THE UNTETHERED is a philosophical techno-thriller that spans the globe, weaving five seemingly unrelated characters into a web of impossible conflict and unlikely friendship. And while they battle against their own internal demons in an attempt to achieve their selfish pursuits, the self-righteous mobs of the world are closing in to stop them. The characters:Juvenile delinquent, Roble Santos, … characters:
Juvenile delinquent, Roble Santos, chases his radical vision to build the most controversial aircraft in history—but with the threat of betrayal, prison, and death all around, he’s running out of time.
Political star, Alexandria Patra, rises to the delight of the masses—yet to help those most in need she must forever forget her childhood dream.
Rogue geneticist, Stock Brant, reinvents nature in order to save the very world he hates—unaware the price of his plan may be his own soul.
Tennis player, Nicolette Popov, employs precise mathematics and youthful spunk to become the best in the world—however, unwilling to follow the rules off the court, she risks everything she fought to achieve.
Manga artist, Danny Sands, goes to the ends of the earth to make his father proud—yet his obedience may end up costing him everything and everyone he’s ever loved.
When all five lives collide beneath the streets of Las Vegas, each must make a choice—and none of them will ever be the same again.
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“A thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of Atlas Shrugged.”—BookBub. bookbub.com/books/the-untethered-by-s-w-southwick
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Quote from the back cover:
Alexandria counted her shallow breaths. “Roble, what…what is it you need?”
He pulled his arrowhead out from his shirt and rubbed it. “I don’t need to hear how scary the world is and how I shouldn’t try anything. I don’t need to know how much suffering there is out there,” he pointed out the window, “or how bad I should feel about it. What I need…” he looked up, his grey eyes pleading, “…is to see someone who is still happy after growing up.”
Lowering his head, he added, “I need to see living, Ms. Patra, because I actually want to live.”
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Quote from inside:
The East China Sea glistened like an endless glass sheet. The F-22 Raptor Super Kai flashed just above its surface, ripping twin aerated water plumes into the air.
A grey destroyer sat broadside in the water just ahead. Roble hurtled toward its bow without slowing.
Crossing above the ship, the jet’s sonic shockwave rocked sailors to the deck as if Roble’s soul had exploded through their bodies. Sea spray from the wake doused the ship’s hull like an exclamation point.
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Advisory: This novel contains sex, drugs, and fighter jets.
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I rarely comment but this book has so much going for it from being very original to unpredictable well written it was a total delight.This book was really really good.
Government run amok to obstruct wonderful innovation
Exceptional well written, author is outstanding, I want more of his writings and thoughts. I was happy to receive it for free, but the author truly undervalues his book. I expect to see over $10 at least for future eBooks, sorry folks he is worth it.
A Good Read
Fantastic book. I stayed up way too late reading it. I have always been a fan of Ann Rand and the overall concept is much like hers but the storyline is much more active and exciting. He does great character development – you really get to know who they are and how they think. It is interesting how he has Stock (one of the main characters) who understands part of the premise of living for yourself but just can’t seem to get to the final understanding. Loved the book, can’t wait for the sequel and if it’s as good as this one, it will be another winner.
A complex story that was hard to put down.
This is a long book with a complex plot that moves rapidly with increased intensity. A few details tend to address current social norms which many authors feel obligated to include. These were not necessary nor did they improve the book.
Loved it! A bit hard to read at first, but stick with it and you will love it too! well written and very enjoyable!!
A good story well told. A fan of Ayn Rand’s fiction will find a lot to like here: thematic elements from The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and We The Living, and some direct references, too, if you pay attention. Like Atlas Shrugged in its day, the Untethered highlights the enforced altruism of twenty-first century society. Like the Fountainhead, the main characters are determined to create without anyone restricting, limiting, or controlling their visions. Like We The Living, some struggle with the demands of the prevailing collectivist mentality but ultimately refuse to submit, regardless of the consequences.
This book is a libertarian’s delight. I enjoyed every page and was disappointed only at the end because there was no more to read. I look forward to Mr Southwick’s next tour de force.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book, my first by this author. Loved the way it represented the relationships between government, military and industry, and good representations of capitalism and socialism/communism. I was reminded of ATLAS SHRUGGED, by Ayn Rand, one of my all time favorites! I will definitely read this author’s work again. There was plenty of adventure for pure entertainment, seeded with lots of deep subjects for those that think when they read.
I LOVED this book. It was nothing like I had ever read before, in plot, characterization, and writing.
This book centers around people who only wish to see their dreams become reality in an oppressed world. Because of society’s pressures, they are forced to either live a lie or live as outcasts all because of their dreams.
In the beginning, their lives seem completely separate. However, the more you read, the more you see how interconnected their lives are and were. They crisscross paths in their endeavors and you discover that they all played a role in each other’s pasts.
While I loved all the characters and their stories, my favorite was Roble’s story line. I absolutely loved his backstory and how everything played out. I especially liked the section of the story when he is in Japan.
Overall, there is a very important message you should take away from this book. Never give up on your dream, no matter who or what tries to stop you.
Grasping and Achieving the Possible
Interwoven conflicts of feisty characters confronting in various ways Ayn Rand’s famous conundrum: “The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.” Thus, the more exciting their projects, the more danger from people working to stop them for monetary gain, for prestige, for power, for moral virtue . . . and for the good of society, of course.
Southwick has obviously immersed himself in Ayn Rand’s works, absorbing themes and plot elements, and projecting them in new ways in a modern setting – a dysfunctional setting all too recognizable these days, along with the struggle to escape the tethers of false moralities and government enforcers.
While there are implausible, fun aspects, the novel’s theme is that of the Declaration of Independence, that man has “…unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Plus, Ayn Rand’s “…the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.” The plot illustrates that achieving happiness requires a rational grasp of reality and the rights of others, which must be fought for and defended.
So, perhaps this novel can be an introduction to Objectivist thought for those not ready for Ayn Rand? It is a treat for those who enjoy Ayn Rand like characters, and who say things like:
“…just human…” As a source of achievement, not a failing.
“The more complex the creation, the higher the level of morality needed.”
“…danger is a fair price I’ll pay for living.”
“The possible springs from the thinking man—to make it real is his exaltation.”
People “…rarely connect abstract ideals to their actual outcome in this world.”
A Review
I really loved this book! Intelligent and fast-moving, The Untethered is a both a thriller and an unashamed statement on the themes of individualism and personal freedom. Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand, saturates every page. But it is not droll philosophy. The characters bring to life the idea that you can follow your own dream without enforcing your will or your beliefs on others.
There are several main characters, each one skillfully drawn by the author. Their storylines emerge separately and then converge in a tale that includes heart-pounding action sequences and political intrigue. In an effort to create something wonderful, these characters play a high-stakes game that brings them into conflict with individuals in the military, defense contractors, and government entities. And then there are those jets! I would have never thought I would have loved them so. They drive much of the plot. Far from being mere objects, they become characters themselves. Sleek and beautiful, the products of reason and the “will” to excellence, they are the perfect vehicles to represent the “spirit of man.”
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. The ending alone is worth the price. What a thrill ride it is! I will miss these characters and their world.
I LOVED this book! Like, a lot! There were times I was a little confused along the way because there is a lot going on at all times but it wasn’t a bad thing. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that was thought provoking and kept my attention so wholly. The characters are all well developed as are the plot lines. Definitely not a light, “mindless” read so if that’s what you’re looking for, look elsewhere. I couldn’t put this book down – I actually stayed up all night reading it by accident! Made for a rough day at work the next day but it was so worth it. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this book. Seriously. CHECK IT OUT!
***Note: don’t be fooled by how quickly I read this book. It’s on the long side (appropriately so) I just read extremely fast.
Despite this being a long book, the author’s style was so visual it felt more like I was watching a TV series than reading. I loved how each character had their own story arc and unique view of the world. And as they interacted with one another, they forced each other to face their own internal struggles. The story was tightly woven, thought-provoking, intense, and unabashedly optimistic.
It’s like a strange, complex mix of TOP GUN and THE FOUNTAINHEAD. The start was a bit slow then it launced into afterburners. Loved it!