Coventry 2091 — The Causeway to Iron Isle
Many stories about the future begin with a “What if? question. Coventry 2091 is no exception. How would a future Canadian federal government deal with an unpopular, but peaceful protest where the protestors were willing to face jail time to make their point. What if the protest kept growing until the numbers became unmanageable?
The essential idea was in place on November 9, 2018.
Chapter 1
Jacob Kraiser shivered on the cold metal bench watching the snow blow in little cyclones outside the open front of the alcove that served as his waiting area. He needed to wipe his nose. The handcuffs, which fastened him to his seat, forced him to bend over as far as he could in order to use his handkerchief.
Straightening up, he tried to stretch out a cramp. The alcove reminded him of an empty truck-port with its three sides and roof. It even had a large garage door into the main building at the closed end.
Three guards, smoking cigarettes, huddled in a small group near a door on the far side. One of them swore. “It’s so bloody cold!” he said to no one in particular. One of his fellow guards agreed, with a string of curses of his own.
“Why are they being sent here in the middle of bloody winter, anyway?” asked the third guard. “We don’t get many Cretins for the penal colony anymore and those that do come, arrive in the summer. Don’t they know how bad the roads are now?”
“Damned if I know why they’re sendin’ ‘em here. These Cretins must have seriously pissed off one of our higher-level citizens to get a one-way ticket to Coventry in the middle of winter.”
Jacob shook his head at these words, hoping to clear his muddled brain. They’re right. What was I thinking? Why did I defend her? Why didn’t I let Connaught just have her? He has her now anyway. Here I am, five years an orphan, and going to prison on my twenty-second birthday.
The last four days were a blur in his mind. He had been rousted out of bed by the police just before he was set to rise and go to his job at the Federal Technology Centre in Toronto. Two officers watched him closely as he was given a few minutes to dress. One of the officers had given him a duffle bag and told him to fill it with necessities. When he had reacted too slowly, they handcuffed him and began stuffing his bag with his things …
Did they know then how this would turn out and that I would end up here? He wondered.
He had not been taken to court as he had expected—the sentencing had happened much too quickly for court—he had been taken to a tribunal.
He remembered the room. A large portrait of former Prime Minister Russell hung on the wall behind the raised bench. Written above the portrait in large gold letters were the words: Dedicated to Peace, Order, and Good Government on Behalf of the People of Canada. A single tribune in crimson robes sat behind the bench.
Jacob was disoriented from lack of sleep and the speed with which his life had changed. The charges had something to do with his conduct at work and minutiae in his austere private life. Each of the many charges referred again and again to “violations against peace, order, and good government.” His state-appointed advocate stood quietly at his side and said nothing in Jacob’s defense. When Jacob cleared his throat to ask what it all meant, his advocate pulled Jacob’s handcuffed arm to turn him, shook his head gravely and put a forefinger to his lips.
The tribune looked briefly at Jacob, as if daring him to speak, and then asked the Crown Counsel to continue. After the charges had been read, the tribune requested witness affidavits to be read as well. The name of his boss, Clive Connaught, came up occasionally, and so did the name Cynthia Stapleton, the young woman he had tried to defend. The charges and written testimony made no sense to Jacob. It was as if they were talking about someone else and he had been arrested by mistake.
The tribune pronounced his sentence. Jacob was to be sent to the Coventry Penal Colony. Numb with disbelief, his legs buckled. Two guards half-marched, half-dragged him out into the cold and ushered him into an unmarked truck. He was the only prisoner. He had a seat, a bunk, and a small latrine in the sealed back. The truck lurched into motion, throwing him against the wall and so began a long, bumpy, three-day journey. He knew from the few remarks the guards made when they brought him his sparse meals, that they were travelling west and then north of Lake Superior. Jacob had never heard of the Coventry Penal Colony.
The sound of the alcove door opening interrupted Jacob’s thoughts. Two guards shepherded a man and a woman—both in handcuffs—into the room. The guards directed the newcomers to sit on either side Jacob and then handcuffed them to the bench.
Stamping out their cigarettes, the guards all retreated through the small door, leaving the prisoners alone.
On Jacob’s left, the woman spoke with a quavering voice. “Hi, I’m Hanna. Do either of you know where we are?” She was bundled up in a parka so Jacob could only see her large brown eyes, moist with tears.
Her fear seemed to give Jacob courage. “Hi, I’m Jacob. I know we’re outside a prison of some sort north of Lake Superior.”
The fellow that had entered with Hanna took off his glove and stuck out his hand only to realize his cuffs made a handshake impossible. “I’m Zeke Rempel. I’m pretty sure we’re outside a place called the Coventry Penal Colony, on the Iron Isle, Vulture Lake. The penal colony was established on an abandoned platinum group metals mine. I think that road ahead of us—” Here he waved out the alcove to a long, straight causeway that disappeared into the blizzard—“is the only access to the real facility.”
“How do you know so much about this place, Zeke?” asked Hanna.
Zeke chuckled. His laugh jarred against the dread that crowded Jacob. “I come from a notorious family, I do. My uncle and grandfather were both sent here years ago. We never saw them again. We were never allowed to visit, but we did find out as much about this place as we could.”
“Coventry Penal Colony,” said Hanna. “Oh no! It’s happened then! My friends at university warned me about this. I didn’t believe them.”
Before Jacob could ask any questions, the small door opened again and three more prisoners were brought in. Without a word, they were taken to a bench on the other side of the truck-port, four meters away.
“Oh my,” Hanna muttered, her tone indicating danger rather than surprise.
The three newcomers were striking. All had their hoods down. Two were large, heavyset men with scowls on their faces. The third man was also tall but thin. His eyes were sharp, like an eagle searching for prey. The big men sat down leaving room for the third between them. The tall man gestured to one to move over and sat on the side closest to the alcove door. None of them spoke. The two bodyguards (no other word came to Jacob to describe them) kept their eyes moving as if watching for trouble. The eagle-eyed man examined Jacob and his two companions intently, as if interrogating them with his eyes.
Just then the large vehicle door at the back of the alcove opened and a van pulled into the truck-port in between the two benches. Three guards climbed out of the front passenger doors and opened the backdoors of the van. Two guards covered the prisoners with automatic weapons, while the third uncuffed Jacob, Hanna, and Zeke.
“Get in!” he growled and shoved them towards the van. They climbed in and sat on one bench bolted to the van’s side. The other three prisoners followed them in and sat on the opposite bench. The two bodyguards continued to glare at them. One of the guards shoved a sealed envelope into Jacob’s hands. “Don’t open it. Give it to Hodgkins,” he said before closing the doors and locking them in.
The van began to move. Looking out the far side window, Jacob noticed that a pair of heavily reinforced doors, previously blocking the entrance to the causeway, had swung open. The van proceeded down the snow-covered lane. Blowing snow limited visibility, but Jacob could see black, open water interrupted by patches of snow-covered ice. After a few minutes he saw the shore of an island ahead. Vulture Lake ought to have been covered with ice at these frigid temperatures, but apparently, a river entering this end of the lake provided enough flow to make the ice here treacherous. Open water showed that attempting to cross the lake here would be suicide. This was a perfect prison, especially in winter.
The long causeway came to an end and they rumbled across a drawbridge and entered a parking lot. Looking out the back window, Jacob saw a second heavy open gate, and had a better look at the drawbridge, which had been lowered from the far side.
They’re not taking any chances.
The doors at the back of the van opened and the three guards carrying automatic weapons motioned the prisoners to climb out, then used their rifle barrels to shove Jacob, Hanna, and Zeke along. Jacob noticed the guards regarded the other three prisoners warily and did not molest them.
