This book is an in-depth exploration of the polarizing effect of conspiracy theories in today’s world. Published by Watkins, the book aims to understand why so many people are drawn to conspiracies like QAnon, 5G fears, and vaccine controversies, and how these beliefs are seen as threats to societal stability. Rather than dismissing these theorists, Thomas refers to them as "truth seekers" and attempts to explore their views in a nuanced way. He delves into the dynamics between conspiracy culture and mainstream censorship, focusing on the broader consequences of distrust in media, politics, and scientific authorities.

The book is praised for its balanced approach, offering a rare middle ground in the heated debates surrounding conspiracies. Thomas doesn't take sides but instead scrutinizes the implications of suppressing alternative viewpoints, particularly in a time where discussions on subjects like COVID-19 or the "Great Reset" are increasingly censored or dismissed.

In addition to conspiracy theories, *The New Heretics* touches on the rise of cancel culture, paranormal phenomena, and broader societal divisions. Thomas argues that without open dialogue, these polarizing forces could push societies into more authoritarian control, thus stifling free speech and fostering more division rather than unity.

Overall, *The New Heretics* is both a thought-provoking and timely investigation into how modern conspiracy theories are reshaping public discourse and challenging notions of truth and free expression.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

Not at all what I thought was the premise of the book as i was expecting a documentary style journalistic exploration but was quite biased. Interesting but hard to get through read.

This is SUCH an important read! In an era where there's so much misinformation, it helps to clarify where everyone's coming from (which then makes these theories easier to address). Thank you for the ARC!

It took me a while to read this book. Not because it's boring or badly written (it is neither of those things) but because I needed to put it down many times and consider what I'd read. I may even have had a toddler tantrum a couple of times... "but why do I have to listen to the idiot spouting nonsense"...

The author has produced a book that is not strictly a polemic or a diatribe but tries instead to be a considered, nuanced look at many conspiracy theories and their origins. Importantly he shows why people develop mistrust, how we propagate our own myths and misconceptions and how we then come to believe them in our echo chambers. I’m not sure he manages to achieve complete independence and I’m not sure that’s even possible in this context.

It is difficult to listen to people when their views don't make sense, when their arguments are fatally, logically flawed... but we should be listening. If the arguments are indeed nonsense then we can easily refute them. But as Mr Thomas shows with 5G communications among many other examples, sometimes deep within the nonsense there are worried experts who are being ignored.

The author does not take any particular line and I had to pause to think things through and because of that I'm more able to look beyond the ranting and the rhetoric. I don't think I'll be inviting a "truther" round for tea any time soon but perhaps I can empathise more with his position. I’d read more by this author as I like his approach but I felt at times he was perhaps too ‘kind’ to some of the dangerous ideas that are out there. He does offer good solutions or ways to find a middle ground but I’m not convinced they are likely to be adopted.

This is one of those books where the people who would most benefit from reading it are unlikely to pick it up. They’ll see it as part of the New World Order attempt at manipulation.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

I'm a huge fan of what the description says this content is going to be, however, the description did not match the content, it felt as though the author was going on a long, continuous, personal rant.

I was looking forward to reading this book as some conspiracy theories are affecting our everyday life and I wanted to learn more and, maybe, try to understand people who believes in conspiracy.
The book is well researched and interesting but I found hard to feel any empathy and the "truth seeker" definition grated on my nerves.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was really looking forward to reading The New Heretics because so many of my family members have become covid conspiracy theorists. I thought Andy Thomas' book would help me better empathize with their world view, but I just walked away more confused. I think Thomas assumes his audience already understands the basics of many of the issues he discusses — so he doesn't define terms such as "new world order." The tone alternates between being almost condescending towards the reader and so academic that it's hard to understand.

Subtitle: For Seekers of All Kinds and Avoiders of Polarity Traps

This book takes a look at several of the most current conspiracy theories such as Q-Anon, the anti-vaxxer movement, the anti-5G cell transmission movement, etc. in terms of how proponents of those conspiracies are treated in the traditional media and social media and suggests alternate ways of approaching those controversies so that all sides of the arguments can be heard and their proponents treated with respect.


I have to confess that I had a hard time coming to grips with a lot of the author’s suggestions, not because they aren’t valid suggestions, but because in my mind some of the groups deserve to be censored because they endanger society. Thomas refers to all of the various conspiracy proponents as “truth seekers”, but the is little to no truth to be found in the conspiracies spouted by Q-Anon, and the anti-vax/anti-mask movements (at least in the U.S.) are more driven by support of the Republican Party and Donald Trump than by religion and actual health concerns. Also, the author never once brings up the Terms of Service that social media companies have put it place that allow them to censor and remove users who violate them by inciting violence, spreading disinformation, etc.

I gave The New Heretics three stars on Goodreads. While I am sympathetic to several types of conspiracy theory, I simply could not summon sympathy for groups who advocate violence against the government or endanger public health and that influenced my ability to enjoy this book.