The Being

by Rick Johnson

Before the creation of the world, before the creation of mankind, he is there. The unfolding of this new Genesis fascinates him. He is drawn to study the fresh life forms called humans. In the beginning, he marvels at their existence. He roams the face of the Earth to interact and mingle with this newly created species. Through the passing of the ages, the humans begin to disappoint him. He grows weary of their arrogance and greed. He is repulsed by their constant warfare and pursuit of power. The humans change. He changes. Now, he’s on a quest. He seeks one pure human according to his standards. If he finds the one he seeks, he’ll leave this world and mankind to its own destiny. If he doesn’t find the one he seeks, he’s going to destroy the world and every living creature upon it. Neither president of the United States nor the Russian Federation have any of knowing that they are both pawns in the destruction of the world. He’s going to use the pair to help annihilate the world using the global stockpile of nuclear arms. Mankind’s biggest deterrent to war will become its worse failure when every nuclear weapon in the world is detonated at once. After the nuclear holocaust, he’ll terminate any survivors. The human race has no way of knowing that the clock of life is drawing to its final conclusion. Mankind’s continued existence depends upon the success of his quest. He possesses no particular desire to battle the angels who will try to stop the destruction of the world. He also has no plans to avoid the confrontation. It won’t affect him one way or the other. His existence will continue for eternity. He always has been, and will always be, The Being.

270 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2017

About the author

Rick Johnson lives in Mississippi. His hobbies include taking his dog to the park, cooking for his dog, buying his dog milkshakes, and spoiling his dog. Connor the dog has him well trained. Sometimes, he writes books when he's not wrestling with Connor.

Reviews

[Natalie Alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Being is a journey through history while mirroring contemporary time. The story makes it hard to put the book down, keeping you wondering "what next?" and "how will this end?" A great read.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Johnson has certainly written a very unusual tale of The Being and his quest to find a mortal who is his 'one'. The human being who is pure enough in thought and actions and can convince The Being not to destroy all of mankind. We get to walk in his shoes so to speak as he sets his sights on certain cities including the 5 boroughs of New York City, looking for the one. I found it fascinating as his quest brought the reader into the minds of those he would pass on the street and whether or not they were deemed worthy. With a flick of a wrist, he could give a man with an impure heart or a woman with bad intentions, the kiss of death. He definitely left an impression no matter where he traveled.

The author beautifully combines the war of words between the American president and the Russian president and 'uses' them as his tools to make sure the world as we know it ends, with his search for the 'savior' of the human race. In addition, we are treated to the inner workings so to speak as to important characters throughout history and The Being's hand in their demise. We get to walk along as he encounters Joan of Arc, Jesus, Mother Teresa, Socrates and Billy the Kid just for starters. It was fascinating reading this very hip kind of history book despite the heavier notion that gave The Being his 'purpose' here on earth. There are numerous sightings of angels as well and The Being's own thoughts about their importance and whether or not they will stop him.

This book is a wonderful and thoughtful look at how everyday people you may pass on the street or be in line with at the store are much more than they look. That deep within all of us are imperfections and faults and the hope is that they never become more than we can handle.

A great statement at the state of the world today, The Being made me think and that's always a great thing. My hope is that books like these finder a broader audience since it is well-written, well researched and completely riveting.

I applaud the author for stepping out of his comfort zone and I happily give The Being a solid 4 stars!!

[Jaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not certain where to begin, frankly. I'm gathering my thoughts as I write because while on the merits this is a unique and well written book, its a definite, and I might add unexpected departure for Mr. Johnson. I feel maybe he should be checking lot numbers on his Moon Pie stash for possible magic mushroom contamination.

But on the other hand, I a) commend him hugely for taking this kind of literary leap and, b) he may just be on to something.

Whatever forces move mankind for good purposes or evil, while I'm not certain I believe they possess form either corporeal or spiritual, I do believe they are at least predictable in their cyclic nature. It seems we all repeat our mistakes, and are perhaps doomed to do so in perpetuity. Or at least until we blow ourselves into oblivion.

My take away message, if indeed one was even intended, is that we each bear responsibility on both a personal and global level for that which occurs and for that which we *allow* to occur. There is no promised deliverance from...anyone. Anywhere. It seems our predilection to place the responsibility for "getting us out of this one" on someone or something else is probably the same thing that causes us to repeat our mistakes. It seems our very nature is, well, counter to nature.

Or maybe it isn't even that deep. Maybe we are just too stupid to live. It is certainly interesting to be slapped in the face with such a glimpse at our fatal flaws.

[Jan Murphree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!

Just Wow!!!
Awesome story...everyone should read!!
It will make you think...
It will make you appreciate life...
It will make you wake up.
Great story Mr.Johnson...Really great!