Singular Points

by Travis Mohrman

David had an ease with things that tended to make others think he wasn't taking life seriously. Some had called him blessed, but most that knew him knew his success in his construction company, as well as in his life, was because of his hard work. Life had been good to him. When his wife passed away suddenly, everything changed. David is transported to a new place, a place outside of his own world, and begins to question the premise of life and the foundations of religion. Before he can come to grips with any of it, he learns about an evil that threatens the very existence of the universe. David quickly learns that he may be the only person with the key to defeating this evil, but it would be impossible to do it alone. With the help of Kona, his trusty Malamute, as well as his sister Debbie and his best friend Brian, David enters a battle that could very likely re-write the world as it has always been known.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Amazon

296 pages, Paperback

First published December 24, 2013

Reviews

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a huge departure from the author's normal style, and I must say I think he's really hit his stride with Singular Points. This was one of the better stories I've read over the last year. It is built upon a great premise, and written beautifully. It is the truly moving story of a man, David, who loses his wife, and the subsequent collapse of his life. In the midst of his anguish, which Mohrman makes the reader FEEL, something magical happens. David stumbles upon a different and magical place. There are notes of Stephen King's Talisman and Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series, but this is a truly unique and moving tale. My respect for this author's writing has increased more than I would have thought possible. Bravo, Travis. It's not often that a story pulls me in enough to bring me to tears while reading it, but this one made me tear up a couple of times. I can imagine how hard this was to write, but it is fantastically easy to read. Thank you sir, for an epic story!

[Tony Bertauski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemplating existence and alternative theories of reality...I love this genre. Mohrman assembles a fun cast of characters that stumble upon parallel universes that are stacked around ours like sheets of paper. The debate of an omnipresent God is hashed out around campfires and fish tanks. And the answer was like debating whether "broccoli tastes good or not."

As he's done in previous work, Mohrman uses humor to good effect. I had a few LOL moments, highlighting some of my favorite lines ("meditation makes me poop") as I went along.

The stories ends with a metaphysical shootout between dogs, cats, and the energy of the universe. And were we fit in. A good book to ask the big questions.

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're somebody who rolls their eyes at the mention of energy, you'll have to angle this book accordingly. Because it is ALL about the energy. Yes, it's sort of hippie dippie, new agey, say OM and all that. It even features meditation quite heavily. So it's tough to confine to a genre, but, if I had to, I'd say it's a sort of metaphysical fantasy. Basic good battling evil premise with a multidimensional angle. Perfectly decent read, nothing great, but a reasonably entertaining way to spend 3 hours. Apparently it didn't take that long to write either. I suppose one can look for a meaning there, something profound...and probably find it. The main word I'd use to describe this book was nice. Which serves the purpose.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Singular Points” introduces us to David. His wife has just died, which sends him spiralling into grief and anger. His despair over his loss leaves David hopeless and unable to control even the simplest of emotions. At first you’re all “This shit is heavy,” and it is, but Mohrman’s writing style keeps you reading anyway, although you want to bawl right along with David, which makes reading kind of challenging. (Not that I cried. We know I don’t do that.)

The really cool thing about this book is the hidden layers. On the surface, it’s just a story about really cool stuff happening, but there’s an intangible weight to the words and events within it, so you start looking deeper as you read. For example, David’s grief carries him into an alternate plane, but this parallel reality David experiences isn’t really that far-fetched. When you lose someone you love, it's like having a piece of your heart or soul ripped out, and the grief is often so intense that you really do exist on a different “plane” than everyone around you. So even though supernatural things are happening in this story that never happen in real life, the reader can totally relate to the symbolism of the world Mohrman creates.

Okay, that’s as deep as I get folks. Let’s move on to why I think you should read this book. (I’m trying not to give away any spoilers.)

“Singular Points” tackles themes and concepts that can be pretty explosive, like creation according to science and faith, spiritualism, and alternate realities, but it's subtle, not preachy. You don't feel as though you have to pick sides and you don't feel the author is doing so either. And (possibly the most important part of all) it’s funny. The heavy content of the book is brilliantly balanced with humor and his writing style is economical, but not harsh. Mohrman doesn’t clutter the story with a bunch of frilly words, which would be hard to resist given the themes of the story, and there’s a subtle… reassurance (?) in the narrative. I don’t know how to describe it. You’d have to read it. So do it now.

[Terra Limburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserves to be a movie!!

This is a great great story about how we are all one with our planet and it's creatures. I can easily see this novel becoming a movie! It shows how each of us has a unique place in the universe. Highly recommend reading!!

[Gladys Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

When I chose the book I expected Science Fiction, but surprisingly enough I still enjoyed the book. The story was interesting, spiritual, and thought provoking.

[Calamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Singular Points by Travis Mohrman is a fun and thought-provoking story about loss, friendship, and newly acquired superpowers needed to defeat Evil. Singular Points takes place in modern day Arkansas where David, whose wife has suddenly passed away, is trying to get a grip on his grief. He hits the breaking point at her funeral and is overcome with emotions and anger that transport him to a different realm. Seriously! He wakes up in a different plane of existence, one that is solely occupied by a guy named Dave who looks curiously like an older version of David himself. While David is trying to figure out why this is happening to him all of a sudden, he learns that a source of Evil is trying to disrupt the Universe as they know it. With the help of his best friend Brian and his sister Debbie and his trusty dog Kona, David navigates his new-found powers and works to defeat Evil before it’s too late.

I had a fun time reading this book. I really like David’s character and found how he handled these bizarre events very refreshing. He acknowledged them and took them in stride all the while making it clear that he knew it all was totally crazy and out of this world (haha pun…. Sorry couldn’t help it!). While there are some lengthy sections discussing religion and the afterlife and more theoretical ideas they are balanced by humor and great action scenes that pull you back into the book if you begin to drift. David is a solid guy and I was rooting for him the whole time. Mohrman’s writing is fun and upbeat and is overall and enjoyable experience!

Singular Points is a great read for anyone who loves a bit of fantasy set in modern settings or who leans towards superhero motifs.

Reviewed by Alex, www.CalamusWorks.com

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Singular Adventure

With his wonderful wife Jackie as his inspiration, David lived a fulfilling life for ten years. He was sober, owned a very successful construction company that focused on building environmentally friendly homes, and maintained great relationships with his friends and family, especially his sister Debbie.

When his world is turned upside down, David feels a terrible grief. When the grief overcomes him, he unexpectedly slips into another dimension. With practice, David finds he can move into the dimension practically at will.

When an evil force lurks, ready to strike, David stands at a crossroads. He faces tough decisions, with far-reaching ramifications.

Singular Points, by Travis Mohrman, is filled with engaging characters. Kona, the huge malamute the weight of an average adult, adds color. David's parents add humor. His mother's "brain lacked the crucial common sense filter, when it came to times of emotional difficulty." And "in times of stress, [his father] buttoned up tighter than a mime during a final exam." James, the man of God who seems to be stalking David on behalf of his church, adds a shiver of anticipation as the reader wonders if the minister has a hidden agenda beyond David's soul.

Mr. Mohrman's well-written story also presents the reader with symbolism and metaphors, without preaching. Overall, it's an excellent book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very original story that kept me riveted from the beginning. I loved the subject matter, and the concept of all things being one. I really liked all the characters, too. They all seemed like the guy or girl next door and their lifelong friends, all grown up with responsibilities, yet still maintaining the bonds of childhood - we could all use more of those. The way the author sometimes threw in fun facts or observations about hunting, nature, or memories seemed to solidify the characters as real people with histories, real knowledge, and full lives, not just flat characters in a story.

My only complaint is that it could have been longer. The progression seemed to go a little too fast and ended too soon (for me). I wish there would have been a nerdy friend, nephew, or neighbor who looked up information about soul journeys, singularities, or the physics of energy. These could have offered insight or inspiration for David's advances and epiphanies, and introduced more related information along those lines - a sign that humanity may have gotten to the ending on its own, but more slowly. I think if Mr Mohrman were to expand this with more supporting characters, and create a few more of those awesome, suspense-filled sequences, it would be a great screenplay - it read like one already!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take an average guy, happy with his life. Take away the best part of that life, and watch him spiral into grief and despair. Watch the anger generated by his grief take a right turn and deposit him somewhere – else. Somewhere beyond reality as we know it. So begins this tale of possibilities, where universes unknown to us are fanned out like a deck of cards. David finds a place he did not expect, populated by an entity he can barely understand, to help him deal with something inside of him that can be either his saving grace, or his undoing.

This story is a wild ride of action and emotion for all of its characters. Creation is examined through the lens of science, without discarding the power of faith or the strength of the human spirit. That sounds really serious, but there’s plenty of humor. People do find humor in everything; it’s one of our best traits. Another is protecting the bonds of family, even when the definition of family changes without notice. David and his family travel a strange and unique road toward a battle that’s as inevitable as it is impossible.

Fun to read and thought-provoking, with laughter included. I like that.

[John Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that feels authentically human, even in the midst of universe-shattering paranormal activity. Having lost a spouse myself, I felt the author's handling of the bizarre landscape of grief was sensitive and accurate, even to the point of letting friends guide you around while you have no idea what you're doing.
The main character is easy to identify with and his friends and family and DOG are cool companions on his quest. I won't say what the quest is, but you will find it interesting.
Also, a lot of books makes the mistake of making the villain too evil without reason or too easily overcome by mere happenstance, and I feel Singular points gives a great balance to both the motivation of the antagonist and the mechanism it requires to deal with it/him.

Very compelling book that I enjoyed reading! highly recommended.


About the only negative thing I can say about "singular points" is that the title conveys very little of the wonderfulness of this book.

[Shane Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn fine quick read

I always start w a content rating
First - this book is an adult book. It's characters are older, mostly w kids and families. But even so - very very clean. Almost zero cursing even. No tense sexual situations as that was not a part of this story.
Ok. Now to the stuff that matters
Nice grab of a beginning to suck u in. An I interesting and likable main character. Know up front that this is a shorter ,fast, read. Hence there us not a load of story backdrop and the reader is moved along in stream. Some Cantrell this off worth a s@$?! but Travis Mohrman certainly pulls it off here. Fast paced. I interesting and original premise and it's one of those books you can start and finishing one long plane ride or two to three sittings. It had someone things I let pass, and it wasn't a 6 star book but it earned every bit of the 5.
A good read. And yes - I bought it. Was totally satisfied.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, great characters, humour, great narration style - this had everything I love in a book!! (also some spelling and missed word errors overlooked by the editor but you cannot have it all huh?)
Devastated by the death of his wife, David discovers he seems to have strange powers. He learns that they will be needed to fight, together with his sister Debbie and his best friend Brian, to protect the world from an...entity...trying to take over.
Although the first couple of pages I found a bit slow, the story itself soon gripped me, and I found it hard to put this book down. The characters were very plausible, the story flowed without effort and drew the reader in very quickly.
I would not mind to read more of this author.

[Paul DiBara · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a story and action and a climatic battle at the end as expected. But there is no real depth to the characters, their roles are comic relief in one instance, and threatened damsel in another. It's a comic book without the pictures but more text. Person suffers tragedy, finds he has superpowers, super villain threatens universe with destruction, hero reaches deep and, at the last moment, finds the power to save the universe.

Readers of this genre may muddle through the book but will probably forget it by the time they begin the next one.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I think I've read most of the other published works by this author and I enjoyed them all, but this one is my favorite. David has lost his wife in a traffic accident and is spreading her ashes at the river. Suddenly he's transported to another place/time and faces an older David (himself). So maybe he's crazy? Drunk? Or maybe this really happened. When things really start to get weird he needs his best friend Brian and his own sister Debbie with him to try and figure things out. We have good vs evil, hope, loss, discovery and lots of humor throughout. Loved it!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story...

I usually read several books at the same time but with this book, I enjoyed it so much that I read it start to finish in a couple of days when ever I could get some time to myself. I read every thing that I can about string theory, alternate universes, etc. and I very much enjoyed that aspect of the story.
The book is well written, well edited and has a good ending. Five stars!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and loving this authors Down the Path series, I was excited about a new book. This definitely was a departure from that series, but just as good. Its a book that makes you think, while still being very entertaining. It was so different from anything I've read before. I recommend this book to anyone, even if you are not normally a fan of science fiction.

[Steve Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parallel multiverse

This is an interesting variation on the idea of something existing just beyond where we can sense it. The characters interface with the parallel worlds in different ways, rather than unimaginative hopping between layers. Being human provides the secret to success.

[Susan E. Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is awesome!

One of the best I've read in a while for great writing - clear, funny at times, masterfully paced. The reason for the evilness of Bast (what does he have against cats?) could use a little fleshing out, and he missed an opportunity to make something of "God", but it was a good read. I liked Brian. Can I have one, please?

[Terri Weitze · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was such a disappointment. The story is, for the most part, pretty good. It has some interesting ideas behind it. But the characters are not very likable (except for the dog) and the ending was the worst. Just the total worst. It was a betrayal of all the interesting concepts that had gone before. WTF? I'd give it one star, but most of the book was okay.

[Kari Morandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not compelling

I liked the idea, but the execution was terrible. All the characters seemed a little too cartoony. Their dialogue seemed very high school, if that mature, and they seemed to take delight in immature pranks. I found myself reading very quickly in the hopes I'd be done with the book soon.

[Carole O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can truly say I really loved this book,it starts with a widower scattering the ashes of his late wife in the river, while he is doing that time freezes for him and he finds himself in a parallel universe, where he speaks to a wise being, it just gets better and better from there.

This is the first Travis Mohrman book I have read I will be reading more in the future.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The plot is both complex and simple at the same time. I can't explain it, it just is. Read it and you'll see. There are moments that are heart wrenching, hopeful, hilarious, and even a bit of soul searching is in order at times.

[J.W. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and stimulating.
This book probes the nature of reality, and our perceptions of it, like peeling back the layers of an onion. The author manages to do this, and yet still includes a good deal of real-life humor.
Highly recommended!

[Pxipenguin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of wonderland .....

A different kind of book without the usual characters. If you are sick and tired of the usual pulp, then try this book. Four stars! It's fresh and different and very good.

[kenneth h. robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power to Make Changes

Everyone has things that they wish were changed and different. This book explores what it is that's required to effect those changes. It all starts with the death of loving wife.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sucked me in

Started this book and got sucked in off the bat! It takes place not far from where I live in Arkansas, so that was really cool! Also, I tried some of Brian's toast and it was delicious! Great story and a great ending!

[Carly Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed this book to a certain extent, but it lacked something for me. Or maybe it was how juvenile the characters acted occasionally, I kinda had a hard time connecting to them. But the story was still interesting and I enjoyed the message the author shared.

[Karmen]

F-word in the first few pages. Not a good sign for the rest of the book. oh well!

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice concept, but the frat boy/family man Brian was a little off-putting.