Beyond the parking lot stood a huge, dilapidated building which reminded Jacob of a factory. Heavy equipment covered in snow rested at the fringe of the lot, with tires and scoops protruding from the white mounds looking like toys partially hidden inside huge marshmallows. The trailers from six, eighteen-wheel transport trucks were off to the right.
A man in an old, tattered parka came out of the building and shouted to get their attention. The guards, warily watching the building, guarded pointed their automatic rifles at the prisoners and waved them toward the building entrance. The man in the parka didn’t try to speak in the howling wind, but approached Jacob for the envelope and then waved for the six prisoners to follow. He turned and leaned into the wind, walking back toward the building.
Jacob looked over his shoulder as he followed the others. The guards climbed into the van, made a rapid U-turn, and raced across the drawbridge. Jacob heard the drawbridge rumble as it lifted into the air leaving a large gulf of open water between the island and the causeway. The grinding of the gate shutting could be heard even over the wind. I’m in prison! Jacob thought, and felt himself panic at the clanging of the heavy gate. What will become of me?
If you are interested in checking out this or any other of Peter’s novels, follow the link … https://wolfsburgimprints.com/buy-books/
EXILES FROM MENDATHERA is Almost Ready for Publication
Peter Kazmaier’s first epic fantasy story is almost ready for publication. To have an early look at the maps behind the story, follow the link … WolfsburgImprints.com/Home/Maps
A Thoughtful Review of THE BATTLE FOR HALYCON
As the author of this book, I appreciate this thoughtful review of The Battle for Halcyon. If you like this review as much as I did, I’m sure the review author would appreciate a vote of support. To look at the original review, simply follow the link below and then click on “Ratings”:
Alternatively you can go to your own Amazon account and search for “The Battle for Halcyon.”
I typically don’t like to jump into the middle of a series, and so decided to read “The Halcyon Dislocation” before embarking on “The Battle for Halcyon”. I don’t know that it is totally necessary, because “Battle”, taking place a year after “Dislocation”, can probably stand on its own, but I appreciated knowing the characters and background situation first.
There is much to like about both books. Kazmaier has obviously put considerable time, thought, and effort into world-building, in the process of which he has combined science fiction with fantasy and created a unique and intriguing parallel Earth into which the island university of Halcyon is dislocated as the result of a physics experiment. Abandoned ruined cities, strange creatures, unusual races both human and non-human, the lurking threat of an ancient evil – all combine to provide a fascinating milieu for the story he aims to tell.
Particularly well-done is the depiction of the effects of atheism and secularism as embraced by Halcyon University – principles (anti-principles?) which flourish in our own universities and culture. The decay of Halcyon society following the death of the morally upright chancellor starkly depicts the consequences when the forces of secularism and atheism are set loose (as if the lessons of the 20th century weren’t enough). The death plants, which “resurrect” the dead into soulless, mindless beings are potentially illustrative of this (although whether this was Kazmaier’s intent or not, I don’t know). On an individual level, the imprisonment of a Christian student for “mental illness” because he prays and believes that God answers prayer, is chilling, and surely not beyond the bounds of credibility.
Kazmaier illustrates the consequences of willful departure from God by creating several races of humans: the Ancients, who possess some capabilities that regular humans lack, still seek to follow God; their opposites are the Bent Ones, followers of the evil Meglir who corrupt the good creation for their own ends; the Lesser Men, humans like ourselves, but lacking the wisdom and some characteristics of the Ancients; the Halfmen, degraded humans that follow their lusts; and the Apeman, soulless creatures that obey the will of Meglir. Best of all are the amiable Hansa, lacking the intelligence of humans, but wise, good-natured, and self-sacrificing creatures.
This depiction of the corruption and degradation of humanity and society is perhaps the strongest aspect of the two novels.
For those who like adventure, there is more than enough and to spare as the Halcionites, most prominently Dave Schuster and his friends Al, Pam, and Floyd, adjust to life in their new world. Dave’s slow journey towards faith is handled discretely. Spiritual themes are generally woven in naturally, although Kazmaier is not afraid to have his characters engage in frank discussions when appropriate. There are fewer instances of this in “Battle” than in “Dislocation,” perhaps because of the increased focus on action in “Battle”.
The romantic relationship between Dave and Arlana (an Ancient) is handled with humor (I love how she likes to call him “Youngling”), while that between Al and Pam is rockier but also satisfying.
While I enjoyed both books, “Battle” does not feel as polished as “Dislocation”. Both come across stylistically as a little stiff, perhaps because Kazmaier prefers to use dialogue tags such as “said Dave”, “answered Al”, “encouraged Pam”, rather than the reverse. Other readers may not mind this. First person thoughts interjected into a third person narrative felt intrusive. And there are several inconsistencies. For example, Dave is distraught when he loses his New Testament when captured by Halfmen, but there was no mention of him possessing or reading a New Testament before, and no mention of one ever again. Similarly, a Swiss Army knife and flashlight appear out of nowhere.
“Battle” could benefit from additional proof-reading and polishing. There are numerous missing commas and quotation marks, repeated phrases, too many dialogue tags, and a tendency to use a character’s name repeatedly, when “he” or “she” would suffice.
But technical and stylistic details aside, it is really the story that matters, and Kazmaier’s Halcyon Cycle is certainly a worthwhile, enjoyable series with spiritual depth that is natural and not forced. On the level of storytelling, Kazmaier delivers. Not everything is resolved at the end of “Battle”; Kazmaier wisely leaves the door wide open for a sequel. The battle of good versus evil isn’t over. And surely there is more to come for Dave and Arlana…
I definitely recommend this series.
Normally, if you haven’t read one of my books before and are hesitant about spending cash on an author you’ve not read before, I suggest using your library card and requesting the book from Hoopla for free. Unfortunately The Battle for Halcyon is the only one of my five books not available on Hoopla. If you are in the Mississauga area, I am happy to sell you the paperback for $20 CAD. Canada Post postage is exorbitant if you are thinking of having it mailed.
It is available from Amazon or Chapters.
Four Out of Five of Peter Kazmaier’s Novels are Now Available on Library Site HOOPLA
Hoopla is one of the largest library sites in North America. It has taken a while, but now four out of five of Peter Kazmaier’s books can be downloaded from Hoopla, and it is likely the fifth book, The Battle for Halcyon, will be available soon. Hoopla is a bit different than other library apps such as Overdrive’s Libby. In contrast to Libby where the library has to purchase e-books, before they can be lent, Hoopla makes the whole huge Hoopla library available to the library patron and a library is only charged if the e-book is borrowed.
Hoopla Link for Coventry 2091: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/15435904
The First Review of COVENTRY 2091
The first review of Coventry 2091 has just been posted on Goodreads. Here is the text for your convenience. I’m so pleased the reviewer enjoyed the story. The link to the Goodreads review is appended at the end of this post.
this book will reward you, delighting you at every turn as you adventure with the likeable[sic] cast. This is just the first book in the series, but I believe it deserves 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59219045-coventry-2091
The fast-paced start of an unforseen [sic] odyssey!
Coventry: a penal colony where a tyrannical government sends undesirables. Those sent to the colony are never seen again; it is a place of no return. Sounds like a dark setting, doesn’t it?
It is imperative that I don’t spoil anything in this review, but this book, like Coventry itself, is not what it seems. Prepare yourself for an odyssey of science, adventure, and faith as you discover what awaits below the surface!
The author has a professional background in chemistry, and has consulted with others of various fields to tell this story – this is Sci-fi by a scientist, and as such there is a very convincing level of detail woven into the narrative. In fact, I found the the step by step details described as the characters interacted with both real and made up processes to be a bit too much in some places, but everything is skillfully described such that anyone can understand, and in the end, I found it quite rewarding.
That’s the word here: this book will reward you, delighting you at every turn as you adventure with the likeable [sic] cast. This is just the first book in the series, but I believe it deserves 5 stars. I especially can’t wait to see how the author handles the faith of the main character as the story progresses in future entries!
Parents, please be advised: there is some very mild language in this book, but nothing above the PG rating.
The Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59219045-coventry-2091
A Five Star Review of THE HALCYON DISLOCATION that recommends the book to fans of Asimov and Heinlein
The universe is infinite, an infinite number of possibilities, times, and dimensions that are coiled together in what we might call reality. But when we are displaced from our own reality and shot into another, how might we react? What might we discover? This is exactly what Peter Kazmaier attempts to answer in The Halcyon Dislocation.
After a mysterious explosion and an experiment gone wrong, the university island of Halcyon is transported to a strange other world. Kazmaier blends a mixture of fast paced action with philosophical and scientific descriptions and discussions as main character David and fellow survivors explore their new surroundings. I’m instantly pleasantly reminded of sci fi classics like Planet of the Apes or Lost in Space. It was fun to see what strange creatures or landscapes the explorers would discover next, all while getting some interesting views on society. I look forward to seeing what new adventures await in the Halcyon series!
I’d definitely recommend this to any fans of Heinlein or Asimov.
Link to the original review and attribution in Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2353151456?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
THE HALCYON DISLOCATION Can Now be Borrowed at the Burlington Public Library (Ontario)
If you haven’t read The Halcyon Dislocation, the first book in The Halcyon Cycle trilogy, here is an easy and inexpensive way to see if you like it.
Here is a convenient link to locate The Halcyon Dislocation at BPL.
Other libraries that have copies of Peter’s books in their collections:
- Calgary Public Library
- Guelph Public Library
- Mississauga Public Library
- Toronto Public Library
Many other libraries that use Overdrive, are open for user recommendations.
If you prefer the long link to BPL … https://burlington.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Kazmaier&searchType=author
THE HALCYON CYCLE is now Available as eBooks at the Calgary Public Library
Although I prefer holding a real book to reading a book on my smart phone, I have found e-books particularly useful for library borrowing. They allow waiting lists and automatic retrieval (no more pesky library fines).
I am gratified to point out to my friends in Calgary, that THE HALCYON CYCLE books are now available in e-book format at the Calgary Public Library … if you haven’t read, for example, THE DRAGONS OF SHEOL, why not check it out there for free?
Four-Star Review of THE BATTLE FOR HALCYON
Links to the Original Reviews
Author Jes Drew’s Blog
https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspot.com/2020/08/review-of-battle-for-halcyon-by-peter.html
Review on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3468795319?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
For your convenience …
Strangely enough, I read the third book before reading this, the second in the series. That was an interesting experience, but not a bad one. Suddenly, all the foreshadowing became references that I had inside knowledge of that the characters didn’t yet. Also, it was quite charming to see a couple that I knew as already married and established in their relationship first meet and fall in love. Theirs was a very interesting dynamic that I wasn’t expecting, knowing their future selves!
My favorite aspect of this particular book was probably that particular romance, because it was so sweet and charming. It reminded me somewhat of Aragon and Arwen from the Lord of the Rings if they met later in life instead of growing up together.
Another aspect of this book that I really like that also reminds me of The Lord of the Rings is the strong bond of friendship between the protagonists. While I haven’t yet read the first book to find out all of the friendship origins, I have seen how they have been tested and held true.
Also, it was great to visit this world (these worlds?) again, because it really is quite unique. There is something about it that combines fantasy, science fiction, and Biblical/apocalyptical [sic] together like the three strands of a braid.
Anyway, for anyone who likes speculative fiction, romances between immortals and mortals, and books in general, this is the series for you.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a favorable review.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo…
Wolfsburg Imprints 