A fun addition to the Conserve-a-porn genre

Freehold is a fun addition to the niche Conserve-a-porn sub-genre. For those unfamiliar, Conserve-a-porn is sci-fi stories where the heroes use libertarian, conservative values to overcome alien and/or liberal overlords, usually while engaging in a great deal of sex. "Liberlas" are universally presented as cartoonishly stupid. To those who this growing sub-genre might appeal are suggested to explore the works of John Ringo, the master of the art.

You don't necessarily need to be conservative to enjoy conserve-a-porn, although I imagine it helps. If your poilitcal leanings lie elsewhere the book presents an interesting perspective into the conservative mindset, and to that extent is socially relevant.

Politics aside, Freehold is rather well written. If the the feasibility of the Libertarian Utopia requires some suspension of disbelief and refusal to apply common sense I would point out that this is science-fiction, and that you the listener have already signed on to do that.

Once you accept the premise of the story the characters are interesting and the evil liberals buffoonish enough that their inevitable demise is enjoyable. The narration by Molly Elston is truly excellent, and clocking in at 21 hours its not a bad use of a credit, especially if you listen to audiobooks as part of a long commute.

28 people found this helpful

book dmuch better toward end

the first half of the booked had too much sex and basic day to day for my tastes. Way too involved in detailing their daily lives and sexual activities. felt like science fiction for bored hoisewives. howevee, the later parts of the books were very good, mode war and combat oriented, although sex repeatedly rears it's head throughout. Not badly, just too much for my tastes. All in all, very good read, well written. just depends on what you are looking for.

10 people found this helpful

wow ! great story and homage to Heinlein

This was overtly political, which usually turns me off. However, I found the open and intelligent portrayal to be so persuasive on both an economical and a moral basis, that my own viewpoint must forever be altered. I felt as though the essence of Heinlien was animating the story. The book has brought forth much thought as it challenged me to remember myself. Very pursuasive with strong emtional triggers!

9 people found this helpful

Heinlein with a hammer

This book was entertaining, especially the battle and fight scenes. The performance was well done. Now, the complaints: I'm not a prude, but the continual, over the top sex scenes were an annoyance...I get it, this place is more libertine than earth, but I kept wondering if I'd accidentally downloaded a bodice ripper romance novel. Also, while I agree with the political philosophy of this book, even I found it a little heavy handed, at times. Heinlein did it better and with more subtlety in Starship Troopers.

8 people found this helpful

A little preachy for the libertarian cause

decent characters and plot. could have used some trimming. Her Libertarian perfect paradise was too perfect and I found myself unable to suspend belief, I kept thinking "that would never work".

8 people found this helpful

Sophomoric Garbage

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Adolescent boys. Lots of guns and orgies on Freehold. Somehow everyone gets along in this ultra - free-market radically libertarian gun-totin' fantasy-land. Unless you have venereal or blood - borne pathogens, in which case you don't pass customs. That would disrupt the planet-wide sex party.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

None whatsoever. Four hours in and I just can't force myself to continue listening to this pseudo-masturbatory nonsense. I can't believe anyone published this starry eyed, politically naive tripe; let alone Baen. Even Ted Nugent would roll his eyes at how this society is supposed to work.

7 people found this helpful

More than latent racism in a libertarian fantasy

I'm guessing the author would be difficult to talk politics with... I'm also guessing his political sensibilities are on full display here with no effort at subtlety. Fantastical and unrealistic but isn't that why we love science fiction? What is most off-putting is the hard to overlook racism.. Britishy (read: White) freedom-loving 'Freeholders' vs the Rape-y , vulgar UN troops with an urban idiom (read: Black)

Williamson is not a bad Sci-Fi author , but it seems like his personal biases took the fore in this book and the result is not great.

6 people found this helpful

Robert Heinlein reincarnated?

Any additional comments?

I would not say that I disliked this book, and frankly I rarely write reviews that are negative. I think that is because before I buy an audio book I consider it very carefully, I read other reviews and often go to the authors website to get more information. This story for several reasons did not capture my attention. The main character has to exit stage left in a hurry from Earth and goes to a "safe haven", a planet governed under a Libertarian political system. I should say I find this political philosophy to be absurd, but a good story that incorporates political viewpoints contrary to my own if it is a good story is very worthwhile. Much military Sci Fi is such, and the whole Libertarian bent seems to be prevalent in that genera. This story however seems to take the political ideology first and then the story second. The dichotomy between the Free planet vs the rule bound authoritative Earth is forced, as is the sexuality of the main characters. It just doesn't ring true and frankly it got in the way from me liking or taking an interest in the characters. It is no Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Starship Troopers.. Two Heinlein books that incorporate similar ideas yet were cool stories. So No I cannot recommend this book.. Unless reading/listening to something you agree with on a political level is something you are interested in. But that is kind of like only listening to Rush or watching Fox News.. Not for me.

6 people found this helpful

I was hoping for Military Sci-Fi, not 50 Shades.

Another book by this same author is one of my favorites ("A Long Time Until Now"). I was excited to enjoy a long series by the same author, unfortunately there was far more explicit sex than I care for.

5 people found this helpful

Really fun book. Great reader.

I've read this book before, but the reader really added a new dimension to it.

4 people found this helpful