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Deus Ex
Many men dream of becoming gods. Magnus Antonius Magnus achieved this dream, conquering half the globe and ruling it with an iron fist. Now, however, he is learning a painful gods, like men, can go too far. They can blunder. They can even fall. But does the story of Magnus end with the destruction of his empire...or is that where it begins?
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2021
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Miles Watson
32 books64 followersMiles Watson was born in Evanston, Illinois. The son of a prominent Chicago journalist, he took an early interest in writing and published his first short story at 17. He worked in Criminal Justice for ten years before moving to Los Angeles for a dozen more, where he worked on numerous television shows and half a dozen feature films. He is the author of four book series: CAGE LIFE, SINNER'S CROSS, THE CHRONICLES OF MAGNUS and SOMETHING EVIL as well as numerous novellas, which have won nearly 30 literary awards.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 23, 2022
The literary term deus ex can be used to describe a godlike character who miraculously survives and escapes from seemingly impossible situations. Readers who are willing to suspend reality will be rewarded with a captivating character in Miles Watson’s novelette Deus Ex.
Godlike character? Check. Emperor Magnus Antonius Magnus has evolved from a lowly soldier named John to the ruthless tyrant governing a massive emperor. Seemingly impossible situations? Yup. As his Empire crumbles, Magnus conducts a farewell tour to tie up the loose ends of his reign. From the intimate encounter with his worshiping mistress to his increasingly expanding mass murder of all he’s encountered, Magnus has orchestrated the ultimate slash and burn suicide mission, but he would need more than one miracle to execute his whole plan.
As Magnus executes his plan, he looks back on the rise and fall of his empire. In hindsight, he can see decision points that could have changed his fate. He realizes he could have handled relationships better and events that contribute to the empire’s decline. It’s a case of too little too late, given the finality of his actions. If he had a chance, would he have made different decisions? Or would the godlike emperor be set in his ways and do everything the same way? It’s an interesting question for the reader to consider as the story progresses.
Deus Ex is a prime reason why novelettes are effective. Watson crisply presented a concentrated plot with a strong main character. Writing a longer work would have diluted the story by forcing subplots, more fleshed-out characters, etc. Watson’s writing is so rich that he can fully develop a story in fewer words while giving the reader the details necessary to enjoy his tale.
Deus Ex is only 75 pages long. Watson is a fan of novelettes and wants to bring more readers to these smaller length works. Keep writing novelettes like Deus Ex, and the readers will follow. The first time I read one of Miles Watson’s shorter works, I was hooked by his writing quality, and I’ll read whatever length he wants to write.
Thanks to Henry Roi PR for a review copy of this book.
Godlike character? Check. Emperor Magnus Antonius Magnus has evolved from a lowly soldier named John to the ruthless tyrant governing a massive emperor. Seemingly impossible situations? Yup. As his Empire crumbles, Magnus conducts a farewell tour to tie up the loose ends of his reign. From the intimate encounter with his worshiping mistress to his increasingly expanding mass murder of all he’s encountered, Magnus has orchestrated the ultimate slash and burn suicide mission, but he would need more than one miracle to execute his whole plan.
As Magnus executes his plan, he looks back on the rise and fall of his empire. In hindsight, he can see decision points that could have changed his fate. He realizes he could have handled relationships better and events that contribute to the empire’s decline. It’s a case of too little too late, given the finality of his actions. If he had a chance, would he have made different decisions? Or would the godlike emperor be set in his ways and do everything the same way? It’s an interesting question for the reader to consider as the story progresses.
Deus Ex is a prime reason why novelettes are effective. Watson crisply presented a concentrated plot with a strong main character. Writing a longer work would have diluted the story by forcing subplots, more fleshed-out characters, etc. Watson’s writing is so rich that he can fully develop a story in fewer words while giving the reader the details necessary to enjoy his tale.
Deus Ex is only 75 pages long. Watson is a fan of novelettes and wants to bring more readers to these smaller length works. Keep writing novelettes like Deus Ex, and the readers will follow. The first time I read one of Miles Watson’s shorter works, I was hooked by his writing quality, and I’ll read whatever length he wants to write.
Thanks to Henry Roi PR for a review copy of this book.
July 24, 2022
I have been enjoying novellas of late and wanted to step into something I don't normally read. Deus Ex was a pleasant surprise.
This may be quick and short but it doesn't lack depth or meaning. If you've ever wanted a glimpse into the mind of a self-proclaimed "god", this is a good one to grab. It's the end of a regime and the remnants of war are everywhere. As such, you get to witness this "god" in all his "glory" both in the past and present.
I absolutely love the Greek/Roman vibes I get from the cover and the story itself. There is a part, towards the end, that has vibes of one of my favorite Greek Mythologies. I can't say or it will ruin some of the story and I don't like to do spoilers. Guess you'll just have to read this to find out 😂
Overall, this is a quick and interesting read. One in which readers will have to read with a little stretch to the imagination but I think will ultimately enjoy. I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Black Coffee Book Tours for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
This may be quick and short but it doesn't lack depth or meaning. If you've ever wanted a glimpse into the mind of a self-proclaimed "god", this is a good one to grab. It's the end of a regime and the remnants of war are everywhere. As such, you get to witness this "god" in all his "glory" both in the past and present.
I absolutely love the Greek/Roman vibes I get from the cover and the story itself. There is a part, towards the end, that has vibes of one of my favorite Greek Mythologies. I can't say or it will ruin some of the story and I don't like to do spoilers. Guess you'll just have to read this to find out 😂
Overall, this is a quick and interesting read. One in which readers will have to read with a little stretch to the imagination but I think will ultimately enjoy. I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Black Coffee Book Tours for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
May 14, 2022
This novella wasn't my usual genre but was a nice snippet into a new genre and I enjoyed reading it. The book tells of love, politics, war and death, it was a fast paced read, lots of destruction and loss in the war, a bit of suicide thrown in for love and Magnus, the one with all the power who knew how to use it, or abuse it when needs must!
The characters were described well and were well thought out. Politics is a mine field so to speak and this book describes the situation well. Very Powerful writing.
The characters were described well and were well thought out. Politics is a mine field so to speak and this book describes the situation well. Very Powerful writing.
July 25, 2022
Deus Ex is a masterfully written short book of 50 pages, or novella, told from the perspective of a dictator/ruler in the final moments of the fall of his empire. It is a fascinating concept – set in more or less modern times – but very much with the feel of a historical dictator or emperor right out of the history text books, think Caesar, Alexander the Great, or Napoleon.
Actually, it made me think very much about Cuba and the revolution with Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. It is a look into the mind of a tyrant as he watches all the sacrifices and achievements of his rule crumble and fall around him. Reading this will inevitably make you ponder what makes such a person tick – is it extraordinary vision and ambition, idealism or just next-level megalomania? I personally feel like it is simply an ego out of control that really feels the world revolves around them, and ultimately all they care about is their self-preservation and being “on top”.
I recommend you read this fascinating novella and decide for yourself! A 5-star read for me. Many thanks to Black Coffee Book Tours and Miles Watson for allowing me to have a copy of this to review.
Actually, it made me think very much about Cuba and the revolution with Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. It is a look into the mind of a tyrant as he watches all the sacrifices and achievements of his rule crumble and fall around him. Reading this will inevitably make you ponder what makes such a person tick – is it extraordinary vision and ambition, idealism or just next-level megalomania? I personally feel like it is simply an ego out of control that really feels the world revolves around them, and ultimately all they care about is their self-preservation and being “on top”.
I recommend you read this fascinating novella and decide for yourself! A 5-star read for me. Many thanks to Black Coffee Book Tours and Miles Watson for allowing me to have a copy of this to review.
June 23, 2022
Miles Watson always surprises, never disappoints. Invariably tangling with the most difficult problems, he is an author who cannot be seduced by the easy answers. This brief novella is a timely exploration of the psychology of power and the humanity of the tyrant.
