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Find out how a young president, Donald Burlington will manage his way through the shark-infested waters of Washington, DC. Both political parties and the entire political establishment are against his efforts to reform the way entrenched politicians work with lobbyists to get and keep their political power and influence over public policy and our nation's finances.

Beyond dealing with political enemies, domestic policy issues and foreign crisis, the young president must deal with personal issues that have been long festering and need to be resolved before he can fully move on and be content in his job and life.

The Ship of State Series is a revised and expanded version of the original novel, Escape from Serfdom.

More about The Ship of State

Jonathan Collinsworth, known to millions of country music fans as JJ Collins, sings in a fake southern accent, and is in a public relations relationship with a narcissistic woman he can’t stand.

Exhausted after a grueling concert tour, Jonathan goes incognito for a few days of rest and relaxation and meets a struggling, single mother, waitressing in a rural Georgia diner.  Mary Beth Johnson is the first ‘real woman’ Jonathan’s been attracted to in, well, forever. The problem is that she despises country music and has been let down by all the men in her life. Mary Beth vows to be done with men, all men, while protecting and raising her young daughter, Hope.

Can Johnathan win her over before she finds out what he really does for a living?

More about Love My MB

Escape From Serfdom, Mr. Ley's original novel published in 2014. It is about a young President of the United States who defeated President Obama in 2012 election and instead of trying to fundamentally transform American, President Burlington is fighting the establishment and both parties to return the American republic back to one envisioned by our Founding Fathers.

While there is politics and public policy throughout the novel, it also contains a rich story with interesting characters, vivid descriptions and unusual plot twists. The title, Escape from Serfdom, makes it sound like a dark dystopian novel, which it is not. That's why it is being expanded and recast as a series of novels called The Ship of State.

The novel got great reviews, as you can see below, and while there are a few used copies on Amazon and by other resellers at astronomical prices, there are a few original hardcover and paperback copies available that can be dedicated and signed by the author.

Just a few of the reviews for 

Escape From Serfdom

This novel does a perfect job of explaining how and why serious congressional reforms must take place. Before reading this book, I really didn't understand the committee structure and what impact it has on the ability of members of congress to actual govern. We all hear that good congressmen get to Washington and magically get corrupted, this book explains why this happens. The author clearly outlines the plan of what it will take to correct the situation and wraps it into an exciting love story. Very enjoyable read, thank you for the education!

Mick M.

Though fiction, the author did a superb job of bringing me into another world of the day to day operations of the White House. The best part was being wrapped up in the political intrigue of what a truly bipartisan politician should be. The plot was compelling with interesting characterization and snappy dialog. The chapters were short which made it fast pace and kept my attention. The main character actually had novel ideas that would improve our government and did so without it being 'preachy'.

Albert H.

Overall, Enjoyable read.

Exactly what is needed in the White House...

Steven

I do not agree with the author's politics. But how incredibly refreshing it is to read someone who doesn't just gripe about the state of the world: Mr. Ley has actually thought out suggestions to make it better.

Beverly W.

Amazing discovery!

The characters are well developed and fascinating. Methods of solving the crisis at hand are amazingly insightful. I absolutely loved that the story was written in real time. This is a must read and I'm recommending this excellent book to my book club!

Marg M.

Excellent Read!

Escape from Serfdom is well written, and very interesting to read. I really like the flow of the writing, and the author did a great job with the characters. The descriptive style keeps the reader wanting more. Though a novel, there is definitely a sense of realism throughout.

Jeff F.

I highly recommend it!

This is a great novel focusing on how a new president in today's time could define solutions that our country struggles. While you might think this novel could be dry, it isn't. It is filled with a wonderful story line including true love, a precocious sister, a famous actress and most importantly how a common man became President and refused to adhere to typical politics, and business as usual. It's heartfelt and touching, while giving us hope that we may see this one day.

Christina B.

I congratulate the author for weaving together a most-compelling and exciting adventure that is filled with so many lessons too. It’s an eye-opening read, and he has proven his mastery at writing. Imagery is rich. I could smell, taste, and feel every part of every scene in the story. It’s like being part of the action and feeling everything that your characters are feeling. The characters are well developed and really brought more personality to the story in general. They were very real people and I could even relate to some of the traits given to each one of them. The flow of the story is just amazing. I haven’t read anything in recent history that is as compelling and as exciting as Escape from Serfdom.

Germaine

Hands down one of the best stories I have read in recent memory.