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A Point Thriller #1

Fracture Point

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An untrained spy and a rebel faction.
A mysterious scarlet-haired jazz singer.
Dangerous secrets guarded by a devious killer.

What could possibly go wrong?

Only everything.

Tom’s brilliant. A whiz about just about everything, he just aced his Assessment Test, but when it comes to people smarts, he’s clueless. When his older brother, Jack, disappears, he opens the door to adventure and terror—and a beautiful red-haired spy.

She spins a story so unbelievable it just might be true. What if his brother Jack’s not just a carefree, assistant tennis instructor, but an operative spy for a covert group known as the Fourteenth Colony, who may have uncovered a secret that could start a bloody revolutionary war? Can Tom really trust the red-haired vixen?

Tom will do whatever it takes to get his brother back, even if he is completely unprepared for what happens next. Armed with the only clue Jack left for him, Tom plunges headfirst into a world filled with dangers at every turn. With only the Fourteenth Colony and the sultry spy as his guides, Tom must accept that the truth is not as simple as it once appeared.

Tom must summon all the courage he can muster. He’ll need the help of would-be friends and foes, and a whole lot of luck, to outwit the psychopathic killer holding his brother hostage. Maybe, just maybe, he can keep America from reaching the fracture point, too.
Tom must break every rule he's lived by, and go head-to-head with a psychopath if he's to have any chance of saving his brother—and just maybe, keep America from reaching the fracture point.

193 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2017

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About the author

Jeff Altabef

26 books263 followers
Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of "telling stories," he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline - The Accidental Writer.

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5 stars
43 (49%)
4 stars
32 (36%)
3 stars
8 (9%)
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4 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,996 reviews143 followers
June 5, 2017
Let me start by saying, make sure you have no plans…nowhere to go, nothing to do…because once you start reading, Fracture Point will take you down a path that will not let you go until the last word is read.

Is this what the future holds for us?

Warren Scott, well, he got my attention from the opening chapter and I felt nothing good was going to come from knowing him. He has a secret and he won’t share…yet. There is nothing he won’t do to win and revels in the evil he doles out to anyone who crosses him…or sometimes just because it feels good. Psychopath is too nice a word for him.

Jack is working a banquet for the richy rich and was hooking up with one of their wives. He was after info, but got more than he bargained for when he found a flash drive.

Once their paths cross, others become involved in the race to save Jack’s life and their own, running at a frenetic pace, making me worry and fret, wondering who will survive.

Fracture Point is a frightening glimpse into America’s future…voters rights taken away, the poor are discounted as lesser human beings, and terrorism is used to create fear and manipulate the people. Does any of this ring a bell?

They are at a Fracture Point, the point where a spark can set their world ablaze.

Fracture Point hits all the buttons for a heart pumping, blood boiling, terrorizing suspense thriller that smacks of realism, with big business and the 1% taking everything and leaving nothing for the 99% struggling to survive.

Is this what OUR world is coming to? Will it take a Civil War to wake up the leaders? What happens when the American Dream is dead, there is no hope left and we feel backed into a corner with nothing to lose?

CAUTION – Kindle is at risk of being thrown.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Fracture Point by Jeff Altabef.

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Profile Image for Melissa.
160 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fracture Point is a young adult dystopian novel that takes place in a future America split by the classes. You're either one of the privileged 1% or you're part of the struggling working class. The story opens at a point where things have become so bad that the poor are beginning to fight back out of pure desperation. They are tired of living in destitution, with little or no health care, and at the whim of the uncaring rich.

The book is told in third person, rotating between point-of-view characters throughout the story in a way that makes it easy to know when the point-of-view is changing (usually with a *** break or a change in chapter). The characters are well written and interesting. I found it easy to root for Tom
and to hate Warren. I also really liked the fact that minor characters like Bob didn't feel two-dimensional and instead had more depth to them.

The story is fast-paced and filled with enough action to keep you reading until the very end, with plenty of nail-biter moments that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I started reading this in the car and nearly wished I hadn't when I didn't want to stop when we reached our destination. Of course, I eagerly picked it right back up when we started to head home.

Recommended to anyone looking for a fast-paced thriller filled with action.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 22 books362 followers
March 17, 2018
I am certain some readers will enjoy this much more than I did; it just wasn't right for me. Full of violence, killing, clean-ups of bodies, thugs, blackmail, morally corrupt persons, strong language, did I mention violence.

I appreciate that the author has taken the time to set this in a future a few decades on, in which America is unpleasant and civil liberties are removed, climate warming makes summer come earlier each year, money is made by the wealthy and everyone else can't drink the water. This largely comes across as a progression from today, not due to a war or anything.

A thug has hired a hacker to rummage around and find information to the detriment of someone influential. Unfortunately the hacker is killed and a stolen flashdrive is the limit of any description of hacking we get. The rest is running through underground tunnels, evading capture and dodging bullets. Also some gratuitous sex.

So in this future of wealth divide, how come a country club has no security, and no member has brought security, when the women are dripping diamonds? The luxury cars do not have locking petrol caps, which are obligatory for all vehicles in Europe? The author doesn't know the difference between discreet and discrete?

If this kind of thriller suits you, enjoy. It's an adult read.
I took advantage of a free download copy. This is an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2018
This story is based in 2041 in an America that has gone downhill. The 1% take everything they want where the 99% has to struggle daily for things like water. They have given up their rights in the name of terrorism and to feel same. But all that has done is made them poorer and closer to a breaking point.

Jack is a spy for the Fourteenth Colony. He works at the local country club as a tennis instructor while keeping his ears open with tidbits of information. But then he disappears. It is up to Tom, who has no idea what his brother was really involved in, to find Jack and to keep the country from breaking into Civil War.

This story could easily be taken from a future headline in the news. Things have gotten so bad that people are about to fight the 1% just to continue living. Tom jumps into the middle of the action when his brother disappears. But can it be true that Jack was a spy and what about the information that he needs to gather. Will it really help the country or just cause even more problems.

This is a great, action packed read. It’s a little scary with the possibilities with today’s world. I loved the story and think it’s a great start to a series. I hope to read more about Tom and what trouble he gets into next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
3,204 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2017
I freely chose to review this ARC from an author I didn't know, and am now a HUGE fan! At first the title threw me off as I thought it was a ho hum story, but I couldn't be more wrong as I took Jack's side even though I thought he was a jerk. In the year 2041, America has not seen so many ghettos as the wealthy rapidly out-paced the middle class and the poor, big brother is watching as terrorists caused many Americans to give up their rights just to feel safe. Jack is a spy for a rebel faction and he works at the country club while keeping his ears trained for any intel the forces can use, but some how he is caught up in a act where he finds damaging information and now a crazed evil man will stop at nothing to get it back! OH, I CA HARDLY WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
1,918 reviews32 followers
June 30, 2017
All I can say is, "What a ride!". This book grabs your attention & you have to keep reading until you are finished! The story has aspects that remind the reader of other dystopian books, with a little Jason Bourne thrown in. Espionage, spies, infidelity, action....it's all here.

You have a creepy villain in Warren Scott, a cool rebel hero in Jack, his nerdy brother Tom & a beautiful girl. What else do you need?

Well-written, action packed & thought provoking. Great characters & great story. I loved it!

I was given a copy of the book by the author & was more than happy to review it!
1,327 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Love the characters, each one is introduced to you and you get to know them. Warren is a creepy, evil man who gets away with so much. Love Jack and Tom. Jack is my favorite and I was so afraid for him. The plots in this book were amazing, so much was happening you had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Will be reading Shatter Point to see what is going to happen with Jack and Tom.
Profile Image for Carol Keen.
Author 6 books120 followers
June 25, 2017
It's action packed, and fast. It's futuristic and something like spy thriller with something else. Big Brother is in full force, which is always freaky and scary! Super well formed characters, they are in depth and very realistic. That detail alone sucked me right in. It's a page turner, and not that's not said a cliché in this instance. It's how sucked into the story you will become, and it didn't disappoint me at all.

My copy came from the author. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I'm doing so of my own free volition, my opinions and my thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Longo.
5 reviews
May 16, 2017
I was expecting a good book , but not expecting one that would keep me up half the night to finish it. Foolish me. When Jeff Altabef writes - get ready for a magic ride ! I cannot write a better intro than that . His characters are always done in depth, and storylines are impeccable. Excellent read !
3 reviews
June 26, 2017
[ I received this book from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it]
Loved it. Great thrill ride through a world so like our own but where are freedoms are dependent on our social status. Jeff Altabef spins an amazing tell of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the book. This is a must read. Come experience the journey!
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,053 reviews17 followers
April 16, 2019
Fracture Point

Such a neat and scary book all rolled into one. Makes you wonder, if things will ever go this way in the real world. Which I would hope not...
Jack found something he wasn't suppose too. From a night of foolery. Now a very bad and crazy man is after him and everyone he knows. Will he make it out alive?
Profile Image for  B. Sinsational.
167 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2017
🏆 Award-worthy exceptional thriller !! 🏆
[[ First I will admit that this is a genre I read, but not usually prefer since I don't enjoy gorging in violence, torture or misery. So somewhat of slight hesitation, was my starting mindset. (All reviews are subjected to that readers mindset thats why this is important, especially if its not overall positive)]]
This is my very first book by this Author, and here is my spontaneous response: You've better bundle up with some good snacks, dissconnect the phone, because you wont be able to put this book down! Settle in and enjoy this suspense filled rollercoaster ride, filled with events both chilling & thrilling, highly unexpected turn of events. Everything unfolding right before you as you read and connect with full well developed characters, in a perfectly developed overall story, perfectly paced thru and thru. There is no question about it! This is a suspence filled, highly mesmerizing book, portrayed in the utmost skilled way. It stands out from other books very clearly because it doesn't focus on the grit and grime, or dwell with lengthy explorations of violence. The "beauty" of this book is that its so skillfully told. This becomes evident in they way it's building the psychological imagery (and suspense) so that it has your own mind doing the "what if's". It hits the spot you really feel the suspense and thats without any gorging at all!! AMAZING!!!
I've read many thrillers and enjoyed a few of them well enough, and others I definitely didn't enjoy at all (violence/torture gorging books). But this way of storytelling and how its experienced (not just read) that's found in this book is really something else. I have to admit I'm hooked, any normal book in this genre (books where the events and suspense is on the pages), won't be cutting it anymore. Hats of and a deep courtesy to this very skilled Author. (Now I have to find the next book in this series and see if it carries the torch as well).
Profile Image for Mary Enck.
Author 1 book14 followers
June 26, 2017
This is one of those stories that did not put me to sleep. Rather, I stayed awake through the night to keep going. There is a lot happening and most of it is exciting, suspenseful and can make you mad just reading it. Over and over, I glimpsed the future of America in the story. It is depressing to consider how the changes that are happening to us today carry a mere echo of our past history and what we stand for as a nation. Yes, there is a lot in this novel that deepens the awareness of what we may all be faced with if we do not stand up and be counted. I was decidedly moved by reading Fracture Point and will go collect some of the other books the author has written in this timeline.

If you like a story that makes you think, I recommend this one.
137 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2020
I cheated and listened to the audiobook, rather than reading it. I wasn't overly impressed with the narration and recording and I'd've done better to read the text.
It's a great conspiracy and spy story and I'm sure it would make a terrific movie. There is certainly enough intrigue and action, as well as ideas that are worth thinking about.
Profile Image for Kysha.
187 reviews12 followers
August 25, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read by the author. I would like to apologize to the author for it taking me so long to review.
Even though this is the first book of the series it felt like a sequel. I had some questions that were not answered, like how did America fall into dystopia and how are all these men actually connected.
The poor people being ruled by a few rich elite and the rich elite fighting amongst themselves seems way to familiar right now.
America has dissolved into a dystopian society and a secret group is trying to change the future for the poor but first they have to get some of the rich on their side. The Fourteenth Colony has spies in all the places that rich people frequent and they gather information to be used against the rich. When one of their spies important information from the wife of a rich man and is then captured the Colony has to enlist his brother to get him back.
At first there seemed to be only a few characters but as the story progressed there were almost too many to keep up with. The main character is Tom but his brother Jack is also very important. Mary and David, along with the other 14th Colony people, are side characters that I am guessing play a bigger part in the next book. The rich men who control everything are kind of hard to keep up with. They all seem bad but with a slight good purpose to what they do. Except for Warren that man is just crazy from the get go. I could easily tell he was the main bad guy. I was a little shocked at the end to find out the connection between the rich guys and the Fourteenth Colony.
The story itself unfolds at a quick pace. The timeline is only a few days but so much happens that you could get lost along the way. The author does a great job of slowing the pace at some points so that the reader can catch up with the characters.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger but if you need to know what the Fourteenth Colony does later then you have to read the next book. I am fine with how this book ended and due to time constraints probably will not read the next one.
Overall 4 stars
Profile Image for R.
336 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2017
In a corrupt USA of the future, where unfair laws are crippling the poorer citizens and corrupt officals are turning a blind eye, the Fourteenth Colony, an underground movement who gather important information, with the intention of restoring America to it's former glory; have lost an operative; Jack. Jack has unwittingly stumbled upon a piece of information on an accidently acquired flash drive that is so dangerous to certain influential people, that they have sent a homicidal maniac, Warren, and his colleagues to hunt Jack down. They must retreive that flash drive at all costs. The information it contains could potentially start a war.

What follows is a wonderful plot with many twists and turns, where everyone has an angle, and each player in this political and emotional game has their own reasonings that dictate their actions, as they all try to influence the outcome. Each pulling in a different direction.

This is a really well written story, with many highs and lows for the characters; some of whom you will come to love, while others you will come to hate.

The tension in this story just keeps cranking up. At no point does the pressure on Jack ease up. He must run, and the maniac will hunt him till he catches him. There is no second option. He. will. not. stop!

I liked this book for the simple reason that it pulls no punches. The tension is palpable, with an intensity that works well with the characters. The dialogue is well written and the violence, what there is of it, is not overdone. All in all, a very well written book and I will be keeping my eyes open to see if there is a sequel.
152 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2017
Fracture Point is about a futuristic time in the United States. This book starts out from Warren's point of view, and Warren is a hit man who kills people and really enjoys it if he gets to torture them just right. Then it goes to Jack, who is just turned 18, and working at the club as an assistant tennis instructor, but he worked as a waiter for special events when needed. Jack was working an even that was a fundraiser for Founding Fathers' Brain Cancer Research, which is an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer that had been diagnosed ten years earlier and becoming more and more common. While the government said that one in seven people were at risk, but in Jack's neighborhood it was more like one in four. But the job at the club was really just a cover, since Jack's second job was working for a rebel group and he was to obtain some secret's for the rebel group.

The book goes back and forth with the view, from the bad guy Warren and Jack, until Tom,Jack's younger brother, decided something might have happened to Jack and goes to look for him. And then some is from his point of view as well. The development of the characters along with the setting, mean that the story has a somewhat slow start while everything is being set up. The story really becomes more steady and well paced after the development and setting are set up. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys futuristic stories, or spy stories.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Kcduchess.
156 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2017
I don’t read YA, but I do read Jeff Altabef. He is a talented author, and Fracture Point is once again proof of that fact.

Fracture Point is a thrilling story of America in 2041 where money rules and nation is divided into those who have all the privileges and power and those, who have absolutely nothing. But there is an underground movement, Fourteenth Colony. The members of the resistance believe that then America can be restored back to its former beauty, that the American dream is still alive. But it is hazardous to resist those, who have all the power and are ready to do anything to keep their privileges.

I loved the characters. Altabef depicts well the evil men, money and living off the other’s misery. He shows the reader insides of sadistic, selfish minds. On the other hand, the faith in the cause of the people in the resistance movement wins the reader over in no time. Fracture Point is a thrilling story, the suspense almost tangible. The story flows effortlessly, and characters are interesting.

Jeff Altabef writes great fiction, and the story seems plausible because nothing is over the top, on the contrary, the world he depicts could very well be our future.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
2,755 reviews115 followers
June 12, 2017
[ I received this book from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it]

This book is a bit on the frightening side, not because of apocalyptic monsters but because of how strange the monsters inside of us all can act when food is scarce and people have lost their way through the maze of life in a dystopian world on the brink of Civil War over food and other things.

A man on a motorcycle, a tortured soul and famine all come together in 2041 when the "fracture point" is reached. And chaos ensues as to whose side is the best to be on when nobody has the answers. Is the world as it is in this time worth saving, or is it everyone for themselves?

⚠️ Warning: this book will not put YOU down if you attempt to put IT down! Having read the author before, I thought I knew what I was in for. Then, we took a new angle and I found myself in awe of his style all over again! Highly recommended
3,445 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2017
"Time to go down the rabbit hole, Tommy."
America, 2041. "Scared people gave away their most important rights to feel safe," and, over time, many had lost the right to vote - the unemployed, the poor - which led to even greater losses with the whole country being "owned by a few people with everyone else fighting over scraps." The threat of internal violence and riots loomed, but some people hoped for a safer, more peaceful way

Fracture point is the exciting tale of an handful of these people, and especially of two brothers, Tom and Jack, caught up in the insanity of one powerful man. It paints an interesting picture, too, of an all too plausible future and the damaging effects of near absolute power.
My thanks to the author, from whom I received a pre publication copy, freely given. It was an enjoyable read and a good story.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews14 followers
June 15, 2019
Set in 2041 in a corrupt America on the brink of Civil War; with unfair laws, dishonest officials, numerous ghettos, violence and manipulation everywhere. Fracture Point will take you down a path that verges on horror, but it is not due to any supernatural entities or war, just human greed and disregard for his fellow man. Jack is a spy for a rebel faction and when he goes missing, his brother Tom (who has no real idea what Jack was involved in), tries to find him and ends up being in a world of terrible danger. The narration of the audiobook was great, he easily brought out the fear, horror and tension in the story, making it captivating and believable. This is an action packed, fast paced, violent story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and shows a future that you could actually imagine happening.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
June 12, 2017
3.5 stars. Fracture Point is the second book that I have read by this author. I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the storyline. The book can be read as a standalone. There is violence.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author did a good job of giving readers an overview of what this story is about and the lengths some people will go to for power. Even though the events in this book were over a short timeline, there are a lot of twists, turns, and surprises written in the storyline. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,123 reviews12 followers
April 23, 2019
This one had everything I was looking for in a thriller. This is also the first time in hearing about and reading this author. Be careful with this one because once you start it you will not want to back out at any point because of the world it takes you with all the elements that await. It kinda though too the way the classes are split of the clicks in high school in small town America. Lots of rebelling so lots of pulling to your seat action. The characters keep you hostage in their world with what is happening with you following them. I think this was a beginning of a series with the author could build on with many more. Tom was the one I really looked the closest at with him I think carrying it the most. Really different read for me one that was enjoyed from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Roger.
4,503 reviews17 followers
September 12, 2019
Fracture Point, my third read/listen from author Jeff Altabef, the first one was the short story ENEMIES OF THE STATE and was so good I had to come back for more!. Altabef does a good job in getting you so caught up in the story that you get caught up in the runaway train that the story is. I really liked it and look forward to his next book. I don't restrict myself to a particular genre. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing and a plot that keeps me turning the page & this book did! Narrator Brian Rollin’s narration added greatly to the book’s enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Christi.
287 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2017
I just finished reading an advanced copy that was given to me free in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down! While it set as a futuristic society, it hits pretty close to home with what is happening in the US today. The characters are well developed. It is fairly fast paced with very interesting plot and storyline. Tom & Jack had me cheering them on and worrying about them while I kept waiting for Warren to either self destruct or be killed. There were some nice plot twists, especially concerning Mr. Sheppard. I highly recommend this book if you like intrigue and action.
3,488 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2017
I liked this book more then I thought I would. The blurb was interesting and I was not disappointed. It did a great job of describing how people can give away their freedom's without realizing it. This future was too believable but that was one of the reasons I liked it. Once I started reading it I had to finish it. Well written, it was full of twists and turns and had to read it to see who exactly was the main bad guy calling the shots and why. I liked the ending, it was not what I thought it would be. I received a free copy and my honest review is - Good book that had odd twists and the world way too believable.
Profile Image for Karen Griffin.
65 reviews
June 15, 2017
I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

This is a very detailed story set in a well-developed world. There are several story lines going on simultaneously, and it can get confusing at some points, but as the various threads continue to weave together, it makes more and more sense. The main characters are very detailed and their motivations are (mostly) clear - even the unhinged ones. If you are in to dystopian novels that use frighteningly plausible reasoning to set up their universe, and like mystery/thrillers with complicated story lines, you should really read this book.
307 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2017
This story takes place in a future United States. It is told by several people: Warren, a deviant hitman; Jack, an undercover rebel; and Jack's brother Tom, who is worried about his brother. The story really picks up speed after the introductions and becomes a well-paced, well-written story that keeps you turning the pages. The intrigue and twists and turns keep you wondering what will happen next, and you get involved with the characters so that you love and hate them. The dystopian world is so realistic it scares you, yet it also makes you think deeply about it. I found this to be a really good story with excellent writing. I'm looking forward to the next story by Jeff Altabef.
Profile Image for Ami.
1,849 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2017
Such an awesome, action filled novel. I enjoyed it so much and I read late into the night. I have already started reading the next book in the series but I forced myself to leave that twisted dystopian world to let you know that you should read this story. It does have violence and a ton of action. The world and characters are described so well that I feel as if I was really there and know these people.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author, who requested an honest review. This was definitely an easy one to write because it is so great. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2017
Fracture Point is a YA dystopian novel that grabs your attention from the very beginning.
The world has been split into the privileged and the lower class...no middle class exist anymore. And the rebel faction, standing up for the lower class, has had enough! Is this where our world is headed?
Jeff's world building and character development is always so in depth and makes the story just keep off of the pages.
Full of intrigue, blackmail, loyalty, villains and heroes...
Fracture Point pulls you into a world that is all too real.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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