Power has a price. Absolute power costs everything.
Set in a possible future or an alternative present, it shows us the dying days of the most powerful empire even known... any empire, any dictatorship, it doesn't matter. Out of a believable, gripping story, whose characters are each unique and perfectly realised in flesh and blood, Miles Watson draws out the thread of universal dilemmas, universal nightmares. Most chillingly, he pulled me into the mind of the tyrant, made me see the world through those eyes. The book doesn’t let the reader off the hook: its ending offers no easy resolutions. Why should it? There are none: the end of history is not quite in sight.
Power has a price. Absolute power costs everything.
Set in a possible future or an alternative present, it shows us the dying days of the most powerful empire even known... any empire, any dictatorship, it doesn't matter. Out of a believable, gripping story, whose characters are each unique and perfectly realised in flesh and blood, Miles Watson draws out the thread of universal dilemmas, universal nightmares. Most chillingly, he pulled me into the mind of the tyrant, made me see the world through those eyes. The book doesn’t let the reader off the hook: its ending offers no easy resolutions. Why should it? There are none: the end of history is not quite in sight.
July 22, 2022
Deus Ex is an adult political fantasy novella, but it's suitable for mature teens age 16+. There's graphic violence, homicide, suicide, and a whole deal about war and destruction.
First though, let's talk about the title. According to the Urban Dictionary, deus ex is short for deus ex machina (Latin phrase meaning “god from the machine”), which is the literary term for an event or person coming out of the blue and doing something miraculous or unprecedented. The term originates from theatre, in which an actor is lowered from the upper stage (or more often, rises from the lower stage probably for financial and technical reasons) by a device called... yes, deus ex machina. It was a technique used to present a character as being godlike or from the gods, and it particularly produced an immediate emotional response from Greek audiences, since they would have a feeling of wonder and astonishment at the appearance of the gods.
The deus ex machina device is often criticized as inartistic, too convenient, and overly simplistic (let's not talk about the time travel plot in Avengers: Endgame, cough), but this novella takes it almost literally, and I was pleasantly surprised by the irony of it all. It's fitting, though - Magnus believes himself a god, and has held himself up and lived most of his life like one. More importantly, though, his people believe it, especially the most loyal and closest to him.
I love how I got modern/futuristic Roman Empire vibes from this one, which is just the right blend for my tastes. The story packs a punch even with the limited word count, with great worldbuilding and superb character development. The latter's the best part, if I may say so; in just a few pages we're introduced to Magnus and a couple other very interesting individuals. I ended up loving Yaro after what, just how many paragraphs? But yes, Magnus. He held the story up like the god that he's supposed to be, and despite all that's happened and all that he's done, I was rooting for him until the very end.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING: Deus Ex by KYB
First though, let's talk about the title. According to the Urban Dictionary, deus ex is short for deus ex machina (Latin phrase meaning “god from the machine”), which is the literary term for an event or person coming out of the blue and doing something miraculous or unprecedented. The term originates from theatre, in which an actor is lowered from the upper stage (or more often, rises from the lower stage probably for financial and technical reasons) by a device called... yes, deus ex machina. It was a technique used to present a character as being godlike or from the gods, and it particularly produced an immediate emotional response from Greek audiences, since they would have a feeling of wonder and astonishment at the appearance of the gods.
The deus ex machina device is often criticized as inartistic, too convenient, and overly simplistic (let's not talk about the time travel plot in Avengers: Endgame, cough), but this novella takes it almost literally, and I was pleasantly surprised by the irony of it all. It's fitting, though - Magnus believes himself a god, and has held himself up and lived most of his life like one. More importantly, though, his people believe it, especially the most loyal and closest to him.
I love how I got modern/futuristic Roman Empire vibes from this one, which is just the right blend for my tastes. The story packs a punch even with the limited word count, with great worldbuilding and superb character development. The latter's the best part, if I may say so; in just a few pages we're introduced to Magnus and a couple other very interesting individuals. I ended up loving Yaro after what, just how many paragraphs? But yes, Magnus. He held the story up like the god that he's supposed to be, and despite all that's happened and all that he's done, I was rooting for him until the very end.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING: Deus Ex by KYB
July 25, 2022
Magnus Antonius Magnus, the tyrannical leader of an unnamed country in a dystopian Europe, watches on as the Empire he created burns to the ground. It is the fall of Rome. The final days of the Third Reich. The collapse of the Iron Curtain. And perhaps, only a few perilous steps removed from travelling down an authoritarian road if the coup of January 6 had succeeded.
Deus Ex is a cautionary tale of a narcissistic, cult-like leader treated by his people — after fed heavy doses of misinformation — as a god on Earth, left to muse over where it all went wrong. Magnus has fought his entire life to be the ‘Supreme Leader’. From fighting with the failed ‘old guard’, then turning to revolution to seize control of his country — shades of Fidel Castro, here — to ultimately bludgeon entire continents to bowing down under his iron rule.
Miles Watson paints a fascinating portrait of a despotic leader — an amalgamation of all the worst our history has produced. A man prescient enough to recognize you reap what you sow. But crazed enough to burn it all down just to survive.
On my first pass through, I was a little uncertain if the ending worked. No spoilers here, but it seemed a little fanciful. But with a second glance, what else would a mad man do? When drunk on power, unwilling to accept defeat and believing all fault lies with his underlings. And although, privately, willing to admit small mistakes were made over the years, he remains a man determined not to repeat them.
A fascinating read. Chilling if you’re unable to separate Mr. Watson’s fiction from current events.
I received a copy of this book with a request for a fair and honest review.
Deus Ex is a cautionary tale of a narcissistic, cult-like leader treated by his people — after fed heavy doses of misinformation — as a god on Earth, left to muse over where it all went wrong. Magnus has fought his entire life to be the ‘Supreme Leader’. From fighting with the failed ‘old guard’, then turning to revolution to seize control of his country — shades of Fidel Castro, here — to ultimately bludgeon entire continents to bowing down under his iron rule.
Miles Watson paints a fascinating portrait of a despotic leader — an amalgamation of all the worst our history has produced. A man prescient enough to recognize you reap what you sow. But crazed enough to burn it all down just to survive.
On my first pass through, I was a little uncertain if the ending worked. No spoilers here, but it seemed a little fanciful. But with a second glance, what else would a mad man do? When drunk on power, unwilling to accept defeat and believing all fault lies with his underlings. And although, privately, willing to admit small mistakes were made over the years, he remains a man determined not to repeat them.
A fascinating read. Chilling if you’re unable to separate Mr. Watson’s fiction from current events.
I received a copy of this book with a request for a fair and honest review.
July 25, 2022
In the real world, history repeats itself. A kingdom grows, expands, and then it falls. Another rises in its place, only to expand first and fall later. In Deus Ex, history also repeats itself, and not always by different leaders.
As a novella, Deus Ex is a fast read set at one particular point in time, but it extends beyond its temporal borders and spills into events that happened as far back as the time before the kingdom itself was born. Before Magnus Antonius Magnus became a god in the eyes of his people. Before he became a god in his own eyes.
It’s a story about politics and supreme dictatorship, which means it’s a story about treachery and death. There is love, some selfish and some less so, and there is death for that love. But there is also cowardice in the guise of godliness and a god’s necessity. Going down with the ship isn’t something Magnus can be expected to do.
There are a few mistakes here and there but nothing that distracts from the story; none of them are related to the plot, so they never go beyond being a minor inconvenience.
All things told, Deus Ex is a good story that can be read in one sitting, two at the most. It’s the perfect example of what world leaders shouldn’t do but do anyway. More importantly, it’s a testament to Miles Watson’s accomplished storytelling.
