“Death Cycle” brings together things we are all too familiar with in our time. Humanity around the world seems bent on self-destruction, and no amount of rational dialog appears to be of help. Tiff Arnold has just returned from his second battle-hardened tour in Afghanistan and finds himself back in the heartland of America on a journey not of his choosing. He feels unfulfilled, his senses restless as he accepts that his journey may be controlled by a power beyond his control. Experience has taught him that the purpose will present itself in time. Is it possible his mission hasn’t ended? Might death have one last play?
My career has focused on the fine art community as a watercolorist, and the marketing world as a creative designer. Yet, one of my special interests has always been to write fiction novels. Perhaps the best description of my writing would be "grab your buns" adventures. I write for enjoyment and to put the challenges of a full day behind me during those moments. My hope is that my writing accomplishes some “charged” moments for readers as well. I’d like to thank those that have taken an interest and leave a thought or comment about each story along the way. Input, either positive or negative, is important for creative growth. Yes, there are times when I have to say “ouch” after reading an opinion, but hey, you cared to respond, and I can guaranty it effects a writer’s writing process. My thoughts on the stories I have on Amazon in order:
“Obsidian Obsession” was the first story to launch a serious attempt to share my work. Two books followed. “Fragile Witness” became a continuation of characters from 'Obsidian' wrapped in a completely new adventure. My third book, “Ghost of a Chance” brought these characters to a finale that even surprised me.
Looking to shake things up a bit, in my fourth book titled “Death Cycle” I left the frantic aspects of dysfunctional governments and settled into the solitude of one man's trip through the Midwest. Surely the title suggests this is no ordinary trip. As with my first three books Death Cycle spawned an idea for book 5, “Lazarus Protocol,” a blend of crime, morality, personable characters, and of course, dysfunctional government once again. This story is one of my favorites. Just sayin’.
Book 6, “They That Fall,” in short, demonstrates the dilemma and worldly havoc an innocent comment by a weatherman, of all people, can cause when it accidentally goes viral across the Internet. It's an action/adventure ride that threatens world order, while taking you places you’d never expect to go.
Book 7, “The Tailored,” veers from everything I've written to date and thrusts us out to the year 2165. What are some of the possibilities to be faced in 2165? I think some of those "tea leaves" are already evident and predictable if we allow them to happen without a fight. I've attached a two-minute video of "The Tailored" to this biography. It may be a taste of what's ahead. Enjoy!
Book 8, “Derecho Roars.” Have you every noticed how many problems we face are self-inflicted? Perhaps it’s ‘free will,’ inherent in each and every one of us, that may be the culprit. Sprinkle free will with that ‘inquisitiveness gene’ and mankind has an explosive situation on its hands. Somehow we seem to be missing a ‘think before you act’ gene.
“Derecho Roars” walks us into one of those ‘self inflicted’ dilemmas that may not be so far into our future. We’ve sent out the invitations into space without ever knowing who might come to the party. At first we bestow accolades on Shep Ferguson, a young dedicated NASA scientist. Then, in short order, he is singled out to take responsibility, then blame, and ultimately a frantic order to “Do something!” Shep is a good guy caught up in an out of control mindbender that could lead to … you can say it, … extinction.
I’ve attached a 2.5-minute video to my author page that may demonstrate the roller coaster ride you’ll be in for when you enter this Quagmire. Enjoy!
Book 9, “The Shadow Walkers” draws Dr. Brad Reagan into a world that can only be defined as the supernatural. I’ve come to think that around us at every turn we all sense something beyond ourselves; a greater power that perhaps steers our emotions, morality, and daily decisions. Does such a power walk the earth? If so does its reach envelop the universe? We first meet Dr. Reagan at his most vulnerable point as he struggles to save a life that had been rushed into the ER. And that’s the easy part.
I’ve attached a short “Shadow Walker” video to my biography.
The writing style is a little off-putting to me, but the meat and potatoes of the story is rich enough to keep your nose in the book. An interesting tale about a man with unresolved PTSD, or so it seems. There's actually a much deeper thread with only hints along the way of how deep. Lots of typos that sometimes effect the flow of the text, but an entertaining read none-the-less.
If you don't mind a few typos then settle back and enjoy Tiff's journey, as he finds himself traveling from place to place, simply because the urge hits him to stop here and there. As he stops in different places, he tends to draw people to him. Is there something special about him? Is he the good guy that everyone sees him to be? Is it really that simple, or is there something more sinister at play? Grab a cup of coffee, find your favorite reading spot, and see if you find that Jerry Zak just might be your new favorite author. He tells a tale that keeps one turning the pages until the end.