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Ashur's Tears
An Ancient Magic Artifact Reaches across the Ages to Wreak Havoc
Toby Cypher has it pretty good. He's on the cusp of success with his mimics (programmable morphing robots indistinguishable from humans), he has a side gig volunteering at the Air Force Museum, and he's tutoring the prettiest, coolest girl in school. Toby's world falls apart when he learns that his father--Dr. Erasmus Cypher, a scientist who does classified work for the government--has gone down in a plane crash over Iraq. But Toby's sister Katie soon uncovers a secret message on their dad's smart phone--a message sent after the plane crashed. Toby and Katie are drawn into the dizzying world of their father's secret work, a world of untold danger and pro-found histories, where the two siblings will need all their wits just to survive. Science meets magic in award-winning author Bill Riley's debut fiction novel, Ashur's Tears, the fast-paced, intricately plotted first installment in the Cypher series.
Toby Cypher has it pretty good. He's on the cusp of success with his mimics (programmable morphing robots indistinguishable from humans), he has a side gig volunteering at the Air Force Museum, and he's tutoring the prettiest, coolest girl in school. Toby's world falls apart when he learns that his father--Dr. Erasmus Cypher, a scientist who does classified work for the government--has gone down in a plane crash over Iraq. But Toby's sister Katie soon uncovers a secret message on their dad's smart phone--a message sent after the plane crashed. Toby and Katie are drawn into the dizzying world of their father's secret work, a world of untold danger and pro-found histories, where the two siblings will need all their wits just to survive. Science meets magic in award-winning author Bill Riley's debut fiction novel, Ashur's Tears, the fast-paced, intricately plotted first installment in the Cypher series.
310 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
2 people want to read
About the author
Bill Riley
3 books7 followersBill Riley is an award-winning author and retired U. S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with interests in space exploration, coffee roasting, global communication, intelligence activities, and ancient ruins.
Bill was an intelligence analyst during the Cold War. Later, he specialized in strategy and communications. During his career, he’s worked with intelligence and special operations professionals from every service, virtually every intelligence agency, and several friendly foreign governments.
Bill’s deployments took him through combat zones across the Middle East where he played significant roles in Kuwait and Iraq, supported joint coalition operations, and helped nations rebuild after wars. He was the first U. S. Electronic Warfare Officer in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, he led the Air Force’s largest network operations and security center, and he was the first Cyberspace Operations officer to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
He holds degrees in Literature, Public Administration, and Strategic Leadership, and he is a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and the Air Force Space Command VIGILANT LOOK program.
Bill lives in Idaho, just outside Boise, with his wife and two sons.
Learn more at: https://www.billrileyauthor.com
Bill was an intelligence analyst during the Cold War. Later, he specialized in strategy and communications. During his career, he’s worked with intelligence and special operations professionals from every service, virtually every intelligence agency, and several friendly foreign governments.
Bill’s deployments took him through combat zones across the Middle East where he played significant roles in Kuwait and Iraq, supported joint coalition operations, and helped nations rebuild after wars. He was the first U. S. Electronic Warfare Officer in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, he led the Air Force’s largest network operations and security center, and he was the first Cyberspace Operations officer to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
He holds degrees in Literature, Public Administration, and Strategic Leadership, and he is a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and the Air Force Space Command VIGILANT LOOK program.
Bill lives in Idaho, just outside Boise, with his wife and two sons.
Learn more at: https://www.billrileyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 22, 2022
What a great adventure! Action packed and creative events as our heroes sprint through their journey and dedicated mission. A great read. Raha
June 25, 2022
I received an advanced copy and so glad I was able to delve into the debut novel in this upper middle grade fantasy genre. Get ready for a ride that also serves as a reminder how the best intentions can have consequences. An incredible journey awaits you!
September 8, 2022
In author, Bill Riley's first foray into the fantasy/sci-fi genre, the former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel hits all the right targets. With remarkable detail, Riley builds a world that captures the imagination within the first few pages.
