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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Reluctant Messiah by Michael R. Heppell transports readers to a dystopian London in 1999, where a former RAF soldier, Paddy O’Kane, finds himself caught in a dangerous game of time travel and political intrigue.
Michael R Heppell’s debut novel, “Reluctant Messiah,” is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of time travel, dystopia, and the human condition. With its fast-paced narrative and complex characters, the book has earned rave reviews from readers.
The story follows Paddy O’Kane, a former RAF soldier who wakes up in a dystopian London 39 years after being injured in Kuwait. As he navigates this unfamiliar and dangerous world, Paddy discovers he has become a symbol of hope for the oppressed people. However, the tyrannical ruler, the Father, is determined to silence him.
After a failed attempt to capture Paddy, he inadvertently teleports back in time, setting off on a perilous quest to acquire the skills needed to return to the future and save his loved ones. Along the way, he encounters unexpected challenges, forms unlikely alliances, and grapples with profound philosophical questions about identity, survival, power, and the afterlife.
Heppell’s skillful storytelling, vivid world-building, and well-developed characters elevate “Reluctant Messiah” above the ordinary. The novel offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the author’s next work.
I was born in Beckenham, South London. Although writing wasn’t always a lifelong passion, I’ve always loved storytelling, which was first sparked by my deep interest in TV and movies. As an avid movie watcher, I especially enjoyed the humour of the Carry-On films, a love that has stayed with me to this day. Being a sci-fi fan, I prefer stories that entertain without being overly serious or complex, and that influence is reflected in my writing.
I spent fifteen years serving as a driver in the Royal Air Force, with deployments during the First Gulf War and assignments in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. My writing journey began during the first lockdown when I decided to work on a memoir of my military career.
However, I quickly realised that the story would be more engaging as fiction, which led to the creation of “Reluctant Messiah” —a blend of time travel, dystopia, and redemption.
I joined the Royal Air Force at seventeen after attending seven different schools and leaving with only a few formal qualifications. During my military service, I earned my GCSEs and gained the life experience that would later shape how I approach storytelling.
Over time, my writing style has evolved. What began as a somewhat naive approach has matured, though I still like to leave plenty of room for readers to use their imagination regarding my characters. When I’m not writing, I’m usually immersed in audiobooks, which continually broaden my education and help inspire and refine my craft.
I currently reside in Cornwall with my wonderful, albeit patient, wife Claire, and work at Cornwall Airport, Newquay. The stunning surroundings and laid-back lifestyle here provide the ideal setting for my writing. Juggling my job at the airport with my love for storytelling has been a fantastic journey, and being in such a picturesque part of the country continues to fuel my creativity.
-Michael R Heppell
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4dIOYIq
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4dCbr9P
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