Learn more
These promotions will be applied to this item:
Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.
- Highlight, take notes, and search in the book
- In this edition, page numbers are just like the physical edition
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
The iCandidate (The Michael Bennit Series Book 1) 3rd Edition, Kindle Edition
Can one honest man change the course of a nation?
From multiple award-winning and Amazon best-selling author Mikael Carlson of contemporary political thrillers comes a suspenseful drama that pits an inspirational leader against an unscrupulous politician in an election that captivates the country.
If you like House of Cards, you’ll enjoy reading how The Michael Bennit Series turns the American political process upside down when the little guy is pitted against the Washington elite set on destroying him to preserve their power in these political dramas.
Former Green Beret turned history teacher Michael Bennit likes to inspire his students. After losing a bet to one of his classes, he finds himself running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Partnering with his students to campaign exclusively on social media, the race turns into a national sensation, and a sleazy incumbent fanatical about hanging onto his political power becomes desperate to destroy it- at any cost.
The iCandidate follows the plight of four people caught in the firestorm of mass media, social media, and dirty politics. In the end, lives with be changed, and the political landscape of the country forever altered, but will the lesson of it all be lost?
"The iCandidate is one of the best books that I have read in a long time and the characters and twists will keep you reading long into the night." -- Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"The idea of an outsider running for Congress and winning is appealing to readers sick of politics as usual." -- Amazon Vine Reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"This is extremely original. I have never read anything like it. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives that I was given. Each one gave a little bit more to the story and made me start to see the plot coming together." -- Amazon Vine Reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
* Silver Medal - Global Ebook Awards for Fantasy/Contemporary
* Finalist - Montaigne Medal for Most Thought-Provoking Book
* Winner - National Indie Excellence Award for Political Thriller
* Silver Medal- Reader's Favorite Book Awards for Fiction - Drama
The Michael Bennit Series is a four-book collection of high-stakes political thrillers filled with corruption, intrigue, scandals, secrets, and manipulation. It is a true understory story about a man who refuses to play the games political parties play and is devoted to what matters most: his students, his constituents, and the American people.
The iCandidate
The iCongressman
The iSpeaker
The iAmerican
Buy your copy and start the journey with Michael and his students today!
For updates on Mikael Carlson’s new releases, sign up for his newsletter at mikaelcarlson.com.
- ISBN-109780989767316
- ISBN-13978-0989767316
- Edition3rd
- Publication dateJanuary 8, 2014
- LanguageEnglish
- File size2.7 MB
See all supported devices
Kindle E-Readers
- Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation)
- Kindle Oasis
- Kindle
- All new Kindle paperwhite
- All New Kindle E-reader
- Kindle Voyage
- Kindle Oasis (9th Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Kindle (11th Generation, 2024 Release)
- All New Kindle E-reader (11th Generation)
- Kindle Touch
- Kindle Scribe (1st Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite (5th Generation)
- Kindle (10th Generation)
- Kindle Oasis (10th Generation)
- Kindle Scribe, 1st generation (2024 release)
Fire Tablets
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:$15.97By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
- Kindle Price:$21.96By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 4 books.
Customers also bought or read
- Justifiable Deceit: A Political Conspiracy Thriller (Tierra Campos Thrillers Book 1)Kindle Edition$1.99$1.99
- The Black Swan Event: A Dystopian Political Thriller (The America, Inc. Saga Book 1)Kindle Edition$3.99$3.99
Customers who bought this item also bought
From the Publisher



Mikael Carlson - U.S. Paratrooper, world traveler, and political fiction author

- WINNER - Book Excellence Award for Suspense, 2021
- WINNER - National Indie Excellence Award for Political Fiction, 2020
- WINNER - American Fiction Award for Thriller: Political, 2020
- FINALIST - National Indie Excellence Award for Suspense, 2020
Politics as UNusual
Political Thrillers from Mikael Carlson
Mikael Carlson's political thrillers and dramas are a bit different. His novels are written from character points of view to draw the reader right into the heart of the action. A winner of countless awards for his work, he brings political thrillers to the next level in writing that is "Politics as Unusual."
- The Michael Bennit Series
- Tierra Campos Thrillers
- Watchtower Thrillers
- America, Incorporated Dystopian Thrillers
- The Santa Trilogy - Heartwarming Holiday Political Suspense
- The Dancing Trilogy - Political Thriller Romances
Political Thriller Series That Are "Politics As Unusual"
The world is going to hell. In 2088, it arrives.
Corporations rose to power after misguided policies and fiscal mismanagement led to a global economic collapse that brought the world to its knees. Order was restored, but the people lost every ounce of personal freedom to do it.
With characters both heroic and deeply flawed, the divergence in perception is what makes this saga so compelling – the journey will challenge your biases and your view of modern society. If freedom is something to be cherished, why don’t more people stand to fight for it?
The America, Inc. Saga will be a six-book set when completed.
The truth is only revealed when you pull back the blanket of lies.
Journalism in America is dead, but Tierra Campos is on a mission to reshape how news is presented. When a teenage gun control advocate is implicated in the school shooting that made him famous, she becomes a household name...and a target.
Tierra and Victoria are everything we want as modern heroines - intelligent, dedicated, confident, and honest. In a society where we see despicable behavior all around us, they bring with them a glimmer of hope that there are still good people out there.
The ability to see someone's memories is a gift. To Watchtower, it's a weapon.
Eugene "Boston" Hollinger discovered that he has a gift - a traumatic brain injury has left him with the ability to tap into people's minds and see their memories. For Boston, it's an inconvenience he must learn to live with until he realizes that he can use it to take down the country's most dangerous foes.
Boston is the closest thing to a real-life superhero that exists. Imagine what you would do if you could close your eyes and experience another person's most traumatic memories. What could you uncover? What will Boston find along his journey?
Nothing can destroy the spirit of Christmas. Don't tell that to politicians.
Politics is the ultimate divisive subject in the modern age. It destroys families and relationships. Can two people with different political ideologies can ever find happiness together?
The Santa Trilogy is a planned three novel set that will explore the true magic and meaning of Christmas. A political thriller meets a romance novel where readers find the answer to an age old question: which is more powerful, love or politics?
If you're going through hell, you might as well dance through it.
Braden is a boring finance guy on the run from his ruthless employer. Lyla is an adventurous, free-spirited soul running from her own set of demons. Can these two find happiness together, or will their pasts rip them apart?
Enduring love is forged in fire, and these two are about to put that to the test. The trials and tribulations they face in The Dancing Life is only the beginning of their journey - one that will get more treacherous as the trilogy unfolds. Are they meant to be together, or are they the greatest set of star-crossed lovers since Romeo & Juliet?
The political underdog story we desperately need.
Michael Bennit is a former Green Beret turned history teacher who strives to inspire his students. After losing a bet to one of his classes, he is forced to do something he never imagined: run for political office.
Michael is a man of integrity and courage navigating a world that sees little of either. He's the perfect exemplar of what we should all demand from our leaders, and with a likable group of young staffers and close allies, they are a group you will root for until the very end.
Editorial Reviews
Review
-- Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite
"The idea of an outsider running for Congress and winning is appealing to readers sick of politics as usual. The character development is well done and the introduction of the reporter hints at a more substantial story. The writing is clear instead of florid and the reader is hooked and interested in reading more."
-- Amazon Vine Reviewer, based on excerpt
"This is extremely original. I have never read anything like it. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives that I was given. Each one gave a little bit more to the story and made me start to see the plot coming together. While sometimes having multiple points of view can be confusing, I found this easy to follow. I would love to read more."
-- Amazon Vine Reviewer, based on excerpt
From the Author
* Finalist - Montaigne Medal for Most Thought-Provoking Book, 2015
* Winner - National Indie Excellence Award for Political Thriller,2014
* Silver Medal- Reader's Favorite Book Awards for Fiction - Drama, 2014
* Finalist - Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Young Adult - Coming of Age, 2014
* Two-time Global Ebook Award Nominee, 2014, 2015
* Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist, 2014
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B00FQITFOS
- Publisher : Warrington Publishing
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : January 8, 2014
- Edition : 3rd
- Language : English
- File size : 2.7 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 359 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780989767316
- ISBN-13 : 978-0989767316
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 1 of 4 : The Michael Bennit Series
- Best Sellers Rank: #145,048 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #165 in Political Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #339 in Political Fiction (Books)
- #603 in Political Thrillers & Suspense
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Mikael Carlson is an award-winning political fiction author, including a silver medal from Readers' Favorite and National Indie Excellence, American Fiction, Lyra, and Global E-book Awards. He was named one of the ‘50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading’ by The Authors Show in 2018.
