Dusk Before the Dawn

by Larry Ketchersid

An American educated Mayan sits atop a Temple in Tikal National Park, waiting. A father helplessly watches his family fall into some kind of sleep, or trance. Then he too succumbs, begging a stranger to save them. A PhD scientist awakens, remembering only hours ago she was in her nanotechnology lab, trying to work a solution to make incredibly small robots replicate. But she finds that she is now ill, or a prisoner, or both. The world has change irrevocably, in one swift movement, by the actions of a meglo-maniacal genius. Can they undo what he has done? Should they?

214 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2006

About the author

Larry Ketchersid is an entrepreneurial technologist, a runner, developer and a writer. His first novel,Dusk Before the Dawn was a Finalist for the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards in 2006. His latest novel, Software by the Kilo, is available in print and eBook (as is the first). He has also written a memoir book of stories for my mother and father called Voices in my Head.

His latest project is titled Re-reading Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, and is currently available as a Kindle eBook.

He has run several technology startups, some wildly successful, others not worth mentioning. He is currently the CEO of Media Sourcery, Inc., a security and workflow software and services company. He has degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics, leading his wife to name him ‘nerd’. To protect said wife, he also has a 2nd degree black belt in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan (his son has a 1st degree black belt), and continues to study Qigong, Tai chi chuan and other martial arts. Larry lives in Texas with his wife. They currently run JoSara MeDia which publishes books, eBooks, audio books, apps and helps non-profit organizations (such as the Texas State Historical Association) in these areas.

Larry has also written multimedia books in the form of iPad/iPhone apps called "Grand Canyon", and "Quebec City" which can be found in the Apple App Store (search for JoSara MeDia, the publishing company); several non-fiction technology articles and other articles, including several interviews for SFSignal.com (you can find both at his website).

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing plot combining nano technology with Eastern meditative concepts and the impact of ancient Central American history resulting in an action packed and thought provoking read.
Ketchersid knows his science, metaphysics, and human psychology and blends it into a well crafted novel.

[Maura White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Ketchersid tied together 2 very unlikely worlds. I was not expecting to walk away from the book thinking over and over about my impact on this world. Dusk Before the Dawn really stays with you. Great job. Also, I am now completely freaked out about nanotechnology.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best novels I’ve come across this year - I liked it so much, I added it to my best first science fiction novels list here on Amazon. A really fine mix of ancient culture, modern-future nanotech, written by a sure hand - Paul Levinson, Author of The Plot to Save Socrates and other fiction and non-fiction books; past president of the SFWA (Science Fiction Writers of America)

I thoroughly enjoyed his debut effort. This is a novel with a big idea - if our planet is truly threatened by human population growth and technology, what is the ultimate solution - and what is the morality of that solution? At what point does the idealism of a genius become insanity? And is there a need for a change in human consciousness, and can this truly be achieved? This is a lot to bite off, and the author has constructed a very fast-paced story that covers a lot of ground within an apocalyptic scenario. - William Dietrich, author of Napolean’s Pyramids, Hadrian’s Wall, and other novels

I hope Dusk Before the Dawn won’t be Larry Ketchersid’s last novel…he needs to get more of us thinking. - Dr. Phil Rhyne of Multiverse Reviews

A fascinating mixture of mysticism, nanotechnology and martial arts. The book reminded me a bit of King’s “The Stand,” but not because of any story similarities (there aren’t many), but because of the way the writer deals with a multitude of characters embroiled in a world facing near-extinction. - Ty Johnston, Logical Mysanthropy

As first novels go, this one was pretty darned good and shows excellent promise. Ultimately the story is an engaging scientific/supernatural thriller. - John, SFSignal.com

Larry Ketchersid has written a very impressive first novel, one with a distinct vision and a creative approach to apocalyptical theorizing. The way of enlightenment plays just as important a role as the cutting-edge science that invigorates the story. Various sub-plots among a cast of personable characters are incorporated seamlessly into the overall narrative. The book pays tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of past cultures while introducing esoteric ideas of spiritual enlightenment and martial arts philosophy in a wonderfully engaging manner. You won’t find many novels that so effectively compare and contrast quantum mechanics with the concept of Qi. With Dusk Before the Dawn being the first book in Ketchersid’s Enlightenment Cycle, much more along these religious/spiritual lines are doubtless to come, and this reader certainly looks forward to the second installment in the series.- Daniel Jolley, Amazon Top 50 reviewer

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best novels I came across in 2006. A really fine mix of ancient culture, modern-future nanotech, written by a sure hand. Ketchersid offers just the right mix of science and myth, packed into a fast-paced story with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Highly recommended, especially for fans of what I think of as anthropological science fiction.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trinity grad, but unfortunately not a great book.

[Zoran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting overall with a decent plot. Starts a little slow but picks up nicely at the end. I really enjoyed the mixing of the Tai Chi elements with the futuristic high tech elements.