Father of two and brilliant scientist, Dr. Erasumus Cypher, has discovered a power source that could change the world as we know it. A magical power source - Ashur's Tears is sought after by gods and men alike. It is a dangerous discovery that pulls the good doctor and his family into a potentially earth-shattering fight between good and evil.
When Dr. Cypher disappears and is presumed dead, his two children suffer the loss until classified information falls into their hands that infers their father might still be alive. The eldest Cypher child, Toby, is like his father, a brilliant scientist. His youngest, Katie, takes after their deceased mother and can wield magic. Still, they are only children and in need of help which arrives in the form of a lynx-like cat who is also a disgraced goddess and their dad's best pal/fellow scientist. Together, the four take on the powers of darkness to save their dad, themselves, and the world.
Bill Riley's story quickly drew me in. The more I read the faster I went. I enjoyed his detailed descriptions, his use of formational relationships, and the blending of magic and science. With plenty of action and some practical advice built in, I wish this book had been written when I was a kid! **Fair warning - due to violent content this book is not recommended for children under the age of 10.
Whether you are a science nerd or a fantasy geek this book will entrance and entertain you. To the parents out there deciding whether or not to purchase this book for your kiddo - do it. Kudos to Bill Riley. I can't wait to see more of this series!
Father of two and brilliant scientist, Dr. Erasumus Cypher, has discovered a power source that could change the world as we know it. A magical power source - Ashur's Tears is sought after by gods and men alike. It is a dangerous discovery that pulls the good doctor and his family into a potentially earth-shattering fight between good and evil.
When Dr. Cypher disappears and is presumed dead, his two children suffer the loss until classified information falls into their hands that infers their father might still be alive. The eldest Cypher child, Toby, is like his father, a brilliant scientist. His youngest, Katie, takes after their deceased mother and can wield magic. Still, they are only children and in need of help which arrives in the form of a lynx-like cat who is also a disgraced goddess and their dad's best pal/fellow scientist. Together, the four take on the powers of darkness to save their dad, themselves, and the world.
Bill Riley's story quickly drew me in. The more I read the faster I went. I enjoyed his detailed descriptions, his use of formational relationships, and the blending of magic and science. With plenty of action and some practical advice built in, I wish this book had been written when I was a kid! **Fair warning - due to violent content this book is not recommended for children under the age of 10.
Whether you are a science nerd or a fantasy geek this book will entrance and entertain you. To the parents out there deciding whether or not to purchase this book for your kiddo - do it. Kudos to Bill Riley. I can't wait to see more of this series!
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March 19, 2023MWSA Review
Author Bill Riley in his book Ashur's Tears has introduced us to a new world of magic and magical creatures. From a goddess disguised as a cat to demons the size of a car with gnashing teeth to octopus-like tentacles, Ashur's Tears will stretch your imagination and have you reading all night. The book, aimed at the Young Adult audience, is an easy, fast read. As young Toby and his sister strive to find out what happened to their missing father, they find themselves thrust into a world of deceit, magic, and danger. Evil magic has found its way to Earth and has possessed one man already. Now, it's only a matter of time before it will take over the world. That is unless Toby, his sister, and a cat can stop it. I think any fan of Young Adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
Review by Bob Doerr (March 2023)
Author Bill Riley in his book Ashur's Tears has introduced us to a new world of magic and magical creatures. From a goddess disguised as a cat to demons the size of a car with gnashing teeth to octopus-like tentacles, Ashur's Tears will stretch your imagination and have you reading all night. The book, aimed at the Young Adult audience, is an easy, fast read. As young Toby and his sister strive to find out what happened to their missing father, they find themselves thrust into a world of deceit, magic, and danger. Evil magic has found its way to Earth and has possessed one man already. Now, it's only a matter of time before it will take over the world. That is unless Toby, his sister, and a cat can stop it. I think any fan of Young Adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
Review by Bob Doerr (March 2023)
August 7, 2023
Good middle-grade book. Slightly higher than Magic School Bus but same vibes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews