What do you think?
Rate this book
Illusion
One day, Thomas meets his old friend's mother, Wai Ha, who asks Thomas to warn her son, Jonathan, about her daughter-in-law, Helen. She's cheating on him. Thomas then discovers Wai Ha has already died so it is absurd for him to have met her in his office!
A haunting, a vision, a nasty headache, and a murder—what's next?
A haunting, a vision, a nasty headache, and a murder—what's next?
- GenresChristian
ebook
First published January 1, 2009
44 people want to read
About the author
Edmond Cheng
3 books3 followersEdmond Cheng, is of Chinese descent, from Hong Kong. He is a fan of suspense and it has always been his dream to produce a story with a unique theme. In 2011, he finished his debut novel, Illusion. He finds himself interested in things intriguing like time traveling and fingerprint analysis. Discussions on whether it is feasible for humans to build a UFO interests him. As a person with intense curiosity, he almost had a DNA test done upon hearing his maternal great grandfather is Caucasian. Now he has finally found his destiny as a writer to share his stories with his readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 11, 2010
Unearthed: An Anthology of Suspense is actually Four Novellas By Shawn McPike, David A.Stelzig, Seth E. Lender and Edmond Cheng. I was asked my Edmond Cheng to read his novella so I will be reviewing Illusion only on my blog.
Let's start with the fact that Edmond lives in Hong Kong and his story Illusion is also based in Hong Kong which I found fascinating! The Story opens with a body being jumped into the harbor but you will have to work your way through the artfully placed puzzle pieces of this mystery until you can find out who's body that was and who's doing the dumping. This is a story of Thomas Chen, what starts out as a great day turns into a real nightmare, is he crazy or is someone really trying to frame him for murder, is his wife really having an affair??? So much going on, so many little details and so many exciting, on the edge of your seat twists and turns that I was captured from the moment I read the first few words. Let's start at the beginning, Thomas works in the corporate world, just trying to get ahead daily and make his way through a successful career. A loving wife who he adores more than life and great friends. So what could go wrong? Just wait..... Thomas gets a strange visit from Aunt Wai Ha who he doesn't find out until later that night that from his wife that it couldn't be possible. She died weeks ago. Better yet, the old woman told Thomas that if he didn't help his best friend Jonathan out that there would be dire consequences.
A little confused by all of this he finally decides to stop by Jonathan's to try and understand all of this, but when he gets there he is dead. And before he knows it he is being accused of his murder. Thomas is beside himself, his best friend gone, fear that he is going to pay for his murder when he really things that Jonathan's wife was having an affair and wanted him dead. It must be her who is setting him up, right? Better yet, his wife goes missing, kidnaped and the police think he is off his rocker, not to mention a murdering liar! But it only gets better, because everything that I told you is NOT what it seems. Not sure if he is plum crazy or being set up Thomas struggles to figure out the truth, and it will be a total shocker! I for one was delightfully confused and so sure I had it all figured out, I was thrilled when the scenes started to unravel themselves, I had it all wrong. I warn you, if you are up for a smooth little drama was a murder mystery that will have you guessing until the end, this is your kind of story.
Edmond Cheng has really created a suspenseful story with a masterful plot. Bravo!
Merged review:
Unearthed: An Anthology of Suspense is actually Four Novellas By Shawn McPike, David A.Stelzig, Seth E. Lender and Edmond Cheng. I was asked my Edmond Cheng to read his novella so I will be reviewing Illusion only on my blog.
Let's start with the fact that Edmond lives in Hong Kong and his story Illusion is also based in Hong Kong which I found fascinating! The Story opens with a body being jumped into the harbor but you will have to work your way through the artfully placed puzzle pieces of this mystery until you can find out who's body that was and who's doing the dumping. This is a story of Thomas Chen, what starts out as a great day turns into a real nightmare, is he crazy or is someone really trying to frame him for murder, is his wife really having an affair??? So much going on, so many little details and so many exciting, on the edge of your seat twists and turns that I was captured from the moment I read the first few words. Let's start at the beginning, Thomas works in the corporate world, just trying to get ahead daily and make his way through a successful career. A loving wife who he adores more than life and great friends. So what could go wrong? Just wait..... Thomas gets a strange visit from Aunt Wai Ha who he doesn't find out until later that night that from his wife that it couldn't be possible. She died weeks ago. Better yet, the old woman told Thomas that if he didn't help his best friend Jonathan out that there would be dire consequences.
