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Colton Banyon Mysteries #3
A Dubious Dream
In the third installment of the series, Colton Banyon is told to go to sleep. Wolf, his secret mentor and a spirit that he can talk to, tells him that he will narrate an unusual story about a Black Diamond. It is no ordinary diamond. It arrived on earth thousands of years ago and has the power to transfer energy to people. It can both give them super powers and also destroy them. It is both good and evil. Wolf tells Banyon that the Black Diamond has been stolen from a secure government facility and he must find it before it is too late. The story is the background that Banyon will need to understand the Black Diamond. Set in the early nineteen hundreds, the hero, Professor Adam Wesley discovers the history of the Black Diamond and sets off on it’s trail in hopes of securing the diamond. He realizes it is too powerful for anyone, but there are many people that want it’s power. For more than forty years he tracks the Black Diamond and discovers and meets a variety of historical people who have touched the diamond along the way, they all were affected. The real question becomes how has he been affected.
290 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2011
1 person is currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Gerald J. Kubicki
32 books342 followersI was born and raised on Eastern Long Island in the Westhampton area. My youth was full of adventures since we had miles of woods surrounding my home and we were near the ocean.
I attended college at Suny Plattsburgh on an academic scholarship and I am a proud member of Theta Kappa Beta fraternity. I earned a degree in Asian history. My mother told people that I was an educated bum.
I spent my working career in consumer products industry and traveled the world. Most of the locations in my books are places I have visited. This has given me great background for my writings.
My hobbies include: writing, reading, golf, cooking and even a little gambling as I live in Las Vegas.
My basis philosophy is: History repeats itself and you will find that theme in all my books.
I attended college at Suny Plattsburgh on an academic scholarship and I am a proud member of Theta Kappa Beta fraternity. I earned a degree in Asian history. My mother told people that I was an educated bum.
I spent my working career in consumer products industry and traveled the world. Most of the locations in my books are places I have visited. This has given me great background for my writings.
My hobbies include: writing, reading, golf, cooking and even a little gambling as I live in Las Vegas.
My basis philosophy is: History repeats itself and you will find that theme in all my books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 22, 2021
Bait and switch as a book supposedly about Colt Banyon barely includes him at all. Instead, we get a story about a Black Diamond, given to Alexander the Great, and used by historical figures such as Vlad Tepes and Rasputin. A history professor tries to find it for many years.
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July 24, 2017It is a good book. It was hard to put down.
May 1, 2013
Book 3, in the Colton Banyon Mystery
This was my introduction to the author as well as to the series although I started with this installment I didn’t felt cheated that I had missed the previous novels. This spin “à la Indiana Jones” is well done to stand on its own, a good fantasy travel through time and countries, integrating within its words historical figures and facts to pique our interest to the very last page.
Although the series is of Colton Banyon, he plays a minimal part here and disappeared in dream land right from the start. It opens when a whisper from Wolf, his ghost mentor, telling him to go to sleep while he narrates a very unusual story about a Black Diamond, a diamond that has been on earth for thousands of years with power to transfer good and evil energy to whomever possesses it.
Professor Adam Wesley soon takes center stage and as the story unfolds the professor discovers the history of the Black Diamond and for more than forty years tracks it and along his travels he meets a variety of historical people some very into the occult, superstition and sorcery, all of them eventually they all fall prey to the Black Diamond’s power.
The main story is captivating enough but frankly the first chapters were too weird for me, too much fantasy for my taste. Once the core of the story started and Adam Wesley came into the picture the narration became far more intriguing. Although still highly fictional it has just enough truth and history to make it interesting. The plotting gets very intense as we follow Wesley tracking down the Diamond over a span of many years while he faces figures that made history such as Rasputin, FDR, Himmler and many more. The novel is well written, very ambitious and allows us to connect to the characters through their development.
This novel is different to the genre I usual read but I must admit to have enjoyed it quite a lot.
