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Immortality Shattered #1
The Lazarus Men
It is the 23rd century. Humankind has reached the stars, building a tentative empire across a score of worlds. Earth's central government rules weakly as several worlds continue their efforts toward independence. Shadow organizations hide in the midst of the political infighting. Their manifestations of power and influence are beholden only to the highest bidder. The most powerful/insidious/secret of these, The Lazarus Men, has existed for decades, always working outside of morality's constraints. Led by the enigmatic Mr. Shine, their agents are hand selected from the worst humanity has to offer and available for the right price. Gerald LaPlant lives an ordinary life on Old Earth. That life is thrown into turmoil on the night he stumbles upon the murder of what appears to be a street thief. Fleeing into the night, Gerald finds himself caught in a war between the Lazarus Men and Roland McMasters, an extremely powerful man dissatisfied with the current regime and with designs on ruling his own empire.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
38 people are currently reading
6,549 people want to read
About the author
Christian Warren Freed
61Ìýbooks751ÌýfollowersChristian W. Freed was born in Buffalo, N.Y. more years ago than he would like to remember. After spending more than 20 years in the active-duty US Army he has turned his talents to writing. Since retiring, he has gone on to publish over 25 military fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as his memoirs from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, a children's book, and a pair of how to books focused on indie authors and the decision making process for writing a book and what happens after it is published.
His first published book (Hammers in the Wind) has been the #1 free book on Kindle 4 times and he holds a fancy certificate from the L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. Ok, so it was for 4th place in one quarter, but it's still recognition from the largest fiction writing contest in the world. And no, he's not a scientologist.
Passionate about history, he combines his knowledge of the past with modern military tactics to create an engaging, quasi-realistic world for the readers. He graduated from Campbell University with a degree in history and a Masters of Arts degree in Digital Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He currently lives outside of Raleigh, N.C. and devotes his time to writing, his family, and their two Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you drive by you might just find him on the porch with a cigar in one hand and a pen in the other. You can find out more about his work by following him on social media:
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@ChristianWFreed
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Books by Christian Warren Freed
The Forgotten Gods Tales
#1 Dreams of Winter
#2 The Madman on the Rocks
#3 Anguish Once Possessed
#4 Through Darkness Besieged
#5 Under Tattered Banners
#6 A Time For Tyrants
An Hour of Wolves- short story
The Northern Crusade
#1 Hammers in the Wind
#2 Tides of Blood and Steel
#3 A Whisper After Midnight
#4 Empire of Bones
#5 The Madness of Gods and Kings
#6 Evens Gods Must Fall
The Histories of Malweir (all stand alones)
#1 Armies of the Silver Mage
#2 The Dragon Hunters
#3 Beyond the Edge of Dawn
Immortality Shattered
#1 Law of the Heretic
#2 The Bitter War of Always
#3 The Land of Wicked Shadows
# Storm Upon the Dawn
The Children of Never (stand alone)
Where Have all the Elves Gone? (stand alone)
One of Our Elves is Missing
The Lazarus Men (stand alone)
Repercussions: A Lazarus Men Agenda #2
A Long Way From Home: My Time in Iraq and Afghanistan 2002-2006
Coward's Truth: A Novel of the Heart Eternal
Tomorrow's Demise: The Extinction Campaign
Tomorrow's Demise: Salvation
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 20, 2018
My rating 3.6
Book The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is a solid sci-fi novel set in the future where Humankind has reached the stars. In the book, the author draws us into a world full of conspiracy in which those who have everything they want even more because human greed for power is sometimes too great. In this whirlwind of events, accidentally finds Gerald LaPlante ordinary man who is a worker at the landing station on Earth. He is witness to the murder that has happened and after that, he has to save his life. As he will later learn about these events, many secret organizations are involved and they all want him dead because he has something they are looking for. The story varies from excellent to good, and sometimes stories, where should expand, is too little developed, but all in all a good story. I am convinced that all fans of sci-fi will be satisfied.
Book The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is a solid sci-fi novel set in the future where Humankind has reached the stars. In the book, the author draws us into a world full of conspiracy in which those who have everything they want even more because human greed for power is sometimes too great. In this whirlwind of events, accidentally finds Gerald LaPlante ordinary man who is a worker at the landing station on Earth. He is witness to the murder that has happened and after that, he has to save his life. As he will later learn about these events, many secret organizations are involved and they all want him dead because he has something they are looking for. The story varies from excellent to good, and sometimes stories, where should expand, is too little developed, but all in all a good story. I am convinced that all fans of sci-fi will be satisfied.
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September 3, 2024Author's Review: The Lazarus Men
Where do I even begin? At the beginning I suppose. It all started with a love for classic film noir. The gritty black and white murder mysteries filled with gun molls, shady PIs, and character driven plots captured my attention in my youth and refused to let go.
The Lazarus Men can best be described as a combination of the Maltese Falcon, Total Recall, and James Bond... in a futuristic space setting. Mr. Shine runs the clandestine Lazarus Men. It is a shadow group with hidden agendas and has great influence throughout the fledgling galaxy. With the Earth Alliance comprising the core worlds facing a looming conflict with the Outer Worlds, there is plenty of room to maneuver.
Shine recruits losers. The dregs who have fallen on hard times and have no way out. Carter Gaetis fits the bill and becomes a willing candidate. He is sent on a task to secure a legendary treasure on distant Cestus III.
The only thing standing in his way is the innocent Gerald LaPlant, an honest day worker who happens upon a murder. Gerald is soon swept up in events beyond his understanding and carried deep into space on the adventure of a lifetime.
The Lazarus Men was a long time coming. I tried, and failed, to find appropriate outlets to publish, but having fired my last publisher, never found that proper fit. After earning a MA from Chapel Hill in Digital Communications in 2019 I decided to take control of my extensive catalog and launch Warfighter Books. Not only was this exciting, it was also stunted due to the craziness of the pandemic.
I decided not placing all my eggs in one basket and convinced Hurn Publications to take a chance on Mr. Shine and Carter. This is the first of a planned five tales set amidst the sprawling backdrop of galactic politics, thrilling treasure quests, nefarious villains, and reluctant heroes. Each tale with be stand alone and, hopefully, worthy of the adventures they harken back to.
So sit back, buckle in, and get ready for a wild ride to the farthest reaches of the galaxy as the Lazarus Men work their way through one adventure after the next. If you have read this one already, please leave a review or reach out to me to tell me what you thought. I'd love to hear from you!
Where do I even begin? At the beginning I suppose. It all started with a love for classic film noir. The gritty black and white murder mysteries filled with gun molls, shady PIs, and character driven plots captured my attention in my youth and refused to let go.
The Lazarus Men can best be described as a combination of the Maltese Falcon, Total Recall, and James Bond... in a futuristic space setting. Mr. Shine runs the clandestine Lazarus Men. It is a shadow group with hidden agendas and has great influence throughout the fledgling galaxy. With the Earth Alliance comprising the core worlds facing a looming conflict with the Outer Worlds, there is plenty of room to maneuver.
Shine recruits losers. The dregs who have fallen on hard times and have no way out. Carter Gaetis fits the bill and becomes a willing candidate. He is sent on a task to secure a legendary treasure on distant Cestus III.
The only thing standing in his way is the innocent Gerald LaPlant, an honest day worker who happens upon a murder. Gerald is soon swept up in events beyond his understanding and carried deep into space on the adventure of a lifetime.
The Lazarus Men was a long time coming. I tried, and failed, to find appropriate outlets to publish, but having fired my last publisher, never found that proper fit. After earning a MA from Chapel Hill in Digital Communications in 2019 I decided to take control of my extensive catalog and launch Warfighter Books. Not only was this exciting, it was also stunted due to the craziness of the pandemic.
I decided not placing all my eggs in one basket and convinced Hurn Publications to take a chance on Mr. Shine and Carter. This is the first of a planned five tales set amidst the sprawling backdrop of galactic politics, thrilling treasure quests, nefarious villains, and reluctant heroes. Each tale with be stand alone and, hopefully, worthy of the adventures they harken back to.
So sit back, buckle in, and get ready for a wild ride to the farthest reaches of the galaxy as the Lazarus Men work their way through one adventure after the next. If you have read this one already, please leave a review or reach out to me to tell me what you thought. I'd love to hear from you!
July 1, 2018
“The Lazarus Men� by Christian Warren Freed is a futuristic thriller in which a man—in the wrong place at the wrong time—sees something he shouldn’t and ends up running for his life. It’s an interesting plot that improves as the book moves along with a likeable, if ordinary, protagonist who somehow manages to defy many odds, even when he travels to planets he's never been to before. It's a sometimes violent, yet often entertaining, off-world adventure.
June 28, 2018
Well, I can say that I'm always a fan of world-building, but the kind of building presented in a story like The Lazarus Men can be an even bigger challenge than that of, say, a fantasy novel where the entire planet is fictional and can be molded to whatever desire the author pleases. Where stories set only a few centuries in "our" future are concerned, one has to be more careful with their nods to the real world, and connecting everything together from what we know, to what we're about to experience, cleanly. I think Mr. Freed has done a good job of that, and for it I applaud him. We have plausible advances in technology, secret organizations, and even at least one non-human race - a proper nod to the idea that by the 23rd century, we might just encounter a few.
I'm a bit undecided on how I feel about the pacing of this story. At some points I felt myself being sufficiently drawn in to the action, and at other points, I found things to be a bit plodding, with perhaps a bit too much in the way of explanation. There's a fine line between making sure you paint a good scene for your readers and 'telling', as the 'show vs. tell' debate goes. Sometimes the battle was won here, and...sometimes not so much.
I believe this has been said in other reviews so I apologize for reiterating, but I admit that I'm also not a huge fan of the idea of an 'everyman' being roped into a world of intrigue, who seems to be able to keep up a little too easily. But then, I like underdog characters who have things stacked against them. I just feel that the aforementioned setup makes for a great opportunity to frustrate our protagonist, by forcing him to learn as he goes. Further, it helps to make a character relatable (and a fantastic plot device) when they don't have a proverbial clue anymore than we do. Gerald doesn't have all the answers, sure...but he sure has a lot for the kinda guy he is.
I know there are some folks out there who twitch a bit over the concept of changing perspectives within the same chapter or the same story at all, but I for one find very little wrong with doing this - indeed, it's rather commonplace in many literary classics, and helps to get inside the head of multiple characters from a third person perspective. It definitely happens here, and though it's possible for it to be done in a jarring way, I felt the instances of this were acceptably small. Just be advised that it does happen, if that sort of thing causes you ulcers.
Despite my concerns, I'm happy to have read this, and I would consider pointing others towards it. I think there's enough going on here to attract an interested sci-fi reader to the story, and perhaps even hope for more at some point. A good read for goodreads.
I'm a bit undecided on how I feel about the pacing of this story. At some points I felt myself being sufficiently drawn in to the action, and at other points, I found things to be a bit plodding, with perhaps a bit too much in the way of explanation. There's a fine line between making sure you paint a good scene for your readers and 'telling', as the 'show vs. tell' debate goes. Sometimes the battle was won here, and...sometimes not so much.
I believe this has been said in other reviews so I apologize for reiterating, but I admit that I'm also not a huge fan of the idea of an 'everyman' being roped into a world of intrigue, who seems to be able to keep up a little too easily. But then, I like underdog characters who have things stacked against them. I just feel that the aforementioned setup makes for a great opportunity to frustrate our protagonist, by forcing him to learn as he goes. Further, it helps to make a character relatable (and a fantastic plot device) when they don't have a proverbial clue anymore than we do. Gerald doesn't have all the answers, sure...but he sure has a lot for the kinda guy he is.
I know there are some folks out there who twitch a bit over the concept of changing perspectives within the same chapter or the same story at all, but I for one find very little wrong with doing this - indeed, it's rather commonplace in many literary classics, and helps to get inside the head of multiple characters from a third person perspective. It definitely happens here, and though it's possible for it to be done in a jarring way, I felt the instances of this were acceptably small. Just be advised that it does happen, if that sort of thing causes you ulcers.
Despite my concerns, I'm happy to have read this, and I would consider pointing others towards it. I think there's enough going on here to attract an interested sci-fi reader to the story, and perhaps even hope for more at some point. A good read for goodreads.
February 14, 2022
The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is a solidly written science fiction adventure. The plot and action pick up the pace as the story moves along and holds your attention. The story is set in the not too distant future, as Gerald LaPlant's life changes radically one day after he witnesses a murder. What he soon becomes ensconced in is the essence of this story as he tries to escape from his pursuers and tormentors. An alien artifact is the very thing he is being chased for, and this normal, everyday man becomes the focus of the story. This is an interesting premise as LaPlant manages to hold his own against formidable foes, which may be slightly unbelievable, but nonetheless, his actions and decisions carry the story. A fun read, if somewhat predictable, but entertaining. Recommended.
January 23, 2022
This my first foray back into the sci fi genre in mega years(sadly having been less than impressed then) and I'm so glad this was the book I chose to read for a new adventure. Its full of action from the beginning and it doesn't end until the end. The plot and the characters are well defined and the unlikely hero easy to root for as well . I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel .
January 16, 2022
The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is an intense science fiction that draws you in from the beginning. Gerald LaPlant was innocent until a stranger planted something in his pocket. After witnessing a murder, he is now on the run, but can he run far enough and fast enough to avoid the assassins seeking the item he now holds?
With edgy precision, Christian Warren Freed moves this story quickly and efficiently. You forget The Lazarus Men is fiction, and you live through the characters. Life becomes a precious commodity that everyone tries to preserve, well, except the bad guys. The hunt is on, and you find yourself reading faster. This novel is the epitome of space thrillers. The author has mastered the art of descriptive writing, making this a memorial book.
With edgy precision, Christian Warren Freed moves this story quickly and efficiently. You forget The Lazarus Men is fiction, and you live through the characters. Life becomes a precious commodity that everyone tries to preserve, well, except the bad guys. The hunt is on, and you find yourself reading faster. This novel is the epitome of space thrillers. The author has mastered the art of descriptive writing, making this a memorial book.
February 23, 2022
A sci-fi set in the future story. The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is an interesting read about the future and how the author completely build a world where the characters experience some situations that completely sucks you in and you’ll find yourself trying to read faster just to get that point where your mind finds peace, this is my very first book in this kind of genre and I am truly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
June 7, 2018
There's a gem of a good story in there somewhere, marred by too much telling and slow pacing.
As well, recruiting an innocent bystander "everyday man" into a web of espionage and fistfights is an old reliable technique, but it does stretch incredulity at times when he's able to outwit or outfight the universe's best trained agents, or be spared simply because the assassins like him too much (more like because he's not expendable as the main character and as mostly the narrator). It's also quite inconceivable that he could break into or approach highly volatile or highly secure guarded zones with the ease he's had in this story.
The title of the story is "The Lazarus Men" but there's precious little about them. Most of the plot revolves around the machinations of the dastardly villain, Roland McMasters.
Still, the jungle and treasure part was by far my favourite part of the book. The escapades leading up to the final scene were serviceable, but not overly thrilling to me despite the numerous dodges and battles. This book has more of the feel of a thriller set on Earth in today's time rather than a science-fiction feel. The alien race, the Naem, was pretty cool though, although we don't really get to know them, or see what they really look like.
Unlike other authors, I don't mind shifting points of view when I read another's work. However, there is quite a lot of padding and observation, which I guess is what critics call "telling" and that could be trimmed back.
As well, recruiting an innocent bystander "everyday man" into a web of espionage and fistfights is an old reliable technique, but it does stretch incredulity at times when he's able to outwit or outfight the universe's best trained agents, or be spared simply because the assassins like him too much (more like because he's not expendable as the main character and as mostly the narrator). It's also quite inconceivable that he could break into or approach highly volatile or highly secure guarded zones with the ease he's had in this story.
The title of the story is "The Lazarus Men" but there's precious little about them. Most of the plot revolves around the machinations of the dastardly villain, Roland McMasters.
Still, the jungle and treasure part was by far my favourite part of the book. The escapades leading up to the final scene were serviceable, but not overly thrilling to me despite the numerous dodges and battles. This book has more of the feel of a thriller set on Earth in today's time rather than a science-fiction feel. The alien race, the Naem, was pretty cool though, although we don't really get to know them, or see what they really look like.
Unlike other authors, I don't mind shifting points of view when I read another's work. However, there is quite a lot of padding and observation, which I guess is what critics call "telling" and that could be trimmed back.
January 23, 2022
This is the second Freed book I’ve read (the first one was Dreams of Winter). Dreams of Winter came out more than half a decade ago, and I’m happy to see that Freed has retained his style and form through his newer works. One of his strengths is the ability to dig into detail with the world-building and history of his universe. I’m thrilled to see that the characters in The Lazarus Men are well-developed and more relatable as humans (Dreams of Winter centered around gods).
This book is a bit different, a complete action/sci-fi story. The tech and world feel believable, and Freed does a fantastic job of making it feel real. LaPlant, an unfortunate name considering the catalyst event in the story, is essentially targeted most of the book. He ends up on the run to survive while also proving his innocence. What makes LaPlant interesting is that he’s no one extraordinary. He is just a regular guy stuck in an unusual situation, making the story phenomenal. Freed navigates the pace and gap in LaPlant’s skill against the word well, but there were a few points that seemed a bit of a stretch. However, it is science fiction, and I found myself rooting for LaPlant the entire time, even if he managed to do what felt unbelievable. After all, we can accomplish some amazing feats in a scramble to live.
Great book, Freed shines in this one. Full five stars.
This book is a bit different, a complete action/sci-fi story. The tech and world feel believable, and Freed does a fantastic job of making it feel real. LaPlant, an unfortunate name considering the catalyst event in the story, is essentially targeted most of the book. He ends up on the run to survive while also proving his innocence. What makes LaPlant interesting is that he’s no one extraordinary. He is just a regular guy stuck in an unusual situation, making the story phenomenal. Freed navigates the pace and gap in LaPlant’s skill against the word well, but there were a few points that seemed a bit of a stretch. However, it is science fiction, and I found myself rooting for LaPlant the entire time, even if he managed to do what felt unbelievable. After all, we can accomplish some amazing feats in a scramble to live.
Great book, Freed shines in this one. Full five stars.
February 6, 2022
The Lazarus Men takes readers on a thrilling journey full of danger, secrets, and betrayal. I really enjoyed the complicated world created in this book. There is a complex political system full of its own controversy and corruption and the dark characters and fast pace give the whole book a thrilling feel. The sci-fi elements of this book are intriguing and create a fun atmosphere for the epic plot of the novel. From the very beginning, you are thrown into a suspenseful and expansive world. The short chapters move you between locations as you see the world from different perspectives. The book has a gritty feel that adds to the suspense and excitement of the novel. The characters are full of their own mysteries and were ready to bring the action at any moment. I enjoyed the complexity of the world and politics of this novel and thought it was an engaging and thrilling read.
February 26, 2022
This was a fun sci-fi thriller. The pacing varies from fast to a bit slow at times, but always moves along smoothly. Gerald’s life goes from ordinary and mundane to one filled with danger and intrigue, all because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although Gerald has no training that would make the reader expect him to easily go toe to toe with dangerous organizations, Gerald seems to hold his own just fine. I’m torn between liking the idea of your everyday guy beating the odds, and the idea that he suddenly is able to rise to the occasion without more complications. Overall, a really enjoyable read for sci-fi and thriller lovers.
September 4, 2022
I got as far as page 36 before I decided to throw this "book" away. What a complete load of unmitigated crap. It is puerile and written so badly that you would think it were a joke. And actually calling this book puerile is an insult to children!
I cannot for the life of me understand how or why this book achieved an average rating of 4.31. And to call this a sci-fi thriller is like calling Winnie The Pooh akin to Godzilla.
If you like sci-fi and if you like thrillers, then do not, under any consideration, read this load of rubbish.
I cannot for the life of me understand how or why this book achieved an average rating of 4.31. And to call this a sci-fi thriller is like calling Winnie The Pooh akin to Godzilla.
If you like sci-fi and if you like thrillers, then do not, under any consideration, read this load of rubbish.
January 27, 2022
The Lazarus Men by Christian Warren Freed is the first installment in the Lazarus Men Agenda series. The sci-fi noir adventure thriller has mystery, suspense, and plenty of thrilling action. It’s a page-turning, fun ride from the first page to the last.
Set in the 23rd century, mankind is living in settlements and cities across the galaxy. The Earth Alliance rules the galaxy but is losing power. The alliance is desperately looking for ways to increase their power, but it’s not Gerald Laplant’s concern until his life is suddenly turned upside down.
Gerald’s life changes forever when he witnesses a murder and finds an ancient alien artifact in his pocket. Suddenly, he’s running for his life across the galaxy. Ruthless men are chasing him desperate to get their hands on the relic. They know it’s the key to the great treasure in the universe.
Along the way, Gerald meets heroes and villains. Some want to help him, while others are plotting his demise. Everyone he meets has a hidden agenda, and Gerald is quickly learning trusting anyone will mean the end of his life.
In the shadows lurks the Lazarus Men, led by the enigmatic Mr. Shine. Ruling the organization with an iron fist, his agents are everywhere. Gerald Laplant is in a race against time, and no one is sure if he can win.
“Shine peeled the bloodstained, leather gloves off and tossed them down on the flower pattern comforter. He wasn’t smiling but lacked the seriousness Carter expected after murdering two people in their sleep. Instead, he wore the look of grim satisfaction that only a man trapped in such a profession could produce. And professional he was. Only a single speck of blood escaped the bed, landing squarely on his right cheek. Shine looked down to where Carter had collapsed in a pile of vomit and tears. “It’s done, Mr. Gaetis,� he announced quietly. “As far as anyone knows you and your family died here tonight in a regrettable gas fire. Welcome to the Lazarus Men.� Carter failed to see the thin smile creep across Shine’s face.�
The Lazarus Men is a fast-paced and thrilling story, starting on page one. A father must take on a hideous task, and from there, readers get to travel to distant worlds. Filled with rich details, readers can imagine themselves on Old Earth or in McMasters burgeoning empire.
Christian Warren Freed is an acclaimed author of several popular series that include The Forgotten Gods Tales and The Northern Crusades. In The Lazarus Men, he has woven together another rich world readers can get lost in for a few hours.
Set in the 23rd century, mankind is living in settlements and cities across the galaxy. The Earth Alliance rules the galaxy but is losing power. The alliance is desperately looking for ways to increase their power, but it’s not Gerald Laplant’s concern until his life is suddenly turned upside down.
Gerald’s life changes forever when he witnesses a murder and finds an ancient alien artifact in his pocket. Suddenly, he’s running for his life across the galaxy. Ruthless men are chasing him desperate to get their hands on the relic. They know it’s the key to the great treasure in the universe.
Along the way, Gerald meets heroes and villains. Some want to help him, while others are plotting his demise. Everyone he meets has a hidden agenda, and Gerald is quickly learning trusting anyone will mean the end of his life.
In the shadows lurks the Lazarus Men, led by the enigmatic Mr. Shine. Ruling the organization with an iron fist, his agents are everywhere. Gerald Laplant is in a race against time, and no one is sure if he can win.
“Shine peeled the bloodstained, leather gloves off and tossed them down on the flower pattern comforter. He wasn’t smiling but lacked the seriousness Carter expected after murdering two people in their sleep. Instead, he wore the look of grim satisfaction that only a man trapped in such a profession could produce. And professional he was. Only a single speck of blood escaped the bed, landing squarely on his right cheek. Shine looked down to where Carter had collapsed in a pile of vomit and tears. “It’s done, Mr. Gaetis,� he announced quietly. “As far as anyone knows you and your family died here tonight in a regrettable gas fire. Welcome to the Lazarus Men.� Carter failed to see the thin smile creep across Shine’s face.�
The Lazarus Men is a fast-paced and thrilling story, starting on page one. A father must take on a hideous task, and from there, readers get to travel to distant worlds. Filled with rich details, readers can imagine themselves on Old Earth or in McMasters burgeoning empire.
Christian Warren Freed is an acclaimed author of several popular series that include The Forgotten Gods Tales and The Northern Crusades. In The Lazarus Men, he has woven together another rich world readers can get lost in for a few hours.
February 24, 2022
It is the 23rd century. Humankind has reached the stars, building a tentative empire across a score of worlds. Earth's central government rules weakly as several worlds continue their efforts toward independence. Shadow organizations hide in the midst of the political infighting. Their manifestations of power and influence are beholden only to the highest bidder. The most powerful/insidious/secret of these, The Lazarus Men, has existed for decades, always working outside of morality's constraints. Led by the enigmatic Mr. Shine, their agents are hand selected from the worst humanity has to offer and available for the right price. Gerald LaPlant lives an ordinary life on Old Earth. That life is thrown into turmoil on the night he stumbles upon the murder of what appears to be a street thief. Fleeing into the night, Gerald finds himself caught in a war between the Lazarus Men and Roland McMasters, an extremely powerful man dissatisfied with the current regime and with designs on ruling his own empire.
The synopsis really did a job on me as I love science fiction with actual science, so this was definitely a book for me. The story behind The Lazarus Men is interesting, with well-developed characters and kept me suitably hooked from pretty early on.
Author Christian Warren Freed has a knack for engrossing science fiction stories that keep me turning pages to find out what happens next. The Lazarus Men is one of my favourite sci-fi books I’ve read this year.
The synopsis really did a job on me as I love science fiction with actual science, so this was definitely a book for me. The story behind The Lazarus Men is interesting, with well-developed characters and kept me suitably hooked from pretty early on.
Author Christian Warren Freed has a knack for engrossing science fiction stories that keep me turning pages to find out what happens next. The Lazarus Men is one of my favourite sci-fi books I’ve read this year.
February 25, 2022
When I saw that the Lazarus man was written by Christian Warren free, I knew I had to get it. I read The Northern Crusade series and knowing the absolute talent he has with world building, I knew I had to read it. I am not a big fan of futuristic space books but I am of the author and I am so glad I read it. In this book we have Jarrell who witnesses a murder and it slipped in ancient artifact unbeknownst to him and now he has Mr.Shine’s goons in hot pursuit. Is there anywhere in the galaxy he can run or anyone he could turn to? This is a book pack with action and once you get into the book you are totally engulfed in the world that Mr. Freed has created. I loved it and highly recommend it. Iwish he would make his books into audiobooks, I bet they would sound awesome. If you love futuristic space opera you’ll love this book it is so so so so good! Please forgive any grammatical or punctuational errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are my own.
February 8, 2022
Gerald LaPlant is working at a plant diligently toiling along in Earth’s rat race. He stumbles across a murder and is unknowingly thrust into an inter planetary chase for a secret treasure.
In the 23rd century, travel between planets is swift, and Gerald hopes to escape from the people chasing him by traveling from Earth to Mars. Along the way, he meets Charlotte, as well as some unsavory characters who are trying to capture him for the artifact he is carrying.
This is a science fiction thriller, with some humor. It is the first in a series. Science fiction buffs would enjoy this quick adventure through space, and good against evil.
In the 23rd century, travel between planets is swift, and Gerald hopes to escape from the people chasing him by traveling from Earth to Mars. Along the way, he meets Charlotte, as well as some unsavory characters who are trying to capture him for the artifact he is carrying.
This is a science fiction thriller, with some humor. It is the first in a series. Science fiction buffs would enjoy this quick adventure through space, and good against evil.
January 28, 2022
An interesting science fiction read. The plot and the characters are well developed and the action was suspenseful. This is the first book in the series and I am interested in seeing where the author goes with the next book.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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September 4, 2022I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was attracted to this book because of the cover art and the blurb. It appeared to be something I might enjoy, and indeed I did, with a reservation.
The Lazarus Men is a good, solid story with numerous twists and turns. It opens with some good action, and after a lull in the middle, it closes with some fast-paced battle scenes. Among the author's strengths are the characters. I found myself invested in the principal character from the start and he held my interest for the entire novel. I hoped he would make it to the end, and it never appeared certain he would. Along with the principal, there were several other characters, all well-defined and made to seem real. The world building was adequate for the story, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings.
The story was clearly written mostly, but there is one area I found disturbing, and it tended to take me out of the flow of the text. More on that later.
It was just another shift on the job for Gerald LaPlant, that is, until his employer called him in and promoted him for his prior service. And that was the last good thing that happened to him for quite some time. Unfortunately, he witnessed a murder and lost his wallet. Those who perpetrated the murder began stalking him and even came close to taking him out. See, the murdered man placed an object in his pocket before he died. An object of some importance to two of the most powerful people in the galaxy.
To save his own life, he fled to Mars, where he was followed.
Next thing Gerald knows is he cannot shake those after him. And what's worse, nearly everyone he encounters is after the object. His friends aren't really his friends, his enemies aren't necessarily his enemies, and poor Gerald does not know who he can trust, other than himself.
What is this object and why is it so important?
Principal character, Gerald LaPlant is an ordinary guy. He works and goes home. When he gets caught up in a world of intrigue, he is forced to go on the run. Confused and scared, he runs into a lot of other characters. Those he meets all have an ulterior motive because he has a key to a treasure beyond imagination. He came by the key when he witnessed a murder when it was placed in his possession without his knowledge. On his travels to other worlds, he meets an attractive archaeologist, a man he thought was his friend, and more than a few ruthless killers, as well as the masterminds who want to get their hands on the vast treasure to be found on the planet Cestus III. He is just a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and if he is not very careful, he will lose his life.
My favorite point of plot in The Lazarus Men is how the principal character seems unable to find allies in this story until he does find two. The ones he finds are the most unlikely people to be his friends. I loved this twist and the nature of the two people who help him because they are enemies and in competition until they decide to cooperate. Great irony there.
My takeaway from this tale is that when one holds the key to hidden wealth, one cannot trust anyone. Not everyone who is nice to you is your friend, and not everyone who is a threat to you are your enemies. Be careful how you choose your friends and keep your enemies close.
I found The Lazarus Men a great story full of twists and turns and is a fine sci-fi adventure one can get into. As I mentioned before, there is one thing that needs to be fixed in the book's text, and that is all the typos that appear through the whole thing.
I read enough that in nearly every book, I tend to find one or two typographical errors along the way, and mostly, I ignore them. It happens. If I know the author, I usually let them know I found them. Unfortunately, there are many in The Lazarus Men that interrupted the flow of the reading, and I had to stop and try to understand what the author meant to say. For this reason, I find I must give it a lower rating than it would otherwise deserve. With the copy I received being the third edition, I am a little disappointed the mistakes haven't been corrected at by now.
It is a great story that needs to be looked at by a copy editor.
I was attracted to this book because of the cover art and the blurb. It appeared to be something I might enjoy, and indeed I did, with a reservation.
The Lazarus Men is a good, solid story with numerous twists and turns. It opens with some good action, and after a lull in the middle, it closes with some fast-paced battle scenes. Among the author's strengths are the characters. I found myself invested in the principal character from the start and he held my interest for the entire novel. I hoped he would make it to the end, and it never appeared certain he would. Along with the principal, there were several other characters, all well-defined and made to seem real. The world building was adequate for the story, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings.
The story was clearly written mostly, but there is one area I found disturbing, and it tended to take me out of the flow of the text. More on that later.
It was just another shift on the job for Gerald LaPlant, that is, until his employer called him in and promoted him for his prior service. And that was the last good thing that happened to him for quite some time. Unfortunately, he witnessed a murder and lost his wallet. Those who perpetrated the murder began stalking him and even came close to taking him out. See, the murdered man placed an object in his pocket before he died. An object of some importance to two of the most powerful people in the galaxy.
To save his own life, he fled to Mars, where he was followed.
Next thing Gerald knows is he cannot shake those after him. And what's worse, nearly everyone he encounters is after the object. His friends aren't really his friends, his enemies aren't necessarily his enemies, and poor Gerald does not know who he can trust, other than himself.
What is this object and why is it so important?
Principal character, Gerald LaPlant is an ordinary guy. He works and goes home. When he gets caught up in a world of intrigue, he is forced to go on the run. Confused and scared, he runs into a lot of other characters. Those he meets all have an ulterior motive because he has a key to a treasure beyond imagination. He came by the key when he witnessed a murder when it was placed in his possession without his knowledge. On his travels to other worlds, he meets an attractive archaeologist, a man he thought was his friend, and more than a few ruthless killers, as well as the masterminds who want to get their hands on the vast treasure to be found on the planet Cestus III. He is just a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and if he is not very careful, he will lose his life.
My favorite point of plot in The Lazarus Men is how the principal character seems unable to find allies in this story until he does find two. The ones he finds are the most unlikely people to be his friends. I loved this twist and the nature of the two people who help him because they are enemies and in competition until they decide to cooperate. Great irony there.
My takeaway from this tale is that when one holds the key to hidden wealth, one cannot trust anyone. Not everyone who is nice to you is your friend, and not everyone who is a threat to you are your enemies. Be careful how you choose your friends and keep your enemies close.
I found The Lazarus Men a great story full of twists and turns and is a fine sci-fi adventure one can get into. As I mentioned before, there is one thing that needs to be fixed in the book's text, and that is all the typos that appear through the whole thing.
I read enough that in nearly every book, I tend to find one or two typographical errors along the way, and mostly, I ignore them. It happens. If I know the author, I usually let them know I found them. Unfortunately, there are many in The Lazarus Men that interrupted the flow of the reading, and I had to stop and try to understand what the author meant to say. For this reason, I find I must give it a lower rating than it would otherwise deserve. With the copy I received being the third edition, I am a little disappointed the mistakes haven't been corrected at by now.
It is a great story that needs to be looked at by a copy editor.
January 9, 2022
‘You, my friend, are now property of the Earth Alliance� � a hugely successful space opera
North Carolina author Christian Warren Freed earned his degree in history from Campbell University and a Masters of Arts degree in Digital Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has served in the US Army for twenty years and now devotes his time to writing, having published over 30 books to date ��� including his inclusion in various anthologies.
Science fiction books have many parameters, but few authors can match Christian’s ability to create a book that so grandly posts in the ‘space opera� genre. His facile writing transports the reader into the next century with complete ease: with today’s IT changes, space trips (yes, even if only a matter of hours!) for sale to those who can afford them, continuing exploration of space as an avenue of competition among countries shines a light on the credibility of this fantasy.
Raising the curtain on this space opera, Christian writes, “Once you agree to this you can never go back. Your life will change forever and not necessarily for the best,� Mr. Shine said, his thin hands clasped behind his back. Carter Gaetis paused to glance at the odd man, doubts plaguing him. It had been months since their first meeting and he still didn’t wholly trust Mt. Shine. Several qualities making him human were missing in Carter’s opinion. Shine was tall, lightly built and possessed a permanent sneer. His pale complexion and dark hair lent a cadaverous presence Carter found acutely disturbing. When he spoke it was a thin rasp. “Are you prepared to commit yourself, your life, and your dedication, to our cause, Mr. Gaetis?� A fine atmosphere is painted and the epic story unfolds.
Christian has provided a guiding plot description: ‘It is the 23rd century. Humankind has spread across the galaxy. The Earth Alliance rules weakly and is desperate for power. Hidden in the shadows are the Lazarus Men: a secret organization ruled with an iron fist by the enigmatic Mr. Shine. His agents are the worst humanity has to offer and they are everywhere. Gerald LaPlant’s life changes forever the day he accidentally witnesses a murder and discovers an alien artifact in his pocket. Forced to flee, he is chased across the stars by desperate men who want what he has and are willing to stop at nothing to get it. Along the way Gerald meets a host of villains and heroes, each with hidden agendas. If Gerald has any hope of surviving, he must rely on his wits and avoiding the one thing that could get him killed more than the rest: trust. For he has the key to the galaxy’s greatest treasure. Half want him dead. Half need him alive. It’s a race against time to see which wins.�
Christian Warren Freed extends the imaginary thoughts that increasingly appear today and shapes them into myriad forces of future possibilities � or even, probabilities. And that is but one reason why is ‘sci-fi� is so successful. He is a master craftsman, and possibly a seer! Very highly recommended.
North Carolina author Christian Warren Freed earned his degree in history from Campbell University and a Masters of Arts degree in Digital Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has served in the US Army for twenty years and now devotes his time to writing, having published over 30 books to date ��� including his inclusion in various anthologies.
Science fiction books have many parameters, but few authors can match Christian’s ability to create a book that so grandly posts in the ‘space opera� genre. His facile writing transports the reader into the next century with complete ease: with today’s IT changes, space trips (yes, even if only a matter of hours!) for sale to those who can afford them, continuing exploration of space as an avenue of competition among countries shines a light on the credibility of this fantasy.
Raising the curtain on this space opera, Christian writes, “Once you agree to this you can never go back. Your life will change forever and not necessarily for the best,� Mr. Shine said, his thin hands clasped behind his back. Carter Gaetis paused to glance at the odd man, doubts plaguing him. It had been months since their first meeting and he still didn’t wholly trust Mt. Shine. Several qualities making him human were missing in Carter’s opinion. Shine was tall, lightly built and possessed a permanent sneer. His pale complexion and dark hair lent a cadaverous presence Carter found acutely disturbing. When he spoke it was a thin rasp. “Are you prepared to commit yourself, your life, and your dedication, to our cause, Mr. Gaetis?� A fine atmosphere is painted and the epic story unfolds.
Christian has provided a guiding plot description: ‘It is the 23rd century. Humankind has spread across the galaxy. The Earth Alliance rules weakly and is desperate for power. Hidden in the shadows are the Lazarus Men: a secret organization ruled with an iron fist by the enigmatic Mr. Shine. His agents are the worst humanity has to offer and they are everywhere. Gerald LaPlant’s life changes forever the day he accidentally witnesses a murder and discovers an alien artifact in his pocket. Forced to flee, he is chased across the stars by desperate men who want what he has and are willing to stop at nothing to get it. Along the way Gerald meets a host of villains and heroes, each with hidden agendas. If Gerald has any hope of surviving, he must rely on his wits and avoiding the one thing that could get him killed more than the rest: trust. For he has the key to the galaxy’s greatest treasure. Half want him dead. Half need him alive. It’s a race against time to see which wins.�
Christian Warren Freed extends the imaginary thoughts that increasingly appear today and shapes them into myriad forces of future possibilities � or even, probabilities. And that is but one reason why is ‘sci-fi� is so successful. He is a master craftsman, and possibly a seer! Very highly recommended.
November 14, 2022
Unfortunate
A wonderful storyline keeps you turning pages as you strive to keep up with the twists and turns and the nonstop action. Amazing characters populate these pages as they spring to life as the story unfolds. Unfortunately, the whole thing is ruined by the dozens of typos badly formed sentences, and just lack of care all of which could have been avoided with a decent proofreading and line editing and so a story that merits at least four stars maybe five receives two stars just for the story content, will I read more from this author? doubtful but we will see Baz.
A wonderful storyline keeps you turning pages as you strive to keep up with the twists and turns and the nonstop action. Amazing characters populate these pages as they spring to life as the story unfolds. Unfortunately, the whole thing is ruined by the dozens of typos badly formed sentences, and just lack of care all of which could have been avoided with a decent proofreading and line editing and so a story that merits at least four stars maybe five receives two stars just for the story content, will I read more from this author? doubtful but we will see Baz.
January 11, 2023
This is the plot of a very very bad movie. Did anybody reread this before they published it? Not only is the electronic version full of typos-arm food anyone?- but there are inconsistencies throughout the book that made me think it was written by an A.I. You can't feel the green walls of the forest close in on you with each step if you are still travelling in the car.
Seems like the writer took every trope from popular movies (the treasure from Indiana Jones, the Extra-terrestrials from Avatar, the vilains from The fifth element...) and tried to make a Ratatouille like that famous rat.
Save yourself some time and go watch what the movie trailer would look like instead:
Seems like the writer took every trope from popular movies (the treasure from Indiana Jones, the Extra-terrestrials from Avatar, the vilains from The fifth element...) and tried to make a Ratatouille like that famous rat.
Save yourself some time and go watch what the movie trailer would look like instead:
February 21, 2023
The book was a solid 5/5 for me until about 50% in. First half reads like a great sci-fi/cyberpunk book for adults but later on becomes dumbed down and almost childish in the way the story moves forward and how the scenes are described. I did quite enjoy it though so definitely worth a 4.
Stevie Wonder did the proof reading obviously. The amount of typos and grammatical errors is by far the worst I've ever seen. I should have rated it lower because of this but sadly I became used to it since it was SO frequent.
Stevie Wonder did the proof reading obviously. The amount of typos and grammatical errors is by far the worst I've ever seen. I should have rated it lower because of this but sadly I became used to it since it was SO frequent.
April 3, 2023
Creed, Christian Warren. the Lazarus Men. Warfighter Books, 22021. Lazarus Men Agenda 1.
The Lazarus Men is an adventure that harkens back to the age of the pulps. The protagonist, Gerald, is drawn into a quest for alien artifacts on a wilderness planet. The action moves right along, but as I read, I kept wondering when the comic book version would come out. Gerald is human enough, but the villains are straight out of comic book central casting. The story is entertaining as long as you don’t give it much thought. 3.5 stars.
The Lazarus Men is an adventure that harkens back to the age of the pulps. The protagonist, Gerald, is drawn into a quest for alien artifacts on a wilderness planet. The action moves right along, but as I read, I kept wondering when the comic book version would come out. Gerald is human enough, but the villains are straight out of comic book central casting. The story is entertaining as long as you don’t give it much thought. 3.5 stars.
August 16, 2023
I am very appreciative to the author Christian Warren Freed for graciously providing an electronic review copy of "The Lazarus Men" on NetGalley.
This book was full of nonstop interplanetary action and danger involving spies, archaeologists, assassins, mercenaries, aliens, a lawman, criminals, megalomaniacs and their henchmen and henchwoman. In many good ways it reminded me of the early works of authors such as Heinlein, Clark, and Bova.
I would give this book 4 stars for the easily consumable entertainment value.
This book was full of nonstop interplanetary action and danger involving spies, archaeologists, assassins, mercenaries, aliens, a lawman, criminals, megalomaniacs and their henchmen and henchwoman. In many good ways it reminded me of the early works of authors such as Heinlein, Clark, and Bova.
I would give this book 4 stars for the easily consumable entertainment value.
January 16, 2023
This book contains so many typos, halfway through the story I thought that maybe if you put together all the missing letters you would get a secret, better story. I gave it 2 stars because it has thousands of words strung to together across several hundred pages.
January 24, 2023
Easy to follow and engaging story. There are hundreds of typos, half finished sentences, missing punctuation and sudden jumps in the book due to bad formatting on the Kindle eBook that totally ruins the story.
Highly recommend the author or publisher hire a copy editor.
Highly recommend the author or publisher hire a copy editor.
July 11, 2023
The Lazarus What?
Sorry but I couldn’t finish the book. I wanted to but between typos, wrong spelling for the usage and the general poorly written prose. This might have been a good book, after a good editing and proofreading.
Sorry but I couldn’t finish the book. I wanted to but between typos, wrong spelling for the usage and the general poorly written prose. This might have been a good book, after a good editing and proofreading.
November 8, 2022
Very cool!
November 10, 2022
Truly wicked scifi
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