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The Untethered Paperback – February 1, 2017

by S W Southwick (Author)

4.4 1,484 ratings

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THE UNTETHERED is a philosophical techno-thriller that spans the globe, weaving five seemingly unrelated characters into a web of impossible conflict and unlikely friendship. And while they battle against their own internal demons in an attempt to achieve their selfish pursuits, the self-righteous mobs of the world are closing in to stop them.

The characters:

Juvenile delinquent, Roble Santos, chases his radical vision to build the most controversial aircraft in history---but with the threat of betrayal, prison, and death all around, he's running out of time.

Political star, Alexandria Patra, rises to the delight of the masses---yet to help those most in need she must forever forget her childhood dream.

Rogue geneticist, Stock Brant, reinvents nature in order to save the very world he hates---unaware the price of his plan may be his own soul.

Tennis player, Nicolette Popov, employs precise mathematics and youthful spunk to become the best in the world---however, unwilling to follow the rules off the court, she risks everything she fought to achieve.

Manga artist, Danny Sands, goes to the ends of the earth to make his father proud---yet his obedience may end up costing him everything and everyone he's ever loved.

When all five lives collide beneath the streets of Las Vegas, each must make a choice---and none of them will ever be the same again.

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"A thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of Atlas Shrugged."---BookBub. bookbub.com/books/the-untethered-by-s-w-southwick

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Quote from the back cover:

Alexandria counted her shallow breaths. "Roble, what...what is it you need?"

He pulled his arrowhead out from his shirt and rubbed it. "I don't need to hear how scary the world is and how I shouldn't try anything. I don't need to know how much suffering there is out there," he pointed out the window, "or how bad I should feel about it. What I need..." he looked up, his grey eyes pleading, "...is to see someone who is still happy after growing up."

Lowering his head, he added, "I need to see living, Ms. Patra, because I actually want to live."

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Quote from inside:

The East China Sea glistened like an endless glass sheet. The F-22 Raptor Super Kai flashed just above its surface, ripping twin aerated water plumes into the air.

A grey destroyer sat broadside in the water just ahead. Roble hurtled toward its bow without slowing.

Crossing above the ship, the jet's sonic shockwave rocked sailors to the deck as if Roble's soul had exploded through their bodies. Sea spray from the wake doused the ship's hull like an exclamation point.

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Advisory: This novel contains sex, drugs, and fighter jets.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

"I find nothing to be more heroic than someone chasing their own dream against all odds."

From the Inside Flap

A Contemporary Epic Thriller.
Sex, Drugs, and Fighter Jets.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0998639117
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roble Arrow Publishing Ink (February 1, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 630 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780998639116
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0998639116
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.49 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.4 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #5,285,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #14,339 in Military Thrillers (Books)
- #18,535 in War & Military Action Fiction (Books)
- #48,256 in Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction

Customer Reviews:
4.4 1,484 ratings

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S.W. Southwick

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Amazon Bestselling Author, S.W. Southwick, son of a fighter pilot, and son of gun, lives and writes in Las Vegas. He is currently working on a three-part sequel to his debut novel.

If you are looking for a novel similar in spirit to The Untethered, here is a recommendation by the author:

"Because of my positive philosophical view of life, I usually dislike most novels I read because they tend to endorse a malevolent sense of the universe. More often than not I'm relegated to reading biographies and history books where the heroic nature of a person can't be fully edited away. I do find many parts of heroic stories "hidden" in sci-fi and fantasy, but what I really long to read about is heroes set in contemporary literature. My view of heroism apparently is much different than the majority of writers and readers. Their heroes tend to sacrifice themselves for others as a principle, think in terms of the collective not specific people, and often forgo their own happiness for the idea that suffering is a virtue. I believe there is a reason many villains (or anti-heroes) in today's literature are hailed as heroes behind closed doors; it is because many of them, despite their flaws, are actually independent individuals, which I would argue is the highest virtue a human can possess. Have you ever read a story which includes a selfish hero who accomplishes all of his/her dreams, is considered a criminal by society, yet has harmed no one? Those are the stories I want to read.

And here is my favorite: The Fountainhead (1943).

It speaks to me on so many levels. To see a character such as Howard Roark seeking his own happiness for his own sake, to see him using rational judgement instead of mystical teachings, to see him neither helping nor hurting anyone else, to see him actively unattached to any group, to see him attacked from every side simply because he stands on his own two feet and uses his own mind, to see him in a contemporary setting that most people can relate to instead of in a fantasy world or in a galaxy far far away---All these elements makes The Fountainhead something very special. And I would venture to say that the secondary characters, especially Gail Wynand and Dominique Francon, are just as fascinating as Howard Roark." SW Southwick

Contact info: swsouthwick@protonmail.com

Follow on BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/s-w-southwick

and goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16344011.S_W_Southwick

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

1,484 global ratings

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Sarah

This is an epic thriller read

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2017

Verified Purchase

Wow ! This book kept me up past my bedtime, and I am glad. I haven't read anything like this in quite awhile.

Thank you S.W. Southwick for asking me if I would be interested in a promo audible version of "The Untethered" for an honest review. I think you succeeded in writing a book, that people with dreams, can attain them against all kinds of odds.

This book has four main characters :

Roble, who was always in trouble as a juvenile. All he wanted to do was build the best aircraft possible, and no one would let him.

Alexa, A rising political star, running from childhood dreams.

Stock, who lives underneath the city. He has a brilliant mind for developing and science. He rebels against the world

and Danny who is always struggling for assurance from everyone. Mostly his father.

When these lives collide, choices have to be made.

This has been one of the most entertaining, engrossing, intriguing, thrilling, thought provoking books that I have read in a long time. The story is a mix of mystery, sci-fi, star trek-y, military, government corruption. A contemporary epic thriller.

You would think with all that, it would not be a good book. It's a great book !!!! All of the characters are deeply developed. The author has a unique way of mixing them together, and separating them so you can become attached to each one of them. A very unique style.

The story is imaginative. It has action and adventure and did not lag during any part of the book. I would definitely read this authors works again. I was totally surprised by this book and enjoyed reading it. One of my goals this year was to read books out of my normal genre. This one hit the the spot. I would recommend this book to anyone. Its getting five stars from me.

* S.W. Southwick, You had me at B1B Bombers =)

2 people found this helpful

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Ken

Worth the Read

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2023

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I was put off by the slow start and incessant wordiness, thinking it could use some judicious editing, but by the time I finished the ninth chapter I realized: This guy can write! The author's writing indicates extensive knowledge in many areas, including the military, military aircraft, and even art. I can't attest to his accuracy, but it came off as believable---except toward the end, with a somewhat trite technology making a new aircraft do the impossible. Also unbelievable was the standoff between the Feds and Nevada police, where guns were drawn and threats made. In the real world, with police having standing orders, I believe the Feds would stand down pending further orders in a situation that had changed in drastically in just a few moments.

By the end of the fiftieth chapter it seemed pretty much over, and the book could have ended then, but it continued for another 16 chapters, plus an extended epilogue. Reading this latter, I recalled the need for editing, plus drastic plot tightening, and was prepared to rate it at about 3 stars out of 5, but the dramatic scenes near the end, though quite unrealistic, redeemed it somewhat. All in all, I rate it at about 3 and a half stars, rounding up to 4. The story was very enjoyable in places, despite quite a few grammatical errors involving the misuse of "like," and I'm glad I read it.

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Laura Graves

An interesting, compelling, and intellectual read!

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2017

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The Untethered by S.W. Southwick, is an interesting, compelling, and intellectual read. It is broad in scope as it sets character development against a larger backdrop to examine the philosophical nature of individualism versus collectivism. My favorite part of the book was, in fact, the appealing and likeable characters. Each has an interesting backstory and an engaging plot line. There is Roble Santos, who is a gifted mathematician, airplane mechanic, and rule-breaker. Elizabeth (Libby) Dodge is an eccentric billionaire and airplane designer who does what she wants, no matter what it costs her. Victor Lafayette stands out with his eccentric behavior, and he provides top-notch comic relief. Alexandria Patra is a tragic character, from a difficult childhood, who undergoes a great transformation. Southwick uses these characters and many other supporting characters to effectively present thought provoking themes. As a reader, it was also fun to see how the characters connect and interconnect to one another. This book seems intended for at least young adult readers, in part for its fairly tame depictions of violence and sexuality, but also in part for its heavy philosophical and ethical overtones. If you know a rebellious and free-minded person who loves books that make them think, they will surely enjoy this book. I know I did, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

5 people found this helpful

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Isabucket

Interesting and unexpected greatness, somebody should read this

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2017

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I really enjoyed this book. I have never read a contemporary epic thriller before reading this book. This is a long book but seemed to go fast for me. The start is interesting but I wouldn't say exciting. The exciting parts are just that, exciting. Most of the book is character building and building to the end. One way I judge a good book is by the ending. I loved the ending and how it tied everything together, the palpable excitement, the wonder, and how a world of different people experience something wonderful together. I also found it motivational and inspired me to accomplish something or do something greater then myself.

I have never read a book like this before and I was trying to place it in category. The author says it is a contemporary epic thriller and I agree with that. I almost want to put this in the Dystonian type of literature. I wouldn't say to the level of 1984 or Fahrenheit 451 but maybe describing pre-dystonia times. Made me take a second look at the things around me, the news and how the government is treating us... I guess that is why dystonian novels are popular right now. That being said, I think this is a novel about freedom for both for individual freedom and freedom from ones internal demons. Whatever book category this book is in, it really doesn't matter to me as I would place it the category of a good book.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

38 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Jinni

The Untethered by S E Southwick

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2020

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An intersting & unpredictable Cyber Tech fantasy thriller. With Potential & Inetic personalities, ideas and ideals so brought together. To bring about a renaissance of aero space crafts & political release from the restrictive limiting constraints of a society detaining young people against their will. For the status qou. This is a funny at time dry wit and carefully crafted , story of various talented capable people. Being laid waist corrupting their achievements and choices, usually to they're detriment.

KAT64

Captivating Page Turner!!!

Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2017

Verified Purchase

You won't even realise it before you are completely engrossed in the story.

This journey with multiple characters had me on the edge of my seat. I devoured chapter and chapter.

Heart-gripping and heart-warming moments!!

Tears and Smiles. Highly recommend.

2 people found this helpful

Aman Mittal

after reading Rand's famous fables like The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, this one is in Harmony.

Reviewed in India on June 12, 2017

Verified Purchase

'Harmony of Ayn Rand's philosophy in modern day Fiction'.

Not everyone is a big fan of Ayn Rand's philosophy and many agree with her at some point or the other, after reading her famous fables like The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Both of these books are perfect example of master storyteller plus her writing or her philosophy will have a devastating effect on the reader. Such is Southwick's The Untethered. Based on similar principles, will keep you awake at night.

The blurb of the book goes like this:

A juvenile delinquent chases his dream to build the greatest aircraft in history--and the world tries to stop him.

A rising political star runs from her childhood dream--and the world encourages her on.

A self-loathing geneticist hides below the streets of Las Vegas--and rebels against the whole world.

An artist tries to make his father proud--at the cost of everything he loves.

When all four lives collide, each must make a choice. And the world will never be the same.

The storyline of this book can described in one sentence: People with dreams, will attain them, no matter what may come. All major characters, as you may have guessed from the blurb, have different dreams and obstacles to conquer and take a step ahead towards their own dreams. Roble is a troubled juvenile who wants to build a powerful aircraft. Alexa, a political star, runs away from her childhood dreams. Stock is the rebellion but with a brilliant mind. And lastly, Danny, who is in constant need of assurance from his family.

This book is written in third-person narrative which starts to drive forward on its own once a reader is indulged in it, immensely. The pace of the plot varies as bits of climax starts rising, the pace increases drastically, successfully creating the element of thrill which this book has lots of and making it a page turner. The plot of the book is not uniform in the start but one will not fail to notice the it becomes mature as the writer's imagination unfolds.

The characters are an important aspect for a book like this. Indeed, Southwick has given a lot of emphasis from the start of the book in the development of them. You will not be disappointed or confused to understand any of the character in this book, and enough information is provided whenever necessary, by the author to understand his creations better. Writing his flawless, and philosophy reflected through the storyline and the characters has similarities to that of Ayn Rand's Objectivism. I do appreciate author's effort of mixing, I am guessing, his own philosophical nature without letting characterisation getting abrupt.

There are a lot of reasons to try and pick this book as your next read. Sense of mystery and adventure is one. If you are in awe of Rand, and looking for something in the boundaries of fiction, you may pick it up. Another reason could be that it is a page turner. You'll can have your own rationalisation or you can pick one of the three I mentioned.

5 out of 5! Recommended!