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A Backed Up John: A Story of Gods, Goddesses, Mortals, and the Odd Stuff In Between
When you have unlimited power and everyone wants the secrets to obtaining it, John Smythe is the person not to go to. He hasn't a clue how he became, nor what he's doing. A comedy of errors takes John Smythe on an adventure he'll never forget through Ancient Greece. He will discover that the Ancient world of mythology isn't all that ancient.
John Smythe, a man of honor and trust, goes along with everything that is occurring about him on his misadventure with hopes of finding the truth. Armed with little more than a mind filled with factual data, a scientific mind, and a tenancy to faint when things aren't right, he'll manage to find himself, his true nature, and the love of the Goddess of Music.
A Backed Up John: A Story of Gods, Goddesses, Mortals, and the Odd Stuff In Between. McAfee’s novel is a response to the writings of Edith Hamilton who wrote the comprehensive works for Ancient Greece and the Gods. The premise was, what if a person who had unlimited power, but ignorant of this fact, arrive in Olympus and become the unsuspecting dupe of the GODS. After many life events and revisions, the book was recovered from obscurity and made available.
John Smythe, a man of honor and trust, goes along with everything that is occurring about him on his misadventure with hopes of finding the truth. Armed with little more than a mind filled with factual data, a scientific mind, and a tenancy to faint when things aren't right, he'll manage to find himself, his true nature, and the love of the Goddess of Music.
A Backed Up John: A Story of Gods, Goddesses, Mortals, and the Odd Stuff In Between. McAfee’s novel is a response to the writings of Edith Hamilton who wrote the comprehensive works for Ancient Greece and the Gods. The premise was, what if a person who had unlimited power, but ignorant of this fact, arrive in Olympus and become the unsuspecting dupe of the GODS. After many life events and revisions, the book was recovered from obscurity and made available.
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First published December 21, 2014
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About the author
Michael McAfee
1 book8 followersMichael P McAfee
Michael McAfee was born in San Diego, but his family moved to New Mexico when he was six months old making him almost a native. He studied Creative Writing and Political Science at The University of New Mexico, graduated from U.N.M. with a degree in English/Political Science. Toying with the idea of becoming a teacher, he took classes for his teaching certificate while writing stories for local magazines, and the local convention Bubonicon.
In 1990, he started writing a satire/farce called, A BACKED UP JOHN. The book was a response to the writings of Edith Hamilton who wrote the comprehensive works for Ancient Greece and the Gods. The premise was, what if a person who had unlimited power, but ignorant of this fact, arrive in Olympus and become the unsuspecting dupe of the GODS. After many life events and revisions, the book was recovered from obscurity and made available. A BACKED UP JOHN is available on AMAZON.
Michael McAfee was born in San Diego, but his family moved to New Mexico when he was six months old making him almost a native. He studied Creative Writing and Political Science at The University of New Mexico, graduated from U.N.M. with a degree in English/Political Science. Toying with the idea of becoming a teacher, he took classes for his teaching certificate while writing stories for local magazines, and the local convention Bubonicon.
In 1990, he started writing a satire/farce called, A BACKED UP JOHN. The book was a response to the writings of Edith Hamilton who wrote the comprehensive works for Ancient Greece and the Gods. The premise was, what if a person who had unlimited power, but ignorant of this fact, arrive in Olympus and become the unsuspecting dupe of the GODS. After many life events and revisions, the book was recovered from obscurity and made available. A BACKED UP JOHN is available on AMAZON.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 4, 2015
Needs a bit more gentle treatment
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with the copy of the book
As the author has mentioned, it is a flight away from reality but unfortunately this flight is a bit jerky
I loved the core idea of the plot. Visiting back to olympus and the Olymipans but i wish the treatment could be a little more gentler as right now the book is a little too complex ,scientific and technical to keep up.Its like two many things are trying to battle for your attention.
For the major half of the book i had no idea as to where the book was heading or what was it trying to convey. The trouble is that the book is amazing in components. There are parts of stories that are individually brilliant but as a general, these components fail to match with each other.
Hopefully without spoilers i could clarify this with examples
I loved the new religion concept of Ex- crete and its explanation and usage by the author. It was hilarious. Also i loved the portrayal of Hercules. So did other such short portions and chunks of stories but when you look at these in a broader range it seems to stop making sense and does not go with each other
I am still confused about the central character John. i still dont know the basics of this character. Either i was not able to understand it or maybe it was the author but the fact is that i could only appreciate the book in bits and parts.
I felt the author was trying to move into multiple plot lines making the whole book a bit shaky The concept was brilliant but i felt that it was not properly put together and explained. It is a bit hard and tougher concepts to absorb and wish had a little more gentleness or simplicity to it. There are certain portions that are truly remarkable.
The book is good in portions and maybe with a little more refined unraveling, the concept and the entire ride would have been a bit more smoother. Language is simple but the narration is what is a bit of concern. This occurs majorly because there is a wavering theme to the book. i felt it should have picked one theme and strongly revolved the book around it
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with the copy of the book
As the author has mentioned, it is a flight away from reality but unfortunately this flight is a bit jerky
I loved the core idea of the plot. Visiting back to olympus and the Olymipans but i wish the treatment could be a little more gentler as right now the book is a little too complex ,scientific and technical to keep up.Its like two many things are trying to battle for your attention.
For the major half of the book i had no idea as to where the book was heading or what was it trying to convey. The trouble is that the book is amazing in components. There are parts of stories that are individually brilliant but as a general, these components fail to match with each other.
Hopefully without spoilers i could clarify this with examples
I loved the new religion concept of Ex- crete and its explanation and usage by the author. It was hilarious. Also i loved the portrayal of Hercules. So did other such short portions and chunks of stories but when you look at these in a broader range it seems to stop making sense and does not go with each other
I am still confused about the central character John. i still dont know the basics of this character. Either i was not able to understand it or maybe it was the author but the fact is that i could only appreciate the book in bits and parts.
I felt the author was trying to move into multiple plot lines making the whole book a bit shaky The concept was brilliant but i felt that it was not properly put together and explained. It is a bit hard and tougher concepts to absorb and wish had a little more gentleness or simplicity to it. There are certain portions that are truly remarkable.
The book is good in portions and maybe with a little more refined unraveling, the concept and the entire ride would have been a bit more smoother. Language is simple but the narration is what is a bit of concern. This occurs majorly because there is a wavering theme to the book. i felt it should have picked one theme and strongly revolved the book around it
January 20, 2015
John Smythe lived at the Silver Cup apartments. He awoke 1 morning with a hangover. Things didn’t go as planned that day for him.
911 was called. The apartment was in total shambles & PPL were running around naked.
John went to the Library. Marion Hill (librarian) greeted him.
Next he stopped & talked with Mrs. Juno Graham (legal immigrant).
Fast forward John is transported to Olympus (Golden city). Hestia (aka Hess, Goddess of the lost children, oldest daughter of Cronus/Rhea) greets him.
Next he meets Polyhymnia (Zeus daughter, aka Polly, Goddess of Music).
Polly invites him to meet Zeus (King of the Gods, son of Cronus/Rhea).
Zeus wants John to help Hercules (Zeus son) with his personal issues.
John journeys around Mycenae (city) & sees the Lions Gate.
He next visits with King Eurytheus of Mycenae (30+). The King explains things to John.
John is to let Hercules know his next task, which is to battle the Hydra.
John & Brother Feces whom he met along the way head for Lycaonia (small community).
The 2 meet Hercules.
The Hydra had beautiful rainbow scales & was 20’ tall & 50’ long.
Hercules drew his sword & whacked off its head. The Hydra now had 42 heads.
It was later defeated.
The 3 head back to see King Eurytheus about Hercules next tasks (redemption for past debt).
King Eurytheus has a whole list for Hercules.
1st, cage the Erymanthian boar. 2nd, go to Geyon’s round up the cattle. 3rd, capture the Cerymean Stag. 4th, go to the district of Corninthia & kill the Stymphalia birds. 5th, pen the Cretan Bull (stud service). 6th, capture Cerberus (three-headed dog).
A little humor thank goodness we don’t have Brother Feces (Brother of the Order).
Hercules (aka John Smith) completed task are: he cleaned the Aegean Stables, he killed the Nemen Lion, & Hydra, he fetched the Golden Apples of Hesperido, he seized the girdle of the Amazon Hippolyes & penned the Cretan Bull.
On the mission to the port of Krisa the guys meet Jason who is in search of the Golden Fleece.
A CD player or an mp3 who still has 1 of those?
Polyhymnia (f, Poly) & John Smythe kind of hooked up. They both do love music.
1 more mission on Hercules list; to capture Cerberus (three-headed dog).
The gang: Hercules, John, Poly & Brother Feces were off to Lycaonia (town) & the entrance to Tartarus.
Eumenides (Furie) & his band of demons dong would not allow the group into Elysian Fields (city of Dead heroes).
Hercules meets Theseus & Charon. Now what?
Will John Smythe help Hercules complete his mission?
What will happen with Polyhymnia & John Smythe?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Greek & Roman mythological book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were a bunch of grammar/typo errors but they have been corrected (per author), & no repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Not something I normally read but I really liked it. There was humor in it. I will now rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free (Goodreads; Smashwords; PDF) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
911 was called. The apartment was in total shambles & PPL were running around naked.
John went to the Library. Marion Hill (librarian) greeted him.
Next he stopped & talked with Mrs. Juno Graham (legal immigrant).
Fast forward John is transported to Olympus (Golden city). Hestia (aka Hess, Goddess of the lost children, oldest daughter of Cronus/Rhea) greets him.
Next he meets Polyhymnia (Zeus daughter, aka Polly, Goddess of Music).
Polly invites him to meet Zeus (King of the Gods, son of Cronus/Rhea).
Zeus wants John to help Hercules (Zeus son) with his personal issues.
John journeys around Mycenae (city) & sees the Lions Gate.
He next visits with King Eurytheus of Mycenae (30+). The King explains things to John.
John is to let Hercules know his next task, which is to battle the Hydra.
John & Brother Feces whom he met along the way head for Lycaonia (small community).
The 2 meet Hercules.
The Hydra had beautiful rainbow scales & was 20’ tall & 50’ long.
Hercules drew his sword & whacked off its head. The Hydra now had 42 heads.
It was later defeated.
The 3 head back to see King Eurytheus about Hercules next tasks (redemption for past debt).
King Eurytheus has a whole list for Hercules.
1st, cage the Erymanthian boar. 2nd, go to Geyon’s round up the cattle. 3rd, capture the Cerymean Stag. 4th, go to the district of Corninthia & kill the Stymphalia birds. 5th, pen the Cretan Bull (stud service). 6th, capture Cerberus (three-headed dog).
A little humor thank goodness we don’t have Brother Feces (Brother of the Order).
Hercules (aka John Smith) completed task are: he cleaned the Aegean Stables, he killed the Nemen Lion, & Hydra, he fetched the Golden Apples of Hesperido, he seized the girdle of the Amazon Hippolyes & penned the Cretan Bull.
On the mission to the port of Krisa the guys meet Jason who is in search of the Golden Fleece.
A CD player or an mp3 who still has 1 of those?
Polyhymnia (f, Poly) & John Smythe kind of hooked up. They both do love music.
1 more mission on Hercules list; to capture Cerberus (three-headed dog).
The gang: Hercules, John, Poly & Brother Feces were off to Lycaonia (town) & the entrance to Tartarus.
Eumenides (Furie) & his band of demons dong would not allow the group into Elysian Fields (city of Dead heroes).
Hercules meets Theseus & Charon. Now what?
Will John Smythe help Hercules complete his mission?