A little confused by all of this he finally decides to stop by Jonathan's to try and understand all of this, but when he gets there he is dead. And before he knows it he is being accused of his murder. Thomas is beside himself, his best friend gone, fear that he is going to pay for his murder when he really things that Jonathan's wife was having an affair and wanted him dead. It must be her who is setting him up, right? Better yet, his wife goes missing, kidnaped and the police think he is off his rocker, not to mention a murdering liar! But it only gets better, because everything that I told you is NOT what it seems. Not sure if he is plum crazy or being set up Thomas struggles to figure out the truth, and it will be a total shocker! I for one was delightfully confused and so sure I had it all figured out, I was thrilled when the scenes started to unravel themselves, I had it all wrong. I warn you, if you are up for a smooth little drama was a murder mystery that will have you guessing until the end, this is your kind of story.
Edmond Cheng has really created a suspenseful story with a masterful plot. Bravo!
Let's start with the fact that Edmond lives in Hong Kong and his story Illusion is also based in Hong Kong which I found fascinating! The Story opens with a body being jumped into the harbor but you will have to work your way through the artfully placed puzzle pieces of this mystery until you can find out who's body that was and who's doing the dumping. This is a story of Thomas Chen, what starts out as a great day turns into a real nightmare, is he crazy or is someone really trying to frame him for murder, is his wife really having an affair??? So much going on, so many little details and so many exciting, on the edge of your seat twists and turns that I was captured from the moment I read the first few words. Let's start at the beginning, Thomas works in the corporate world, just trying to get ahead daily and make his way through a successful career. A loving wife who he adores more than life and great friends. So what could go wrong? Just wait..... Thomas gets a strange visit from Aunt Wai Ha who he doesn't find out until later that night that from his wife that it couldn't be possible. She died weeks ago. Better yet, the old woman told Thomas that if he didn't help his best friend Jonathan out that there would be dire consequences.
A little confused by all of this he finally decides to stop by Jonathan's to try and understand all of this, but when he gets there he is dead. And before he knows it he is being accused of his murder. Thomas is beside himself, his best friend gone, fear that he is going to pay for his murder when he really things that Jonathan's wife was having an affair and wanted him dead. It must be her who is setting him up, right? Better yet, his wife goes missing, kidnaped and the police think he is off his rocker, not to mention a murdering liar! But it only gets better, because everything that I told you is NOT what it seems. Not sure if he is plum crazy or being set up Thomas struggles to figure out the truth, and it will be a total shocker! I for one was delightfully confused and so sure I had it all figured out, I was thrilled when the scenes started to unravel themselves, I had it all wrong. I warn you, if you are up for a smooth little drama was a murder mystery that will have you guessing until the end, this is your kind of story.
Edmond Cheng has really created a suspenseful story with a masterful plot. Bravo!
Merged review:
Unearthed: An Anthology of Suspense is actually Four Novellas By Shawn McPike, David A.Stelzig, Seth E. Lender and Edmond Cheng. I was asked my Edmond Cheng to read his novella so I will be reviewing Illusion only on my blog.
Let's start with the fact that Edmond lives in Hong Kong and his story Illusion is also based in Hong Kong which I found fascinating! The Story opens with a body being jumped into the harbor but you will have to work your way through the artfully placed puzzle pieces of this mystery until you can find out who's body that was and who's doing the dumping. This is a story of Thomas Chen, what starts out as a great day turns into a real nightmare, is he crazy or is someone really trying to frame him for murder, is his wife really having an affair??? So much going on, so many little details and so many exciting, on the edge of your seat twists and turns that I was captured from the moment I read the first few words. Let's start at the beginning, Thomas works in the corporate world, just trying to get ahead daily and make his way through a successful career. A loving wife who he adores more than life and great friends. So what could go wrong? Just wait..... Thomas gets a strange visit from Aunt Wai Ha who he doesn't find out until later that night that from his wife that it couldn't be possible. She died weeks ago. Better yet, the old woman told Thomas that if he didn't help his best friend Jonathan out that there would be dire consequences.
A little confused by all of this he finally decides to stop by Jonathan's to try and understand all of this, but when he gets there he is dead. And before he knows it he is being accused of his murder. Thomas is beside himself, his best friend gone, fear that he is going to pay for his murder when he really things that Jonathan's wife was having an affair and wanted him dead. It must be her who is setting him up, right? Better yet, his wife goes missing, kidnaped and the police think he is off his rocker, not to mention a murdering liar! But it only gets better, because everything that I told you is NOT what it seems. Not sure if he is plum crazy or being set up Thomas struggles to figure out the truth, and it will be a total shocker! I for one was delightfully confused and so sure I had it all figured out, I was thrilled when the scenes started to unravel themselves, I had it all wrong. I warn you, if you are up for a smooth little drama was a murder mystery that will have you guessing until the end, this is your kind of story.
Edmond Cheng has really created a suspenseful story with a masterful plot. Bravo!
March 13, 2010
Thomas and Karen are happily married or so he thinks. But could it all be an illusion? When Aunt Wai Ha comes to visit, he becomes disturbed by her allegations. Jonathon and Helen, his best friends, are also concerned, but then again, is it all just an illusion?
As the story continues, it becomes more and more convoluted and confused, reality and illusion mixing until one is hard to tell from the other.
Accusations fly, is Helen having an affair and plotting Jonathon's murder? Is Karen who she appears to be? Is Thomas being haunted by ghosts, spirits, apparitions? As the story unravels, confusion ensues, life and death struggles begin and end. Who will remain?
Illusion by Edmond Cheng is just what the title states, it's all an illusion, the fevered imaginations of the protagonist in the story, Thomas. As Thomas' life ebbs and flows, the reader begins to see that all is not right. His story, his reality contradicts itself as a way of preserving his sanity. Because, instead of seeing what it before his eyes to believe, he chooses to look through rose colored glasses to perceive what he would like reality to be.
Illusion is a fun little read that was confusing at times. The use of American English is not perfect, nor are the speech patterns. It entwines Chinese mysticism and Western ideas, bringing us a story that is unique in it's rendition. I once read a Chinese fable about an attacking army, and while reading this story, I was reminded of the fable in the manner in which it was told. There is strong cultural influences used in the story that increase the enjoyment of the reading, but at the same time, cause to reader to stop and re-reading passage to gain the full impact of it's meaning. It was almost like reading a fast pace action movie filmed in Hong Kong, which just happens to produce some awesome movies that includes some of my favorites. It's a twisting, turning, gut-retching read. This is Mr. Cheng's first attempt at writing and since English is not his first language, it is my opinion that he did an excellent job. I truly enjoyed reading this novella, the story is exciting and a real psychological thriller. The use of imagery was good though sometimes simplistic, and at other times, bold and engaging. I loved the influences of his Chinese culture throughout the story. It was pleasure to read something, though Americanized, retained it's cultural influences. If you looking for an uncomplicated read, try something else. If you don't mind an involving read, give it a try, you might enjoy it, but be prepared for the fast pace and tone.
As the story continues, it becomes more and more convoluted and confused, reality and illusion mixing until one is hard to tell from the other.
Accusations fly, is Helen having an affair and plotting Jonathon's murder? Is Karen who she appears to be? Is Thomas being haunted by ghosts, spirits, apparitions? As the story unravels, confusion ensues, life and death struggles begin and end. Who will remain?
Illusion by Edmond Cheng is just what the title states, it's all an illusion, the fevered imaginations of the protagonist in the story, Thomas. As Thomas' life ebbs and flows, the reader begins to see that all is not right. His story, his reality contradicts itself as a way of preserving his sanity. Because, instead of seeing what it before his eyes to believe, he chooses to look through rose colored glasses to perceive what he would like reality to be.
Illusion is a fun little read that was confusing at times. The use of American English is not perfect, nor are the speech patterns. It entwines Chinese mysticism and Western ideas, bringing us a story that is unique in it's rendition. I once read a Chinese fable about an attacking army, and while reading this story, I was reminded of the fable in the manner in which it was told. There is strong cultural influences used in the story that increase the enjoyment of the reading, but at the same time, cause to reader to stop and re-reading passage to gain the full impact of it's meaning. It was almost like reading a fast pace action movie filmed in Hong Kong, which just happens to produce some awesome movies that includes some of my favorites. It's a twisting, turning, gut-retching read. This is Mr. Cheng's first attempt at writing and since English is not his first language, it is my opinion that he did an excellent job. I truly enjoyed reading this novella, the story is exciting and a real psychological thriller. The use of imagery was good though sometimes simplistic, and at other times, bold and engaging. I loved the influences of his Chinese culture throughout the story. It was pleasure to read something, though Americanized, retained it's cultural influences. If you looking for an uncomplicated read, try something else. If you don't mind an involving read, give it a try, you might enjoy it, but be prepared for the fast pace and tone.
March 18, 2010
The story begins with a couple throwing an unconscious man into the sea at late hours in Hong Kong. No one seems to witness this incident and we do not even know their identities. The couple just thinks their mission is complete.
Thomas has a strange encounter when he meets his old friend's mother, aunt Wai Ha. She asks him to warn her son, Jonathan about her daughter in law, Helen's cheating. Thomas then discovers Wai Ha has already died so it is absurd for him to have met her in his office. Mysteries keep haunting him as Thomas is harassed by seen and unseen spirits. He even sees a vision in which Jonathan almost drowns to death. His illusion is not what disturbs him most but his nasty headache does. Are all those things Wai Ha's punishments for his failure to warn Jonathan? Thing becomes worse when Jonathan is murdered in Thomas' apartment and Thomas gets set up. Isn't Jonathan supposed to drown in the sea? Within twenty four hours, his life turns upside down as he becomes a fugitive and his wife, Karen is kidnapped. Worse still, he even kills a cop accidentally. Yet, someone out there gives him a hand in secret. Is he another spirit? The only way out is to find the truth and save his wife. What if everything is just a lie?
Thomas has a strange encounter when he meets his old friend's mother, aunt Wai Ha. She asks him to warn her son, Jonathan about her daughter in law, Helen's cheating. Thomas then discovers Wai Ha has already died so it is absurd for him to have met her in his office. Mysteries keep haunting him as Thomas is harassed by seen and unseen spirits. He even sees a vision in which Jonathan almost drowns to death. His illusion is not what disturbs him most but his nasty headache does. Are all those things Wai Ha's punishments for his failure to warn Jonathan? Thing becomes worse when Jonathan is murdered in Thomas' apartment and Thomas gets set up. Isn't Jonathan supposed to drown in the sea? Within twenty four hours, his life turns upside down as he becomes a fugitive and his wife, Karen is kidnapped. Worse still, he even kills a cop accidentally. Yet, someone out there gives him a hand in secret. Is he another spirit? The only way out is to find the truth and save his wife. What if everything is just a lie?
January 31, 2010
The first chapter begins with us seeing an unknown couple dumping an unconscious man into the sea.
In the second chapter we meet Thomas, and his wife Karen. Everything seems quite normal at this stage in the story. As yet, it is unclear how the first chapter will relate to the rest of the story. But after Thomas is paid a visit by his old friend’s mother, Wai Ha, things start to get weird for Thomas. When he gets home he finds out that Wai Ha has been dead for weeks, and there is no way that it was her that visited him.
Thomas begins to try and solve the mystery of Wai Ha’s visit. Did he imagine it? Is someone playing tricks on him? He doesn’t know. He starts having more visions, and the story takes lots of twists and turns. Thomas finds himself in the frame for murder and his wife is kidnapped. He gets some unexpected help from a mystery man, but is he an illusion too?
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn’t stop reading it! The twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing to the end. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something unexpected would happen instead. Even on the last page there was still one last mystery.
In the second chapter we meet Thomas, and his wife Karen. Everything seems quite normal at this stage in the story. As yet, it is unclear how the first chapter will relate to the rest of the story. But after Thomas is paid a visit by his old friend’s mother, Wai Ha, things start to get weird for Thomas. When he gets home he finds out that Wai Ha has been dead for weeks, and there is no way that it was her that visited him.
Thomas begins to try and solve the mystery of Wai Ha’s visit. Did he imagine it? Is someone playing tricks on him? He doesn’t know. He starts having more visions, and the story takes lots of twists and turns. Thomas finds himself in the frame for murder and his wife is kidnapped. He gets some unexpected help from a mystery man, but is he an illusion too?
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn’t stop reading it! The twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing to the end. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something unexpected would happen instead. Even on the last page there was still one last mystery.
Read
March 14, 2010Illusion (A Novella) by Edmond Cheng (Rating 3.5)
MS Fiction Presents "Unearthed" An Anthololgy of Suspense
ISSN 1555 Vol. 109-22ED
Synopsis: Thomas Chen is visited by his longtime friend Jonathan's mother who delivers a warning about Jonathan But how can that be since she passed away 2 months ago. Visions and severe headaches are plaguing Thomas' brain. Could these visions be the result of demons, or maybe physical and/or psychological in nature.
My Thoughts: Was skeptical at first but as I continued reading I found myself wanting to read more. The author's detailed written words allowed this reader to form graphically vivid thoughts. The plot was suspenseful and held my attention to the end. However, I felt that the dialogue between characters were simplistic.
My Rating: 3.5 I gave this rating due to the dialogue and at times somewhat confusing at what the author was trying to convey. However, the suspense and detailed words were very enjoyable. This is a new author but this reader feels that with more writing experience, this will not be his last book.
MS Fiction Presents "Unearthed" An Anthololgy of Suspense
ISSN 1555 Vol. 109-22ED
Synopsis: Thomas Chen is visited by his longtime friend Jonathan's mother who delivers a warning about Jonathan But how can that be since she passed away 2 months ago. Visions and severe headaches are plaguing Thomas' brain. Could these visions be the result of demons, or maybe physical and/or psychological in nature.
My Thoughts: Was skeptical at first but as I continued reading I found myself wanting to read more. The author's detailed written words allowed this reader to form graphically vivid thoughts. The plot was suspenseful and held my attention to the end. However, I felt that the dialogue between characters were simplistic.
My Rating: 3.5 I gave this rating due to the dialogue and at times somewhat confusing at what the author was trying to convey. However, the suspense and detailed words were very enjoyable. This is a new author but this reader feels that with more writing experience, this will not be his last book.
March 13, 2010
Illusion - something that deceives by producing a false impression of reality. This book lived up to that definition. Illusion is the story of Thomas a man who is warned in a seres of visions about the murder of his friend Jonathon. He tries everything to tell Jonathon that his wife is going to kill him. I won't say more because it would definitely give the plot away. I loved the way the story started with two people carrying something down the beach and loading it in a boat. It isn't until it is dropped over the side of the boat you realize it is a body. I really thought I knew where this story was going. Bam! I hit a wall. Edmond Cheng threw so many twists and turns into his story that I was pleasantly surprised. He knows how to keep the plot so enticing you keep reading only to find out what you thought was itself an illusion.
I will definitely visit the Midnight Showcase and check out more of their work. I recommend all four of these authors to anyone who loves mystery, suspense and thrillers.
I will definitely visit the Midnight Showcase and check out more of their work. I recommend all four of these authors to anyone who loves mystery, suspense and thrillers.
March 14, 2010
Illusion is a suspense-filled, twist-filled page-turner. It is especially impressive when you learn that this is Edmond Cheng's first book, and that it is written in his second language. Edmond is starting out in the tradition of Joseph Conrad and Vladimir Nabokov, teaching us to better appreciate the language that we native speakers take for granted. Another intriguing aspect of this story that it introduces Christian themes into a genre that often appears to be a spiritual wasteland.
Read
March 24, 2010Mr. Cheng's mother tongue is Chinese but he writes clearly and well in English. This ability plus his view of a culture of which we in the West are only dimly aware makes this book worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews