The Builder Awakens

by I. Graham Smith

On a backwater planet, in the vast tundra lives a caveman named Kpleeb. He is among the least intelligent of cavemen in his village, but his fate is about to change. After a quarrel with his friends, Kpleeb goes on journey where he is abducted, imprisoned, and experimented on by unknown beings. Just when he believes there is no hope of escaping his solitary confinement, Kpleeb is introduced to a fellow captive. Kpleeb and the beautiful Thoka join forces to fight the entities that have taken them from everything they know. Together, they find love and freedom in a new land.

Unfortunately, their life cannot be so easy. In their new home, strange and deadly warriors scourge the land, and an ancient prophesy is revealed. Far above their simple existence the machinery of a galactic empire inexorably grinds onward, and Kpleeb cannot imagine the adventures ahead.

The Builder has awakened.

345 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2024

About the author

Graham enjoys writing and imagining odd things. He grew up in a relatively strange way compared to most Americans. Perhaps this upbringing is one of the reasons he writes, but ultimately, creativity comes from the Creator, and in that way Graham reflects the maker of all things.

While sprouts of stories are abundant, the need to "pay the bills" slows the output and creates a need for focus. Graham sits on the front porch on rural North Carolina, watching the chickens, deer, foxes, and other wild things pass by. He thinks about redemption, the meaning of life, and how mankind sows what he reaps.

Reviews

[Greyson Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cavemen, aliens, magic and mystery- what's not to love? A story of a downtrodden caveman, Kpleeb, whose life is forever changed when he's abducted and experimented upon by unknown beings far more intelligent than he. He goes from village idiot to ruler of a devoted race of fighters. I love the magic/science part of the book. I just need a glossary of terms/explanation of magic because I can't remember what the aji and qon are anymore. Consider adding that to your book, perhaps as an appendix?

[aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the style of sci-fi this book is written in. The idea of cavemen and aliens colliding worlds is so creative and has probably never been done before. Genius! The story really made me want to keep reading more, to see what happens next and how the book unfolds. Thokka, Kpleeb, and Zara are such lovable characters, that feel real as you come to know them. The ideas and the hints of magic throughout the novel were super interesting and intriguing. The Xi were awesome. This book is a quality, thought-provoking, engaging read that shows the creativity of the author. Unbelievably ingenious!