This was my introduction to the author as well as to the series although I started with this installment I didn’t felt cheated that I had missed the previous novels. This spin “à la Indiana Jones” is well done to stand on its own, a good fantasy travel through time and countries, integrating within its words historical figures and facts to pique our interest to the very last page.
Although the series is of Colton Banyon, he plays a minimal part here and disappeared in dream land right from the start. It opens when a whisper from Wolf, his ghost mentor, telling him to go to sleep while he narrates a very unusual story about a Black Diamond, a diamond that has been on earth for thousands of years with power to transfer good and evil energy to whomever possesses it.
Professor Adam Wesley soon takes center stage and as the story unfolds the professor discovers the history of the Black Diamond and for more than forty years tracks it and along his travels he meets a variety of historical people some very into the occult, superstition and sorcery, all of them eventually they all fall prey to the Black Diamond’s power.
The main story is captivating enough but frankly the first chapters were too weird for me, too much fantasy for my taste. Once the core of the story started and Adam Wesley came into the picture the narration became far more intriguing. Although still highly fictional it has just enough truth and history to make it interesting. The plotting gets very intense as we follow Wesley tracking down the Diamond over a span of many years while he faces figures that made history such as Rasputin, FDR, Himmler and many more. The novel is well written, very ambitious and allows us to connect to the characters through their development.
This novel is different to the genre I usual read but I must admit to have enjoyed it quite a lot.
February 23, 2015
This is book #3 in the Colton Banyon series. He and his girlfriend were on the front porch talking when his spirit friend told him to close his eyes while the friend tells him a story (more a history) of a black diamond..long enough to grab and hold onto) and its mystical properties that most anyone who knows about it will kill to own it.
Let me tell you that I was blown away with the incredible imagination Mr. Kubicki has!! He intertwines historical facts and people into his action adventure stories. First, he tells the story of how a village of Buddhists seek out Alexander the great to take the diamond for safe keeping. There is occult magic in that village.
Then the story fast forwards to a college professor of ancient history, Adam Wesley, who was summoned to Istanbul, Turkey by devious monks to go to South Africa to steal the diamond and bring it back. His intuition told him something was not right and that they were going to kill him. Yet, he takes the assignment. This part of the story gets really "action adventure", kind of like Indiana Jones and Humphrey Bogart spy type mashup. This book had me crawling out of my skin at every twist and turn in it; it was that intense. Let's just say that man has nine lives to rival any cat. This is some of the best writing yet!
I am not going to give the story away. What fun is that? However, the next thing you know, Colton asks a question to his wife in his sleep. She answers him. And she said he only drifted off for a minute or two. Then they make plans to find the black diamond that was taken from Area 51. The hunt is on.........
Mr. Kubicki sent me a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. I am very grateful that he did! This was one hellava great book. I felt like I was there with Dr. Wesley every step of his adventure. He has to be one of my all time favorite characters, ever. This would make a great blockbuster hit as a movie!
Let me tell you that I was blown away with the incredible imagination Mr. Kubicki has!! He intertwines historical facts and people into his action adventure stories. First, he tells the story of how a village of Buddhists seek out Alexander the great to take the diamond for safe keeping. There is occult magic in that village.
Then the story fast forwards to a college professor of ancient history, Adam Wesley, who was summoned to Istanbul, Turkey by devious monks to go to South Africa to steal the diamond and bring it back. His intuition told him something was not right and that they were going to kill him. Yet, he takes the assignment. This part of the story gets really "action adventure", kind of like Indiana Jones and Humphrey Bogart spy type mashup. This book had me crawling out of my skin at every twist and turn in it; it was that intense. Let's just say that man has nine lives to rival any cat. This is some of the best writing yet!
I am not going to give the story away. What fun is that? However, the next thing you know, Colton asks a question to his wife in his sleep. She answers him. And she said he only drifted off for a minute or two. Then they make plans to find the black diamond that was taken from Area 51. The hunt is on.........
Mr. Kubicki sent me a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. I am very grateful that he did! This was one hellava great book. I felt like I was there with Dr. Wesley every step of his adventure. He has to be one of my all time favorite characters, ever. This would make a great blockbuster hit as a movie!
August 18, 2014
My initial concern was that I was reading the story out of order of the series---not a concern at all!!
This is first time reading this author and I'll continue ( hopefully in order now ) to read the others in the "Dubious" series!!!
Once I started the story it was fast paced, adventure & traveling---all things which for me, help to make a story good in the beginning I was a bit distracted since I was also reading another book at the same time, but once I was able to give this book my full attention it kept me wanting more and wanting to finish. I'm excited to read more in this series to become more attached to "the regulars" but reading out of order wasn't necessary since the author takes you back and "refreshes" the characters for even those who did read in order but may have forgotten them by next time they read another in the series
I'd highly recommend this book & am excited to read the others in this series. If the author writes other books, I'd also give those a try too as I find this author to be fast paced action/adventure & very good writer. I'm always interested in trying new & different authors as sometimes I get a bit tired of some of my regular authors of which I'm beginning to wonder if they're really writing books anymore or if they're paying other authors to "co-write" in order to put more & more of their books out there. Its refreshing to read new authors to see just what else is out there to be read Well done & enjoyable
This is first time reading this author and I'll continue ( hopefully in order now ) to read the others in the "Dubious" series!!!
Once I started the story it was fast paced, adventure & traveling---all things which for me, help to make a story good in the beginning I was a bit distracted since I was also reading another book at the same time, but once I was able to give this book my full attention it kept me wanting more and wanting to finish. I'm excited to read more in this series to become more attached to "the regulars" but reading out of order wasn't necessary since the author takes you back and "refreshes" the characters for even those who did read in order but may have forgotten them by next time they read another in the series
I'd highly recommend this book & am excited to read the others in this series. If the author writes other books, I'd also give those a try too as I find this author to be fast paced action/adventure & very good writer. I'm always interested in trying new & different authors as sometimes I get a bit tired of some of my regular authors of which I'm beginning to wonder if they're really writing books anymore or if they're paying other authors to "co-write" in order to put more & more of their books out there. Its refreshing to read new authors to see just what else is out there to be read Well done & enjoyable
January 29, 2012
I was a little concerned that I would need to read the other two books to understand this one, but I didn't need to! This book easily caught me from the beginning. I think this was one of the first I've read in this genre. It almost reminded me of an Indiana Jones story, and those are some of my favorite movies.
I wasn't sure exactly who the lead character was. For the most part it seemed to be Wesley, who was a very intriguing character. I like how the characters aren't perfect, and you can tell they have flaws. Also, when I began reading the story I thought it reminded me of a James Patterson novel. The vibe was very unique to get all the combinations of things I already enjoy reading or watching.
I liked how the concept was easy to follow, and the action scenes were some of the best ones that I've read. I found myself getting through the book quicker than I anticipated. The story features a lot of interwoven story lines that come together really well. The country this is set in is also interesting also, and adds to the story. The book seems to be based in the early 1900s, and all this comes together to make a great setting.
If you are into action packed fiction, then you'll enjoy this. I think the other books in the series would be great to read also, and gain an idea of who the central character is.
I wasn't sure exactly who the lead character was. For the most part it seemed to be Wesley, who was a very intriguing character. I like how the characters aren't perfect, and you can tell they have flaws. Also, when I began reading the story I thought it reminded me of a James Patterson novel. The vibe was very unique to get all the combinations of things I already enjoy reading or watching.
I liked how the concept was easy to follow, and the action scenes were some of the best ones that I've read. I found myself getting through the book quicker than I anticipated. The story features a lot of interwoven story lines that come together really well. The country this is set in is also interesting also, and adds to the story. The book seems to be based in the early 1900s, and all this comes together to make a great setting.
If you are into action packed fiction, then you'll enjoy this. I think the other books in the series would be great to read also, and gain an idea of who the central character is.
January 6, 2015
I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to more. It is interesting how the story within is relayed. And what a story! I liked how the author brought you back; I was surprised too! Am curious to find out more about the key characters. They seem likeable, intelligent, and open to things that are difficult to understand - like Wolf (what!!). The relationship between Colton and Loni is cute. She is adorable - don't tell her I said that ;) jk- She's quite the firecracker... Colton is perfect for her and I admit I'm a little green with envy. The big picture story is mysterious. I'm curious to see how the author plays this out. Will there be more stories within while we figure out what's going on in the present day? I kind of like the gov't guy, I hope he doesn't end up being a bad guy (déjà vu?)...
So, I just figured out I will need to go back before I go forward with this series. No problem, this is a stand alone book. Just means I won't have to wait for the next one :)
The author provided a copy of this book to me for my Kindle. It is much appreciated, especially since I liked it so much :) Thanks!
So, I just figured out I will need to go back before I go forward with this series. No problem, this is a stand alone book. Just means I won't have to wait for the next one :)
The author provided a copy of this book to me for my Kindle. It is much appreciated, especially since I liked it so much :) Thanks!
January 30, 2014
I enjoyed this fast moving adventure book. It took me longer to read than others I have read only because it was a kindle version and just had it on my work lap top.
The story starts in the time of Alexander the Great who wants two of his most trusted warriors to retrieve an artifact for him from a village hidden in a valley. In this story we are given a glimpse of a black diamond and its power.
The story then fast forwards to early 1900's where a professor who is invited to study some scrolls which have been hidden away in Turkey. The price is to 'steal' a black diamond from a group in South Africa who was trying to use it in an occult ceremony. The professor accepts the assignment and off he goes on an adventure. Along the way the black diamond is stolen, retrieved and then given to the monk who sent him on this task. The professor falls in love and develops an obsession to get the black diamond back and protect it. There are many famous people and events where the black diamond in this story has played a role in creating, for example, Rasputin and the Russian Revolution, Himmler and the role in World War II.
I would read more from this author.
The story starts in the time of Alexander the Great who wants two of his most trusted warriors to retrieve an artifact for him from a village hidden in a valley. In this story we are given a glimpse of a black diamond and its power.
The story then fast forwards to early 1900's where a professor who is invited to study some scrolls which have been hidden away in Turkey. The price is to 'steal' a black diamond from a group in South Africa who was trying to use it in an occult ceremony. The professor accepts the assignment and off he goes on an adventure. Along the way the black diamond is stolen, retrieved and then given to the monk who sent him on this task. The professor falls in love and develops an obsession to get the black diamond back and protect it. There are many famous people and events where the black diamond in this story has played a role in creating, for example, Rasputin and the Russian Revolution, Himmler and the role in World War II.
I would read more from this author.
February 27, 2013
This was a good read. A curious trip through obviously well researched history on the trail of people and object(s). This integration with historical figures and facts kept my interest at a peak for the majority of the tale. I get the feeling I would benefit from reading this series in order, but this part was written to try and avoid that. I might well be taking on the whole series after this mid-point intro.
Disclaimer; I received a free Kindle copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer; I received a free Kindle copy of this book from the author.
January 23, 2013
This is the first book I have read in the Colton Banyon mysteries by Gerald Kubicki , but it will not be my last. I enjoyed reading this book so much I didn't want to put it down. I like to read spy, history , mystery and adventure books. This book had it all rolled in to one.
August 20, 2014
A Dubious Dream is a great novel that take the reader on a journey about an artifact that as special powers. rom Alexander the Great to WW11 to the present day. Many have searched for this artifact but who will find it and will it be used for good or evil?
April 25, 2012
Once you get to the "dream", it's a GREAT read so perservere.
May 18, 2013
Yet another great book by Gerald Kubicki. Dubious Dreams was full of history and mystery. I had a hard time putting it down, I look forward to reading the rest of the books. Just wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews