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Evergreen #1
Evergreen
ONE TOUCH AND HE KNOWS ALL YOU KNOWIt all starts with a touch. A brush of a hand, a casual bump of an arm, a firm handshake—that's all it takes for Jaylin Rowlin to absorb everything you know and everything you are, and you have no idea it's happening. Operating under the codename "Evergreen," Jaylin uses his gifts to make a living from the city's seedy underworld, but his only goal is to stay free and stay alive. He's developed a habit of constant paranoia—never sleeping in the same space twice, always disappearing into the crowded streets of Manhattan. When a stranger hires him to take on an impossible task for an unbelievable payday, Jaylin suddenly finds himself in a world filled with corporate espionage, international intrigue, and a very real and deadly danger that could threaten billions of lives. There are people who know what Jaylin can do. And they will stop at nothing to control him.AND HIS ONLY ALLIES ARE ALL IN HIS HEAD.
- GenresThrillerScience Fiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
56 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Tumlinson
74 books212 followersKevin Tumlinson is a thriller and speculative fiction author traveling the U.S. with his wife, an RV, a chihuahua named Mini, and a fully-loaded laptop. He writes multi-million-dollar blockbusters that can be read for only a few bucks.
Kevin grew up in Wild Peach Texas—an actual village wedged between the Brazos and San Bernard Rivers, with a population of less than 2,500 people and seemingly not a peach tree within a hundred miles of the place. He has had an eclectic career that includes engineering, teaching, broadcasting and media, and marketing. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards for writing, public speaking, and his work in advertising and marketing.
At the moment, Kevin—along with his wife and his dog—are traveling full-time in an RV, exploring the US as Kevin writes and promotes his books. The inside joke is that they are going on the worlds most far-ranging house hunt. They're only half joking.
Learn more about Kevin and his work on his website, and get one of his best books for FREE when you join his mailing list at kevintumlinson.com
Kevin grew up in Wild Peach Texas—an actual village wedged between the Brazos and San Bernard Rivers, with a population of less than 2,500 people and seemingly not a peach tree within a hundred miles of the place. He has had an eclectic career that includes engineering, teaching, broadcasting and media, and marketing. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards for writing, public speaking, and his work in advertising and marketing.
At the moment, Kevin—along with his wife and his dog—are traveling full-time in an RV, exploring the US as Kevin writes and promotes his books. The inside joke is that they are going on the worlds most far-ranging house hunt. They're only half joking.
Learn more about Kevin and his work on his website, and get one of his best books for FREE when you join his mailing list at kevintumlinson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 3, 2021
I really, really like Evergreen. It was a little slow and opaque in the beginning but ratcheted up pretty quickly. There is constant action with thrilling situations to overcome. Jaylin, the protagonist, is a fascinating character with incredible “friends.” I love the way all the characters develop over the course of the story and would very much like to read a sequel!
February 10, 2021
When is the movie coming out?
Like Bradley Cooper in “Limitless”, Evergreen is not your ordinary guy. He finds himself using his extraordinary skills A). Just to stay alive, B). To stay ahead of the alphabet agencies who would love to figure out his skill set for their own nefarious purposes or to try and dissect him to understand how he does what he does. C). Clear your calendar for the next 48 hours as this page turner will captivate and suck you in until the end. The author should already be working on the script for the screenplay-this would make a killer series! I really liked the second edition. As a remarkable coincidence, my wife, youngest son, daughter in law, oldest granddaughter(with younger sister as a “bun in the oven”) and I were in Manhattan near the same time as the author! The first draft was
Completed in a coffee shop over a 12 hour time period in Manhattan...I remember getting coffee an to pointing out a guy slaving over a notebook saying “that’s me writing my next book”....I’ll never know if it was him, but stranger things have happened. Highly recommended!
