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Witches' Gambit
Aidan ray, successful attorney—and psychic—secretly communes with the dead in a fascist Christian society that would call her “witch” and wipe her mind.
Earth is split into separate warring theocracies who want to dominate the planet. They are on the verge of expanding their conflict into outer space.
Michael Good, an executive who likes to live dangerously, leads a secret insurgency in Aidan’s home state.
Fate places them together. And together, they must face a crisis that could destroy the Earth.
A mediating alien, concerned about the future of their shared universe, has come to Earth. His galaxy is on the verge of making a preemptive strike against Earth, to prevent the spread of a species that resolves its problems by murdering each other—a diseased specimen that may have to be exterminated before it infects other worlds.
He ponders if Earth is worth saving? And asks Aidan and Michael to plead humanity’s case to the Council of the Seven Worlds, before the Earth is destroyed.
But to do that, they must brave the hazardous passage to another galaxy from which they may never return.
Or have anything to return to.
Earth is split into separate warring theocracies who want to dominate the planet. They are on the verge of expanding their conflict into outer space.
Michael Good, an executive who likes to live dangerously, leads a secret insurgency in Aidan’s home state.
Fate places them together. And together, they must face a crisis that could destroy the Earth.
A mediating alien, concerned about the future of their shared universe, has come to Earth. His galaxy is on the verge of making a preemptive strike against Earth, to prevent the spread of a species that resolves its problems by murdering each other—a diseased specimen that may have to be exterminated before it infects other worlds.
He ponders if Earth is worth saving? And asks Aidan and Michael to plead humanity’s case to the Council of the Seven Worlds, before the Earth is destroyed.
But to do that, they must brave the hazardous passage to another galaxy from which they may never return.
Or have anything to return to.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
8 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Charles Freedom Long
4 books82 followersCharles Freedom Long, a psychologist who is also a medium, talks with deceased people all the time. So, with the help of some friends on both sides of the veil called death, he began writing speculative fiction from a spiritualist point of view.
He writes about what might be on this or other worlds. Awareness and ongoing communication between the living and the dead as a fact of daily life, and how that might affect the life and philosophy of a world are a centerpiece of his award-winning work.
He writes about what might be on this or other worlds. Awareness and ongoing communication between the living and the dead as a fact of daily life, and how that might affect the life and philosophy of a world are a centerpiece of his award-winning work.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 12, 2018
Witches' Gambit by Charles Freedom Long is a book gifted to me and the review is voluntary. I have read two other books by this author and have enjoyed them so I was delighted to have the chance to read this. I can't say I found this book as intriguing as the other two. I found the beginning hard to get into and difficult to stay focused. The book did pick up and had more action and adventure but it also had lots biblical references but then had hot sex scenes..go figure, lol. I wanted to like this book more but it didn't stand up to his other two books in my opinion. I was an average read, something to read at the beach.
July 19, 2018
This book, Witches' Gambit, by Charles Freedom Long, resonates the movie avatar in describing our planet as organic as it is, a living breathing organism, interlinked with every organic matter that there is in 'a symbiotic relationship.' Something that humans fail to recognise. And in their arrogance and greed, humans ignore the fact that the planet is on its way to annihilation to become another Venus. This shocking revelation comes from an emissary of the seven worlds, a resident of Nord, who tells one of the chosen saviour earthlings of the planet, Aiden that the warrior race, the Krieg would destroy the planet earth. It is now up to her and six others like her to save the planet from doom. This emissary speaks to her as a sprite in the head.
Ironically, the second chapter, opens with Aung San Suu Kyi's quote, "fear is not the natural state of civilised people", yet when I think of the Burmese treatment of the Rohingya people, I struggle to understand the real significance of her statement, however, that's beside the point. The point is this, that this tale is a science fiction, which is about great many adventures into parallel worlds, notably, paranormal features and perceptive observations of the human mind. Particularly, ones that arise from deep conflicts among the earth-dwellers.
Another 5 star for this unputdownable book from an award-winning author.
Ironically, the second chapter, opens with Aung San Suu Kyi's quote, "fear is not the natural state of civilised people", yet when I think of the Burmese treatment of the Rohingya people, I struggle to understand the real significance of her statement, however, that's beside the point. The point is this, that this tale is a science fiction, which is about great many adventures into parallel worlds, notably, paranormal features and perceptive observations of the human mind. Particularly, ones that arise from deep conflicts among the earth-dwellers.
Another 5 star for this unputdownable book from an award-winning author.
June 30, 2018
This is an excellent story - masterfully written. Imagine Earth in the not too distant future, where religious fundamentalism has divided the camps between deep-faithed Christians and Muslim followers, and those who adhere to no particular faith at all. It is a fractured world, mankind is severed by fear, suspicion and racism. In this hotbed, weapons of mass destruction are still flaunted by questionably sane governments and corporate avarice that fuels division and hatred to fill their accounts. Three humans find themselves approached by an alien visitor who has come to Earth to convince them to return to his world and plead on behalf of the human race to the Council of Seven Worlds. Mankind's obsession with war and self-destruction, and the fact that Earth is on the cusp of jumping into interstellar space travel, is perceived by the Council of Seven as a threat to their existence, and because of humanity's historically tragic history of murder and mayhem, it has been decided that Earth must either be destroyed or subjugated before they can assault other worlds with weapons of mass destruction. Aidan, Michael and Peebles, three humans, must endure a life-threatening journey through a quantum loop in order to stand before the Council of Seven Worlds and convince them that destroying Earth, or invading it, will not accomplish the end they seek. This is an excellent tale, one which puts the human race on trial, showing the good, the bad and the very ugly, and to the last page, one wonders how these three ambassadors can possibly avert what seems to be the inevitable. More than science fiction - Witches' Gambit is a preview of where our world is heading if fundamentalist religion and corrupt politicians continue to divide the human race into illusory camps; and corporate greed continues to fuel a military establishment, a world where fear dominates and where logic, love and science have taken the backseat.
May 1, 2019
Charles Freedom Long carefully sets a series of events in motion that lead to the great adventure that Witches’ Gambit is! Like setting up a house of cards, Long follows a couple different stories that eventually collide. We see Aidan Ray, a lawyer that can speak to the dead, something that gets her branded a witch. Then there’s Michael Good, businessman by day, freedom fighter by night. The two band together with a benevolent alien on a hapless journey to save humanity from annihilation from a hostile alien force. It’s a lot to take in at first glance but Long’s writing is engaging, his characters fun and meaningful, and the plot has some great twists! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
August 17, 2018
“Witches’ Gambit” is a big book, in size as well as significance. Because of my fractured schedule, I had to leave an return to its pages often. Each time I returned, the book greeted me like an old friend. Within a matter of a sentence or two, the entire story flooded back into my conscience, fully-formed, ready for continuation. It is the sign of a wonderful book, a great book; I’ll call it a masterpiece. Thank you, Charles Freedom Long, for consuming so much of my time.
July 28, 2018
If only the parts that are fiction could be true. [The Residents of other Galaxies, or, are they fictional?]
PS Do not discount Sedona, Arizona also as a center of great Spiritual power/s.
PS Do not discount Sedona, Arizona also as a center of great Spiritual power/s.
October 22, 2018
I rarely read sci-fi but a trusted friend recommended “Witches' Gambit” for its interesting concept.
Charles Freedom Long’s “world of humans” is very realistic. Maybe inspired by the current political situation, his “humans” are driven by arrogance, greed and also - religious fundamentalism.
“...Tomorrow was Palm Sunday. She [Aidan] was glad Lent was nearly over. She was tired of the required public fasting, and ready for the feasting of Easter Sunday. But first she had to get through Holy Week, when she would be expected to show piety worthy of her position.”
Aidan Ray is a partner in a high-powered law firm whose habits include drinking Ethiopian coffee and consuming healthy foods acquired at Whole Foods: she is also a chess champion and a psychic.