As a novella, Deus Ex is a fast read set at one particular point in time, but it extends beyond its temporal borders and spills into events that happened as far back as the time before the kingdom itself was born. Before Magnus Antonius Magnus became a god in the eyes of his people. Before he became a god in his own eyes.
It’s a story about politics and supreme dictatorship, which means it’s a story about treachery and death. There is love, some selfish and some less so, and there is death for that love. But there is also cowardice in the guise of godliness and a god’s necessity. Going down with the ship isn’t something Magnus can be expected to do.
There are a few mistakes here and there but nothing that distracts from the story; none of them are related to the plot, so they never go beyond being a minor inconvenience.
All things told, Deus Ex is a good story that can be read in one sitting, two at the most. It’s the perfect example of what world leaders shouldn’t do but do anyway. More importantly, it’s a testament to Miles Watson’s accomplished storytelling.
July 25, 2022
Magnificently mysterious and thrilling!
What a thrilling story in Deus Ex by Miles Watson. This is the second book of this author's that I've read, and probably, so far, my favorite. The feeling of the story is like reading a Greek mythology, a story told by Homer. The reader meets dictator, Magnus Antonius Magnus, who now rules the world, or the world as they know it. Magnus is not just a dictator, but a God. It's an interesting short story or novella, as some would call it, bringing in the right amount of details, keeping the reader engaged, and satisfied, by telling a complete story. I really enjoy reading mythology, and I felt I was read that, definitely. Men wanting to be Gods, and Gods, wanting to rule the world, or their part of it, and even Gods aren't perfect. I am a definite fan of this author! This author brings the story to life. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. I hope to read more books by this author. Tantalizing and intriguing! Deus Ex is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a thrilling story in Deus Ex by Miles Watson. This is the second book of this author's that I've read, and probably, so far, my favorite. The feeling of the story is like reading a Greek mythology, a story told by Homer. The reader meets dictator, Magnus Antonius Magnus, who now rules the world, or the world as they know it. Magnus is not just a dictator, but a God. It's an interesting short story or novella, as some would call it, bringing in the right amount of details, keeping the reader engaged, and satisfied, by telling a complete story. I really enjoy reading mythology, and I felt I was read that, definitely. Men wanting to be Gods, and Gods, wanting to rule the world, or their part of it, and even Gods aren't perfect. I am a definite fan of this author! This author brings the story to life. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. I hope to read more books by this author. Tantalizing and intriguing! Deus Ex is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
July 23, 2022
✒Quote: 'No one leaves Antonius Magnus'
Magnus has what all supposed leaders want. He rules half of the world, having conquered many countries and seen as a God amongst men. But his tyranny is coming to an end and the destruction of his empire has begun. Is this the end for Magnus....Or the beginning?
A second fabulous read from Miles Watson. He really does an amazing job at creating short stories and making them seem very full of detail, leaving no plot holes, and doesn't leave you feeling like you're missing out on information.
Set in the future with big roman vibes, this really made me enjoy a more fantasy style story. There was nothing too 'out there' or over the top that made it hard to relate or feel immersed in the story.
A super quick paced read, filled with destruction, death and stories of war. A really great fast book, describing the downfall of Magnus' empire. I loved it! (Coming from someone who reads very little of this genre!)
Magnus has what all supposed leaders want. He rules half of the world, having conquered many countries and seen as a God amongst men. But his tyranny is coming to an end and the destruction of his empire has begun. Is this the end for Magnus....Or the beginning?
A second fabulous read from Miles Watson. He really does an amazing job at creating short stories and making them seem very full of detail, leaving no plot holes, and doesn't leave you feeling like you're missing out on information.
Set in the future with big roman vibes, this really made me enjoy a more fantasy style story. There was nothing too 'out there' or over the top that made it hard to relate or feel immersed in the story.
A super quick paced read, filled with destruction, death and stories of war. A really great fast book, describing the downfall of Magnus' empire. I loved it! (Coming from someone who reads very little of this genre!)
July 11, 2022
Magnus Antonius Magnus has conquered much of the world but is now facing a rebellion hell-bent on toppling his dictatorship. Deus Ex is about his fall from power, something that he - as a self-deemed god - struggles to accept. As he reflects on some of his past decisions, he can finally see that many of them were bad and that he should have acted differently.
He has lost loyal men and avenged their deaths, he has struck down usurpers and those who challenge him, but while he questions past decisions he has never given up on his mission to rule the world. He seriously believes that by being world ruler he can bring an end to all wars, yet he is not so foolish as to not use war to achieve his goal.
The egomania of his world view is fascinating, and even today, not uncharacteristic of certain world leaders. He has three options - surrender, compromise, or escape. Of course, he chooses to escape for his mission is not yet done. He can start over somewhere new, because Magnus Antonius Magnus is a god, maybe one no longer in power, nonetheless he will return.
Chilling in its believability, that such traits exist in our current world leaders and that, nothing but nothing will deter their ambition.
He has lost loyal men and avenged their deaths, he has struck down usurpers and those who challenge him, but while he questions past decisions he has never given up on his mission to rule the world. He seriously believes that by being world ruler he can bring an end to all wars, yet he is not so foolish as to not use war to achieve his goal.
The egomania of his world view is fascinating, and even today, not uncharacteristic of certain world leaders. He has three options - surrender, compromise, or escape. Of course, he chooses to escape for his mission is not yet done. He can start over somewhere new, because Magnus Antonius Magnus is a god, maybe one no longer in power, nonetheless he will return.
Chilling in its believability, that such traits exist in our current world leaders and that, nothing but nothing will deter their ambition.
June 26, 2022
Miles Watson, the current master of short fiction, is at it again. This time, he crafted a short story that reads like a Greek Tragedy. It is about Magnus Antonius Magnus, a dictator that has conquered the world. Now he faces the inevitable rebellion and regime change as forces conspire against him.
Normally, I am a huge fan of expanding a work. In this case, letting us know how Magnus became a leader, what happened with the previous regime that he wanted toppled, and how Magnus became paranoiac against his competitors and former allies. There is enough of a potential backstory to make a three part novel series.
It would be great but that's not what the story is about. It's not about Magnus' rise or what he did to become a dictator. It's about his fall. It's about the leader who realizes too late that they won but lost their soul. In fact, one doesn't have to read the entire story of Magnus' life to know what happened. We just have to read the biographies of real life dictators. They all had the exact same trajectories.
Speaking of dictators, it is nice that Magnus is based on the old Roman Imperial Leaders and not anyone specifically current or more like he is a composite of all of them. It's too easy to point at a leader from another country or political party or any following and say "This is him." It's much harder to say "In similar circumstances and mindset, that could be me." Anyone with even the best of intentions could later use them for selfish and malicious purposes and counter the ideals that they once held, becoming the thing that they despise.
Then once that happens, they can see it all come crashing down around them.
Normally, I am a huge fan of expanding a work. In this case, letting us know how Magnus became a leader, what happened with the previous regime that he wanted toppled, and how Magnus became paranoiac against his competitors and former allies. There is enough of a potential backstory to make a three part novel series.
It would be great but that's not what the story is about. It's not about Magnus' rise or what he did to become a dictator. It's about his fall. It's about the leader who realizes too late that they won but lost their soul. In fact, one doesn't have to read the entire story of Magnus' life to know what happened. We just have to read the biographies of real life dictators. They all had the exact same trajectories.
Speaking of dictators, it is nice that Magnus is based on the old Roman Imperial Leaders and not anyone specifically current or more like he is a composite of all of them. It's too easy to point at a leader from another country or political party or any following and say "This is him." It's much harder to say "In similar circumstances and mindset, that could be me." Anyone with even the best of intentions could later use them for selfish and malicious purposes and counter the ideals that they once held, becoming the thing that they despise.
Then once that happens, they can see it all come crashing down around them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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