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The Tree of Knowledge #2
Of Good and Evil: A Thriller
The second book in the bestselling Tree of Knowledge Series
Albert has seen the future...does he have the power to change it?
An unstoppable force is sweeping the United States. Powered by a secret ability to predict and manipulate events, Christina Culebra and her Red Army relentlessly accumulate followers with one goal in mind: Absolute Power.
While Christina and her movement captivate the country, the one man who knows their next move-- who knows their every move--Mathematics Professor Albert Puddles, hides, grief-stricken from the loss of his one and only mentor. Hoping that Albert holds the key to solving the secrets of the Red Army, his comrades in arms, known as the “Book Club”, recruit friends and foes alike to bring him back from exile.
But they may be too late, for a new enemy has risen to challenge Christina and disrupt the Book Club’s plans, a mysterious terrorist known only as “The Cipher”.
Faced with twin threats to everything he holds dear, Albert is forced to use his singular power to decode the riddles of a dead man while reckoning with the ghosts of his past.
Of Good & Evil is a riveting follow-up to The Tree of Knowledge that is both grander in scope and more immediate in its impact—a heart-pounding thriller that forces us to question the true nature of right and wrong.
Albert has seen the future...does he have the power to change it?
An unstoppable force is sweeping the United States. Powered by a secret ability to predict and manipulate events, Christina Culebra and her Red Army relentlessly accumulate followers with one goal in mind: Absolute Power.
While Christina and her movement captivate the country, the one man who knows their next move-- who knows their every move--Mathematics Professor Albert Puddles, hides, grief-stricken from the loss of his one and only mentor. Hoping that Albert holds the key to solving the secrets of the Red Army, his comrades in arms, known as the “Book Club”, recruit friends and foes alike to bring him back from exile.
But they may be too late, for a new enemy has risen to challenge Christina and disrupt the Book Club’s plans, a mysterious terrorist known only as “The Cipher”.
Faced with twin threats to everything he holds dear, Albert is forced to use his singular power to decode the riddles of a dead man while reckoning with the ghosts of his past.
Of Good & Evil is a riveting follow-up to The Tree of Knowledge that is both grander in scope and more immediate in its impact—a heart-pounding thriller that forces us to question the true nature of right and wrong.
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2022
201 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Daniel G. Miller
6 books561 followersDaniel G. Miller is a bestselling thriller and adventure novelist. When he's not writing, he enjoys contemplating the "what-ifs" of the world, traveling and celebrating with his wife, and sitting on the couch like an ogre watching NBA basketball. He currently lives in Boca Raton with his wife, Lexi.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 13, 2022
This second book from Daniel G. Miller is even better than his debut novel. The story is well-paced, well written and a real page turner. Really had some fun descriptions of various cities which transport the reader along the trail with Professor Puddles. A true delight! It is now available on an audio books too.
May 14, 2024
a StoryTeller for all ages
Wonderful book…predictable AND unpredictable plot twists and plenty to mull over along the way. A book that races to its ultimate end, but keeps you guessing, and questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and whether or not something is meant to be in between.
Wonderful book…predictable AND unpredictable plot twists and plenty to mull over along the way. A book that races to its ultimate end, but keeps you guessing, and questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and whether or not something is meant to be in between.
February 10, 2024
The second of a three-part series, Of Good and Evil picks up where the first book in the series (The Tree of Knowledge) left off. An evil politician bent on world domination has killed the mentor of the book's lead character and has set in motion a plan to take control of the US government.
If the premise of the story feels far-fetched and a bit comic book like, well, it is. But the underlying concept is fascinating (even if fantastical). Former mathematics professor Albert Puddles (yes, that's really his name) and his group of associates and friends (known as the Book Club) have advanced the science of logic trees to the point where they can predict the future. And not just the distant future. The skills they have developed using the Tree of Knowledge allows them to predict the actions of an opponent in a fight, evade detection, and get through seemingly impenetrable security. They use decision trees as a superpower. (Statisticians and MBAs rejoice... we've finally been seen!).
But here's the catch. The evil politician they seek to stop (Cristina Culebra) has also mastered the skill and is manipulating public opinion in ways that seem to make her plan to take over the government inevitable. And as the book opens, the Book Club is essentially disbanded, and its members disbursed.
Will the group get back together, and can their combined capabilities stop Culebra before it's too late (cue the movie trailer music crescendo)? It's kitschy and a bit outlandish, but there is a lot of action, and the narrative mostly keeps you on edge until the surprising conclusion.
On the plus side, the book is tight (a mere 278 pages) and drives the reader in an unrelenting straight line from the opening page to the denouement. And the underlying concept is fascinating. Science and mathematics elevated to the level of superpower. Our heroes essentially outthink in real time the bad guys who want to destroy them in order to save democracy from a dictatorial tyrant committed to taking power. (If you're interested in this idea, the best book I've ever read that utilizes a similar, although not identical concept is Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction Foundation trilogy where the statistics of mass action are advanced to the point that the future of civilizations can be predicted).
On the other hand, the characters are shallow and often cartoonishly drawn, the dialogue is weak and, in some cases, perfunctory, and Puddles' character, in particular, just doesn't feel either realistic or completely aligned with the underlying story concept. He is a brilliant mathematician, arguably the most advanced user of the Tree of Knowledge (except, perhaps Cristina Culebra) with the ability to use his intellect and the Tree of Knowledge skill to foresee the actions and reactions of those he encounters. And yet, he is completely blinded by puppy love and infatuations with attractive women around him.
Despite that criticism, I would still argue that this book (and the entirety of the series so far) is on the whole a fun, interesting and engaging thriller with a very unique underlying concept. Put aside the minor plot and character weaknesses and you'll enjoy this very quick read.
If the premise of the story feels far-fetched and a bit comic book like, well, it is. But the underlying concept is fascinating (even if fantastical). Former mathematics professor Albert Puddles (yes, that's really his name) and his group of associates and friends (known as the Book Club) have advanced the science of logic trees to the point where they can predict the future. And not just the distant future. The skills they have developed using the Tree of Knowledge allows them to predict the actions of an opponent in a fight, evade detection, and get through seemingly impenetrable security. They use decision trees as a superpower. (Statisticians and MBAs rejoice... we've finally been seen!).
But here's the catch. The evil politician they seek to stop (Cristina Culebra) has also mastered the skill and is manipulating public opinion in ways that seem to make her plan to take over the government inevitable. And as the book opens, the Book Club is essentially disbanded, and its members disbursed.
Will the group get back together, and can their combined capabilities stop Culebra before it's too late (cue the movie trailer music crescendo)? It's kitschy and a bit outlandish, but there is a lot of action, and the narrative mostly keeps you on edge until the surprising conclusion.
On the plus side, the book is tight (a mere 278 pages) and drives the reader in an unrelenting straight line from the opening page to the denouement. And the underlying concept is fascinating. Science and mathematics elevated to the level of superpower. Our heroes essentially outthink in real time the bad guys who want to destroy them in order to save democracy from a dictatorial tyrant committed to taking power. (If you're interested in this idea, the best book I've ever read that utilizes a similar, although not identical concept is Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction Foundation trilogy where the statistics of mass action are advanced to the point that the future of civilizations can be predicted).
On the other hand, the characters are shallow and often cartoonishly drawn, the dialogue is weak and, in some cases, perfunctory, and Puddles' character, in particular, just doesn't feel either realistic or completely aligned with the underlying story concept. He is a brilliant mathematician, arguably the most advanced user of the Tree of Knowledge (except, perhaps Cristina Culebra) with the ability to use his intellect and the Tree of Knowledge skill to foresee the actions and reactions of those he encounters. And yet, he is completely blinded by puppy love and infatuations with attractive women around him.
Despite that criticism, I would still argue that this book (and the entirety of the series so far) is on the whole a fun, interesting and engaging thriller with a very unique underlying concept. Put aside the minor plot and character weaknesses and you'll enjoy this very quick read.
July 23, 2023
If you enjoy a witty, funny and a bit mysterious book, this saga was made for you.
Follow the quirky professor Albert Puddles and his sassy sidekick Ying Koh, as they continue to unravel the mystery behind The tree of Knowledge.
I started reading “The tree of knowledge” not really knowing what it was about, and after just a couple of pages, I knew I was going to love it. It was only when I finished it that I realized it was a three-book saga, so I cracked my knuckles, sat back and prepared to enjoy what I knew would be a fast new favorite saga.
I went into “Of God and Evil” already in love with the characters, their quick wits and unique voices, and knowing to expect several puzzles and riddles throughout the book.
A combination of funny, witty, suspenseful and surprising, “Of Good and evil” is the perfect follow-up to the already un-put-downable “The tree of knowledge”.
If you happen to stumble upon this review without having read “The tree of knowledge”, I urge you to get it and start what will probably be one of the most enjoyable reads you will have this year.
Can’t wait to read the last part!
Xx
Follow the quirky professor Albert Puddles and his sassy sidekick Ying Koh, as they continue to unravel the mystery behind The tree of Knowledge.
I started reading “The tree of knowledge” not really knowing what it was about, and after just a couple of pages, I knew I was going to love it. It was only when I finished it that I realized it was a three-book saga, so I cracked my knuckles, sat back and prepared to enjoy what I knew would be a fast new favorite saga.
I went into “Of God and Evil” already in love with the characters, their quick wits and unique voices, and knowing to expect several puzzles and riddles throughout the book.
A combination of funny, witty, suspenseful and surprising, “Of Good and evil” is the perfect follow-up to the already un-put-downable “The tree of knowledge”.
If you happen to stumble upon this review without having read “The tree of knowledge”, I urge you to get it and start what will probably be one of the most enjoyable reads you will have this year.
Can’t wait to read the last part!
Xx
May 27, 2022
"She never dreamed that her opponent would be her own daughter."
Cristina Culebra has it all—beauty, prosperity, and scads of power. As president of the Republic of Enlightenment and Democracy, she entices fifteen states to secede from the United States with promises of lower crime rates, good schools, and solid infrastructure, among many other improvements she successfully delivers as the story opens. As her political career advances, starting with California, the astounding successes sway even conservative Texas to secede from the union. But there's a darker side to the endeavor as Cristina's RED internet network and RED TV keep order and unity within their party echo chambers. . .
Read more at The US Review of Books!
https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1...
Cristina Culebra has it all—beauty, prosperity, and scads of power. As president of the Republic of Enlightenment and Democracy, she entices fifteen states to secede from the United States with promises of lower crime rates, good schools, and solid infrastructure, among many other improvements she successfully delivers as the story opens. As her political career advances, starting with California, the astounding successes sway even conservative Texas to secede from the union. But there's a darker side to the endeavor as Cristina's RED internet network and RED TV keep order and unity within their party echo chambers. . .
Read more at The US Review of Books!
https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1...
August 2, 2024
This is the second book in the Tree of Knowledge trilogy. Like the first book, it is a fast paced thriller that I could not put down. Again, we follow Albert Puddles as he and his friends strive to stop Christina Culebra and her RED army from taking over the White House and the US government.
Also like the first book, the chapters are short, which make for a fast read. There are a number of twists and turns that made this book extremely enjoyable. Again, as in the first book, there are some editing and craft issues. Some punctuation was missing and some words were also missing. There was also some "head hopping" or POV shifts within many paragraphs that were jarring. But despite these issues, this is still a five star read.
Now on to book three in the series. I cannot wait to read it, but also a little sad that the story will be coming to an end with the third book.
Also like the first book, the chapters are short, which make for a fast read. There are a number of twists and turns that made this book extremely enjoyable. Again, as in the first book, there are some editing and craft issues. Some punctuation was missing and some words were also missing. There was also some "head hopping" or POV shifts within many paragraphs that were jarring. But despite these issues, this is still a five star read.
Now on to book three in the series. I cannot wait to read it, but also a little sad that the story will be coming to an end with the third book.
November 4, 2023
What a twist!
I can honestly say this is one of those few books that had a truly surprising ending. Well written and edited top to bottom, and the characters from the first book received a significant amount of additional development. I wouldn't say this could be a stand alone book- the first book really must be read before this one. Disturbingly similar in feeling to recent events.
PG13 for complex political issues and threat of civil insurrection. No explicit sexual content, some violence, mild language.
I can honestly say this is one of those few books that had a truly surprising ending. Well written and edited top to bottom, and the characters from the first book received a significant amount of additional development. I wouldn't say this could be a stand alone book- the first book really must be read before this one. Disturbingly similar in feeling to recent events.
PG13 for complex political issues and threat of civil insurrection. No explicit sexual content, some violence, mild language.
March 31, 2024
3.5⭐️
Although this book was still good, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. Something just felt a bit off compared to the first one. I think one of the main issues I had, was that all the returning characters seemed more unlikeable this time around.
I will say, I there were still a couple of plot points I didn’t see coming.
Although this book was still good, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. Something just felt a bit off compared to the first one. I think one of the main issues I had, was that all the returning characters seemed more unlikeable this time around.
I will say, I there were still a couple of plot points I didn’t see coming.
December 22, 2024
Captivating
Since I am reading this post the January 6th insurrection, I find the plot intriguing in the way they lay out plans to destroy our democracy. The main characters are well fleashed out and like in real life each can surprise you in actions taken. Very entertaining read.
Since I am reading this post the January 6th insurrection, I find the plot intriguing in the way they lay out plans to destroy our democracy. The main characters are well fleashed out and like in real life each can surprise you in actions taken. Very entertaining read.
October 11, 2022
There are too many disconnects in the plot to recommend this story. It’s particularly disappointing when an author describes a character’s thoughts (Ying) to mislead the reader.
But, having invested the time in the first two books I’m looking forward to the conclusion.
But, having invested the time in the first two books I’m looking forward to the conclusion.
September 26, 2023
Puddles and his book club do it again. Once more they save the day. Fast moving and a great twist at the end. Who would every believe who the cipher turns out to be. A great page turner. On to book three.
May 11, 2022
Better than book 1. Can’t wait for book 3. Want it now!
April 5, 2023
I usually prefer self-contained books and this one just pulls you along to the next story. But it definitely kept me reading. The scenarios are a bit contrived even for fiction but it was fun.
November 13, 2023
Brilliant
Each page unfolds with a magnetic force, drawing me deeper into the intricacies of the characters' minds. I started already the next book.
Each page unfolds with a magnetic force, drawing me deeper into the intricacies of the characters' minds. I started already the next book.
July 6, 2024
Stimulated my thinking!
I liked that he voiced lots of Interesting topics as the story developed . I spent lots of time wondering how I would have responded to chrstina.
I liked that he voiced lots of Interesting topics as the story developed . I spent lots of time wondering how I would have responded to chrstina.
July 12, 2024
Another reviewer wrote how these books read like comics—not much into comics, but that was a good way to describe the hastiness of these books. But alas, might as well see this series to the end…
September 10, 2024
I have so enjoyed the books so far . Love thrillers.
February 19, 2023
Of Good and Evil is Book two of three in a series. It's not nearly as engaging as Book 1, but it's adequate. I really dislike when a book feels like the author wrote it intentionally to have a sequel to make more money off book sales. It feels like a "string along" to get the readers to buy and read 3 books when it could easily have been edited to two. When I feel manipulated I leave, so that's the end of this series for me, until enough time has passed that I can forget how average it was and I am in between reading some truly engaging books.; then and only then would I pick up Book 3.
If you like logic puzzles you will enjoy Book One.
If you like logic puzzles you will enjoy Book One.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews