The Torc: Book 1 - The Emerging

by Tanya Allan

He found it in a box of junk in his uncle's attic. Kenneth was a young man who earnestly wished that he wasn’t. One day, while staying with his aunt, he came across an item that his uncle had found just after the Second World War. In a box with an old bayonet, a soldier's helmet and some lead soldiers, he believed to be a part from a downed German aircraft from the Battle of Britain. This hoop of metal appeared nothing special. Idly, he played with it, and as it opened, he slipped it around his neck. Inexplicably and rapidly, Kenneth transformed into the person he had always dreamed he could have been. This metal torc was obviously not a part from an old war plane; but he did not know the torc’s true origins. Had he done so, he might not have treated in such a casual manner. Many millennia previously and desperately seeking somewhere to live after the death of their sun, a group of inter-stellar explorers discovered what everyone thought was a perfect planet. The atmosphere was as close to their home planet as they could want. The climate was ideal; neither too hot, nor too cold. The microbiology posed no apparent threats, and the soil chemistry PH was friendly and fertile; well capable of sustaining the crops they wanted to bring with them. The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, was the most advanced of the indigenous life-forms. Nick-named ‘The Brutes’, these were the most aggressive and nasty life-form they had ever encountered. Wholly different and about as incompatible with the explorers as one could ever be, the Brutes displayed an innate ability to learn rapidly and develop new ways to channel their aggression. With limit resources the ship’s scientific officer developed an ingenious means by which they could camouflage themselves by posing as the Brutes themselves. Micro-technology, crammed into what would appear to be a piece of plain decoration or jewellery, enabled the wearer to adjust their outward appearance to that of the Brutes. But matching the DNA of the wearer to the DNA of the target life-form, the wearer could take on the form of the Brute without them suspecting a thing. Including an enhanced translation program, an anti-gravity device and a force- field projector, the device was both camouflage and protection. The Brutes are divided into two genders, so I have made one for each. They must never fall into the hands of the Brutes, for they would give them too much power,” instructed the Science Officer. The best laid plans of mice, men and strange inter-galactic races often go awry. It was many, many years later that Kenneth found the torc. Would he ever be able to discover the secrets held within it, and which one did he find?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2015

About the author

Tanya Allan is a prolific writer of various works, including novels, short stories and poetry. Some of her work, relating to transgender issues, may be familiar to those who feel that perhaps life would have been easier had they been born with a body and mind of the same gender. She is in the process of publishing all other work under the same name.

Tanya is now settled in the southern half of the United Kingdom (sometimes known as England). Born and educated in Scotland, and having experienced well over a half-century of life, in a myriad of guises, mostly involved keeping the realm safe and secure from enemies, both domestic and foreign, Tanya has a more sedate life now, concentrating on grandchildren, dogs, travel and writing.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I have enjoyed this book as always Tanya Allen's stories are full of realistic characters with a little Sci-fi aspect. I can't wait to read book 2 and No such thing as superhero.

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alien artifact can provide amazing powers and transformations. Kindle Unlimited book read with Alexa audio app..

[Chester J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always

I have never read one of Miss Allan's books that I did not like as a minimum. Most are exceptional with well thought out and believable plots that keep your interest from beginning to end. This one was no exception.