The Alcoholic

A Hero Contends for His Soul

De: TS Flanagan

Narrado por: TS Flanagan

Can a modern-day hero defeat addiction?

Some people are born with seemingly limitless talent, be it in their intellectual capacities, athletic prowess, artistic abilities, or personal aplomb. Roland Hazzard is one of those rare individuals. Nothing should stand in his way.

Yet he suffers from one glaring deficiency—he can’t control and enjoy alcohol. His addiction threatens to destroy the promise of his many gifts.

Now fate throws Roland an opportunity that could change everything. A notorious serial killer is stalking a woman in his building and breaks into Roland’s apartment by mistake. Roland’s slaying of the monster makes him an instant celebrity and he cultivates an outrageous vigilante persona that, on the one hand, scorns the traditional news media and, on the other, spawns a huge internet following.

His fame attracts more violence, and the violence more attention, until Roland is in constant demand and making a lot of easy money.

Roland’s drunken behavior eventually gets him into serious trouble, and a secret crime from his past comes to light.

Will he overcome his self-destructive nature?

Or will the alcoholic sink into obscurity?

©2023 Timothy Sean Flanagan (P)2023 Timothy Sean Flanagan

A mix of gritty realism and dark heroism

As the story unfolds, Roland’s self-destructive tendencies lead to harrowing consequences, both personal and public. The book doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of addiction, making it both a thrilling and sobering read. Roland’s battle with his inner demons is as intense as his external conflicts, creating a layered and thought-provoking narrative.

Worth the Listen

T.S. Flanagan's novel presents a thrilling exploration of a deeply flawed yet captivating character, Roland Hazzard. Hazzard's struggle with addiction, set against the backdrop of his extraordinary talents and vigilante actions, creates a compelling narrative that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking.

Flanagan masterfully balances the external conflicts of a man battling a serial killer and navigating the complexities of newfound fame with the internal conflict of addiction. The story is a wild ride, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

While the novel delves into dark themes, it also offers a glimmer of hope. Roland's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

This book is a must-read for those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with complex characters and a touch of social commentary.

A Gripping and Thought-Provoking Tale

TS Flanagan delivers a gripping and thought-provoking tale that masterfully weaves themes of addiction, redemption, and the complexities of modern heroism. Narrated by the author himself, this audiobook captures the essence of Roland Hazzard’s tumultuous journey with authenticity and raw emotion.
Flanagan’s dual role as both writer and narrator enhances the storytelling experience, infusing each scene with the passion and depth only an author can bring to their work. His portrayal of Roland’s internal struggle with alcoholism, set against the backdrop of an unexpected rise to fame, is both captivating and relatable. The narration vividly brings to life the highs and lows of Roland’s journey—from the adrenaline of his vigilante escapades to the sobering reality of his self-destructive tendencies.
The plot is as unpredictable as Roland’s choices, keeping listeners on edge as they navigate his chaotic world. The story does a commendable job of exploring the psychological and societal pressures that can both inspire and derail personal transformation. Roland’s fame and fortune are juxtaposed with his vulnerability, creating a compelling character study that lingers long after the final chapter.
Overall, The Alcoholic: A Hero Contends for His Soul is an engaging listen for those who appreciate a blend of action, drama, and profound moral questions. Flanagan’s narration is the perfect vehicle for his dynamic story, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone seeking a raw, unflinching exploration of the human condition.

Great Thrilling Novel

A must-read for fans of dark thrillers, redemption arcs, and thought-provoking character studies, this novel delivers a powerful, gripping story that lingers long after the final page.

Wow! Just Wow!!

This book speaks at the importance of refraining from the vice that stands in your way to excellence.

St. John of Kronstadt would take to the streets in the morning where all the drunks were passed out. He would hold them in his lap and tell them that they were living beneath the dignity that God had created for them.

This book does well to create an image that without self-control and a respectful desire to live up to your calling, you will not achieve that which you were created for.

storytelling with twists

The protagonist, Roland Hazzard, is a complex, gifted individual whose battle with alcoholism threatens to undo his promising life. As his fame skyrockets after a heroic act, the novel masterfully blends suspense with deep character development, capturing both his rise and inevitable fall. Flanagan's storytelling is rich with twists, including a metaphysical dimension that adds depth to the narrative. The author's narration adds an immersive touch, making this a highly engaging and memorable audiobook. Highly recommended for anyone interested in psychological thrillers and character-driven stories.

Running from your problems doesn’t solve them

I’ve always had a hard time seeing people who struggle with addiction as more than just their issues, but this book really opened my eyes. Roland’s fight with alcohol is so real, and it made me realize how we all hide the parts of ourselves we don’t want anyone to see. What hit me the hardest was how chasing fame and attention only made things worse for him. It showed me that ignoring your problems doesn’t fix anything. It’s all about facing the ugly stuff, even when you really don’t want to. I couldn’t stop reading.

Entertaining listen

This is a very entertaining and engaging listen. Roland goes on a roller coaster adventure and his characters shines through in the end. I enjoyed this very much while commuting to work. Thanks for the story!

Scary Good. True Literature

i don’t write a lot of fiction book reviews, but this one demands a good one. The main character is a gas, and watching him struggle to find sobriety in spite of all the challenges he puts before himself is very entertaining. The characters he meets along the way are vivid and smart, and the dialogue is excellent. I don’t want to spoil any of the many surprises in this novel, but it does eventually enter the metaphysical realm in a strangely believable way. Highly recommended, whether you’ve struggled with alcohol or not.

Well worth the Listen

We all know characters like Roland with so many great qualities but who struggle with an addiction of some sort. So often, it becomes our Achilles Heel and gets the best of us. This story is so well told and so familiar to many of us. Thank God, Roland overcame his weakness and conquered it. This can be a story of inspiration for all of us. You will enjoy this audiobook. Well worth the time.