What will happen with Polyhymnia & John Smythe?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Greek & Roman mythological book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were a bunch of grammar/typo errors but they have been corrected (per author), & no repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Not something I normally read but I really liked it. There was humor in it. I will now rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free (Goodreads; Smashwords; PDF) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 14, 2015
I rarely see mention of the book dedication within its review, however I have decided to be just as unusual in my comments as was the story I just read. You see within those heartfelt first pages I enjoyed a small peek into Mr. McAfee's personality that I found actually added to my enjoyment of the fantastic tale that he finally decided to unfold to all of us.
Beginning with a quirky character named John Smythe (Aaaah! Now I understand the title a bit better!) I, for the first few pages, found myself just about as confused as John seemed to be as he proceeded to mix Lemon Jell-O and Sulfuric Acid for tea, while his something-glowing-red cohabitated with a smattering of cream and gave unexpected birth to a bouncing baby blue-hued volatile vapor which kicked his kitchenette right out of existence! I was about to give up the effort and drowse (before my brain hemorrhaged), when I realized Michael had surreptitiously surrounded me with the imagery of the mythological Mount Olympus complete with glittering gods, goddesses, animated animals and more... all gathering in gratitude and a tad of trepidation for our dear John - who remained just as humble, hopeful and confused as I! Well, thank goodness for perseverance because both John and I found this great adventure to be most surprising and worthy of our completion. To attempt an explanation of this story would do it quite an injustice simply because the imagination of McAfee takes the reader a step or two away from what we have been conditioned to imagine Zeus, his half-human son and all those well-known Greek characters of legend to be, and mixes humor, excitement, suspense, a touch of godlike perversions and a time-traveling JOHN into the mythological mixture. Suffice it to say that if you are looking to be entertained there is nothing better than grabbing this book, sitting back and preparing for a cataclysmic break from reality. After all, we get enough reality every single hour of every single day, right? Or... have we just arrived!?
(So glad to have had the chance to read this book from GReads.)
Beginning with a quirky character named John Smythe (Aaaah! Now I understand the title a bit better!) I, for the first few pages, found myself just about as confused as John seemed to be as he proceeded to mix Lemon Jell-O and Sulfuric Acid for tea, while his something-glowing-red cohabitated with a smattering of cream and gave unexpected birth to a bouncing baby blue-hued volatile vapor which kicked his kitchenette right out of existence! I was about to give up the effort and drowse (before my brain hemorrhaged), when I realized Michael had surreptitiously surrounded me with the imagery of the mythological Mount Olympus complete with glittering gods, goddesses, animated animals and more... all gathering in gratitude and a tad of trepidation for our dear John - who remained just as humble, hopeful and confused as I! Well, thank goodness for perseverance because both John and I found this great adventure to be most surprising and worthy of our completion. To attempt an explanation of this story would do it quite an injustice simply because the imagination of McAfee takes the reader a step or two away from what we have been conditioned to imagine Zeus, his half-human son and all those well-known Greek characters of legend to be, and mixes humor, excitement, suspense, a touch of godlike perversions and a time-traveling JOHN into the mythological mixture. Suffice it to say that if you are looking to be entertained there is nothing better than grabbing this book, sitting back and preparing for a cataclysmic break from reality. After all, we get enough reality every single hour of every single day, right? Or... have we just arrived!?
(So glad to have had the chance to read this book from GReads.)
May 5, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by paranormal romance and authors that rock in return for an honest review
I give this book 3.5 fangs ( I loved the concept and parts of the book. Would consider the second book)
I really wanted to love this book. I love Greek myths and the idea of visiting with them in the mischief they make and how amazing to be accompanying Hercules on adventures. The Ex-Crete religion with brother feces was hilarious and well thought out. However throughout the book I felt lost, sometimes I would read and really enjoy what was going on such as the Hydra scene, and I liked Hercules and the most of the Gods but others I just didn't really understand or couldn't keep track of what was happening or when it was happening.
John Smythe the main character starts out at his apartment and then through a series of events the building is blown up and he ends up on Mount Olympus where apparently he has been many times because he can travel through time, and alter reality although he is during this trip not aware of it. I had to reread portions a couple of times to figure things out or keep track of events and then the view of who is narrating switches without warning when John meets people or views them or wonders about them. Like I said it is confusing, but had an enjoyable story line.
I also felt like I never really got to know John Smythe, I enjoy reading a book and feeling like the characters are friends I want to know all about them and feel for them, that wasn't the case with John. All that being said, I really did love aspects of the book and think if the story line appeals to you give it a try. You may really enjoy it give it time to warm up as it takes a little bit into the boom to get the gist of what is happening.
I give this book 3.5 fangs ( I loved the concept and parts of the book. Would consider the second book)
I really wanted to love this book. I love Greek myths and the idea of visiting with them in the mischief they make and how amazing to be accompanying Hercules on adventures. The Ex-Crete religion with brother feces was hilarious and well thought out. However throughout the book I felt lost, sometimes I would read and really enjoy what was going on such as the Hydra scene, and I liked Hercules and the most of the Gods but others I just didn't really understand or couldn't keep track of what was happening or when it was happening.
John Smythe the main character starts out at his apartment and then through a series of events the building is blown up and he ends up on Mount Olympus where apparently he has been many times because he can travel through time, and alter reality although he is during this trip not aware of it. I had to reread portions a couple of times to figure things out or keep track of events and then the view of who is narrating switches without warning when John meets people or views them or wonders about them. Like I said it is confusing, but had an enjoyable story line.
I also felt like I never really got to know John Smythe, I enjoy reading a book and feeling like the characters are friends I want to know all about them and feel for them, that wasn't the case with John. All that being said, I really did love aspects of the book and think if the story line appeals to you give it a try. You may really enjoy it give it time to warm up as it takes a little bit into the boom to get the gist of what is happening.
May 14, 2015
First off, I'd like to thank the author for the free copy of this book and apologize for the length of time it took me to read it. It wasn't the book's fault. I got promoted, or forced into more work, and things got busy. Time slipped away from me.
In the book, time gets away from John too. If you think your life is hectic and complicated, you'll feel much better after reading this book. My boss may be a jerk, but at least she isn't a dragon.
This book mixes modern times with mythology and music. I enjoyed the varied topics, but I think they could have been laid out a little smoother. At times, it was hard to follow, not sure if I just got caught up in the details or what. I think the concept of a book like this is amazing, but this wasn't a good layout of it. I loved the components, chuckled at quite a bit of the book, was very enthralled at some points, and then the story would take a strange turn and I'd be lost again.
I loved the mythology twists and turns. I like the pairing of the gods and goddesses with modern technology. We all know that the goddesses would have been a lot sweeter in traditional Greek mythology if they would have had A/C. I know I get grouchy when I'm hot. If I had magical powers like they do, entire cities would perish.
In the book, time gets away from John too. If you think your life is hectic and complicated, you'll feel much better after reading this book. My boss may be a jerk, but at least she isn't a dragon.
This book mixes modern times with mythology and music. I enjoyed the varied topics, but I think they could have been laid out a little smoother. At times, it was hard to follow, not sure if I just got caught up in the details or what. I think the concept of a book like this is amazing, but this wasn't a good layout of it. I loved the components, chuckled at quite a bit of the book, was very enthralled at some points, and then the story would take a strange turn and I'd be lost again.
I loved the mythology twists and turns. I like the pairing of the gods and goddesses with modern technology. We all know that the goddesses would have been a lot sweeter in traditional Greek mythology if they would have had A/C. I know I get grouchy when I'm hot. If I had magical powers like they do, entire cities would perish.
