Leaf Runner

by John C Stroebel

Mercer Evans found himself waking from a fitful sleep in a cold sweat for the past few nights. It was not the lucidity of his conversations nor the striking realism of his dreams that shook him, but rather the horrifyingly gruesome deaths that ended each nightmare. Were these dreams the product of the empty bottles on Mercer's nightstand and the creeping solitude of his studio apartment, or was there something more to the terrors that plagued him? Leaf Runner follows Mercer as he transcends time and experiences the potential dangers of changing his past and the intertwining histories of the many lives that went before him. The result is a relentlessly suspenseful pursuit played out during pivotal historical moments as Mercer and a collection of time travelers called Leaf Runners attempt to prevent a group of zealots from changing the world as we know it. Read the prologue, and you won't be able to put this book down until 'The End!'

274 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2023

About the author

John C. Stroebel was born and raised in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin and spent many summers baling hay on local farms in the hills around his small town. Since he could walk, he loved taking things apart to see how they worked and learning how to piece them back together. This passion eventually resulted in his graduating with an electrical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1987 he began designing implantable medical devices and has since amassed more than three dozen patents in the field. His contributions have directly impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Reviews

[Kat Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I felt like I stepped into another world that kept me interested from beginning to end. I loved this book as an adult but think it would also be incredible for teens and young adults! SO GOOD. Thank you for writing this book, John Stroebel. Continued success. Here’s to many more!

[Meranda P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! You are hooked from the prologue to the last chapter. Great adventure with a few twists and turns.

[Todd Fonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each night, Mercer Evans dies.

Or at least, that's how it feels in his dreams. Dreams so vivid that upon awakening, he's left uncertain of his own identity and reality. When a fanatical cult targets him in his waking life, Mercer discovers that these aren't mere dreams, but something far more potent. But is this newfound power a gift or a curse? As history's threads begin to unravel, Mercer Evans finds himself at the crux of not only the past but also humanity's future.

John C. Stroebel's debut novel, 'Leaf Runner,' introduces a novel and captivating twist to the time-travel genre. I'll admit, the initial prologue and chapters were somewhat disorienting. Each focuses on a different character, spanning various timelines, and alternates between first and third-person perspectives. Just as I found myself getting attached to the characters and their stories, I was abruptly shifted to a different setting, leaving me feeling somewhat unanchored.

However, this initial disorientation smoothens out as the narrative progresses. The story interweaves these diverse voices in a more predictable and fluid manner. Stroebel employs a range of intriguing plot devices, accompanied by twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, surprised, and eager to see how the climax unfolds.

While 'Leaf Runner' is a complete and satisfying story in itself, the main plot device paves the way for future adventures. I eagerly anticipate what John C. Stroebel has in store next.