call to his countrymen of what he is seeing happen to America's way of life. It is also an analogy of what could happen worldwide. He also shows the hope we have when we repent and are restored to a relationship with God, not only individually but collectively as a people and even as a Government.
Future Schism is Horton at his best. This is now one of my favourite novels and I look back with fondness at its entertainment value, cleverness in construction and the message it delivers about the hope of Christ within us when we take a stand for Him.
Highly recommended.
February 19, 2018
1/21/2076, San Francisco, CA, Governor Jose Leto, suddenly declared that he & the People’s Liberal Socialist Democratic State liberal (PLSDS) movement, was spitting from the US & forming its own government; the Blue Zone.
This caused the US Civil War II.
Sometime later the Corporate Synod forced citizens into the Red Zone for mandatory genetic modifications. The mods as they were called were intelligence & had lots of physical strength.
It made them ideal productive factory workers, but decreased their lifespans.
The New Zion Church put anyone worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew in prison or executed them.
A treaty was signed on 12/24/2079.
8/15/2120, Sector # 48. The Free Market Republic of Conservatism was called the Red Zone (RZ).
7/1/2126, Daniel “Danny” Washington (Free Market U) later would become the leader of the People of the Founders (Red Zone resistance movement).
Commander Kayla Ross (Militiamen Freedom Fighters leader, Blue Zone resistance movement) &
Mr. Christian “Chris” Jefferson were discussing how to entertain their young guest Samantha “Sam” Woodward (7), for the day.
Sebastian Ross (father, Minister of public affairs) called Joe Miller (Parliament’s Committee of Public Health member) about Sam.
Sam later died because an organ donor heart was never given to her.
The Synod Security Force (SSF) armed drones with sonic disrupters, that had a non-lethal/lethal ability to disable a suspect without killing them.
Walt Benning (Central Authority News reporter, Blue Zone National News BZNN) broadcast live: a major terrorist attack by the Militiamen Freedom Fighters took place at the rehabilitation facility (New Portland).
The prisoners the most dangerous men/women were freed.
The People’s Guard are at the scene.
Peak’s Lake. Governor Zhang Yong, introduced Commander Kayla Ross, General Daniel Washington (Red Zone region) to General Wang le (armed forces) & Li Min (Zhang’s asst./advisor).
Kayla Summer Ross & Daniel Elijah Washington decided to tie-the-knot.
The wedding would be broadcast via holocom throughout all the zones.
Pastor Jonathan O’Conner (Red Zone resistance movement, spiritual guide), began the ceremony.
Later, Colonel Simon Bender brought word the Corporate Synod & the NZC were getting out of control.
The American Resistance had been formed.
General Conrad Miller (People’s Guard leader) would like to join up with the group.
Major General Felix Cole (Commander of the 3rd. Division), Sergeant Pierre Marcel, Secretary Henry Adams met with Commander Kayla Ross Washington (Militiamen Freedom Fighters leader, American Resistance movement 2nd. in command).
Advanced Robotic Early Deployment Systems (EREDS), & Satellite Laser-Based Targeting Systems (SLABATS) had been developed.
Why was Dr. Theodore Seal ’s interrogating General Daniel Elijah Washington?
What are the 7 Principles of Peace (Re-Unification Doctrine)?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It was kind of cheesy at times, but I liked it so I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; World Castle Publishing, LLC. Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
This caused the US Civil War II.
Sometime later the Corporate Synod forced citizens into the Red Zone for mandatory genetic modifications. The mods as they were called were intelligence & had lots of physical strength.
It made them ideal productive factory workers, but decreased their lifespans.
The New Zion Church put anyone worshipping the God of the Christian or Jew in prison or executed them.
A treaty was signed on 12/24/2079.
8/15/2120, Sector # 48. The Free Market Republic of Conservatism was called the Red Zone (RZ).
7/1/2126, Daniel “Danny” Washington (Free Market U) later would become the leader of the People of the Founders (Red Zone resistance movement).
Commander Kayla Ross (Militiamen Freedom Fighters leader, Blue Zone resistance movement) &
Mr. Christian “Chris” Jefferson were discussing how to entertain their young guest Samantha “Sam” Woodward (7), for the day.
Sebastian Ross (father, Minister of public affairs) called Joe Miller (Parliament’s Committee of Public Health member) about Sam.
Sam later died because an organ donor heart was never given to her.
The Synod Security Force (SSF) armed drones with sonic disrupters, that had a non-lethal/lethal ability to disable a suspect without killing them.
Walt Benning (Central Authority News reporter, Blue Zone National News BZNN) broadcast live: a major terrorist attack by the Militiamen Freedom Fighters took place at the rehabilitation facility (New Portland).
The prisoners the most dangerous men/women were freed.
The People’s Guard are at the scene.
Peak’s Lake. Governor Zhang Yong, introduced Commander Kayla Ross, General Daniel Washington (Red Zone region) to General Wang le (armed forces) & Li Min (Zhang’s asst./advisor).
Kayla Summer Ross & Daniel Elijah Washington decided to tie-the-knot.
The wedding would be broadcast via holocom throughout all the zones.
Pastor Jonathan O’Conner (Red Zone resistance movement, spiritual guide), began the ceremony.
Later, Colonel Simon Bender brought word the Corporate Synod & the NZC were getting out of control.
The American Resistance had been formed.
General Conrad Miller (People’s Guard leader) would like to join up with the group.
Major General Felix Cole (Commander of the 3rd. Division), Sergeant Pierre Marcel, Secretary Henry Adams met with Commander Kayla Ross Washington (Militiamen Freedom Fighters leader, American Resistance movement 2nd. in command).
Advanced Robotic Early Deployment Systems (EREDS), & Satellite Laser-Based Targeting Systems (SLABATS) had been developed.
Why was Dr. Theodore Seal ’s interrogating General Daniel Elijah Washington?
What are the 7 Principles of Peace (Re-Unification Doctrine)?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It was kind of cheesy at times, but I liked it so I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; World Castle Publishing, LLC. Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews