The Rod

by Judy Johns Heathcoe

In the year 1977, an archaeologist named Harland McGowan finds the tomb of Moses and comes away with his staff. It isn't long before he discovers that it has awesome and frightening powers. After the death of the archaeologist, his possessions are sold at an estate auction and the rod is purchased by a good but non-religious man named Heath Morgan who has no idea what it is or what it can do. Heath's experience and evolution with the rod leads him on a perilous journey to the brink of his death. It is up to his devoted wife and their friend and pastor to save him from the power of the Rod.

260 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2010

Reviews

[Candace Sams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of early Stephen King, Judy Johns Heathcoe has written a fictional tale involving a man who encounters a power far beyond his understanding. Her hero isn’t the muscle-bound cover model usually seen on book fronts these days. He’s a simple husband and father trying to keep his family together after stumbling into an estate sale where he innocently purchases an item of great power.
This is the story of how a family man, with problems of his own, fights evil threatening to destroy his life. This is also the story of how his struggle affects those around him. Written with time shifts which explain how a potent artifact came into the hero’s hands, Ms. Heathcoe has penned a remarkably original story. Her research is perceptive; she crafts this title with artful ability, leaving the reader wondering what is evil, what is good? Does right or wrong depend on one’s perception?
If you’re in the mood for a great read—one that isn’t a cookie cutter, run-of-the-mill title with a predictable ending—this is the story for you!!! Ms. Heathcoe proves…as so many authors are these days…that the most innovative, unique material is by-passing New York publishers entirely and heading straight for the readers. I highly recommend “The Rod”.
~ Candace Sams, National Readers’ Choice Award author