Douglass stumbles through life, tormented and battling his inner demons, seeing and feeling things he knew he shouldn't and knowing the unknowable. He always believes he wrestles with something inside of him others do not. Circumstances inevitably bring him to a mysterious old man and a dog who may just hold the secret of his destiny, a link to the past and a dangerous path to redemption. Firetok is a gritty, honest and at times dark glimpse into powers gifted to all humans, but only a few have discovered and controlled. Learn what awaits us all and travel on a spiritual awakening to discover the power, the challenges and the eventual price to be paid. This story contains, action, violence, vigilante justice and some elements which many would call supernatural.
This book takes a look at a a special almost sixth sense some of us have. Douglass' life is a mix of light and dark and really takes a new turn when he discovers he knows some things he has no reason to know and most of what he sees is dark and disturbing. The author tells a tale that is a pleasure to weave your way through even if at times you want to strangle a few of the devious characters Douglass encounters. The author does a great job taking readers on a journey into a bit of the supernatural in a compelling story.
"Within every man exists a voice which he must decide to ignore or embrace". This is a quote on the back cover of "Firetok", and is the crux of the debut novel by Gordon Wilson. I just finished reading "Firetok" tonight. We lost power at our house, but I had to know how the story ended, so I read the last 50 pages by flashlight.
Douglass Smith is an ordinary guy, living in a small, Midwestern town......or so he thinks. He is in a shaky marriage with a self-centered gold digger, who is having an affair with a deputy on the local police force. He has befriended Jenny, a single mother, and her daughter, Summer, who are staying across the street from his home. He begins to develop feelings for Jenny and a strong love for Summer, but doesn't act on them because he is married. This doesn't stop his wife from being jealous of his feelings for Jenny and Summer, and framing him for her own assault and attempted murder. Douglass has always sensed things that others didn't, but doesn't learn the full extent of his gift until he is shot by his wife's lover and left for dead in the nearby woods; this near death experience brings him to Bold Eagle, also known as the Old Man. Bold Eagle is a very powerful man, who has much to teach Douglass about himself, his gifts, and his true purpose in life.
As Douglass gains understanding of his abilities under the Old Man's teaching, he comes in contact with some people who help him, others who need his help, and Firetok, a dog who becomes his real-life spirit animal. "Firetok" is the story of a man realizing his potential and embracing his abilities. It also draws attention to the very important topics of human trafficking and PTSD in our veterans. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read, and look forward to more novels by Gordon Wilson.
Touching story about Douglass Smith, whose difficult and at times sad life, is changed forever after being shot multiple times and left for dead. Douglass defies death with the help of a mystical old man who takes him on a road trip where Douglass meets Firetok- a special dog that aids Douglass in accepting the full potential of his supernatural gift and helping others. The opening scene immediately grabbed my attention, and I became vested in the character of Douglass and his story. The novel is written in third person omniscient point of view, giving the author freedom to enter the minds of all of the characters at anytime in the story and allowing readers the opportunity to learn more about these secondary characters and their goals, motivations and conflicts. The author’s pacing kept me reading well into the night. The transformation of Douglass is swift but met with some reservation as he learns to challenge himself beyond being human and listening to what his inner psychic implores and inspires him to. There is a lesson in this wonderful story about a common man and his not so common dog. It is inspirational horror at its best!
This is not published yet, but I think it will be more of a four star book when it is edited and fleshed out more. I know it will take him time, but I can hardly wait to see this one get to a publisher.
Firetok is a fast paced read. It kept me reading and I found it a nice change of pace. If you like horror and the darker side of the human condition, this is for you. The world was gritty and intriguing. It had interesting commentary about the world. It made you think. The characters were interesting and the settings were very well laid out.
There are supernatural elements that felt believable and it kept treading the line between darkness and light. I'm glad that Gordon A. Wilson shared his work with me and I would read it again.
World:
It's got elements of realism to it. The story of Firetok is earth-bound. It's presented in a way that feels very matter-of-fact. And that made it come across as very substantial.
Characters: The characters were very tough in their own ways. Some were dark. It was easy to sympathize and root for the main character. The bad guys were really bad. And the characters that supported the protagonist were likeable and I couldn't wait to see them on the page. At times, the characters had poignant conversations that I really enjoyed reading.
Plot:
The plot at times was non-linear. I had moments where I wondered when it would wrap around but it didn't frustrate me enough to stop reading. The journey of getting there was interesting and compelling enough to keep going. Everything wraps up very nicely so there was no disappointment. It really was a fun thrill ride if you don't mind being uncomfortable sometimes when you read it :)
Verdict:
I enjoyed the themes and the points about issues in our society it covered. It had supernatural elements that were very realistic and down-to-earth. If you are a fan of horror or like books that make you think, this one is a great read.
This book reminded me that we are all unique individuals who have a place and purpose in this world. If we set aside other people's expectations and live to our own beliefs and abilities, we will live a full, meaningful life.
I really enjoyed Firetok! The author does a good job building suspense and keeping you guessing about how events will take shape. The elements came together nicely and Douglas is somebody who is easy to sympathize with.
Fast-paced, gripping, edgy, suspenseful... Firetok is a novel that caught me off guard with its depth and scope. A must read for fans of inspirational horror.