Lichtenberg

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Winner in the Irish Writers' Centre's Novel Fair 2023
 
WELCOME TO A DARKER WORLD
 
In a frozen and hopeless future, Raidon City stands, the last bastion of civilisation in an otherwise barbaric world. The city’s elite soldiers, the Corps, keep its inhabitants safe, hunting the treacherous Ramasites scattered around the barren wastes who seek to bring the city to its knees. To the Corps, these outsiders are vermin, nothing more than animals to be slaughtered on sight – and they delight in this sport. To the citizens of Raidon, the Corps are their heroes, the offspring of noble lines sacrificing all to protect their beloved home.
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At least, this is how it seems.
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Fiercest among the corpsmen is Riven, whose prowess in battle is matched only by the intellect he evinces in the ritual games of their order. But Riven will learn of cracks in the propaganda of the city-state; of long-kept secrets festering in the darkness; and of rumours of a coming Ramasite invasion that conflict with the reality he sees beyond the walls.
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Questioning his own morals and introduced to truths that challenge a lifetime of indoctrination, Riven must tackle an eternal question at the risk of Raidon's demise…
 
How can an intelligent man be so easily fooled?
 
REVIEWS
 
This is a stellar debut. O'Connell writes with great immediacy. Both epic and intimate, he tells his terrific story with full-blooded conviction. I loved it! - Mike McCormack, International Dublin Literary Award Winner
 
Impressive world-building, compelling narration and a propulsive plot combine to make Lichtenberg a brilliant debut novel, with a vital message for our times. - Catherine Doyle, NY Times Bestselling Author of The Dagger and The Flame
 
An immersive and atmospheric read that puts you right in the heart of an oppressive regime as Riven, one of the city's elite soldiers, struggles with the disintegration of his ideals and preconceptions. This book should be read by anyone who jumps to conclusions amidst the milieu of disinformation, prejudice, and misguided anger directed towards the 'other' in society. In this timely novel, O'Connell challenges us to rethink our biases and, in the parlance of the day, check our privilege. - Ronald A. Geobey, Author of Kiranis
 
…a beautifully written book…elegant, polished, and intelligent throughout. O’Connell has command over language, and his writing exudes literary ambition. - Gary J. Martin, Author of Knight of Gaelgara
 
…a gripping story following soldiers within a controlled civilisation, trained to protect against those who roam outside the city. Characters are faced with inner battles of morality as they are faced with some truths that challenge their preconceptions...such a gripping storyline with twists & turns that had me on the edge of my seat unable to stop reading. An emotional final few chapters and ending. It is steadily paced for the first half of the book, building the story as it sets to the faster paced events. Great overall & very captivating message that is portrayed within the context of the story. - Jennifer Murphy, SFI Reader & ARC Reviewer