And the Saga Continues.
reviewed by Rose Keefe - January 12, 2011
`Rebirth' is the sequel to Michael Poeltl's debut novel `The Judas Syndrome' (2009). I'm not surprised that he wrote a follow-up, because the ending practically begged for continuation. But I was also wary, because sequels can be like designer knockoffs- compelling in their own way, but rarely as good as the original.
`Rebirth' continues the dark saga of a teenaged band of post-apocalypse survivors. Narrated by Sara, Joel's girlfriend, it fluidly resumes where `The Judas Syndrome' left off. Crises that erupted at the conclusion of the previous book have such disastrous consequences that Sara's new fight for life exceeds all past conflicts. This time the stakes are higher: she has given birth to Joel's son, and paranormal influences indicate that the boy has a vital destiny to fulfill. But treacherous former friends, roaming killers, and other grim remnants of a dead world assail them both, making it possible that they won't even see tomorrow, let alone the infant's adulthood.
I agree with another reviewer that `Rebirth' is gentler in tone than `The Judas Syndrome', but the core themes of courage, desperation, and hope remain strong. Putting Sara in the figurative pilot's seat has not resulted in a piece of post-bomb chick lit; because she has so much to live for, she's just as ruthless as her male associates when she has to be, and her actions keep the storyline gritty and fast.
Fans of the first book will find much to enjoy in this second, exciting offering from Michael Poeltl. The dreaded `curse of the crappy sequel' definitely doesn't apply here.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Rebirth, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome series - Reviewed
Rebirth
January, 8th 2011
By: Andrea Kraus
An evolution of story and storytelling
I recently read The Judas Syndrome and decided to see where the author took me on the next installment of his post-apocalyptic journey. I was not disappointed, and saw a growth and evolution not only stylistically, but also in the themes of the story. As in his previous work, the story is most definitely character driven and uses the post-apocalyptic setting as the vehicle by which we get to know both the corporeal and non-corporeal participants in this story.
Rebirth is told from Sara’s point of view – she survives an apocalypse, and has experiences no 19 year old woman should be expected to endure. It spans from the end of The Judas Syndrome and moves on 9 years into the future, exploring many spiritual and emotional topics amid the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic modern culture. Sara has to learn how to fend for herself and her newborn son, and has to re-evaluate everything she knows about herself, the world she lives in and the world she cannot see. The paranormal themes are far more apparent in this installment than in the author’s previous book.
Although this book doesn’t shy away from a bit of profanity and adult themes, is not as raw as its predecessor. Like Sara, it is a gentler telling of the story – although no less gritty and courageous. This is a good story for those who prefer their post-apocalyptica to be woven through with other genres, such as the paranormal and spirituality. As with his other work, I find Rebirth to be an enjoyable read which flows nicely and is easy to read.
For where to purchase the book, Rebirth, visit the website.
January, 8th 2011
By: Andrea Kraus
An evolution of story and storytelling
I recently read The Judas Syndrome and decided to see where the author took me on the next installment of his post-apocalyptic journey. I was not disappointed, and saw a growth and evolution not only stylistically, but also in the themes of the story. As in his previous work, the story is most definitely character driven and uses the post-apocalyptic setting as the vehicle by which we get to know both the corporeal and non-corporeal participants in this story.
Rebirth is told from Sara’s point of view – she survives an apocalypse, and has experiences no 19 year old woman should be expected to endure. It spans from the end of The Judas Syndrome and moves on 9 years into the future, exploring many spiritual and emotional topics amid the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic modern culture. Sara has to learn how to fend for herself and her newborn son, and has to re-evaluate everything she knows about herself, the world she lives in and the world she cannot see. The paranormal themes are far more apparent in this installment than in the author’s previous book.
Although this book doesn’t shy away from a bit of profanity and adult themes, is not as raw as its predecessor. Like Sara, it is a gentler telling of the story – although no less gritty and courageous. This is a good story for those who prefer their post-apocalyptica to be woven through with other genres, such as the paranormal and spirituality. As with his other work, I find Rebirth to be an enjoyable read which flows nicely and is easy to read.
For where to purchase the book, Rebirth, visit the website.
New review for The Judas Syndrome - Apocalyptic fiction, Future Fiction
New review for The Judas Syndrome
January 8, 2011
by: Andrea Kraus
The Judas Syndrome
Fun read, interesting character development
Post apocalyptic fiction isn’t normally my go-to genre, but this story goes beyond the simple plotline of “what happens after the bomb”. If you enjoyed Stephen King’s “The Stand”, the movies “Stand by Me” and “Band of Brothers”, and appreciate strong character interactions, this little gem is worth your time. The Judas Syndrome is a story of a group of stranded teenagers who find themselves struggling to survive in a world destroyed by a madman’s ideology. They’re guided by nothing more than their wits and a little bit of supernatural intervention.
The author has a good writing style and is very eloquent – you can tell that he has stepped into the protagonist’s shoes and is actually experiencing the story as it unfolds. He allows the complex interactions of the characters to drive the story, rather than rely solely on external circumstances. In other words, it’s all about the characters, not about the situation.
The astute reader may recognize subtle quasi-religious sub-themes which surface now and again without being overt or overshadow the storyline. I will admit that initially I was a bit disconcerted to imagine a bunch of 17 year old stoners speaking with the level of maturity and insight in this story, but as the tale unfolds, it is less of an issue and even becomes somewhat plausible. Or maybe I give teenagers more intellectual credit than I should. /shrug All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I found it highly enjoyable.
Please be aware that although the main characters in this book are teenagers, this story is definitely written for the adult reader. If you are comfortable with strong language, characters who engage in copious drug use, and mature themes, this story is a good value.
For where to buy the book, visit the website.
January 8, 2011
by: Andrea Kraus
The Judas Syndrome
Fun read, interesting character development
Post apocalyptic fiction isn’t normally my go-to genre, but this story goes beyond the simple plotline of “what happens after the bomb”. If you enjoyed Stephen King’s “The Stand”, the movies “Stand by Me” and “Band of Brothers”, and appreciate strong character interactions, this little gem is worth your time. The Judas Syndrome is a story of a group of stranded teenagers who find themselves struggling to survive in a world destroyed by a madman’s ideology. They’re guided by nothing more than their wits and a little bit of supernatural intervention.
The author has a good writing style and is very eloquent – you can tell that he has stepped into the protagonist’s shoes and is actually experiencing the story as it unfolds. He allows the complex interactions of the characters to drive the story, rather than rely solely on external circumstances. In other words, it’s all about the characters, not about the situation.
The astute reader may recognize subtle quasi-religious sub-themes which surface now and again without being overt or overshadow the storyline. I will admit that initially I was a bit disconcerted to imagine a bunch of 17 year old stoners speaking with the level of maturity and insight in this story, but as the tale unfolds, it is less of an issue and even becomes somewhat plausible. Or maybe I give teenagers more intellectual credit than I should. /shrug All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I found it highly enjoyable.
Please be aware that although the main characters in this book are teenagers, this story is definitely written for the adult reader. If you are comfortable with strong language, characters who engage in copious drug use, and mature themes, this story is a good value.
For where to buy the book, visit the website.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Hunger, by Knut Hamsun. A review
Hunger, by Knut Hamsun. Review. By Michael Poeltl
This was a troubling tale of struggle, poverty and homelessness as seen through the eyes of a writer caught up in a depression. An excellent read.
It resonated with me because the writing is very similar to my own. It takes a first person telling, which offers deep insight into the protagonists state of mind.
For related reading visit: www.the-judas-syndrome.com
This was a troubling tale of struggle, poverty and homelessness as seen through the eyes of a writer caught up in a depression. An excellent read.
It resonated with me because the writing is very similar to my own. It takes a first person telling, which offers deep insight into the protagonists state of mind.
For related reading visit: www.the-judas-syndrome.com
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Realms of imagination author Steven Lake
The Realms of Imagination offers a myriad of sci-fi books written by author Steven Lake.
Steven describes his ideas on writing:
"I'm one who firmly believes in taking what you do best and sharing it with others. In my case that's writing. I do this because I love it, and I do it to share with others. In this case, anyone who reads my books. So grab one of my novels, find a comfy chair, and immerse yourself in the worlds these books bring to you...
... you can now find me on the social web at Twitter, Facebook, LibraryThing and Goodreads!"
Steven describes his ideas on writing:
"I'm one who firmly believes in taking what you do best and sharing it with others. In my case that's writing. I do this because I love it, and I do it to share with others. In this case, anyone who reads my books. So grab one of my novels, find a comfy chair, and immerse yourself in the worlds these books bring to you...
... you can now find me on the social web at Twitter, Facebook, LibraryThing and Goodreads!"
Friday, December 17, 2010
Save a tree, pick up Rebirth as an ebook
Pick up the continuing saga of life after the Apocalypse, with Rebirth, the second book in The Judas Syndrome series.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
S.A.D. - Depression and the End Times
Imagine if you suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a mood disorder that hits those with normal mental health, causing depression at the onset of winter. The days are shorter. You wake up to darkness, and go home in darkness. Those of us that work in-doors are likely not to see the sun for stretches of a week at a time. Symptoms can range from a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities to life ending anxiety. But winter is a tough season. It is cold, grey, and dark. Even those showing no signs of S.A.D. will lock themselves away in-doors, waiting out the season, not venturing out-doors unless it is absolutely necessary.
Now imagine everyone in the world suffered from S.A.D. What kind of a world would that be?
The end of the world offers its that very scenario, trapped inside, while a nuclear winter rages. Seasonal Affective Disorder could hardly represent the angst and horror those (un)lucky few survivors would suffer. Though all of the symptoms would apply, the idea that winter may never pass, that spring would never come, and that the summer months may exist only as a memory allows us to coin a new disorder in light of the end of the world: L.A.D. - Life Affective Disorder
Life Affective Disorder would encompass all of the aforementioned symptoms, one hundred fold. Thoughts of suicide would play out on the most resolute of individuals. Those left to exist in this nightmarish realm alone would almost certainly parish by their own hand. The (un)lucky few trapped with friends or family would fare much better, but for how long? With no end in sight, and no ability to forecast an end to this dark winter, L.A.D. would be rampant in every corner of the world a survivor, or group of survivors were found. The simple comforts we’d taken for granted gone, electricity, heat, clean water and food, depression would run rampant through the population.
Currently there are many different treatments for seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy: where the sufferer is exposed to false sunlight, antidepressants: which can artificially alter your mood, cognitive-behavioral therapy: where the patient is taught to think differently about a situation to alter their mood, and hormone therapy: where melatonin is released into the system.
To see the full S.A.D/L.A.D. article visit the website
Article Written by Michael Poeltl, Author and Expert on Post-Apocalyptic scenarios.
Now imagine everyone in the world suffered from S.A.D. What kind of a world would that be?
The end of the world offers its that very scenario, trapped inside, while a nuclear winter rages. Seasonal Affective Disorder could hardly represent the angst and horror those (un)lucky few survivors would suffer. Though all of the symptoms would apply, the idea that winter may never pass, that spring would never come, and that the summer months may exist only as a memory allows us to coin a new disorder in light of the end of the world: L.A.D. - Life Affective Disorder
Life Affective Disorder would encompass all of the aforementioned symptoms, one hundred fold. Thoughts of suicide would play out on the most resolute of individuals. Those left to exist in this nightmarish realm alone would almost certainly parish by their own hand. The (un)lucky few trapped with friends or family would fare much better, but for how long? With no end in sight, and no ability to forecast an end to this dark winter, L.A.D. would be rampant in every corner of the world a survivor, or group of survivors were found. The simple comforts we’d taken for granted gone, electricity, heat, clean water and food, depression would run rampant through the population.
Currently there are many different treatments for seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy: where the sufferer is exposed to false sunlight, antidepressants: which can artificially alter your mood, cognitive-behavioral therapy: where the patient is taught to think differently about a situation to alter their mood, and hormone therapy: where melatonin is released into the system.
To see the full S.A.D/L.A.D. article visit the website
Article Written by Michael Poeltl, Author and Expert on Post-Apocalyptic scenarios.
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