Like Bradley Cooper in “Limitless”, Evergreen is not your ordinary guy. He finds himself using his extraordinary skills A). Just to stay alive, B). To stay ahead of the alphabet agencies who would love to figure out his skill set for their own nefarious purposes or to try and dissect him to understand how he does what he does. C). Clear your calendar for the next 48 hours as this page turner will captivate and suck you in until the end. The author should already be working on the script for the screenplay-this would make a killer series! I really liked the second edition. As a remarkable coincidence, my wife, youngest son, daughter in law, oldest granddaughter(with younger sister as a “bun in the oven”) and I were in Manhattan near the same time as the author! The first draft was
Completed in a coffee shop over a 12 hour time period in Manhattan...I remember getting coffee an to pointing out a guy slaving over a notebook saying “that’s me writing my next book”....I’ll never know if it was him, but stranger things have happened. Highly recommended!
December 30, 2020
Evergreen - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Jaylin Rowlin only has to touch someone briefly and for the next half hour that person's mind is synced into his, in a nod to the character Johnny Mnemonic, with a soupçon of schizophrenia.
Due to his former 'mad scientist' mentor Henry, he's been hired by crooks and investigated by the 'alphabet' agencies, meaning he has to keep a very low profile and keep covered up to avoid any unwanted contact.
In Evergreen, Kevin Tumlinson writes a taut, eerily possible 'what if...?' near future scenario that's fascinating and off-putting as you realise how and why Jaylin's condition leaves him and his 'mental inmates' in a whole heap of trouble, which only his 'gift' can get him and those he cares about out of danger.
A psychological thriller that will make you change the way you view mental illness and the way society treats sufferers plus an excellent crime thriller with a conspiracy thrown in, you won't forget Jaylin for a long time - don't miss Evergreen whatever else you read in 2021!
Jaylin Rowlin only has to touch someone briefly and for the next half hour that person's mind is synced into his, in a nod to the character Johnny Mnemonic, with a soupçon of schizophrenia.
Due to his former 'mad scientist' mentor Henry, he's been hired by crooks and investigated by the 'alphabet' agencies, meaning he has to keep a very low profile and keep covered up to avoid any unwanted contact.
In Evergreen, Kevin Tumlinson writes a taut, eerily possible 'what if...?' near future scenario that's fascinating and off-putting as you realise how and why Jaylin's condition leaves him and his 'mental inmates' in a whole heap of trouble, which only his 'gift' can get him and those he cares about out of danger.
A psychological thriller that will make you change the way you view mental illness and the way society treats sufferers plus an excellent crime thriller with a conspiracy thrown in, you won't forget Jaylin for a long time - don't miss Evergreen whatever else you read in 2021!
November 20, 2025
This is the first book in the Evergreen series by J. Kevin Tumlinson. Jaylin Rowlin is operating under the codename Evergreen who has a unique ability to absorb a person's memories and identities by just touching them. Jaylin uses his ability to survive in the seedy underworld of Manhattan and is constantly on the move. Jaylin is hired by Andrew McClellan, an executive at Shallister Hoffman to find out vital information from the U.S. President. Jaylin is thrust into a world of corporate espionage, international intrigue, and deadly secrets. This sci-fi thriller story is filled with psychic powers and memory absorption, has an anti-hero protagonist, urban survival and paranoia, with secret identities and covert missions. I really enjoyed this fascinating paranormal sci-fi thriller novel. I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book signing. I received this complimentary book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 5, 2021
Jaylin seems to be just an ordinary young man but he is anything but, he is blessed or cursed with the ability to absorb the complete contents of a persons mind with a simple touch. It is automatic, so he must take care not to touch any one, and dresses to keep himself protected of accidental contact. He was helped/advised by Henry and having touched home several times, has Henry as a permanent resident in his head along with several others who have also become part of his daily mental life. Because of abilities he has been making his living using this ability but it also causes him to be always on the run to keep away from those who wish to co-opt his ability for their own purposes. This the story of his trials and self discoveries as he works to elude his enemies.
July 24, 2021
Interestingc concepts coming soon
Slow beginning which I found difficult , especially in deciphering any altruistic goals admid the mayhem. It was the believability of the concept that kept me absorbing the abstract and actually realizing the possibilities relative to the ongoing discussions about the future merge of A1 with the human mind.
An event that I am quite sure
many morally challenged scientists /goverments are already working on. Sadly to the end of pure humanism.
Slow beginning which I found difficult , especially in deciphering any altruistic goals admid the mayhem. It was the believability of the concept that kept me absorbing the abstract and actually realizing the possibilities relative to the ongoing discussions about the future merge of A1 with the human mind.
An event that I am quite sure
many morally challenged scientists /goverments are already working on. Sadly to the end of pure humanism.
November 24, 2022
Amazing!
I bought this book awhile back because it sounded really intriguing. It ended up in my "to be read" stack for way too long!
Jaylin has an incredible gift, or curse, depending on your perspective. Jaylin would love to live a normal life, but it doesn't seem possible.
When he makes skin to skin contact with someone, he gains access to their mind, memories and experiences. There are some that would use his ability for personal gain. As he tries to avoid being used, Jaylin is dragged into an international mess.
Great characters, great story!
I bought this book awhile back because it sounded really intriguing. It ended up in my "to be read" stack for way too long!
Jaylin has an incredible gift, or curse, depending on your perspective. Jaylin would love to live a normal life, but it doesn't seem possible.
When he makes skin to skin contact with someone, he gains access to their mind, memories and experiences. There are some that would use his ability for personal gain. As he tries to avoid being used, Jaylin is dragged into an international mess.
Great characters, great story!
February 19, 2025
On kobo (EPub 2 DRM-Free); 9781519959331, 228 pages
Thriller with SF/paranormal touches. The narrator is able to absorb 'engrams' of those with whom he has skin to skin contact - a handshake or even a quick brush against. The information lasts for 30 minutes, useful for accessing confidential information (bank numbers... ) before fading, but in the right (wrong) circumstances may be permanent (like a hitchhiker in the mind).
Obviously this is a fraught situation, open to abuse - and here we have an aging dying billionaire who wishes to move his mind to a fresh, young (cloned) body... Much mayhem ensues.
A fast-moving narrative. Jaylin's 'talent' allows him to impersonate his hitchhikers - even to the extent of being able to speak foreign languages he doesn't himself know.
Thriller with SF/paranormal touches. The narrator is able to absorb 'engrams' of those with whom he has skin to skin contact - a handshake or even a quick brush against. The information lasts for 30 minutes, useful for accessing confidential information (bank numbers... ) before fading, but in the right (wrong) circumstances may be permanent (like a hitchhiker in the mind).
Obviously this is a fraught situation, open to abuse - and here we have an aging dying billionaire who wishes to move his mind to a fresh, young (cloned) body... Much mayhem ensues.
A fast-moving narrative. Jaylin's 'talent' allows him to impersonate his hitchhikers - even to the extent of being able to speak foreign languages he doesn't himself know.
January 18, 2021
This is not the kind of book that I expect to read when I pick up a Kevin Tumlinson book. I think that I have read most if not all of his books; he writes what I like to read! Evergreen had an interesting early review so I figured I would get it and read it. It took a few hours to get into it but it grew on me. I'm more interested in the follow up book now then I was in Evergreen as the initial book...
March 17, 2021
I really liked this book. Jadon has the ability to know everything about someone simply with a touch, but it only lasts a half an hour. What could you do with that information. What secrets would you want to know. Written like a fast paced thriller. With great characters. Shows the dark side of having a special talent. Reminded me a little of X-men, with Mission Impossible. Great fun, and I hope someday to get a sequel.
May 30, 2023
Oooooohhhh!
What a hair rising book!
Sci-fi, or not sci-fi! That is the question...
I'm my opinion, since I went into hard Science fiction when I was a teenager, this book is truly sci-fi with a heavy touch of thrilleriness (this is my little contribution as a neologism).
I had many extra-systolic bumps along the reading!!
THANK YOU MR. TUMLINSON.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
What a hair rising book!
Sci-fi, or not sci-fi! That is the question...
I'm my opinion, since I went into hard Science fiction when I was a teenager, this book is truly sci-fi with a heavy touch of thrilleriness (this is my little contribution as a neologism).
I had many extra-systolic bumps along the reading!!
THANK YOU MR. TUMLINSON.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
October 1, 2019
Thrilling and fast-paced!
Wow, can this guy write! Right off the bat, I’ll say I’m not usually a thriller reader, but I’m totally sold on this guy! Of course, you’ll stay up too late and ignore your significant other while you’re reading this...! Can’t wait to read more of his stuff.
Wow, can this guy write! Right off the bat, I’ll say I’m not usually a thriller reader, but I’m totally sold on this guy! Of course, you’ll stay up too late and ignore your significant other while you’re reading this...! Can’t wait to read more of his stuff.
February 6, 2021
Very different kind of book from Kevin Tumlinson, but it was the 1st book he ever wrote. I agree with other folks who call this type of book genre "paranormal" - gave me an insight on what some of the possibilities are with AI. Slow start to the story but very engaging once you get past the first chapter or two.
February 14, 2021
Great story with an interesting and cleverly thought out plot. A very interesting main character along with all his inner "friends". Well paced and well written and a book I could easily see having at least one sequel which I would definitely be keen to read. I'd recommend this one.
There are a few typos and errors, missing words, incorrect words etc. which to me stuck out noticeably.
There are a few typos and errors, missing words, incorrect words etc. which to me stuck out noticeably.
May 26, 2023
review of “Evergreen” by Kevin Tomlinson
What an interesting and fascinating book. The concept of multiple minds in one persons head is mind boggling. There is excitement, adventure, and seat of your pants thriller. I could not put this book down. I hope there is a sequel soon. A very good read
What an interesting and fascinating book. The concept of multiple minds in one persons head is mind boggling. There is excitement, adventure, and seat of your pants thriller. I could not put this book down. I hope there is a sequel soon. A very good read
November 25, 2023
Helpful voices in the head
.... well, mostly helpful. An interesting concept. It seems Evergreen's (not his real name) problem is acquiring the personality and knowledge and memories of another person. And they can carry on conversations like talking to someone not in his head. And no he's not crazy. But this can cause interesting predicament, not all of them good.
.... well, mostly helpful. An interesting concept. It seems Evergreen's (not his real name) problem is acquiring the personality and knowledge and memories of another person. And they can carry on conversations like talking to someone not in his head. And no he's not crazy. But this can cause interesting predicament, not all of them good.
January 19, 2021
One of a kind
Evergreen by Kevin Tumlinson is one of the most unique books I've ever read. Thoroughly enjoyable, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone! But strap in because you're in for a wild ride!
Evergreen by Kevin Tumlinson is one of the most unique books I've ever read. Thoroughly enjoyable, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone! But strap in because you're in for a wild ride!
January 31, 2021
The Army of One
First person action story where every time the main character Jaylin touches someone he absorbs everything they know and who they are. Like a next generation body snatcher. I really liked this book.
First person action story where every time the main character Jaylin touches someone he absorbs everything they know and who they are. Like a next generation body snatcher. I really liked this book.
May 12, 2021
Great energy, interesting character(s)
Have just finished the Dan Kotler series (more please), and thought I would give this a shot. Loved it. Unique concept. Once you suspend disbelief, it gets you thinking on many levels. And it is also a really fun read. Highly recommend.
Have just finished the Dan Kotler series (more please), and thought I would give this a shot. Loved it. Unique concept. Once you suspend disbelief, it gets you thinking on many levels. And it is also a really fun read. Highly recommend.
December 6, 2022
The story kept me wondering where it was going for awhile,
The further I read the more I was drawn into what the main
Character was going through.
Great story & different than anything I had read before.
The further I read the more I was drawn into what the main
Character was going through.
Great story & different than anything I had read before.
June 3, 2023
Evergreen
This was definitely a well written thriller, but I hope that if are are more stories about Evergreen that you will work on the basis for his unusual abilities and possibly a background as to how they came about!
This was definitely a well written thriller, but I hope that if are are more stories about Evergreen that you will work on the basis for his unusual abilities and possibly a background as to how they came about!
April 30, 2020
Fun Book!
Kevin is an awesome writer! Evergreen is interesting and entertaining and I found it to be fun. The possibilities are endless.
Kevin is an awesome writer! Evergreen is interesting and entertaining and I found it to be fun. The possibilities are endless.
January 18, 2021
Great Adventure!!
some really unusual and interesting concepts, great sci-fi kind of spy novel. Highly recommend, well written, very engaging (couldn't put it down)!
some really unusual and interesting concepts, great sci-fi kind of spy novel. Highly recommend, well written, very engaging (couldn't put it down)!
January 27, 2021
Very clever concept.
Very clever idea! What a blast to see this on screen. Well thought out with few holes. Fun times !
Very clever idea! What a blast to see this on screen. Well thought out with few holes. Fun times !
March 28, 2023
Very good book!
April 25, 2023
Intriguing concept but seems to have been under-utilized.
The protagonist could have absorbed a ton of skill-sets and used them in the novel for many more thrills and excitement.
The protagonist could have absorbed a ton of skill-sets and used them in the novel for many more thrills and excitement.
June 5, 2023
Another World
A very different type of book for my reading taste. It could be something for the future, if not here already. We may never k ow for sure.
A very different type of book for my reading taste. It could be something for the future, if not here already. We may never k ow for sure.
June 12, 2023
Definitely an amazing read
Quite a different gendra for this author. Well thought out and written. He definitely kept the best for last and you won't see it coming.
Quite a different gendra for this author. Well thought out and written. He definitely kept the best for last and you won't see it coming.
September 13, 2018
Excellent read
I loved this book. Very fast paced. Excellent characters. Great plot. I recommend it to anyone looking for excitement. Enjoyed it immensely
I loved this book. Very fast paced. Excellent characters. Great plot. I recommend it to anyone looking for excitement. Enjoyed it immensely
November 1, 2015
"Evergreen" combines science-fiction and espionage in a thriller that begins when Jaylin Roland, who steals the memories and skills of his targets with a simple touch is hired by Andrew McClellan an executive at Shallister Hoffman to find out what the U.S. President knows about his past. Cunningly Jaylin (codename "Evergreen") not only meets the President and shakes his hand, but absorbs information that could have an economic impact on the country if its revealed.
With his client's death and his escape from a former friend who wants to replicate his ability, Jaylin finds himself assaulted by danger at every turn and embroiled in schemes that involve sabotaging a hi-tech corporation in China and a memory transference into a cloned body.
The plot is fast-paced and action-packed as Evergreen, a man who's constantly on the move and trusts no one except the voices in his head accepts a large fee to absorb vital information from the President. With clever dexterity Kevin Tumlinson builds intensity and suspense as a former friend joins the billionaire head of the Shallister Hoffman not only to control Jaylin but to harness his ability. In this story Jaylin innovatively stays one step ahead of the danger and the enemies who threaten his life and those he cares for. With every challenge the tension escalates until climaxing in a confrontation that has you wondering if his luck has finally run out.
Kevin Tumlinson has created a realistic, complicated character in Jaylin Roland, a man who makes a living selling the information he extracts from his targets. For years he's done well staying out of sight until a big payoff makes him vulnerable. He's smart, capable and resourceful; his gift of languages and fighting skill exceptional because of several diverse personalities who live in his head. Yet for all his talent at compartmentalizing and organizing important details, Jaylin can be impulsive and act before thinking.
I enjoyed reading "Evergreen" with its imaginative plot and flawed hero.
With his client's death and his escape from a former friend who wants to replicate his ability, Jaylin finds himself assaulted by danger at every turn and embroiled in schemes that involve sabotaging a hi-tech corporation in China and a memory transference into a cloned body.
The plot is fast-paced and action-packed as Evergreen, a man who's constantly on the move and trusts no one except the voices in his head accepts a large fee to absorb vital information from the President. With clever dexterity Kevin Tumlinson builds intensity and suspense as a former friend joins the billionaire head of the Shallister Hoffman not only to control Jaylin but to harness his ability. In this story Jaylin innovatively stays one step ahead of the danger and the enemies who threaten his life and those he cares for. With every challenge the tension escalates until climaxing in a confrontation that has you wondering if his luck has finally run out.
Kevin Tumlinson has created a realistic, complicated character in Jaylin Roland, a man who makes a living selling the information he extracts from his targets. For years he's done well staying out of sight until a big payoff makes him vulnerable. He's smart, capable and resourceful; his gift of languages and fighting skill exceptional because of several diverse personalities who live in his head. Yet for all his talent at compartmentalizing and organizing important details, Jaylin can be impulsive and act before thinking.
I enjoyed reading "Evergreen" with its imaginative plot and flawed hero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews