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Talisgate
It’s autumn 1976 in Bradenton, Florida. Troy Cooper is no ordinary eleven-year-old boy. He’s smart. Just ask him. He’ll tell you. His best friend is the ever-faithful, pragmatic, and unflappable Molly McPherson, who lives one street over. Together, they’ve been rummaging around in the old, abandoned Muldoon place for a long time. They’re about to find something in that dilapidated house, something that will change their lives, and forever change their view of the world. Armed with a magical talisman and guided by a mysterious stranger named Sojourner, Troy and Molly confront evil, both human and supernatural, while traveling to multiple worlds. Along the way, Troy finds out he still has a lot to learn, while Molly proves stronger, smarter, and more resourceful than Troy ever imagined.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
5 people want to read
About the author
Tilmer Wright Jr.
5 books14 followersTilmer Wright Jr was born in 1965 in Kingsport, Tennessee. His mother was a dedicated homemaker and incredible loving mother of three - of which Tilmer was the youngest and the only boy. His father, Tilmer Sr., worked at a glass manufacturing facility and was just the best dad a kid could have.
Growing up he enjoyed most of the same things other little boys born in the 1960s did. He loved to play baseball and ride his bicycle all over the hilly terrain surrounding his family home. Life was pretty good. Sure, there were only four channels to watch on TV (and one of those was a grainy UHF-based ABC affiliate.) But there was some magic contained in that quartet. Many hours were whiled away sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a monolithic console television set that was comprised of more wood than electronics. Beaming from its convex low-resolution screen were such fantastic offerings as "Batman", "Looney Tunes" and "The Wild Wild West". Young Tilmer (known as Timmy in those days) would hop up excitedly after watching James West and Artemis Gordon foil the diminutive, but evil, Dr. Loveless. Off he would dash to his room where, in his closet, he would find the old cardboard box that had once housed the vacuum cleaner. This box held all of his most precious toys. Digging frantically, he would eventually find his trusty chrome-plated six-shooter cap pistol, reeking of burned powder from previous conquests. Minutes later, the pistol would be loaded with a fresh roll of red paper caps and Timmy would blaze out the back door, across the patio and into the large, grassy back yard. There, in his soaring imagination, he would find the nefarious Dr. Loveless and bring him to justice, all the while humming "The Wild Wild West" theme song as loudly as possible.
Tilmer has since retired the old chrome six-shooter and his wild west secret agent days are behind him. Since graduating from Florida State University in 1987 with a degree in Computer Science he has gotten married (and stayed married), fathered two beautiful daughters and worked in a variety of Information Technology roles across the southeastern United States. Today, he lives in Knoxville, TN. He loves to write and hates to edit. He loves music and plays the piano and guitar (both poorly.)
Growing up he enjoyed most of the same things other little boys born in the 1960s did. He loved to play baseball and ride his bicycle all over the hilly terrain surrounding his family home. Life was pretty good. Sure, there were only four channels to watch on TV (and one of those was a grainy UHF-based ABC affiliate.) But there was some magic contained in that quartet. Many hours were whiled away sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a monolithic console television set that was comprised of more wood than electronics. Beaming from its convex low-resolution screen were such fantastic offerings as "Batman", "Looney Tunes" and "The Wild Wild West". Young Tilmer (known as Timmy in those days) would hop up excitedly after watching James West and Artemis Gordon foil the diminutive, but evil, Dr. Loveless. Off he would dash to his room where, in his closet, he would find the old cardboard box that had once housed the vacuum cleaner. This box held all of his most precious toys. Digging frantically, he would eventually find his trusty chrome-plated six-shooter cap pistol, reeking of burned powder from previous conquests. Minutes later, the pistol would be loaded with a fresh roll of red paper caps and Timmy would blaze out the back door, across the patio and into the large, grassy back yard. There, in his soaring imagination, he would find the nefarious Dr. Loveless and bring him to justice, all the while humming "The Wild Wild West" theme song as loudly as possible.
Tilmer has since retired the old chrome six-shooter and his wild west secret agent days are behind him. Since graduating from Florida State University in 1987 with a degree in Computer Science he has gotten married (and stayed married), fathered two beautiful daughters and worked in a variety of Information Technology roles across the southeastern United States. Today, he lives in Knoxville, TN. He loves to write and hates to edit. He loves music and plays the piano and guitar (both poorly.)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 17, 2024
I was so impressed with how well Tilmer Wright, Jr. brought the characters to life in this fantasy with a touch of Sci Fi. I felt like I really got to know Molly and Troy, and the personalities of these children rang true throughout the novel as they try to prevent the evil “Crashers” from carrying out their plans to destroy worlds that are vital to the continuation of humanity. I highly recommend you read this if you are up for an adventure and enjoy stories with a Twilight Zone vibe. The ending will grab you by surprise and leave you longing for the sequel!
November 21, 2023
Great new series!
Tilmer Wright is such a fantastic storyteller. I love this book and am excited he is finally writing a series! Highly recommend this book for any fantasy fans, young or seasoned.
Tilmer Wright is such a fantastic storyteller. I love this book and am excited he is finally writing a series! Highly recommend this book for any fantasy fans, young or seasoned.
November 13, 2023
“Talisgate,” introduces readers to a captivating journey woven around the lives of two friends who unexpectedly embark on an extraordinary adventure.
The dynamic between Troy and Molly adds a layer of relatability, making their journey not just a fantastical escape but a reflection of the resilience found in unexpected friendships.
This novel is a commendable addition to Tim’s body of work and stands as a testament to his storytelling finesse.
The dynamic between Troy and Molly adds a layer of relatability, making their journey not just a fantastical escape but a reflection of the resilience found in unexpected friendships.
This novel is a commendable addition to Tim’s body of work and stands as a testament to his storytelling finesse.
January 12, 2024
Talisgate by Tilmer Wright Jr. presents an engaging tale of Troy and Molly, two friends who embark on an unexpected and thrilling journey. This narrative is not merely a foray into the fantastical; it's an exploration of resilience and the power of unforeseen bonds. Wright's narrative prowess shines through, transforming the novel into a compelling testament to the art of storytelling. Readers are invited into a world where friendship illuminates the path through a maze of extraordinary events.
In this imaginative fantasy, Wright crafts a world where Troy and Molly's lives unravel in surprising directions. The book's masterful storytelling and vibrant characters captivate and delight, drawing readers into a deeply engaging experience. Troy, in particular, is a well-crafted character, embodying the typical, somewhat irksome traits of a young boy, which adds a layer of realism and charm to the tale.
The story begins with momentum, drawing readers into a realm brimming with unexpected twists. While the narrative is richly detailed, it serves to enhance the magical elements, ensuring a deeply immersive experience. Yet, the novel's strength lies in its well-crafted suspense and the myriad of surprising turns. Wright navigates the fine line between detailed description and suspense with skill, keeping the story riveting. Characters like Troy and Molly are thoughtfully developed, adding depth and relatability to the plot.
For those with a penchant for young adult fantasy, Talisgate is a gem, highlighting Wright's detailed world-building and imaginative prowess while taking readers on an unforgettable adventure.
In this imaginative fantasy, Wright crafts a world where Troy and Molly's lives unravel in surprising directions. The book's masterful storytelling and vibrant characters captivate and delight, drawing readers into a deeply engaging experience. Troy, in particular, is a well-crafted character, embodying the typical, somewhat irksome traits of a young boy, which adds a layer of realism and charm to the tale.
The story begins with momentum, drawing readers into a realm brimming with unexpected twists. While the narrative is richly detailed, it serves to enhance the magical elements, ensuring a deeply immersive experience. Yet, the novel's strength lies in its well-crafted suspense and the myriad of surprising turns. Wright navigates the fine line between detailed description and suspense with skill, keeping the story riveting. Characters like Troy and Molly are thoughtfully developed, adding depth and relatability to the plot.
For those with a penchant for young adult fantasy, Talisgate is a gem, highlighting Wright's detailed world-building and imaginative prowess while taking readers on an unforgettable adventure.
July 25, 2024
Talisgate will grab you from the first pages as you immediately bond with the two young, endearing children, Troy and Molly. The story is sweet, engaging, and will instantly transport you into its magical world. And then, there's Sojourner, a stranger you'll want to get to know better, and those Evil Crashers who might scare you just a little...but only a little.
And now, the suspense can begin. Will Troy, Molly, and Sojourner be able to stop the Evil Crashers from breaching the Talisgates, which enable time travel?
Thank you, Tilmer Wright Jr, for this wonderful journey with Troy and Molly! Your incredible imagination shines through, and your way of sharing it with us is truly delightful.
Thank you!
And now, the suspense can begin. Will Troy, Molly, and Sojourner be able to stop the Evil Crashers from breaching the Talisgates, which enable time travel?
Thank you, Tilmer Wright Jr, for this wonderful journey with Troy and Molly! Your incredible imagination shines through, and your way of sharing it with us is truly delightful.
Thank you!
March 16, 2024
Terrific new fantasy!
Tilmer Wright has created a phenomenal new young adult tale, with great characters. Troy and Molly are believable characters who have the reader rooting for them and sitting on the edge of their seats when they’re in danger. Can’t wait for the next novel to come out!
Tilmer Wright has created a phenomenal new young adult tale, with great characters. Troy and Molly are believable characters who have the reader rooting for them and sitting on the edge of their seats when they’re in danger. Can’t wait for the next novel to come out!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews