Middle Waters

The Jason Parker Trilogy #1

by John Clarke

In the deep-sea canyons and trenches of the Earth lie thousands of alien spacecraft and millions of their inhabitants who have to leave soon or risk being stranded forever, or being destroyed. Due to their physiology they have been unable to directly contact humans, but they are adroit at mental contact and remote viewing, when it suits them.
They need the help of two humans to assure their safe escape, an experienced diving scientist and a beguiling but eccentric graduate student in Oceanography. The U.S. government is well aware of this deep sea civilization, and is desirous of the weapons the visitors possess. This top secret ambition puts the two unsuspecting divers in the middle of a conflict between powerful military forces and powerful intergalactic forces. Things could get messy.
Even worse, jealous friends turn on the unlikely duo and put their lives at extreme risk.
Middle Waters combines two separate Native American beliefs and legends with current events. It is a complex thriller with science fact and science fiction mixed in with military action and government intrigue. Also revealed are romantic possibilities that far exceed the capabilities of the mundane, everyday world.
The protagonist eventually realizes that everything he has held dear is wrong, in one way or another. At the same time he discovers a reality that is the greatest blessing that man can receive.

Genres: Science Fiction

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2014

About the author

John Clarke has been a diving scientist with the U.S. Navy for thirty-eight years, conducting research specializing in the adaptations of people and animals to the deep-sea. That research began at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Florida State University, culminating in research in the Puerto Rico Trench and participation in the U.S. Navy Scientist in the Sea Program. The University of Florida School Of Medicine provided NIH-funded postgraduate training in human medical physiology. His Navy research began at the Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD and continues at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit in Panama City, Florida. He has conducted diving research in both Antarctica and the Arctic, and aviation research for the Navy and Air Force. He is a Physical Scientist and holds a Ph.D. in Physiology. He lives in Panama City, Florida, USA.

Reviews

[Robert Williscroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by saying that, although I have not met Dr. Clark, I feel as if we know each other. I am the author of Operation Ivy Bells, another book about deep sea diving, although from an entirely different perspective. I was part of operational saturation diving during the Cold War. I have taken a Mk XI to a thousand feet, and I understand that the Mk XII has been to over 1,800 feet. The Mk XVI simply has to be better in all aspects, although I never dove it. We used hot water suits in our operational saturation diving, and more recently I have used several drysuit models, my favorite being the DUI crushed neoprene model.

This novel is fascinating. Personally, I never put much credence in clairvoyance and some of the other psychic phenomena that appear in Middle Waters, but Clark pulled me in, seemingly without effort – Bravo Zulu! The alien angle was fascinating and quite believable within the context of the story. Clark's characters were three-dimensional, and he even managed to generate some depth-of-character for a couple of the aliens who played meaningful roles.

I have a couple of negatives that should be mentioned. From time to time within a chapter, Clark suddenly shifts scenes dramatically from one paragraph to the next. This caught me unawares. I would have preferred a break of some kind to warn me. Also, as the story progresses from a specific party’s perspective, suddenly, Clark tells me about the thoughts of another character in the scene without shifting the story point-of-view to that character. It’s a confusing mistake that many first-time novelists make. Had the story not been so very good, I would have downgraded the rating to a 4-star or even less because of this, but the story quality simply trumped these problems in spades! I wholeheartedly award this story 5 stars, and will recommend it to anyone interested in a different take on humanity’s role in the universe, and in deep sea diving and aviation, of course. (Contact me, Dr. Clark, and we can have an interesting dialogue.)

[Susan Kayar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sci-fi version of a diving tale. What an interesting mash-up! John and I used to work together at the Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, as biomedical researchers in diving. I always liked working with John, and found him professional, devoted to his work, and a pleasant colleague. Our research paths separated 20-25 years ago. I did not know that he had already published a diving themed novel as I was working on my own diving novel. When I read Middle Waters, I was of course not surprised that we had both chosen diving stories with similar factual elements. But I was astonished to see how many side elements of his story coincided with mine. One could almost fold my story into his, or vice versa. Great job, John! Now I am eager to read his second book, Triangle, which continues the saga of his characters from Middle Waters. And I have been in touch with John who has given me some tantalizing tidbits from a third book still in the works.

[Eb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why am I the only one who thinks this is a poorly written book? Is it intended for young adults? The premise is interesting but the author has a hard time keeping the interest level high. A number of characters appear and disappear. The protagonist (Parker) for all his smarts can't put two and two together. I will slog through it since I paid to read it (local libraries are closed) but I would not be tempted to read the rest of the trilogy or any other books by this author.

[Juraj Repcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre potápača, veľmi zaujímavé čítanie. SciFi napisane od cloveka z namornictva. Dobre popisy leteckych aj potápačských akcii. Dramatické momenty (stroskotanie lietadla). Mimozemšťania, komunikujú na mentálnej úrovni a potrebujú ľudí na pomoc znovu-objavenia ich planéty. Na zemi sa skrývajú v podmorských kaňonoch. Jason Parker a Laura sú vybraný ľudia ktorí im zabezpečia priechod ich ludí zo zeme.

[John Gandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine, a fellow science and engineering type recommended this book and raved at how good it is; so I bought the book. The author has done an amazing job at weaving his experience in naval technology, military protocol, deep sea research, and flying experience with the numerous UFO reports over the past few decades into a story that masterfully unfolds, enabling the reader to suspend disbelief and get into the lives of the characters. I found myself googling technology topics discussed in the book and found just how amazingly out of date I am in Naval technology. Verifying the veracity of technological topics he introduces greatly helped in suspending disbelief and getting thoroughly immersed in the story. It's a page turner-- hated putting it down and couldn't wait to get back to it. I totally loved this book and look forward to Dr. Clarke's future works!

[Michael Menduno · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when a Navy scientist cum amateur pilot with a Jules Verne-sized imagination decides to apply his considerable writing chops to fiction? A fast-paced SciFi thriller replete with SEALS, spooks and an arsenal of cutting edge subsea technology— from SIVA rebreathers and supercavitating Shkval torpedoes to null wave signalling and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDS). There’s no doubt that Dr. John Clarke is deep in his element and his nerdy humor only sweetens the exposure.

Did I mention the aliens?

That is, of course, precisely who Clarke’s self-styled protagonist Jason Parker must reckon with in his search to uncover the truth.“Middle Waters” captured my imagination and surprised me all the way to the end. Maldevious Wiliwonkers! I just didn’t want to put it down!

[Jimma Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning, the author Dr. John Clarke, turns you every which way but loose. The very first pages capture your interest and doesn't stop until the end. You are taken through air, land, and sea in this thrilling page turner. The author adds his expertise of flying, diving, Panama City landmarks,and military protocols. His vivid imagination takes you on the ride of your life. This books makes you believe that any and all things are possible. From anomalies in the ocean, telepathic aliens, and from wince we all came to be in this world. The twists and turns in the story line, keeps you wondering how it will all end. Dr. John Clarke has written a best seller. "Middle Waters " is a must read for anyone looking for a page turning thriller. Kudos to Dr. Clarke for the ride of my life.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle Waters by John Clarke is a skillfully recounted “good story” communicating the author’s strong acquaintance with science, diving, flying, and the mechanisms of governmental bureaucracy. Authentic characters are expertly developed in a tale written in a robust language using verbal skills supporting a deep research knowledge. John Clarke’s intimate familiarity with naval underwater systems allows for a seamless blending of truth and fiction into an exquisite moving narrative. Conspiracy theories journey from psychological distance viewing, to scuba diving rebreathers, to top secret details of frog shaped shadow people; a truly believable story. I anxiously anticipate his next book.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A science-fiction storyline that is made extremely real with Mr. Clarke's knowledge of military/civilian government operations. This was one of those books that I had a tough time putting down and one that I could not wait until I had some free time to resume reading and find out what happened. This book kept my attention and was entertaining from beginning to end.
I won this book through the goodreads giveaway program. What a great program and I thank all those that made it possible for me to have a copy of this well written book.

[Charlie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book. I used to read science fiction during my younger years but sparingly since then. I was saving this book to read while I was on a cruise in the Caribbean. Perfect read if you are near water! I was expecting a slow start, but surprisingly the book was like a track sprint. Bang and you are off the block and running. The book had a great distribution of drama, suspense, scientific facts, humor, spirituality and passion. I believe it is a book that touches on age old questions and tempts answers. You will be very entertained during the reading of this one.

[Greg Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for adventures from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, and everywhere in-between! Middle Waters offers excitement and intrigue to readers of all types; as John Clarke paints a vivid picture that reflects his long experience in military special operations, aviation, and diving. Many other unique and fascinating surprises await the reader in this action-packed story! You won't want to put it down!

[Bob DeFurio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle Waters reminded me of some of the early Tom Clancy books. The authors familiarity with the details, in this case aviation, various types of diving, military procedures and protocols, added an immense amount of realism to the plot. The plot had as many twists and turns as any mountain road, which made it hard to put down. Anyone who suggests intelligent scientists lack imagination need to read this book! And, all ends well. Enjoyed it, will await Mr. Clarke's next one.

[Andy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Clarke's controversial book Middle Waters is an imaginative and yet realistic page turner. I enjoyed the ultimate sense of humor in Middle Waters that sets it apart from other science fiction writing. Middle Waters would make a wonderful comedic movie. As well the description of some locations in the book brought back fond and vivid memories. I am very hopeful that Dr. Clarke will continue to develop Jason Parker in future writings and look forward to his next book.

[Nancy Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book- It's a science fiction thriller and great beach read! For men also! My husband and nephew loved it! If you live in the Panhandle of Florida, you will recognize a lot of local color! Also a great read for divers!

[Steve Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling and fascinating. I felt as though I was part of the story and then wished that I really was. Smooth read. In the words of Popeye - "When I works, I work Hard - When I reads, I falls asleep" well, I didn't sleep much during this adventure. Well Done.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! I try to figure out the ending of books before I get there and usually can. This time I was pleasantly surprised.

[Celeste Hansel]

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