Aidan gets approach by aliens who don’t like what they see: “The Krieg have condemned you as primitives addicted to violence and mayhem, verging on the ability to deliver WMD’s through interstellar space. Eons ago, the Council of The Seven Worlds declared Terra a Galactic Reserve. Decided to leave it untouched, undisturbed, and uninfluenced by more advanced worlds so we could observe and study your primitive ways. Now, you have become dangerous...”
Side note: I liked the idea of Earth being a Galactic Reserve (kind of like a National park).
The unanimous verdict of the aliens is harsh:“Your arrogant attitude that your planet exists for you rather than hosts you as one if its many life forms, is damning evidence in the case against you...”
Though I don’t know if author Charles Long knew that the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was going to release their report in October 2018, his book echoes the report’s findings that “we Earthlings” need to make urgent changes to our lifestyle. Long’s book plays out with these changes still not made.
But, Long’s story offers hope. Aidan Ray sees a chance at saving mankind and planet Earth. Her partners are:
Michael, a LOSH (Love Our Seniors Home) administrator who wears cashmere, loves retro jazz from the 1950’s and 60’s, drives a pine green Ju Bo sedan, and (secretly) acquires items on the “black market” via old hollowed out books.
Dr. William “Bill” Peebles who works with Michael at LOSH, likes Belgian ale and indulges “the luxury of real wood fires” on cold winter nights. Bill is a former soldier who believes to have had his own Saul of Tarsus experience in the Yemini desert. Having studied at Columbia Theological Seminary and also graduated first in his class from medicine school at NYU, he wants to save souls, including his own.
To save their civilization, Aidan, Michael, and Bill travel through a quantum loop to “defend her world” and convince the Council of Seven Worlds that destroying Earth won’t be a good solution.
So far, so good. This could be just any good sci-fi story, but it is more. Author Charles Long asks pertinent questions all of us should ask ourselves:
“Are we on trial? Or is the verdict a fait accompli, and Vitok’s (the alien) visit a legal formality before the sentencing?”
And, when the three meet the Council of Seven Worlds: “... “Is fear the only weapon you have?” Natil said, still maintaining her composed measured speech, though her flaring nostrils gave away her agitation...”
The question humored me (a bit). Coincidentally, I also read “Fear” by Bob Woodward this weekend. It almost felt like Charles Long knew about Woodward’s book’s title. But, whether he did, or didn’t, he is on money.
Beyond being a darn good sci-fi novel, Long’s book offers an additional “bonus.” His book’s chapters include fitting proverbs and quotes from philosophers, statesmen, authors, historians, poets, chess champions...
“There is no traced-out path to lead man to his salvation; he must constantly invent his own path. But, to invent it, he is free, responsible, without excuse, and every hope lies within him.” Jean-Paul Sartre
In other words... just like Aidan, Michael, and Bill we know the answers, but we must take them to heart. It won’t help us if some of us orchestrate our lives around drinking Fair Trade coffee and eating “whole foods,” we must stop being arrogant and greedy, and realize that this planet is not ours to abuse.
Needless to say, many smart men and women have pointed to this truth. Charles Freedom Long adds a clever sci-fi novel which might reach people who don’t read books about politics or philosophy. Well-done and clever!
5 stars
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Charles Freedom Long’s “world of humans” is very realistic. Maybe inspired by the current political situation, his “humans” are driven by arrogance, greed and also - religious fundamentalism.
“...Tomorrow was Palm Sunday. She [Aidan] was glad Lent was nearly over. She was tired of the required public fasting, and ready for the feasting of Easter Sunday. But first she had to get through Holy Week, when she would be expected to show piety worthy of her position.”
Aidan Ray is a partner in a high-powered law firm whose habits include drinking Ethiopian coffee and consuming healthy foods acquired at Whole Foods: she is also a chess champion and a psychic.
Aidan gets approach by aliens who don’t like what they see: “The Krieg have condemned you as primitives addicted to violence and mayhem, verging on the ability to deliver WMD’s through interstellar space. Eons ago, the Council of The Seven Worlds declared Terra a Galactic Reserve. Decided to leave it untouched, undisturbed, and uninfluenced by more advanced worlds so we could observe and study your primitive ways. Now, you have become dangerous...”
Side note: I liked the idea of Earth being a Galactic Reserve (kind of like a National park).
The unanimous verdict of the aliens is harsh:“Your arrogant attitude that your planet exists for you rather than hosts you as one if its many life forms, is damning evidence in the case against you...”
Though I don’t know if author Charles Long knew that the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was going to release their report in October 2018, his book echoes the report’s findings that “we Earthlings” need to make urgent changes to our lifestyle. Long’s book plays out with these changes still not made.
But, Long’s story offers hope. Aidan Ray sees a chance at saving mankind and planet Earth. Her partners are:
Michael, a LOSH (Love Our Seniors Home) administrator who wears cashmere, loves retro jazz from the 1950’s and 60’s, drives a pine green Ju Bo sedan, and (secretly) acquires items on the “black market” via old hollowed out books.
Dr. William “Bill” Peebles who works with Michael at LOSH, likes Belgian ale and indulges “the luxury of real wood fires” on cold winter nights. Bill is a former soldier who believes to have had his own Saul of Tarsus experience in the Yemini desert. Having studied at Columbia Theological Seminary and also graduated first in his class from medicine school at NYU, he wants to save souls, including his own.
To save their civilization, Aidan, Michael, and Bill travel through a quantum loop to “defend her world” and convince the Council of Seven Worlds that destroying Earth won’t be a good solution.
So far, so good. This could be just any good sci-fi story, but it is more. Author Charles Long asks pertinent questions all of us should ask ourselves:
“Are we on trial? Or is the verdict a fait accompli, and Vitok’s (the alien) visit a legal formality before the sentencing?”
And, when the three meet the Council of Seven Worlds: “... “Is fear the only weapon you have?” Natil said, still maintaining her composed measured speech, though her flaring nostrils gave away her agitation...”
The question humored me (a bit). Coincidentally, I also read “Fear” by Bob Woodward this weekend. It almost felt like Charles Long knew about Woodward’s book’s title. But, whether he did, or didn’t, he is on money.
Beyond being a darn good sci-fi novel, Long’s book offers an additional “bonus.” His book’s chapters include fitting proverbs and quotes from philosophers, statesmen, authors, historians, poets, chess champions...
“There is no traced-out path to lead man to his salvation; he must constantly invent his own path. But, to invent it, he is free, responsible, without excuse, and every hope lies within him.” Jean-Paul Sartre
In other words... just like Aidan, Michael, and Bill we know the answers, but we must take them to heart. It won’t help us if some of us orchestrate our lives around drinking Fair Trade coffee and eating “whole foods,” we must stop being arrogant and greedy, and realize that this planet is not ours to abuse.
Needless to say, many smart men and women have pointed to this truth. Charles Freedom Long adds a clever sci-fi novel which might reach people who don’t read books about politics or philosophy. Well-done and clever!
5 stars
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
March 2, 2019
I greatly enjoyed the author’s previous books, Dancing with the Dead and Alvar’s Spear, so I was excited to check out this prequel, which introduces important characters from those books to the reader and to each other.
Set in the near future, current events have gone to extremes. The USA is a Christianist totalitarian surveillance state with compulsory religious observance. The Christian West is in constant conflict with the Muslim East. With a base on Mars, humanity is on the point of interstellar travel. That, combined with nuclear weapons and our tendency toward violence, has brought Earth (Terra) to the attention of a federation known as The Seven Worlds, who see it as a potential threat. The Krieg propose tricking the Terrans into bombing themselves back to the slime age. The Coryllim propose 5000 years of occupation. The Nord want to give the humans a chance to redeem themselves, and set about recruiting a small team of humans to present a defense before a Seven Worlds tribunal.
The chosen three are Aidan Ray, attorney and medium; Michael Good, senior home administrator and secret runner of guns to the resistance; and Dr. Bill Peebles, retired soldier and current physician and chaplain. These three have a steep learning curve as they get to know and trust each other in a very short time, as well as their Nord recruiter, who is not only an alien; he’s also dead. Within days, they must come up with a plan to save all of life on our planet, then experience quantum intrusion in order to travel to another world with no guarantee they’ll survive. They manage by playing chess, talking philosophy, and in the case of Aidan and Michael, falling head over heels for each other. This relationship developed absurdly quickly, but that’s what happens at the end of the world.
The main characters are smart and appealing, each with strengths to balance the others’ weaknesses. Each finds a counterpart among the aliens, someone to relate to and/or spar with. I liked that part the best, where very different beings were able to find common ground and work together in unlikely circumstances. Although each of the trio of Terrans was distinct and memorable, their tastes were so similar that their apartments became hard to tell apart. Everyone had antique walnut furniture and gray-market luxury contraband cigars and cognac. This helped them bond, but the sameness was wearing. This is also a very talky book. There is action, but there’s a lot more philosophizing. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but requires patience from the reader. The sex scenes were rougher than I expected; again, not necessarily a bad thing but could put off some readers.
Recommended for SF fans who don’t mind a little Spinoza with their space travel.
Set in the near future, current events have gone to extremes. The USA is a Christianist totalitarian surveillance state with compulsory religious observance. The Christian West is in constant conflict with the Muslim East. With a base on Mars, humanity is on the point of interstellar travel. That, combined with nuclear weapons and our tendency toward violence, has brought Earth (Terra) to the attention of a federation known as The Seven Worlds, who see it as a potential threat. The Krieg propose tricking the Terrans into bombing themselves back to the slime age. The Coryllim propose 5000 years of occupation. The Nord want to give the humans a chance to redeem themselves, and set about recruiting a small team of humans to present a defense before a Seven Worlds tribunal.
The chosen three are Aidan Ray, attorney and medium; Michael Good, senior home administrator and secret runner of guns to the resistance; and Dr. Bill Peebles, retired soldier and current physician and chaplain. These three have a steep learning curve as they get to know and trust each other in a very short time, as well as their Nord recruiter, who is not only an alien; he’s also dead. Within days, they must come up with a plan to save all of life on our planet, then experience quantum intrusion in order to travel to another world with no guarantee they’ll survive. They manage by playing chess, talking philosophy, and in the case of Aidan and Michael, falling head over heels for each other. This relationship developed absurdly quickly, but that’s what happens at the end of the world.
The main characters are smart and appealing, each with strengths to balance the others’ weaknesses. Each finds a counterpart among the aliens, someone to relate to and/or spar with. I liked that part the best, where very different beings were able to find common ground and work together in unlikely circumstances. Although each of the trio of Terrans was distinct and memorable, their tastes were so similar that their apartments became hard to tell apart. Everyone had antique walnut furniture and gray-market luxury contraband cigars and cognac. This helped them bond, but the sameness was wearing. This is also a very talky book. There is action, but there’s a lot more philosophizing. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but requires patience from the reader. The sex scenes were rougher than I expected; again, not necessarily a bad thing but could put off some readers.
Recommended for SF fans who don’t mind a little Spinoza with their space travel.
March 7, 2019
Witches’ Gambit showcases Charles Freedom Long’s trademark ability to meld life after death, alien life, and extra-sensory perception into a gripping science-fiction story.
The United States is living though a Christian fundamentalist crisis, and Aidan Ray, a successful attorney, has to keep the fact that she’s also a practicing medium under careful wraps. However, when an alien shows up in her living room one evening to tell her that Earth is about to be destroyed unless humanity can overcome its innate tendencies towards violence and religious absolutism, that secrecy has to be imperilled to save her world.
I’m a sucker for original ideas, and the underlying concepts for Charles Freedom Long’s Seven Worlds series certainly qualify. These books combine communication with the dead, a form of astral projection as a means to travel between worlds, and a variety of alien species. While some of the alien societies in this book, and the foods of the homeworlds, have extremely close parallels with Earth, the species themselves make for very interesting reads, as do the human characters. In Witches’ Gambit, we have what is essentially a trifecta of High Priestess, Rogue, and Warrior Monk teamed up to save the world, which creates a fascinating mix of worldviews and tensions between the characters. The three protagonists are well-developed and very easy to get absorbed in, and their goal is nothing less than the preservation of Earth. Definitely a recommended read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
The United States is living though a Christian fundamentalist crisis, and Aidan Ray, a successful attorney, has to keep the fact that she’s also a practicing medium under careful wraps. However, when an alien shows up in her living room one evening to tell her that Earth is about to be destroyed unless humanity can overcome its innate tendencies towards violence and religious absolutism, that secrecy has to be imperilled to save her world.
I’m a sucker for original ideas, and the underlying concepts for Charles Freedom Long’s Seven Worlds series certainly qualify. These books combine communication with the dead, a form of astral projection as a means to travel between worlds, and a variety of alien species. While some of the alien societies in this book, and the foods of the homeworlds, have extremely close parallels with Earth, the species themselves make for very interesting reads, as do the human characters. In Witches’ Gambit, we have what is essentially a trifecta of High Priestess, Rogue, and Warrior Monk teamed up to save the world, which creates a fascinating mix of worldviews and tensions between the characters. The three protagonists are well-developed and very easy to get absorbed in, and their goal is nothing less than the preservation of Earth. Definitely a recommended read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
July 21, 2018
Calling all sci-fi fans: This is a must read. Are you drawn to an author's ability to weave imaginative concepts alongside accurate portrayals of who we are destined to become if we do not change our current path? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all who believe that a medium can dance with the dead: This is a must read. Are you drawn to an author's ability to craft tales of two worlds seamlessly into one? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all Western New Yorkers: This is a must read. Do you love reading a novel where you feel a part of the setting and familiarity abounds? Do you enjoy when authors weave real life into fiction? Real places into story backdrops? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all action and adventure fans: This is a must read. Do you seek novels where the protagonist embarks on a harrowing journey to save the world surrounded by interesting and shady characters? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all self-help gurus: This is a must read. Are you constantly in search of how to improve yourself and our world? Do you seek better ways to live each and every day? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all romance fans: This is a must read. Do you believe Walter Scott's definition that romance novels are, "a fictitious narrative in prose or verse; the interest of which turns upon marvelous and uncommon incidents" which leads these texts to be marvelous and uncommon in and of themselves? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all.......CALLING EVERYONE. There is a little something for every reader here. Enjoy!
Calling all who believe that a medium can dance with the dead: This is a must read. Are you drawn to an author's ability to craft tales of two worlds seamlessly into one? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all Western New Yorkers: This is a must read. Do you love reading a novel where you feel a part of the setting and familiarity abounds? Do you enjoy when authors weave real life into fiction? Real places into story backdrops? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all action and adventure fans: This is a must read. Do you seek novels where the protagonist embarks on a harrowing journey to save the world surrounded by interesting and shady characters? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all self-help gurus: This is a must read. Are you constantly in search of how to improve yourself and our world? Do you seek better ways to live each and every day? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all romance fans: This is a must read. Do you believe Walter Scott's definition that romance novels are, "a fictitious narrative in prose or verse; the interest of which turns upon marvelous and uncommon incidents" which leads these texts to be marvelous and uncommon in and of themselves? If so, this book is for you.
Calling all.......CALLING EVERYONE. There is a little something for every reader here. Enjoy!
July 12, 2018
Earth has devolved into ultra nationalist police states and we are about to venture out into the galaxy. However; our now dystopian, totalitarian planet is being watched with concern by aliens who feel threatened by our fascist ways and the doomsday weapons we are about to bring into the void. Their answer; a preemptive strike. Three people are all that stand in the way of human extermination by an alien race of galactic enforcers called the Krieg. Big brother is watching from space, and all life on Earth may disappear in the night.
Excellent writing from a science fiction author who is certainly influenced by the classics. The probable future, the unique and diverse aliens, the characters; all well done. I highly recommend this book along with his other books of which this is a prequel: Dancing with the Dead and Alvar's Spear.
Excellent writing from a science fiction author who is certainly influenced by the classics. The probable future, the unique and diverse aliens, the characters; all well done. I highly recommend this book along with his other books of which this is a prequel: Dancing with the Dead and Alvar's Spear.
June 11, 2018
I have read all three books in this series and this one is definitely my favorite. Aidan is a fabulous main character. She's strong, intelligent, and heroic without the usual arrogance of that type of character. Michael and Bill are the perfect side characters, both interesting and likable. I confess, Bill is my favorite character in the book, even more than Aidan. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. You will not regret the read!!
August 16, 2020
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Aliens from another Galaxy are targeting Earth for a preemptive strike. Humanities’ weapons and technology is growing faster than their collective wisdom. A dead alien named Vitok comes to Earth to answer the question, “Is it worth saving.” He finds Aidan Ray, a successful attorney who secretly communicates with the dead. The problem is she lives in a near dystopian world where the religious hierarchy would consider her a witch. Michael Good is an executive who lives dangerously and leads an insurgency in Aidan’s home state. Bill Peebles is a former soldier, physician, and religious cleric. Vitok brings this unlikely trio together to argue humanity’s case before the Council of Seven Worlds. They must make a hazardous journey from which they may not return or have a world to return to.
Review:
Charles Freedom Long has done an excellent job in universe building in Witches’ Gamit, the first book of the Seven Worlds series. It follows the adventure of three people called upon to save Earth—not as skilled warriors, but as diplomats. It deals with both political and religious themes on an intergalactic level. Imagine societies where the dead take an active role in daily life. Thus, humanity is an immature culture since their dead do not. While a bit cerebral, the characters and alien cultures are interesting. The buildup is slow at first but picks up steam very quickly. It was a fascinating read.
Synopsis:
Aliens from another Galaxy are targeting Earth for a preemptive strike. Humanities’ weapons and technology is growing faster than their collective wisdom. A dead alien named Vitok comes to Earth to answer the question, “Is it worth saving.” He finds Aidan Ray, a successful attorney who secretly communicates with the dead. The problem is she lives in a near dystopian world where the religious hierarchy would consider her a witch. Michael Good is an executive who lives dangerously and leads an insurgency in Aidan’s home state. Bill Peebles is a former soldier, physician, and religious cleric. Vitok brings this unlikely trio together to argue humanity’s case before the Council of Seven Worlds. They must make a hazardous journey from which they may not return or have a world to return to.
Review:
Charles Freedom Long has done an excellent job in universe building in Witches’ Gamit, the first book of the Seven Worlds series. It follows the adventure of three people called upon to save Earth—not as skilled warriors, but as diplomats. It deals with both political and religious themes on an intergalactic level. Imagine societies where the dead take an active role in daily life. Thus, humanity is an immature culture since their dead do not. While a bit cerebral, the characters and alien cultures are interesting. The buildup is slow at first but picks up steam very quickly. It was a fascinating read.
November 11, 2021
This story takes place in the near future where religious and political beliefs are at a fierce level and technology is quite advanced. There is no privacy and cameras are everywhere: in the streets, on buildings, and inside all dwellings. They record every word and action. Many current relaxing activities such as drinking and smoking are recorded. The bathroom is the only place these cameras do not exist. So people hide their vices in clever ways such as a bottle of bourbon in a cut-out book. What's worse is humans and earth are being monitored by aliens on another planet. They think earthlings may be a threat to their way of life and are considering exterminating our planet. It is up to three people with differing ideas to come together and plead their case to the aliens. The more I read, the more fearful I became. It's a frightening and tumultuous world I wouldn't want to live in. I found this to be a well-written, vividly imaginative, and thought-provoking story with a satisfying ending. Also, I must admit I would appreciate a self-cleaning bathroom.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews