Midgard

by Jeanne Hull Godfroy

The Earth is Dying. How would you choose who gets to live?

It is the mid-22nd century, a time in which humankind has reached a point of no return with respect to the destruction of its habitat on Earth. The only ray of hope is the Human Resiliency Program—a conglomeration of government sponsored efforts to preserve human life until such time as the Earth is able to recover. Unfortunately, the program's projects are only capable of saving small, select members of the population, and the competition to assess into and remain in those programs is fierce.

Sam Richmond is one of the lucky few who has made it into one of these programs. However, his elation is short-lived as people close to him disappear, his headquarters is attacked, and he learns of a plot to selectively destroy nearly all remaining human life on the planet. Sam must unravel complex misinformation and find clues that will lead him to the source of the disappearances and the one person capable of salvaging civilization.

Winner in the following Writing Competitions /
American Writing Awards 2022: Winner, Science Fiction Category
Firebird Book Awards October 2022: New Author, Fiction, (2nd Place)
Titan Silver Award November 2022
Royal Dragonfly Winner, Green / Environment Category

Genres: Science Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2022

About the author

Jeanne Hull Godfroy is a mother, wife, and veteran who has dabbled in the fields of history, international relations, counterinsurgency, and information technology. After graduating from West Point, Jeanne was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer. She subsequently deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and South Korea, and she merged her experiences with academic research while completing her doctorate at Princeton University.

The genesis of her award-winning debut novel, Midgard, was Dr. Godfroy’s love of fiction—and science fiction in particular-- and her growing concern about humankind’s poor stewardship of its own habitat. It is the first in what she intends as a series of novels about how human society might respond once it realizes the devastating impacts of the willful destruction of its environment.

Reviews

[Kyra Dawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads

I'm so grateful that this is the first book of a series because I feel like I'm just now getting a glimpse of the broader world. And I am definitely intrigued! I love how the stakes of climate catastrophe and organizational development are depicted in this book. I think that the impulse to create complex, and often overwrought, systems in response to chaos is a fascinating human impulse that Hull Godfroy explores really well. I am a fan of Sam and his intellect, but I hope he continues to grow in emotional intelligence throughout the series. And even though ghosts usually refer to the past, in this case, I'm glad they give a glimpse of what's to come. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thorough world-building and grappling with the stakes of climate change.

[Bets O · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I was gifted an eBook copy in exchange for a review!

For a debut novel it's obvious that the author has a clear vision for Earth in the future --and it isn't very bright. Your livelihood is solely based on your ability to test high in the employment Accession process. The higher you test the better your choice of career, living conditions, and rations are. Luckily for Sam his mother is Assistant Director in the Human Resiliency Program. He's had access to all the proper educational avenues and has lived on the better end of the spectrum his whole life. His test scores are impeccable, and his prospects are limitless. He has a real chance to help his mother do good for all of humanity. But not everything is as it seems.

My review:

Overall I was very surprised! The idea that the Earth becomes relatively uninhabitable in the very near future due to warring countries isn't too far from the realm of possibility. In this bleak future survival is purely based on the brilliant minds of individuals making the gap of inequality vast.

Those whose talents are deemed "unnecessary" (the arts *cough cough*) are left without any option, but a drastic change in career for the greater good and for themselves. So, needless to say, the world building in this book is very compelling. More of this please! More gritty details about the environment, the capsules, and even where everyone lives before they are assigned.

Sam was a hard character to fall in like with. Distant, and calculating he lacked the compelling emotions that make us human. Which definitely works for his part in the plot. He's a big ol' nerd with a brilliant Mom's footsteps to follow in. (I don't mind this at all, in fact, I want him to lean harder into his brilliance. Really show the reader how his big brain ideas come together.)

My only huge complaint is his relationship with Tam. It was very one-sided love story to begin with (intentional I believe!), so it felt hollow, and out of the blue when the story progressed into trying to make them something more than friends.

I will definitely pick up the second novel when it's published. I think the author has a solid idea, and a main character who can become memorable if he's given the chance.

[N.L. McFarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I had to read this in a day just to see where this story went, and I wasn't disappointed. When rations and housing, etc... are based on intelligence and resilience, then of course, you are going to need to be focused and determined, which our protagonist certainly is. With his life surrounded by lies and secrets, he must uncover yet also cover up the truth to solve a complex set of disappearances and why they occurred before its too late. I loved the mystery and intrigue that this book created and how well the characters were brought to life. The world building was fantastic and really easy to become a part of. My only wish is that the book was a little longer with a bit more time spent in situations before moving from point to point so quickly. I'm definitely looking forward to book number two so I can see what happens next because that was a very 'leaves you wanting more' ending.

[Jeanne Godfroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my book - I wrote it. Whenever I read my own writing, I am simultaneously impressed with some parts and embarrassed by others. "Midgard" is no exception. So, if I were to give myself a review, it would look like this:

Sustain:
1) World-building - it sounds and feels authentic to me (and I happen to know it was well-researched).
2) Writing style - short, sweet, to the point. The story is easy to follow and has digestible, bite-sized chapters.

Improve:
1) The story really does feel incomplete - like it should have been one book instead of two. As I write the sequel, I will endeavor to make a more complete ending.
2) Character development. The main character and some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped - they do have backstories, but those do not come across in this book (see Improve comment 1).

[Bob Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable….but…

Thoroughly enjoyable story and characters… Hated to see it and…and actually it shouldn’t have… A little short and I bet Volume 2 could be combined into a proper novel. Also whoever edited it did a very poor job. Not sure I’ve ever experienced so many typos in a book I’ve paid for.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t stop talking about Midgard! From the moment I read the synopsis, I knew I was going to love this book. I’ve read a few books about the destruction of the world and the need to continue human survival, but this book felt so possible from the beginning. This book was fast-paced, thought provoking, and immersive. I immediately felt like I was part of this world from the beginning of the novel, all the way to the end. My rating is a 4.5 only because I wish the book had been longer to go into more details at certain points. I’m so excited to read book two!!

[Grim (Leslye) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for gifting me this book - this review reflects my honest thoughts.

I was immediately drawn to the setting and premise of Midgard. Earth is in a downward spiral, crashing and burning, while humanity struggles to survive in an increasingly harsh environment. The U.S. government - where this story takes place - has devolved into a totalitarian regime, rationing food and water, forcing citizens through relentless tests, and assigning jobs and ranks that determine their access to resources. I love dystopian stories like this - gritty, thought-provoking, and full of details to pick apart. The overarching mystery was also compelling, though I figured it out fairly early on.

Unfortunately, what ultimately ruined the book for me was the characters. None of them truly stood out; they felt flat and too neatly slotted into their respective stereotypes. Tam, in particular, frustrated me to no end. When the perspective abruptly shifted to her after following Sam’s POV for most of the book, I nearly threw the book across the room. I also noticed inconsistencies in character traits and personalities as the story progressed, which made them feel even less grounded.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I don’t see myself picking up the sequel. While the world and premise were captivating, the characters didn’t leave me wanting more.

[Emily Lorié · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t typically read a lot of sci-fi, I enjoyed this story and am curious to know what happens next.

Midgard follows Sam, a young man eager to put his knowledge and talents to good use for the sake of humanity. Life on earth is just shy of uninhabitable, so great measures are taken to ensure the survival of the human race. Food is rationed, strict security measures are enforced, and protective gear must be worn outside.

After grueling tests, both mental and physical, Sam enters into his new position with far greater knowledge than his superiors could fathom, and discovers truths he’d rather not disclose to anyone. There isn’t much time, and the choices that must be made weigh heavy on Sam, who may very well be in over his head.

This story was written in a clear and concise tone, which made the reading experience pleasurable for a science fiction novice such as myself.

My interest and concern for Sam grew quickly, and I was invested in not only his character, but many others as well.

The thought of what our future could bring is daunting, but necessary to ponder. This is a wonderful fictional way to provoke contemplation and change…one human at a time.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read! Fast paced and detailed, this is one you won’t put down until you’ve finished. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Richmond is brilliant. It’s no wonder, with a famous scientist for a mother. In a time when the Doomsday Clock predicts the downfall of humanity, Sam finds himself in a position working for a renowned scientist, working on the Capsule program, building habitable domes for human life. But everything is not as it seems. Sam’s mother becomes one of the Disappeared; despite months spent searching, Sam cannot locate her. Later, disaster strikes, nearly killing Sam’s two closest friends. He learns then that the higher authorities are keeping secrets from him, which could spell disaster for humanity should they ever be released to the public. Sam knows he can trust no one and renews his efforts to find his mother.

Midgard by Jeanne Hull Godfroy is the first book of a science fiction series about the potential downfall of humanity and the efforts to keep themselves alive. Humans are racing against time when the Earth will no longer sustain them. Using technology and his immense brain power, Sam tries to stay ahead, using models to understand the past and predict the future.

As Godfroy’s debut novel, Midgard is a look at the future of humanity if we continue to disregard Earth’s ability to sustain human life. In Sam Richmond’s world, humans can’t even walk outside without special suits to protect them from the elements. Godfroy does an excellent job showing the reader this future, which is unsettling and scary.

I felt that in some places of the story, it tends to move fast, to the point where the reader doesn’t quite have a handle on what is happening in the story. Part of this is the author’s decision to withhold much information from the reader, which we discover after Sam has already figured it out. However, I was impressed by Godfroy’s style and execution for a first novel. It is evident through Sam’s scientific predictions and the worldbuilding that Godfroy spent time researching and crafting a believable story.

Midgard is a captivating, exciting science fiction dystopia novel with suspense and mystery. Readers will be drawn into this frightening reality of the future and will be on edge, waiting to see if humanity can survive.

[Steven Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midgard is a science fiction thriller set in the mid-22nd century. Climate change has made the earth unlivable without extraordinary help from sophisticated technological infrastructures that must be improved constantly. Even these are insufficient to stop the environmental degradation. Into this milieu are introduced a dozen or so main characters that are responsible for, or in a position to save what is left of the once majestic earth.
Sam Richmond is a brilliant young scientist with the rare ability to solve complex problems. Stephen Gage, head of the Capsule Project, is responsible for building and operating the system of habitable ‘capsules’ that must ultimately provide the protection that will save mankind from extinction. Sam works for Gage.
Rather than further describe the key characters, let me share why I liked Midgard so much, enough so that I read it twice in a four-week period. First, the author creates a believable but frightening setting for the book. The earth is suffering a hot, dry, lifeless death. Nothing grows unprotected. Process food provides the bulk of the calories consumed. Natural beauty is non-existent. This could be our earth someday.
Second, all of the characters manifest human weaknesses. There are no superheroes, even those with rare skill sets. No character is totally good or evil. Even Gage’s twin brother Anton, whose actions can be inhumane, seems to be motivated for the right reasons.
Third, the plot takes several unexpected turns that confound the reader but strengthen the reader’s enjoyment. In plain terms, Midgard is fun to read! One learns to expect the unexpected, and to toss aside self-predictions that say, ‘…I have this figured out’.
As I neared the end of the book, I wondered how all of the loose ends remaining would resolve themselves. While on the last five pages, I began to panic—there was no way the author was going to have anything but chaos as an outcome. Surprisingly, on the last page the author resolved everything with her final entry, ‘End of Book I’. I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘II’.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both a science fiction and a thriller story that left me wanting for more!!

I really liked this audiobook, both for the theme, the plot and the writing. The narrator was very engaging and I had a great time listening to it!

We're in the very far future and not surprisingly Earth is very much dying, with humans in a last minute rush to save themselves. That's what the Human Resiliency Program comes in and many of the problems the protagonist, Sam (a young astute scientist) has to face. Not only the planet is dying and with it humanity and the few species left, but some of the people he loves are also disappearing without leaving any trace.

I love a good science fiction story and this one took me in from the start and only drew me in more the more I listened to it. There are many elements to this plot, not only the technology and the societal structure, but there's also a bit of mystery the main character is trying to unravel, resulting in a thrilling read (or listen in my case).
The only drawback for me was the characterisation of Tam, which I found a bit stereotypical for a woman (but this is my perception of course).

I cannot wait for the sequel as there was a jaw dropping revelation at the end which left me so thirsty for more!!

Thanks to the author for a code of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion.

[B E X · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I hope you all see the benefit of having an outside eye looking at inside problems.”

This is book 1 in a series revolving around Earth’s (not so) distant future. In a time when food is scarce and technologies exist that can manipulate the weather, those holding the most information are ahead. With the ‘Human Resiliency Program’ in full swing testing candidates and putting them through rigorous competitions. Sam Richmond is a fortunate victor who is pulled into the maelstrom of inner workings of governing bodies of a destitute earth. Sam and his comrades are tasked to outsmart the next imbalance of rival leading bodies and uncover a chain reaction of secrets blanketing the planet. The saying ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ is a theme within Midgard that keeps the reader holding a weather eye on the treeline.
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What stood out for Bex was the concept of Earth needing to place qualifying personnel into different faction-style categories for the preservation of the planet. Uplifting skill sets that are deemed necessary to a planet past the point of preservation. Alongside the inescapable need for the arts and creatives.
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With a mashup of the beginning of Red Rising, themes like the Divergent series, adding some mystery, and an ending that will have you leaning in to know more; Midgard brings something to be enjoyed by many sci-fi fans.
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The audiobook is also available now and is an excellent performance, read by Ryan Haugen.
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Much gratitude to Twins and Talent for the copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7/5 stars

With the 100 vibes this is a great story of Sam Richmond one of the men who are trying to figure out a way to keep the Earth from dying. The hope is to sustain human life and prolong the inevitable end. Sam is happy to be a part of one of these groups that is until the people closest to him begin to disappear. Then there are the attacks. Sam must figure out what is going on before it is too late. The dying Earth may not be the only threat to humankind. It could be much closer to him than he knows.

[Kay Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. I loved the detail-oriented storytelling. It paints a bleak image of humanity’s future with an air of unspoken potential for adventure beyond earth. It was hard to pull away from the story; I’d start reading and then I’d be three or four chapters in.

I also really appreciate the author’s background having served in the military and applying her experience and perspective; it adds an additional layer to the complexities of what the characters deal with.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh this ending! I cannot wait to read the sequel to this amazing story it left me want so much more.

Midgard was a thrilling and fast paced science fiction novel set in the not so distant future where the Earth is dying and the hope is to sustain human life. The story was intriguing, the world building was incredibly well done and I hope in the next book I can get to know the characters even better.

I highly recommend reading this fascinating novel!

[Leah Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
Godfroy creates a futuristic world that is thoughtful and believable. Her military background shines through the interactions of her characters and situations that move the plot along. Godfroy shows promise as a writer as she continues the Midgard series. Looking forward to book 2!

[Diego Thomsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good first half of a story. I wish the author had chosen to finish it instead of dividing it into multiple parts.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

MIDGARD is an intriguing near-future tale with compelling characters and an epic story-arc, filled with dire warnings but also hope for humankind. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!! How is this not more popular?! Cannot wait for book two!!

[Theenrichmentoffiction1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review

Genre-science fiction/ dystopian YA

Wow this was an adventure! I can't wait to find out what happens next in book two!

Sam Richmond is intelligent and wise beyond his years.
To protect man kind, the Human Resiliency Program was formed.
But to be picked one must go through dangerous courses and servive to be worthy of the spot in the program.
Sam is picked for a secret project, as he discovers new things in his work more people are disappearing and it's up to him to figure out what's going on, it won't be easy because someone is trying to erase mankind for good!