The Shackles of Ethics
View on Amazon
5.0 (8 ratings)

The Shackles of Ethics

by August Villalobos

About this book

- [x]

A life in hiding just waiting to be killed is not a life worth living, and when Annabelle Sokolov catches a handsome stranger trespassing on her property outside of "The Warden's" view, she finds that it's just the escape she's been waiting for from her lifelong traumatizing isolation.

In this Faustian-esque story, we follow the life and moral struggles of a teenage girl named Annabelle on the precipice of womanhood living under Stalin's regime. The story is set on a secluded farm and surrounding properties thought to be out of sight from the State just outside of Archangel, Russia. A family once full of love now deteriorates by the day, and rumors of more than natural phenomena surround them and their property. Upon reaching the age of 17, Annabelle is presented with a choice; to fix the life she has, or abandon it, raging against the tyranny of the State, worrying not of the costs of a soul. Will she be able to pick up the pieces of a broken family, or will she start anew with her love interest, leaving that bridge to burn, never looking back?

Publication Date
May 25, 2026
ASIN
B0GSPFK99F

Reader Reviews

A New Author's Must-read

April 12, 2026

This first-time Author is impressive. I found myself researching some of the places and incidents, and he totally nailed the descriptives. The language his players speak pull you into the era so well, you get so immersed in their environment. His writing keeps you turning pages, and then surprises you with a new turn of events...trust me, you won't figure the ending out until you're there. Kudos August, looking forward to your next book. )

What has changed

March 25, 2026

The book is a catharsis for those who have gone through trauma. The political message isn’t why I got this book but I really am changed by it. A book that changes your life really isn’t something I thought I’d find especially in the kind of genres I read but nevertheless I read it and nothing will be the same for me going forward. My political view has officially shifted to pro gun. 5 stars )

Just wow

March 25, 2026

This is nothing short of a modern classic. It’s the first book I’ve seen an author challenge the elites by calling out the epstien files like this. Anyone who is following the REAL politics and not the fake mainstream news politics MUST read this. )

Shackles is a psych-mind bend from the paranormal with no escape possible or wanted!

March 21, 2026

Book is outstanding! Incredibly imaginative and compelling. The story really pulls you in and won't let you go. I can't put this book down. Move over Stephen King, this book reaches spectacular new heights in the paranormal. Let Freedom Ring ) One person found this helpful

Best Novel I've read

March 20, 2026

My whole life I’ve been an avid reader. I’ve read WELL over a hundred books, and I can tell you without a doubt this book is easily my favorite! The romance is so natural, and the details of the mysteries unraveling were unpredictable every step of the way. Above all is the way it’s the first book to call out the demonic elites, heavily alluding to the Epstein files. I give it my top recommendation! )

Readers Also Enjoyed

Explore more Ghosts books