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The Covenant Within
Most people dream, many experience déjà vu; some believe in reincarnation. But what if it really was possible to relive the lives of your ancestors?
American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn't know and places he's never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother's death. To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor's help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers, and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.
American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn't know and places he's never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother's death. To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor's help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers, and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2012
10 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
R.A.R. Clouston
8 books1 followerR.A.R. Clouston is a retired corporate executive whose career as a business professional has included roles as the president and CEO of several international consumer products companies. He has also been a guest lecturer at a number of graduate business schools in the United States and Canada; however, his passion has always been writing. Cry Savage Tears is his fifth novel. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University. He has been a member of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance for over fifty years and also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 18, 2012
So… this is not a book I normally would read. I don’t like any books that delve into anything religious or with Christianity, because too often they go against my own personal beliefs.
BUT- My mom told me she loved it… so I read it.
And it wasn’t half bad. The story follows a man on his journey to discovering what happened to his now dead brother. The way he finds out? By going through his ancestors memories that are buried in his DNA. It’s a really awesome concept!!
To think that every person leaves a mark on their DNA, with memories that had a huge impact on their lives, is a great idea. And the author pulls this off well. You believe that Jack Sinclair (the Main Character) is going through his dreams to relive parts of time that his ancestors lived. The science and technology sounded real enough to me... but im no scientist.
There is a Paranormal aspect, I suppose, about a Talisman that can give powers, kind of. Basically, if you have a good heart, it made you better, and if you had an evil heart, you were made worse. But no one could harm you while you had it on, and no one could take it by force from you, until you died.
So that was interesting… The religious aspect, was that the Talisman was made by the wood of the 2 crosses that were next to the cross Jesus died on, (aka the two thieves)
Im pretty sure it was a self published book because the writing was not completely polished and I noticed a few grammatical errors.
There was some romance, but it was definitely not a romance novel. Basically they fell in love just by looking at each other… lame. Then they kinda liked each other, but also didn’t like each other, but somehow still loved each other… Maybe Im biased because I LOVE me some romance novels… and this had potential to have a beautiful romance story too, but just fell flat. I really wish there hadn’t been ANY romance at all.
The cover… well it sucks pretty bad! The sword makes it look like a fantasy novel, which its not. And the red is kinda ugly…
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. And though, my mother played it up to be a WONDERFUL AMAZING AWESOME book… it wasn’t and maybe I was a little let down.
Rating: 3 Stars.
You should read it If you like books that make you really think, If you enjoy trying to figure out puzzles, and If you want some suspense and excitement.
Review by Mrs Jones at her BLOG
BUT- My mom told me she loved it… so I read it.
And it wasn’t half bad. The story follows a man on his journey to discovering what happened to his now dead brother. The way he finds out? By going through his ancestors memories that are buried in his DNA. It’s a really awesome concept!!
To think that every person leaves a mark on their DNA, with memories that had a huge impact on their lives, is a great idea. And the author pulls this off well. You believe that Jack Sinclair (the Main Character) is going through his dreams to relive parts of time that his ancestors lived. The science and technology sounded real enough to me... but im no scientist.
There is a Paranormal aspect, I suppose, about a Talisman that can give powers, kind of. Basically, if you have a good heart, it made you better, and if you had an evil heart, you were made worse. But no one could harm you while you had it on, and no one could take it by force from you, until you died.
So that was interesting… The religious aspect, was that the Talisman was made by the wood of the 2 crosses that were next to the cross Jesus died on, (aka the two thieves)
Im pretty sure it was a self published book because the writing was not completely polished and I noticed a few grammatical errors.
There was some romance, but it was definitely not a romance novel. Basically they fell in love just by looking at each other… lame. Then they kinda liked each other, but also didn’t like each other, but somehow still loved each other… Maybe Im biased because I LOVE me some romance novels… and this had potential to have a beautiful romance story too, but just fell flat. I really wish there hadn’t been ANY romance at all.
The cover… well it sucks pretty bad! The sword makes it look like a fantasy novel, which its not. And the red is kinda ugly…
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. And though, my mother played it up to be a WONDERFUL AMAZING AWESOME book… it wasn’t and maybe I was a little let down.
Rating: 3 Stars.
You should read it If you like books that make you really think, If you enjoy trying to figure out puzzles, and If you want some suspense and excitement.
Review by Mrs Jones at her BLOG
October 16, 2012
The Covenant Within
By R.A.R. Clouston
55 Chapters – Loc 5501
© 2006
The Covenant Within kept me spellbound in the same way that The DaVinci Code sucked me into the chase. The idea of genetic memory is part of the buzz of science today and so the idea of time-travel through our ancestors may not be any more science fiction than 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Clouston writes with a pen of literary exploration that pushes the reader’s mind into the world of, no that’s not possible, only to second guess and say, wait a minute, maybe that could happen. The story of the American billionaire begins with death of a brother which takes him to Orkney, Scotland and eventually after so many dangerous bumps in the road on trips into the era of Viking ancestors that hold the key to family secrets. Just when it seems that the story is crystal clear and all of the questions have been answered another twist presents itself on the page and the mystery finds another level to explore.
I very much enjoyed the philosophical and spiritual theories and the symbols used to unlock mandala mysteries. The story can be investigated on so many different levels, taking the reader into modern science and religious history, using ideas from Carl Jung and quotes from the bible along with medical and detective jargon. Then of course there is the tip of the ice berg romance and the chance to imagine what it would be like to have so much money that a private jet or helicopter can whisk one away at any moment. The buildings and streets of Scotland came to life on the page and the violence and killing were almost too graphic. As if all of that is not enough the ending plays with mind in yet a different way.
I must share two of my favorite quotes from The Covenant Within that I believe reveal some of the genius of Clouston’s literary flare: “eyebrows arched like bushy black caterpillars reacting to a flame” (LOC 2121) and “building exuded a schizophrenic mixture of stately magnificence and civic simplicity” (LOC 1963). Descriptions like “saccharin smile” and “taciturn response” or “palpable emotion” painted complete pictures of the emotions and attitudes of the characters.
By R.A.R. Clouston
55 Chapters – Loc 5501
© 2006
The Covenant Within kept me spellbound in the same way that The DaVinci Code sucked me into the chase. The idea of genetic memory is part of the buzz of science today and so the idea of time-travel through our ancestors may not be any more science fiction than 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Clouston writes with a pen of literary exploration that pushes the reader’s mind into the world of, no that’s not possible, only to second guess and say, wait a minute, maybe that could happen. The story of the American billionaire begins with death of a brother which takes him to Orkney, Scotland and eventually after so many dangerous bumps in the road on trips into the era of Viking ancestors that hold the key to family secrets. Just when it seems that the story is crystal clear and all of the questions have been answered another twist presents itself on the page and the mystery finds another level to explore.
I very much enjoyed the philosophical and spiritual theories and the symbols used to unlock mandala mysteries. The story can be investigated on so many different levels, taking the reader into modern science and religious history, using ideas from Carl Jung and quotes from the bible along with medical and detective jargon. Then of course there is the tip of the ice berg romance and the chance to imagine what it would be like to have so much money that a private jet or helicopter can whisk one away at any moment. The buildings and streets of Scotland came to life on the page and the violence and killing were almost too graphic. As if all of that is not enough the ending plays with mind in yet a different way.
I must share two of my favorite quotes from The Covenant Within that I believe reveal some of the genius of Clouston’s literary flare: “eyebrows arched like bushy black caterpillars reacting to a flame” (LOC 2121) and “building exuded a schizophrenic mixture of stately magnificence and civic simplicity” (LOC 1963). Descriptions like “saccharin smile” and “taciturn response” or “palpable emotion” painted complete pictures of the emotions and attitudes of the characters.
August 21, 2012
There are a few books knocking around on this theme - something happened way back when in historic times which further down the ancestral line has implications in the here and now. This book is one of these, but it has a lot lot more than simply just being a rehash as it has the added twist of using new founded technology to understand what happened and why. The story flows very well, written in a way to make it pretty credible and easy to follow. The characterisation is good, evoking emotions in me as a reader. As well as the fast paced adventure story there is also the personal journeys of the main characters all of which are neatly sewn up by the end of the book. All in all, an enjoyable read and I will certainly look out for more from this author.
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October 8, 2012kinda of a thinking book...what if it was something you could really do...
August 5, 2021
I love to read and review Indie Authors (since I am one myself) and I find many of the books I read at BragMedallion.com (two of mine are there, too). The Covenant Within by R.A.R. Clouston is one of my finds. Here are my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author):
Most people dream, many experience déjà vu; some believe in reincarnation. But what if it really was possible to relive the lives of your ancestors?
American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he’s never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.
To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor’s help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers; and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.
What I liked about The Covenant Within:
The concept of genetic memory intrigues me and, when I saw it was a major part of the book, I had to read it. I enjoyed the way it was incorporated into the story and provided a great way of showing Jack Sinclair’s family history. I also liked the twists and turns and mystery of who was trying to kill Jack. The romantic element added nicely to the story. Overall, it was an entertaining book!
What I didn’t like about The Covenant Within:
Jack Sinclair’s temper tantrums and his inability to express his feelings were too predictable. In addition, I thought more background on his brother would have helped the story.
Overall impression:
I liked The Covenant Within! The genetic memory theme, along with the memory episodes reliving Jack’s family story kept me turning the pages. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a bit of science, this might be a book for you!
My rating:
4 Stars
Synopsis (from the author):
Most people dream, many experience déjà vu; some believe in reincarnation. But what if it really was possible to relive the lives of your ancestors?
American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he’s never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.
To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor’s help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers; and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.
What I liked about The Covenant Within:
The concept of genetic memory intrigues me and, when I saw it was a major part of the book, I had to read it. I enjoyed the way it was incorporated into the story and provided a great way of showing Jack Sinclair’s family history. I also liked the twists and turns and mystery of who was trying to kill Jack. The romantic element added nicely to the story. Overall, it was an entertaining book!
What I didn’t like about The Covenant Within:
Jack Sinclair’s temper tantrums and his inability to express his feelings were too predictable. In addition, I thought more background on his brother would have helped the story.
Overall impression:
I liked The Covenant Within! The genetic memory theme, along with the memory episodes reliving Jack’s family story kept me turning the pages. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a bit of science, this might be a book for you!
My rating:
4 Stars
May 28, 2019
What a journey this book takes the reader!
Almost from the first paragraph, I became engrossed in the story! The twists and turns, the history, and relationships, all engulfed me completely. If you want to be highly entertained, read this book!
Almost from the first paragraph, I became engrossed in the story! The twists and turns, the history, and relationships, all engulfed me completely. If you want to be highly entertained, read this book!
November 28, 2012
Well, were I a believer in the Christian mythos, I likely would've rated this a 5. I wish the hero had been able to finish his journey and recognize himself as a force for Good without having to embrace religion. In this story, the heroes and villains seem clearly defined as either Believers or Non. I won't go into plot detail because I find a summary in a review totally unnecessary (read the book info).
As it stands, this is a beautifully thought out story and excellent execution of such. I truly enjoyed it. Despite, you know, being a heathen.
As it stands, this is a beautifully thought out story and excellent execution of such. I truly enjoyed it. Despite, you know, being a heathen.
February 4, 2013
The book was not what I expected at all. While I was curious to see where the story would go, it was long and tedious and I often found myself wandering mentally. It didn't hold my attention for long and while I'm not one to quit reading a book, I was desperate to finish it. There were no "ah ha!" or "I didn't see that coming" feeling for me. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews