Plagued, With Guilt, by Michael Jason Brandt
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Plagued, With Guilt, by Michael Jason Brandt
Free Ebook Plagued, With Guilt, by Michael Jason Brandt
Catoctin College professor Ben Appelstein believes he has the opportunity of a lifetime when he is chosen for an archaeological expedition to postwar Iraq. With him go his four most talented students, each exceptionally gifted but torn by an inner conflict. Rich Lewis—black, gay, athletic, and brilliant—blessed with the esteem of colleagues and teammates but somehow struggling with his own. Wendy Weald, whose intelligence and charm are constrained by a secret burden that she feels doomed to bear alone. And best friends Ernie Zolak and Halfus Lonagon, one as gregarious and carefree as the other pensive and subdued, but both equally tormented by their pasts. These promising lives shatter as they are swept into the maelstrom of a bloody Islamic insurgency. Those who escape are faced with an even greater peril when their expedition unwittingly unlocks a mysterious disease with extraordinary effects. Humanity itself becomes threatened by this terrifying new affliction that ravages man’s most vulnerable organ—the mind. Now the friends responsible for unleashing the plague find themselves at the forefront of the struggle, and experience their ultimate trial at the conclusion of one fateful summer. 10th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist Q&A with the Author: Q: PWG is a long book, particularly for a debut novel. What was behind this decision? A: I wanted to write something on the grandest scale I could think of—the existence of the human species as we know it. At the same time, I've always liked stories about regular people who rise up from their everyday trials to face extraordinary challenges. I felt that I couldn't just jump right into "humanity is on the brink." I thought it would be more meaningful to see how individual lives would be impacted by a terrifying pandemic, which required showing those regular, everyday lives before events overtake them and turn everything upside-down. Q: Each chapter starts with a non-narrative opener. What was the purpose of this? A: In a way, the book tells two stories. The main one, of course, is how a new pandemic affects both the principal characters and society at large. The second is a connection between fiction and real world issues of today such as mental illness and international relations. The novel is meant to be entertaining, but also provide some insight into the world that the reader may not have thought about. So I just scratch the surface on a number of topics as they become relevant to what is happening in the narrative. I know that not every reader will love every one of these, but it is hoped that each reader will be interested enough in one or two them to look into them further. (Partial Spoilers) Q: The use of speech errors in dialogue is somewhat jarring for those of us who have an inner editor. What was the thought behind this, and are you concerned that the book will appear to have errors that might turn off some readers? A: I can see how it could be confusing, but hopefully it is not overused in the book. Having difficulty with language as an early sign of the disease was used as a realistic symptom that could result from an affliction that rewires the brain and as a tip to an observant reader that a character is beginning to be affected. Q: Those infected by the Eden virus are compared to zombies by some readers. Was that the intent? A: No, the intent was to compare the infected to animals. More specifically, to predatory animals. In fact, there are many subtle and not-so-subtle references to human beings as animals throughout the book, even without the plague. Our limited ability to control our carnal and violent impulses is a recurring theme. The disease as a mental illness only exacerbates this condition. Q: Will there be a sequel? A: Who can predict the future?
Plagued, With Guilt, by Michael Jason Brandt- Amazon Sales Rank: #404082 in eBooks
- Published on: 2015-06-17
- Released on: 2015-06-17
- Format: Kindle eBook
From Kirkus Reviews Brandt plumbs the depths of suspense, pathology, and ancient history in this debut novel, at once a fierce academic thriller and a powerful meditation on humanity. The story begins slowly, weaving effortlessly through the intertwined lives of students at the fictitious Catoctin College as familiar fears parade in the background. But threats of a new flu pandemic and a rash of mass shootings seem far away to characters struggling with personal relationships and burgeoning academic and professional careers. Nevertheless, these background details—as well as the clever vignettes that begin each chapter, expanding on everything from the area’s geography to the foundations of democracy—clearly map out and foreshadow the events to come and the novel’s themes. When Dr. Ben Appelstein, chair of the school’s ancient studies program, gets a research grant for an archaeological dig in Iraq, four of his students jump at the chance to go with him. But while the possibility of rediscovering lost pieces of ancient civilizations has great appeal, none of them anticipate the dangers they’ll face, nor the irreparable changes they’ll unleash on the world—particularly a mysterious disease that amplifies strength at the expense of reason. The characters, who come from a variety of backgrounds, are remarkably well-wrought and engaging. The narrative jumps among different perspectives, and readers begin to see each character through the others’ eyes, with all their unique and compelling personalities, histories, fears, and traumas. But above all, what the narrative explores is desire—for each other and for personal accomplishment. Among such everyday desperations and sacrifices, the disease—which gives even as it takes—becomes truly compelling. . A striking, frightening debut that heralds the start of a promising career.
About the Author Michael Jason Brandt is a specialist in history and geopolitics. Born in Washington, D.C., he lived for a time in Spain and England, where his interest in foreign policy grew into a passion. He received his first degree in business and computers from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. After a decade in the corporate world, Michael elected to change his career to something more personally rewarding. Returning to school, he received degrees in International Relations from George Washington University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Now dedicated to research and writing, Michael is a co-founder of Casus Belli Books. He currently lives in Maryland, where nature is beautiful. Plagued, With Guilt is his first novel.
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Most helpful customer reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend the brilliantly conceived book By alivdo It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend the brilliantly conceived book, Plagued, With Guilt. This novel is much more than a fictional novel. It is informational, educational, and enlightening as well as entertaining, a masterfully written novel that will appeal to avid readers wanting a complex, thought-provoking, engrossing, subtly frightening journey, a journey spanning from ancient times to modern days. As mentioned in previous reviews, the author prefaces each chapter with relevant educational and accurate information that enlightens, entices, and arouses curiosity in the reader, creating a desire to continue the literary journey. The reader follows the journey of a group of highly intelligent, emotionally complicated, yet very human researchers and continues with an expedition that alters all humanity and the world. The story begins with an ancient fable that introduces the reader to the history of the plague, then introduces the characters - one by one - that unleash the plague onto the modern world. The author skilfully develops the story line and the characters with a sense of realism that leaves the reader with the terrifying realization that this may be beyond fiction. Not only did I want the story to continue well past its ending , but I also continue to think about the story and will re-read this book, wanting more. I gladly rate Michael J. Brandt's first novel Five Stars and more.Thank you for a memorable read.Dona N.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed reading Plagued By Brantownb I enjoyed reading Plagued, With Guilt from start to finish. In his prologue, the writer sets the stage for the reader’s understanding of later developments with a cleverly-crafted description of the life of a fictitious ruler in ancient Mesopotamia He then introduces a host of characters, mostly in the realm of college-level academics, whose lives bring into focus some of today’s most controversial social concerns (e.g., homophobia, gun control, euthanasia). The characters seem like real people facing everyday life problems. That is, until developments take the action well beyond the ordinary as the Iraqi expedition gets underway. Mr. Brandt does a masterful job of scripting the action in Iraq. He blends hard-nosed social intercourse and pragmatism with tenderness and compassion. I was most impressed with his treatment of an especially poignant relationship of an Iraqi couple whose marriage ends in tragedy. (You will want to read the book to find out how)Mr. Brandt has launched his literary career with a fine piece of fiction. He has successfully woven history, health and heartache into the fabric of this story while opening for the reader a window into a present-day foreign culture as well as its ancient history. He keeps the reader guessing the fate of his central characters and the use of a mysterious new disease provides lots of opportunities for his characters to show what they’re made of. The brief introductions to each of the chapters, though not essential to understanding the story, nevertheless provide context that enriches the reader’s experience. This novel has so much going for it--drama, danger, disappointment, determination, disease and death—and readers will surely see reflections of themselves in one or more of the characters. The surprise ending left me wanting more so I hope it will have a sequel.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Sit back and Enjoy! By djc This book will have broad appeal as it has something for everyone. The characters are refreshingly real and easy to relate to. The well-developed male and female characters will draw in both male and female readers alike. This story highlights all of the fun and all of the uncertainties of being 20-something (or for that matter, any age). This is a smart cast of believable characters, each with their own vulnerabilities, insecurities, strengths, and aspirations. From the outside each of these characters have everything going their way. But the author gives you more than just a glimpse of the inner workings and background of these characters. You will care about these characters and be eager to learn of each one's fate as the story progresses. With a strong plot, anticipation builds throughout the book.This book brings a good mix of history, knowledge, and fiction throughout. Each chapter begins with insightful details that may pique an interest you didn't even know you had. This author drew me in with his perceptiveness.Overall, this book is well written, well researched and moreover, simply a good read. Pick it up and be ready to enjoy.
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