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?

©2021 Michael R. Fletcher (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!

This book was insanely good!

It was action packed, funny, and made you think almost too deep at times!! I couldn’t get enough and finished the second book as well. Can’t wait for the third!!!

Amazingly original

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

story based on insanity

This is a great book. The world that us built based on the reality of individuals and their delusions is a wild ride. excited for the neclxt book. The narrator did a fantastic job both in his spead and rhythm of his speach, and was pretty good a creating a different voice and personality for each character. some narrators greatly lack in that area. but thankfully not here. 10/10

Great listen

I really liked the book and definitely Grimm dark. At first as a German speaker it was hard to get into due to the heavy usage of German words for names which had meaning but it was irritating. After a couple of hours in it started to flow.

These are some seriously flawed characters and I really enjoyed the listen.