Mikael is a former U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He conducted over 50 airborne operations following the completion of jump school at Fort Benning in 1998, and trained on several occasions with the British Airborne, earning British Parachutist wings. Mikael participated in several international jump competitions and traveled to Arnhem for an anniversary jump celebrating the Allied sacrifice during Operation Market Garden in World War II.
He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996. An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, you can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a well-crafted, face-paced read with strong character development, particularly noting how chapters are narrated by different characters. The story features interesting twists and is well-paced, with one customer describing it as an enchanting multi-faceted telling. Customers appreciate the humor, mentioning "Laugh Out Loud Gottcha Moments," and find the book beautiful and unique in its approach.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a face-paced and well-crafted story that is an absolute must-read.
"Exceptionally well written, suspenseful, great characterization, and a compelling story. Can’t get better than this...." Read more
"...The point of it all was a good one, and the writing was very good. However, the book is best for high school students, rather than adults." Read more
"...tale suddenly blossoms into something entirely different - and completely believable...." Read more
"Lets make it easy this was a face paced enjoyable read...." Read more
Customers find the book thought-provoking, describing it as a delightful educational lesson with an interesting concept that really makes you think.
"...This book gives life lessons to every reader along with the lessons he offers to his students throughout this book." Read more
"...Can’t get better than this. This novel also focuses on real life and all the possibilities." Read more
"...However, the book is best for high school students, rather than adults." Read more
"...the experience of going on this delightful journey with these captivating people, Even the villains are well-drawn, and each interaction is seen by..." Read more
Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting its excellent job of explaining concepts.
"Exceptionally well written, suspenseful, great characterization, and a compelling story. Can’t get better than this...." Read more
"...The point of it all was a good one, and the writing was very good. However, the book is best for high school students, rather than adults." Read more
"A very refreshing and timely novel. Very well written with great characters. The story line will blow you away. On to number 2! Thanks Mr Carlson!" Read more
"...Told in multiple view points, the story of an all "social media" based congressional campaign unfolds, we meet the candidate, the..." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, noting that the chapters are narrated by different characters and creating a rich personal connection.
"...delightful journey with these captivating people, Even the villains are well-drawn, and each interaction is seen by at one participant in different..." Read more
"A very refreshing and timely novel. Very well written with great characters. The story line will blow you away. On to number 2! Thanks Mr Carlson!" Read more
"...Yet this is all minor in a story with well fleshed out characters , fun twists and a real take on " is the media the message"...." Read more
"...The author's clever use of character narration treats the reader to the intimacy and immediacy made possible through a first person point of view...." Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as an enchanting multi-faceted tale with interesting twists and suspenseful elements.
"Exceptionally well written, suspenseful, great characterization, and a compelling story. Can’t get better than this...." Read more
"...you get to know each character, it provides an enchanting multi-faceted telling of the story...." Read more
"...Very well written with great characters. The story line will blow you away. On to number 2! Thanks Mr Carlson!" Read more
"...Yet this is all minor in a story with well fleshed out characters , fun twists and a real take on " is the media the message"...." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as well-paced and timely in its premise, with one customer noting that the storyline moves briskly along.
"A very refreshing and timely novel. Very well written with great characters. The story line will blow you away. On to number 2! Thanks Mr Carlson!" Read more
"...It's fun and witty, fast paced and oh so relevant to these times where everybody, thanks to social media, gets to star in their own reality show..." Read more
"...use of character narration treats the reader to the intimacy and immediacy made possible through a first person point of view...." Read more
"...It was a great read, a contemporary and credible scenario and enough tension to keep me reading late into the night...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly noting its excellent "Laugh Out Loud Gottcha Moments."
"...The text is peppered with humor and historical references many of which might send you (enjoyably) searching the web for truth behind the..." Read more
"...It's fun and witty, fast paced and oh so relevant to these times where everybody, thanks to social media, gets to star in their own reality show..." Read more
"...And I liked that he seemed to have a quote for every occasion. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes political stories." Read more
"...The iCandidate is hilarious, insightful and hits home for any reader who has the slightest opinion of the people governing our country...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's appearance, describing it as beautiful and unique, with one customer noting how it weaves a distinctive narrative.
"...Each narration moves the story along, providing valuable insights yet subtlety cautioning against complacency...." Read more
"This book was fascinating, unique, and a real page turner. The only problem is that I was distracted by grammatical errors throughout the book." Read more
"...His "message" is subtle and rings true with this reviewer. My only complaint is that the book's editor did not do a thorough job...." Read more
"...Mikael Carlson, has written a very clever first novel that weaves a unique and plausible story for the future of picking our candidates for public..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025My first Mikael Carlson read. Needless to say, I will now read all of his work. This book gives life lessons to every reader along with the lessons he offers to his students throughout this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025Exceptionally well written, suspenseful, great characterization, and a compelling story. Can’t get better than this. This novel also focuses on real life and all the possibilities.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025It was good since I kept reading it, and a some points read more than intended, so I would find out what would happen.
My only reservation was that it was very predictable once you could see where it going.
The point of it all was a good one, and the writing was very good. However, the book is best for high school students, rather than adults.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025At a time when cynicism in politics is at all time highs, this is a breath of fresh air. This is the way American is supposed to work!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2023WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!!
Too many "new" books are rehashing old plots, stereotyped characters, and "deus ex machina" endings when an author is unable to satisfactorily resolve the difficulties he or she has created.
This book immediately grabs your attention - and puzzled me initially - since each chapter is in the voice of and in the character of one of the participants in the story. After you get to know each character, it provides an enchanting multi-faceted telling of the story. And the story itself, which starts out as an intimate little tale suddenly blossoms into something entirely different - and completely believable.
I hesitate to say more because I want you to have the experience of going on this delightful journey with these captivating people, Even the villains are well-drawn, and each interaction is seen by at one participant in different perspectives (there's that thing about multi-narrators).
I cannot count the number of "free" first novels I have read without ever purchasing volumes 2 or 3 or whatever. As soon as I reached the last page - with a certain sense of disappointment that it WAS the last page - I immediately went online and ordered volume 2. If it proves anywhere as engrossing as volume, I suspect I may end up with all 4 editions.
I cannot say how MUCH I enjoyed this book and how thoroughly I recommend it!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024A very refreshing and timely novel. Very well written with great characters. The story line will blow you away. On to number 2! Thanks Mr Carlson!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2013Lets make it easy this was a face paced enjoyable read. Don't let the simple title fool you , the book takes a necessary look at the current "cross breeding" of politics , media and news. It forces the reader the wonder what does it really takes to be elected to congress and who we are putting now. We are taken on a ride with a teacher who turns the world of political campaigning on its ear while showing a bunch of very intelligent teenagers that the truth government is not a simple as high school history paints it.
Told in multiple view points, the story of an all "social media" based congressional campaign unfolds, we meet the candidate, the incumbent , the friends , the lovers and the teenagers who will be the backbone of the political campaign.
Seeing the story from a multiple view points is never unnecessarily complex or difficult and allows for great character insight. We know the who , why and the how of almost every move and still want to see what happens.
Without giving away to much of the story we see that each persons motivation is not always what is seems or at least not as simple.
Anyone who has watches the news or even tries to ignore the news will feel they know some of the people in the story. The themes are universal but also very relevant to our current time. The setting is the North East and the hero's background is in the military, history and education, not surprisingly so are the authors, which lends a great deal of realism to the story.
As the parent of two teenagers , I can say that I see aspects of the teenage characters in my children ( they are not a driven as these kids but close )
The story asks for a some indulgence from the reader , the protagonist is something of "hero among men" and the incumbent is a stereotypical "blow hard" unethical politician ,things do tend to wrap up neatly and quickly at times. Yet this is all minor in a story with well fleshed out characters , fun twists and a real take on " is the media the message". The text is peppered with humor and historical references many of which might send you (enjoyably) searching the web for truth behind the quotes.
You will enjoy and remember reading this.
Top reviews from other countries
- TolyaReviewed in France on December 21, 2013
3.0 out of 5 stars social media and politics
A candidate running for congress using all social media available and a few students : what an original and up-to-date idea!
Two aspects are interesting : indeed it highlights the power of social media but also how you can teach otherways. Being a teacher myself it's a never-ending question.
This book is a must-read, it will make people question teaching practices and the role of politics in everyday life. However, too many editing errors make me rank this book as a 4 star only.
- Dr Gary YoungReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars The best read for a long time .
Here the author teaches us has the iCandidate taught his students . The depth of insight into the 30 individual stories being told is masterly . I could do an in-depth analysis but it is not necessary . This is a truly great book , it should be required reading in all literature courses .