April 22, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
A Backed Up John: A Story of Gods, Goddesses, Mortals & the Odd Stuff Between by Michael McAfee is a real page turner. Once you open to the first page, it will grab you and hold you down tightly as you watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll find a few twists and turns thrown in also. This book has lots of scenarios with great a set of characters. I loved reading this book. It was a fun read and I think it would make a fun fantasy movie. John Smythe wakes up with a hangover. His day isn't going as he thought it would. He meets gods and goddesses from Greek mythology who are living in modern time. He is given the task of watching over Hercules. Will John help Hercules complete his mission? This is a great story, combining Greek mythology and modern times. It is mixed with humor, excitement, suspense, a touch of godlike perversions and time travel. I recommend this book to everyone. I look for more great reads from Michael McAfee.
A Backed Up John: A Story of Gods, Goddesses, Mortals & the Odd Stuff Between by Michael McAfee is a real page turner. Once you open to the first page, it will grab you and hold you down tightly as you watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll find a few twists and turns thrown in also. This book has lots of scenarios with great a set of characters. I loved reading this book. It was a fun read and I think it would make a fun fantasy movie. John Smythe wakes up with a hangover. His day isn't going as he thought it would. He meets gods and goddesses from Greek mythology who are living in modern time. He is given the task of watching over Hercules. Will John help Hercules complete his mission? This is a great story, combining Greek mythology and modern times. It is mixed with humor, excitement, suspense, a touch of godlike perversions and time travel. I recommend this book to everyone. I look for more great reads from Michael McAfee.
December 4, 2015
John Smythe is an eccentric scientist. After an experiment blows up his apartment, he suddenly appears in Olympus, the mythological city of the gods. Zeus tasks him with following Hercules around to keep him out of trouble. When John notices different things from his time period that shouldn’t be there, he vows to get to the bottom of it. But can he do it without changing history?
This was an entertaining read about an oddball character on an imaginary adventure. John was a fun oddity, as well as the rest of the quirky characters. There were times that it was a bit hard to follow, but all in all, it was enjoyable.
This was an entertaining read about an oddball character on an imaginary adventure. John was a fun oddity, as well as the rest of the quirky characters. There were times that it was a bit hard to follow, but all in all, it was enjoyable.
February 21, 2015
The book cover is very stylish and appealing.
John Smythe travels back in time and meets gods and goddesses from Greek mythology who live in a modern world with today's music, walkmans and air conditioning to name a few things.
After meeting Zeus, Zeus asks John to watch over Heracles, teaching him some trips and making him look smart while he's completing the tasks given to him by King Eurytheus.
It's a fantastic story, combining Greek mythological times and modern times. A great read!
Book was provided free of charge by author.
Reviewed by Grace Kagni on 20 February 2015
John Smythe travels back in time and meets gods and goddesses from Greek mythology who live in a modern world with today's music, walkmans and air conditioning to name a few things.
After meeting Zeus, Zeus asks John to watch over Heracles, teaching him some trips and making him look smart while he's completing the tasks given to him by King Eurytheus.
It's a fantastic story, combining Greek mythological times and modern times. A great read!
Book was provided free of charge by author.
Reviewed by Grace Kagni on 20 February 2015
May 6, 2015
A backed up John...by McAfee could be summed up by John, the main protagonist: "Why do the history books record the events so differently? "(with corrections). Which gives the author carte blanche on how the gods and goddesses lived in Greece along with camcorders and MP3s. The name of the Brother jarred with me every time I read it and I suppose this was the author's intention. "John felt insecure knowing that he could be affecting the present in the past, and vice versa." All in all a good romp with the Olympians.
April 25, 2015
Hilariously done... Bravo, good sir!
May 14, 2015
I would like to thank Bostick Communications and the author, Michael McAfee, for giving me an electronic copy of this book to read and review. A Backed Up John revolves around the main character, John Smythe, who journeys through time to visit with the Greek gods. This is not the world you read about in history books, but instead it is Mount Olympus with modern amenities and technology. With many points of view changes, this book is a bit confusing. Some pages will leave you wondering who is speaking and the continuity of the story is lost. The character of John is not fully imagined and I finished the book thinking that I really did not get a clear picture. That being said, I give the author lot of points for uniqueness of story and interesting conversation between his characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews