Beyond Redemption

Manifest Delusions, Book 1

By: Michael R. Fletcher

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Faith shapes the landscape, defines the laws of physics, and makes a mockery of truth.

Common knowledge isn't an axiom, it's a force of nature. What the masses believe is. But insanity is a weapon; conviction a shield. Delusions give birth to foul new gods. Violent and dark, the world is filled with the Geisteskranken - men and women whose delusions manifest, twisting reality.

High Priest Konig seeks to create order from chaos. He defines the beliefs of his followers, leading their faith to one end: a young boy, Morgen, must Ascend to become a god. A god they can control. But there are many who would see this would-be-god in their thrall, including the High Priest's own Doppels, and a Slaver no one can resist. Three reprobates, The Greatest Swordsman in the World, a murderous Kleptic, and possibly the only sane man left, have their own nefarious plans for the young god.

As these forces converge on the boy, there's one more obstacle: time is running out. When one's delusions become more powerful, they become harder to control. The fate of the Geisteskranken is to inevitably find oneself in the Afterdeath.

The question, then, is: Who will rule there?

©2015 Produced by arrangement with Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (P)2021 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

"Fletcher populated the landscape with an array of mental disorders, turning a well-thumbed psychiatric manual into a dramatis personae...the dystopia and its victims never quite collapse under the weight of the horror, and their perseverance encourages the readers to endure the grimness until the thought-provoking conclusion." (Publishers Weekly)

refreshingly unique

Yes, I can see how this might not appeal to the gentle hearted. It's dark, it's grimm, and it's gritty. Just the way I like it. If you're looking for a refreshing take from the sea of fantasy novels out there give this a try. It's gotta be the most unique magic system I've ever read about. And I loved the three main characters, especially on the second book, messed up as they were. Bravo!

Amazingly original

One of the most original "magic" systems I have ever read. definitely not for the squeamish but great world building

Excellent Dark Fantasy

Very original fantasy story set in a world where belief changes reality. With a great cast of immensely flawed characters, a weird and morbid magic system, and a fun story with a twisted sense of humor, I can't recommend it enough, particularly for fans of Mark Lawrence, Joe Abercombie, or Richard K. Morgan.

Cool Concept, Poorly Fleshed out.

The Good: Narrator was fantastic. Unique and consistent with character voices and full range of emotions.

The Almost Goof: The concept is very creative and the characters are well conceived.

The Bad: Major lack of character development or implementation. What starts super promising goes nowhere — despite the fantastic narration.

Conclusion: I thought this was gonna be amazing after the first 50 pages but then it got repetitive and boring.

madness.

Really enjoyed this listen. the performance was good. the story was unique to me. im not normally the type to fall for anti-heros but this book was filled with delightfully putrid characters. my best constructive criticism is that Fletcher shouldn't be afraid to describe his setting or objects in it a little more. what he does describe he does well so it would add form color and texture to his settings.

gruesome

if your into gross out dark stories this is for you. The story is unsettling and most of the characters are ones you love to hate.

Delightfully insane

Very dark
Very bloody
Very twisted
Very disfunctional group
Very funny
Shades of the Malazan necromancers

SOMETHING GRIM DARK AND DIFFERENT!

Great book! I hated every character but they were written to hate I think. I loved the book. Narrator did an amazing job. Dark and Violent with lots of self hatred thrown in. Starting book two right after writing this review.

good & gross.

intriguing and entertaining with great characters, but very gross, weird, and uncomfortable at a lot of points.

pigsticker

Oh my GODDDDDDDS COME ONNN BEDECETTE JUST. BE. FORWARD ABOUT YOUR FERLINGS. YOU DONT NEED TO BE AN ARSE TO SHTELAN. AAAAH.

listen. I'm a simple man. this is a good book.

If you like cool evil death decay sadness hopelessness rotting insanity and casual murder and theivery, then you will enjoy this story. finally some main characters who are HUMAN. and FLAWED like normal people. Show me the messed up world. it's reality.