Prisoner of Conscience

by Susan R. Matthews

Book Overview

A man of honor, Inquisitor Andrej Kosciusko skillfully extracts confessions from the enemies of the ruling Judiciary. But at Domitt Prison, where Kosciusko has recently been assigned, there are hints of a conspiracy of terror that goes far beyond anything that is officially sanctioned. As Andre pursues dark secrets he is led into the perilous gray realm that lies between conscience and duty--which may threaten his career, if not his very life.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380789140
• ISBN13: 9780380789146
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Eos
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

SF or SM? Either way it is great writing

What would you do if you had the power of life and death over people every day? What if you felt guilty because you loved having that power? This is the dilemma that faces the protagonist in Susan Matthew's "Prisoner of Conscience". Set in a universe where independent planets face conquest and suppression by a theocratic government and punitive slavery is enforced by biomechanical devices, Ms. Matthews relies on interesting moral conflicts and well written characters rather than complex scientific gadgetry to tell her story.Given the strong psychological suspense and not so subtle sexual undertones, this book seems more like a BDSM novel than straight science fiction. Either way, this book makes an engrossing read and I would recommend it quite strongly.

Let's not get too serious

I think that previous reviewers have put their senses of outrage on overdrive: let's remember that Miss Matthews' world is a FANTASY one - there is no Judiciary - and where do the Germans come in to it??? "Prisoner of Conscience" is actually a very interesting insight into the nature of wickedness (the old "two sides to every person" story), and wouldn't work at all if the writer were not sympathetic to her man. It's a bit grisly in parts but basically a fab read. Susan R Matthews is a really refreshing new(ish) talent on the sci-fi scene - and, my goodness, wasn't it about time for one?

Oddly Compelling

I don't usually like books that romanticize evil. I tolerate them only when they are extremely well written. This one is.Matthews presents a disturbing universe and asks us to care about a character who engages in sadistic acts. For the most part, we do care about him. He is psychologically interesting and, evil as are his actions, he is so much better than most of the other evil people around him. At least he has standards and limits. Among the most fascinating aspects of this series are the reactions of other people to the main character. Victims who forgive and even love their victimizers are nothing new. But Matthews helps us see the psychology behind it.I look forward to other novels in this series.

A disturbing, insightful view of dichotomy in a mans soul

Prisoner of Conscience is not a delightful book, yet it is a book that keeps you mesmerized and enthralled to the end. It is a profound and deeply disturbing story of a young man set upon a task that he can not enjoy, overcoming the obstacles to come to grips of what he is and what he must do and not lose his humanity in the process. Susan R. Matthews weaves a story that captures the imagination and doesn't allow you to put it down until it is over, makes you want more.