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Freedom
Jake Barnes longs for the freedom he can only find in Alaska. But his independence shatters with an unplanned pregnancy and strange dreams of a tribal messiah half a world away. Torn between the mother of his unborn child and visions that haunt his psyche, the line dividing dreams and reality blur. Jake is pushed deeper into the dream world where he can fulfill a prophecy - or lose his soul. He must find the truth about who he really is; Savior or pawn?More than one person wants Jake Barnes to burn in Hell. Another hand is guiding him to a baptism by fire. If you want dark psychological adventure, get Freedom today!
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Randy L. Scott
3 books4 followersRandy L. Scott is a master of psychological suspense, captivating readers through his gripping narratives and complex characters. A former Vice President of Education at Toastmasters International, Randy combines his linguistic finesse with a deep understanding of human psychology, crafting stories that pull readers into a whirlwind of emotion and tension. His acclaimed series of three novels, The Dream Messiah, has cemented his reputation as a compelling voice in the genre, each book revealing intricate layers of suspense that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
An avid outdoorsman, Randy draws inspiration from the natural world surrounding him, infusing his writing with atmospheric detail and the raw emotions of human experience. This passion for the outdoors not only enriches his storytelling but also reflects his belief in the balance between nature and psyche, a theme poignantly explored in his work. Randy L. Scott continues to push the boundaries of psychological suspense, inviting readers to navigate the shadows of the human mind while uncovering the beauty of the world around them. His unique contributions promise to engage and provoke thought, ensuring his place as a standout author in contemporary literature.
An avid outdoorsman, Randy draws inspiration from the natural world surrounding him, infusing his writing with atmospheric detail and the raw emotions of human experience. This passion for the outdoors not only enriches his storytelling but also reflects his belief in the balance between nature and psyche, a theme poignantly explored in his work. Randy L. Scott continues to push the boundaries of psychological suspense, inviting readers to navigate the shadows of the human mind while uncovering the beauty of the world around them. His unique contributions promise to engage and provoke thought, ensuring his place as a standout author in contemporary literature.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 1, 2019
"Freedom-Just Another Word" by Randy L Scott is a different sort of supernatural novel.
Jake Barnes is sick of his factory-town life. Abuse and belittlement, religious fanatics, and a distrust of authority coax the young man away from everything he knows. He seeks adventure, and finds it in Alaska, the land of misfits.
He feels right at home in the wilderness. Homesteading is the all-encompassing task he has sought for his body, mind, and spirit. His fiancee, infant son, and fellow homesteaders support the greenhorn as he scrapes his new way of life together.
In the darkest nights when he is most tired from his grueling days, Jake discovers a new way to relax. Lucid dreaming; dreams in which the sleeper is aware of the fantasy and can control the actions and events within the dream; become a further escape from reality. They help him cope as he learns the hardest lessons of living in the wilderness.
Across the world, a group of another religious zealots, far different from the ones he grew up with, seek the Dream Messiah. Mystical connections bring Jake to this community, and he begins to fear for his sanity. as his dream life interferes with his physical life, he doubts what is true, and the lines between fantasy and fact are blurred.
I found this book a bit confusing regarding the timeline, especially in the beginning. I didn't feel much empathy for the characters, but the homesteading neighbours had some hilarious dialogue. The descriptions of wild Alaska, the attempts to tame it just enough to live as a human, and the continuous fear associated with the unknown made this story exciting. My favourite part was when Jake helped his neighbours skin a bear. It was a fascinating process, and the author's careful explanations made it a vivid scene.
Mystical mixes with physical in this adventure tale. I would recommend it most for people who yearn for an escape from reality, while keeping their feet on the ground.
Jake Barnes is sick of his factory-town life. Abuse and belittlement, religious fanatics, and a distrust of authority coax the young man away from everything he knows. He seeks adventure, and finds it in Alaska, the land of misfits.
He feels right at home in the wilderness. Homesteading is the all-encompassing task he has sought for his body, mind, and spirit. His fiancee, infant son, and fellow homesteaders support the greenhorn as he scrapes his new way of life together.
In the darkest nights when he is most tired from his grueling days, Jake discovers a new way to relax. Lucid dreaming; dreams in which the sleeper is aware of the fantasy and can control the actions and events within the dream; become a further escape from reality. They help him cope as he learns the hardest lessons of living in the wilderness.
Across the world, a group of another religious zealots, far different from the ones he grew up with, seek the Dream Messiah. Mystical connections bring Jake to this community, and he begins to fear for his sanity. as his dream life interferes with his physical life, he doubts what is true, and the lines between fantasy and fact are blurred.
I found this book a bit confusing regarding the timeline, especially in the beginning. I didn't feel much empathy for the characters, but the homesteading neighbours had some hilarious dialogue. The descriptions of wild Alaska, the attempts to tame it just enough to live as a human, and the continuous fear associated with the unknown made this story exciting. My favourite part was when Jake helped his neighbours skin a bear. It was a fascinating process, and the author's careful explanations made it a vivid scene.
Mystical mixes with physical in this adventure tale. I would recommend it most for people who yearn for an escape from reality, while keeping their feet on the ground.
July 21, 2020
This first installment of a series offers a coming-of-age tale set in the Alaska wilderness.
Scott’s novel presents a young man named Jake Barnes, who travels to Alaska after graduating from high school. Over some eight years, he learns skills ranging from carpentry to winter survival. Now, he puts those talents to the test as he builds a cabin in a remote area on the Kachemak Bay for his friend Kevin Topher. It can be tough, dangerous work yet the upshot for Jake is that he can do what he wants as long as progress on the project is being made. But this freedom comes to an end when Jake’s girlfriend, Kat, becomes pregnant. Kat insists that when the baby arrives, Jake will need to find a regular job. Still, Jake has some time in the woods to get himself sorted out. In the process, he befriends a hardy World War II veteran named Dave Reagan. Dave lives near Jake’s construction site in his own cabin that he built with his wife, Ann. Dave not only knows the Alaskan wilderness like the back of his hand, he also has quite a lot to teach. The question is if Jake is ready for all the lessons both Dave and the world have in store for him. Wolves, bears, and buckshot fill the story with plenty of action. These vibrant scenes keep things moving, yet the dialogue can be rough in places. Jake’s nephew joins him in Alaska at one point. He eventually proclaims: “This has been the best summer of my life!” While this may not be the most insightful comment, work and brushes with wildlife keep the momentum going as the story delves into dreams and a “Shadow World.”In the end, Jake finds himself in quite a predicament, and many readers will wish to see if he can get himself out of it.
An Alaska adventure that bustles with activity, both earthly and otherworldly, throughout.
– Kirkus Reviews
Scott’s novel presents a young man named Jake Barnes, who travels to Alaska after graduating from high school. Over some eight years, he learns skills ranging from carpentry to winter survival. Now, he puts those talents to the test as he builds a cabin in a remote area on the Kachemak Bay for his friend Kevin Topher. It can be tough, dangerous work yet the upshot for Jake is that he can do what he wants as long as progress on the project is being made. But this freedom comes to an end when Jake’s girlfriend, Kat, becomes pregnant. Kat insists that when the baby arrives, Jake will need to find a regular job. Still, Jake has some time in the woods to get himself sorted out. In the process, he befriends a hardy World War II veteran named Dave Reagan. Dave lives near Jake’s construction site in his own cabin that he built with his wife, Ann. Dave not only knows the Alaskan wilderness like the back of his hand, he also has quite a lot to teach. The question is if Jake is ready for all the lessons both Dave and the world have in store for him. Wolves, bears, and buckshot fill the story with plenty of action. These vibrant scenes keep things moving, yet the dialogue can be rough in places. Jake’s nephew joins him in Alaska at one point. He eventually proclaims: “This has been the best summer of my life!” While this may not be the most insightful comment, work and brushes with wildlife keep the momentum going as the story delves into dreams and a “Shadow World.”In the end, Jake finds himself in quite a predicament, and many readers will wish to see if he can get himself out of it.
An Alaska adventure that bustles with activity, both earthly and otherworldly, throughout.
– Kirkus Reviews
April 18, 2019
I was drawn to this first book in the Dream Messiah series because of my love of Alaskan adventure stories. I was introduced to Jack, a young man who is building a wilderness cabin at a remote cove in Kachemak Bay, and got to know his neighbors, Dave an Ann.
Scott has perfectly captured the hospitality and quirkiness of the Alaskan bush culture and is right on about how things get done in this part of the country. Twenty pages in I was wishing Dave and Ann were my neighbors and I wanted to get to know them better. I fell in love with Jake, and was compelled to devour the book in a weekend binge read just to find out how things worked out for him. This story gives new meaning to 'livin' the dream".
Of all the highs and lows, the worst was when I finished Book 1 and had to wait a whole week to get Book 2. Plan accordingly!
I got sucked in by the wilderness experience, but I was as surprised as Jake to find out where it goes from there.
Scott has perfectly captured the hospitality and quirkiness of the Alaskan bush culture and is right on about how things get done in this part of the country. Twenty pages in I was wishing Dave and Ann were my neighbors and I wanted to get to know them better. I fell in love with Jake, and was compelled to devour the book in a weekend binge read just to find out how things worked out for him. This story gives new meaning to 'livin' the dream".
Of all the highs and lows, the worst was when I finished Book 1 and had to wait a whole week to get Book 2. Plan accordingly!
I got sucked in by the wilderness experience, but I was as surprised as Jake to find out where it goes from there.
March 21, 2021
Freedom:-Just Another Word (Dream Messiah Book 1) by Randy L. Scott shares a fascinating story of an outer world and communicating with guiding spirits through dream. I really liked the outer world fantasies.
Unfortunately, the characters were unlikable. I found reading about Kat and Nora and their abundance of nasty behaviors adnauseam. Jake had no pride or self worth. Dave was a jerk full of shenanigans. Dan and Kevin were both womanizing alcohol and drug abusers. I was happy to finish this book because I could not bear any more time with these awful characters. I gave an honest review of this book which I obtained from NetGalley.
Unfortunately, the characters were unlikable. I found reading about Kat and Nora and their abundance of nasty behaviors adnauseam. Jake had no pride or self worth. Dave was a jerk full of shenanigans. Dan and Kevin were both womanizing alcohol and drug abusers. I was happy to finish this book because I could not bear any more time with these awful characters. I gave an honest review of this book which I obtained from NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews