A.R. Williams

Haunting and Suspenseful. Great value.

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I picked this up because the author has always impressed me at Kindleboards with his intelligence and his professionalism. This novelette met my high expectations.

The story begins with some fantastic, eerie ambience. It progresses to a well-drawn city, where the setting itself becomes like a character. Then the mystery unfolds as new characters are introduced. We get a sword fight, followed by a great scene that explores a psychic confrontation. And show more this leads to a haunting ending that is appropriate to the tone of the entire piece.

Though I loved the story's pacing, I would've liked a little more fleshing out of the major characters, though that's more of a nit-pick than a real criticism. Williams' characters are distinctive and interesting. One other possible nit is that while the major character is some sort of paladin who serves a goddess (though that paladin element is in the background of this story), that aspect of the character doesn't ultimately play a major role.

After reading this, I'd love to read a longer work from this author. My sense is that he'd do an amazing job with a larger story. I found no major element of this story lacking, and the author did a great job with the elements of suspense, mystery, pacing, and setting. I'm really looking forward to more from him. show less

The Camellia Resistance by A.R. Williams is a post-disaster novel set is the near future. America has been decimated by a virulent form of herpes that killed off a large portion of the population. The United States government failed and the new government was set up with two important groups taking the lion’s share of power: The Ministry of Security and The Ministry of Health. The real power lies in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Security is essentially their enforcers. America show more has come back together, united, with a much smaller population. Texas is the exception which remains independent. The Ministry of Health started out as a benevolent organization but as power is concentrated things change.

There are various strains of herpes still in society and a citizen is expected to exercise caution. Full body condoms, keeping one’s hands in latex gloves, avoiding skin to skin contact, and SaniCheck, a universal disinfectant, are all commonplace in society. People who are infected receive magnetic tattoos on their wrists and ever present sensors track their movements. One should always check their partners for the tattoo and take full precautions before any bodily contact is made.

Willow Carlyle is a rising star in the Ministry of Health. Her work in the social aspect of the spread of the virus has lead to the strict, current rules that divide society. Her goal is to stop the spread of the disease. She thinks little of the personal aspects of her work and stays focused on the science and results. Willow’s world is about to change when she meets a man at a convention, a man without a tattoo, and overworked Willow let’s her better judgement lapse. Soon Willow is diagnosed positive, receives her tattoo, loses her job and finds herself in with the people she “persecuted.” From there it is a fast paced story with several twist and turns including motorcycles, trains, and the underground movement, the Camellias, and their secret.

Two important themes play out in the book. First is the view of women. Although the year is 2044 and one would assume progress has been made in the treatment of women in society. Women seem to occupy the same places in society as today and a particularly disturbing trend is played out. Infected women, no matter what their status or position was are considered sluts if they get infected. Men don’t seem to carry any additional negative stigma or shaming if they are infected. Perhaps the most disturbing is the comments from Willow’s boss as she is relieved from her position in the ministry.

The second important theme in the book is the use of fear to change behavior in society. The creation of two groups to play against each other the clean and the diseased. The Camellia Resistance gives the reader a peek into the future where technology and fear-mongering are used by the government to keep people under control and modify behavior.


The Camellia Resistance is a fast moving dystopian novel. The story is well put together and with the exception of a bit of science fiction it is a fairly believable story. The characters are all well developed and their lives are intertwined in sometimes unexpected ways. The Camellia Resistance also carries some social messages that apply to today’s world and perhaps a warning of the future. A very well written novel.

Joseph Spuckler gives The Camellia Resistance 5 Stars
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