City Threads - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99 with 57 percent savings
Print List Price: $13.95

Promotions apply when you purchase

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.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

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.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Nicholas Ponticello
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel (The Future is Flubbed) Kindle Edition

by Nicholas Ponticello (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

Murder can happen on Mars too.

The sudden death of a Martian census worker sparks a murder investigation on the red planet—and everyone is a suspect. To clear his name, janitor Herbert Hoover Palminteri must dredge up the long-buried secrets of his college days as a member of a notorious secret society, the Order of the Scepter and Gavel, where he was witness to scandal and tragedy in an initiation prank gone wrong.

As the investigation unspools, Herbert is swept up in an interplanetary conspiracy that proves you are never safe from your secrets—especially in the confines of Mars.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Part of series
    The Future is Flubbed
  2. Print length
    274 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 1, 2024
  6. File size
    1.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.
  • Kindle Price:
    $19.97
    By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. Pink Eye
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  2. MAIDEN: A Brethren Space Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  3. Headspace
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  4. Star League Assassins Books 1-3
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  5. Savage (Diffusion)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  16. By Any Other Name
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  20. Peaceful Planet
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

It's a compelling story set within a fully thought-out futuristic world...If sci-fi is your 'thing' and you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir (although this is in no way as technical), you'll probably enjoy the coolly titled The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel. All in all, it's a bit of a blast! - The Wishing Shelf

Nicholas Ponticello's The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel presents an intriguing blend of futuristic ambition, secret societies, and the complications that follow. The narrative skillfully weaves together Herbert's aspirations for Mars with the mysterious allure of The Order of the Scepter & Gavel. Ponticello's world-building effortlessly transports readers to a Martian future, capturing the essence of Vanderough University's unique challenges...Ponticello's storytelling prowess shines, crafting a tale that balances suspense and futuristic elements. The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel is a captivating exploration of ambition, secrecy, and the lingering consequences of one's past. - Books Shelf

From the technological advancements to the intricate workings of the secret society, Ponticello crafts a future that feels both plausible and enthralling. The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel is not just a science fiction thriller; it is a well-crafted story that examines the boundaries of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of our past actions. - Cristina Prescott, The Book Commentary

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLL2BQ8S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nicholas Ponticello
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2024
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989438020
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Future is Flubbed
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nicholas Ponticello

Nicholas Ponticello

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Nicholas Ponticello is an educator and writer in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with degrees in mathematics and astrophysics and later earned his master's in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ponticello is interested in exploring the intersection of science, sustainability, mental health, and education, and hopes to encourage more systems thinking and sustainability-themed curricula at the secondary school level.

Mr. Ponticello is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. In 2020, he was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for his work on a YA novel provisionally titled BOY, OBSESSED. BOY, OBSESSED is based on his experience coping with debilitating OCD and his struggle to overcome it through years of cognitive behavioral therapy. Mr. Ponticello completed the six-week intensive outpatient clinic at UCLA and went on to become an advocate for the International OCD Foundation. He has written for the IOCDF blog and has spoken on a panel about relationships and OCD at the annual IOCDF Conference.

Mr. Ponticello grew up in Northern California and began his career as the operations manager at KOMENAR Publishing in Oakland, CA. He is a longtime runner, and has coached champion cross-country and track & field teams at the high school level. Mr. Ponticello is also the author of DO NOT RESUSCITATE, a fictional biography that considers transhumanism and the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has studied writing under Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Zombie Tales 2061) and Bruce Miller (Handmaid's Tale, ER). DO NOT RESUSCITATE won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, and a CIPA EVVY Award. His second novel, THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE DESTINY UNKNOWN, also won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and was listed as one of 100 Notable Books from the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
13 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book incredibly entertaining, with one noting how the comedy is expertly woven into the narrative. Moreover, they appreciate its thought-provoking elements, particularly its mystery and suspense, with one customer highlighting its wry observations about humanity.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

4 customers mention "Entertainment value"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book incredibly entertaining, with one mentioning how the comedy is expertly woven into the narrative, while another notes how the dysfunctional relationships add to the enjoyment.

"...Nicholas Ponticello writes in a manner that is both amusing and thought-provoking, with a conversational style...." Read more

"...It's purely a fun and fast-paced read from start to finish and ranks right up there with my other favorite book of Mr. Ponticello's, "Do Not..." Read more

"Science fiction, mystery and comedy expertly woven together into a brilliant narrative that keeps the reader fascinated, guessing, and chuckling as..." Read more

"Enjoyed the story and with a satisfying ending. At first I thought it was going to be a depressing read but I'm glad I finished the story." Read more

3 customers mention "Thought provoking"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, appreciating its mystery and suspense elements, with one customer highlighting its wry observations about humanity and another noting its relevance to today's issues.

"...And very interesting to read about today’s issues with a 2070 hindsight. The book goes back and forth in time very smoothly...." Read more

"...-fi theme, (which is not hard-core sci-fi) it includes, romance, mystery/suspense, politics, and psychology, using thorough character development..." Read more

"Science fiction, mystery and comedy expertly woven together into a brilliant narrative that keeps the reader fascinated, guessing, and chuckling as..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Diane L. Pearson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scepter & Gavel is another winner from Mr. Ponticello
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I just reread The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel so I could write my review and enjoyed it even more the second time. Nicholas Ponticello writes in a manner that is both amusing and thought-provoking, with a conversational style. Linking the secret order with a life on Mars is not an obvious plot line but it makes perfect sense in the book. Opinions on politics, the climate crisis and animal welfare are all included, but subtly. There are layers of meaning – easy to understand while we enjoy the story. And very interesting to read about today’s issues with a 2070 hindsight. The book goes back and forth in time very smoothly. That and characterization are difficult but so well-done here. The central action, an April Fool’s joke that goes a bit astray, had me feeling as guilty as the protagonist.
    There are lessons here for those who care to listen. “Now there is some consensus on the best way to improve society. And that is to help people who don’t have bootstraps by giving them bootstraps.” Having read Nicholas’s four books, I am really looking forward to the next one. His writing is improving with each one, although it was very good to start out with. It is obvious that I am not a critic, but I highly recommend the Scepter & Gavel.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • bunnymugwump
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun ride of a read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Nick Ponticellos newest book is incredibly entertaining as it spans the spectrum of genres. Along with the obvious Sci-fi theme, (which is not hard-core sci-fi) it includes, romance, mystery/suspense, politics, and psychology, using thorough character development and a lot of dry humor. The dysfunctional relationships are particularly entertaining, as well as the glimpses into the near-future of life on another planet. It's purely a fun and fast-paced read from start to finish and ranks right up there with my other favorite book of Mr. Ponticello's, "Do Not Resuscitate". Pick it up, you won't regret it, and I will eagerly await his next brilliant creation.
    Helpful
     Report
  • David Dorrough
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Science fiction, mystery and comedy expertly woven together into a brilliant narrative that keeps the reader fascinated, guessing, and chuckling as it breezes them effortlessly through. Packed with cool ideas, wry observations about humanity, and a fantastic huge cast of very colorful characters. Sucked me in immediately and held me all the way to the end. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, or humor, or philosophy, or crime, or psychology, or drama, or romance... basically anyone who enjoys any type of fiction. :)
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Greg Holland
    2.0 out of 5 stars Waited for something interesting to happen...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
    Read 37% hoping something interesting would happen. Finally got bored with it and deleted it from my kindle.
    Helpful
     Report
  • chris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story telling
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the story and with a satisfying ending. At first I thought it was going to be a depressing read but I'm glad I finished the story.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Victoria Calteaux
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
    The Secret Order of the Scepter and Gavel is an engaging and witty science fiction set in the near-future, bouncing between timelines of a murder mystery on “modern day” Mars and the narrator’s college days in 2041. While the core of the story is an interesting and suspenseful arc, the author’s creativity and voice really shine in the tangents and details. Side stories like the plots of plays and movies the characters attended or the backstories of side characters kept me fascinated, chuckling, and intrigued for more. Highly recommend, even for readers typically not interested in science fiction. The book aptly assumes the trappings of the future for humanity (social inequality, political division) will be the same as today.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Katie Adams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ponticello's latest great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    I love Nicholas Ponticello's storytelling. The Secret Order of the Scepter and Gavel is the latest great read from him. Herb is the narrator retelling his story as young man wanting to fit in and in the present, as an older man living with the aftermath of his decisions. After falling from grace and living on Mars as a janitor, his secret past follows him there where a murder occurs. Politics, ambition, subterfuge, love, friendship and revenge emerge as the murder is investigated both by Herb and the authorities. If you like this book, read his book "Do Not Resuscitate"... one of my favorites!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report