Children of the Scroll

by Rick Tabor

After his mother dies during a pandemic, Brian Newman stumbles upon an ancient Scroll that creates life from clay. Seeking to bring his mother back to life, he enlists the help of a disgraced rabbi to obtain an unusual list of ingredients for use in a ritual that changes everything. Chased by mercenaries, a foreign weapons company, the police, a purveyor of ancient artifacts, and an unscrupulous Russian private investigator, Brian, and his family must hide, survive, and fight to keep the Scroll out of the hands of those who want to misuse its powers.

350 pages, Paperback

Published January 4, 2025

About the author

Rick Tabor has been a passionate reader since the third grade, when he inhaled the action-adventure science fiction Tom Swift series during a sweltering summer in Bartlett, Texas. After an accomplished career as a polymer scientist — with 22 published scientific articles, two book chapters, and 85 patent publications to his name — he now acts as a consultant, solving polymer science and chemistry problems for his clients. In his spare time, Rick blends his scientific expertise with a vivid imagination to craft action/horror/fantasy thrillers.

Rick’s debut novel CHILDREN OF THE SCROLL, asks the question:

“What if you could bring a loved one back to life using an ancient religious artifact?”

But the question inside the question is:

“Can you survive the consequences?”

Readers say –
“Genius.” – CS.
“I couldn’t put it down.” – RB.
“The best ending I’ve read in a very long time” – WR.
“A very captivating read.” – JZ.
“This would make a great action movie!” – BF.

Reviews

[Briana Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and fun! There are a few things I am a nerd about in books - the first is the setting. I appreciate the many locations in this book (from Tel Aviv to Prague to Skokie to the Hill Country of Texas) which all are integral to the plot and move the story along. The second is wrapping actual real world events into the story, as this one does with the COVID pandemic. I read this in two days and couldn’t put it down!

[Paul Pope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read many books with golems, and the ones I have portrayed the beings as animated flower pots. Clay beings activated by charmed script inside them. Complying with commands issued by a master, but void of voice and personality.
But in Children of the Scroll these entities are hybridized and quasi autonomous. I enjoyed the golems as a horror-fantasy theme.
In the opening chapters the author uses citations to establish validity, which is wholly unnecessary in fiction. These footnotes were a distraction and added nothing to the story.
Plenty of action with a storybook ending. I was expecting, desiring something more than a happy-ever-after finish.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially the fast pace and plot that kept me guessing through the first third. I am reading ADD and typically read 6 - 8 books at the same time. It's a high compliment to Children of the Scroll from me that I read it with barely a break to something else I'm reading!

[Bob Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no expectations when I started this book. Quickly found it enthralling and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Appreciated the global perspective and reference to recent events as well. I was unfamiliar with the history references which the author wove into the context of our current world. Very enjoyable read, anxious to see the next book!

[Suzanne Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children of the Scroll is a very entertaining read. I was so involved in the characters that I had dreams about the Tentacles! This book made me laugh out loud. Loved the references of Texas and Prague. No spoilers here. You get to find out about the tentacles all on your own. Happy Reading!

[Marisa Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down after the first paragraph! It was a fun read! I hope there’s a sequel. I’ve been telling all my reader friend to read this book!

[Karen Sepolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and exciting read! I'd describe it as SciFi meets Indiana Jones meets DaVinci Code with a little more humor and complexity mixed it. It was fast paced, easy to read and clearly well researched. The main characters are funny, endearing and ballsy. I am impatiently awaiting and crossing my fingers for a Book #2!