Freehold

Freehold, Book 1

By: Michael Z. Williamson

Narrated by: Molly Elston

Length: 21 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Sergeant Kendra Pacelli is innocent, but that doesn't matter to the repressive government pursuing her. Mistakes might be made, but they are never acknowledged, especially when billions of embezzled dollars earned from illegal weapons sales are at stake. But where does one run when all Earth and most settled planets are under the aegis of one government? Answer: The Freehold of Grainne. There, one may seek asylum and build a new life in a society that doesn't track its residents every move, which is just what Pacelli has done. But now things are about to go royally to hell. Because Earth's government has found out where she is, and they want her back. Or dead.

This all-new offering contains Michael Z. Williamson's brilliant novel Freehold.

©2014 Michael Z. Williamson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

wow ! great story and homage to Heinlein

This was overtly political, which usually turns me off. However, I found the open and intelligent portrayal to be so persuasive on both an economical and a moral basis, that my own viewpoint must forever be altered. I felt as though the essence of Heinlien was animating the story. The book has brought forth much thought as it challenged me to remember myself. Very pursuasive with strong emtional triggers!

fantastic

I'm not a fan of science fiction in the least but this was great, could be any genre because it's more about politics and warfare than it is the tech.

don't waste the credit

spent more time on personal interactions and sexual encounters than actual story not a very good book

Great story, reminiscent of Heinlein.

This was an excellent story, reminiscent in some ways of early Heinlein.

The first half of the book seemed to drag at times, but was still very interesting. It was also completely and utterly necessary considering the amount of character building and world building which was necessary. The author had to convincingly introduce a culture which is totally alien and unknown to our world today… That being a human society based on complete respect for individual liberty and self reliance. Through the experiences of the main character, the author did an excellent job of easing the reader into that world.

The second half of the book is a riproaring military adventure, with a somber yet satisfying ending.

The narrator did a very good job with all of the characters and accents, making each character sound unique.

In all, a great book and a great listen.

The best of the Freehold series

Incredible story! This is at least the 3rd time I’ve listened to it. The Narrator is truly an artist as is the writer. Shows the indomitable spirit of what a warrior should be. Good luck, Kendra.

A bit juvenile and long winded

The story, while an excellent premise, was littered with far to much unnecessary filler. The narrators tone didn’t fit the story as her inflections didn’t match the strength of the main character.

book dmuch better toward end

the first half of the booked had too much sex and basic day to day for my tastes. Way too involved in detailing their daily lives and sexual activities. felt like science fiction for bored hoisewives. howevee, the later parts of the books were very good, mode war and combat oriented, although sex repeatedly rears it's head throughout. Not badly, just too much for my tastes. All in all, very good read, well written. just depends on what you are looking for.

Heinlein with a hammer

This book was entertaining, especially the battle and fight scenes. The performance was well done. Now, the complaints: I'm not a prude, but the continual, over the top sex scenes were an annoyance...I get it, this place is more libertine than earth, but I kept wondering if I'd accidentally downloaded a bodice ripper romance novel. Also, while I agree with the political philosophy of this book, even I found it a little heavy handed, at times. Heinlein did it better and with more subtlety in Starship Troopers.

If you enjoy L. Neil Smith

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to keep listening, finding excuses to do more chores

Any additional comments?

It reminded a lot of Pallas, similar idea with character suddenly freed from a repressive society that says they are free but is actually very fascist and severely limits rights causing it to be very uncivilized in actuality; the main character is very shocked but eventually sees how civilized and better freedom actually is.

Finally! SF from a conservative point of view.

It is nice not to be preached to by global warming obsessed socialists. Great story and character development. A planet with a libertarian point of view being oppressed by an all consuming Earth government that wants to control every facet of their lives. I can't wait to read the rest of his stuff!