Charles W. Jones (2)

The Dystopian genre is one that I seldom read but thought I'd give THE ROAD TO SARATIN by Charles W. Jones a try. When starting the story, I found myself confused about what was actually happening and it took me a few chapters to finally figure it out. At that point, I put on my seatbelt and buckled in for the ride.

In this future wasteland, greed and power-hungry individuals tried to take over the world, using chemicals and doing experiments on individuals to build great armies. When Carl turned six, his mother took him to the Freedom Institute for help because he constantly heard a jumble of voices in his head. The doctor at the institute prodded, probed, and experimented on the boy for the next twenty-two years. At that time, the voices finally communicated with Carl as one and convinced him to leave the institute. One day, he simply walked out.

Carl could not believe the world was as it was, filled now with pestilence, freaks, mutants and the threat of poisoning from the atmosphere. He had to find his mother who lived in Saratin.

The book kind of reminded me of a television series called, INTO THE BADLANDs where the leaders of the individual clans always battled one another in attempts to take over it all. In this story, there was also deceit, magic, corruption, and visions of a perfect society.

In his quest, Carl finds that the voices in his head can physically materialize and help him on his journey. Along the way, people try to capture or kill him, others go out of their way to help him. His voices all try to protect him.

The ending brings it all together for a final battle. Good against evil. Winner take all!

I have to admit that this story stretched my imagination to the limits...not like SciFi, but kind of like Mad Max or Divergent; a wasteland and people trying to survive. I did not find any errors, and once I was on board, the story moved fluently until the end. Recommend to all who enjoy reading this genre.… (altro)

Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite

“Darkness is Coming” by Charles W. Jones is a suspense mystery that captures the reader’s attention immediately. Jess has just purchased a house on Scarlet Lane. But the excitement of having a new residence quickly melts into fear. She and her family are disturbed by strange noises and even ghosts! Worse of all, Jess learns a young girl died in that house and it was not by natural causes. Then enters Mason just released from prison. It turns out the house Jess has purchased is Mason’s childhood home. However, he is unaware of all the unusual happenings and fears the house contains. Mason has been sent there specifically by his employer to accomplish a task. When Jess and Mason team up with a surprising figure, a plan is developed and placed into motion to rid the house of the beast tormenting its residents.

From the first paragraph of “Darkness is Coming,” Charles W. Jones had my attention. I have not bitten my nails in years, but this complicated and well written plot was a nail biter throughout. The characters, Jess and Mason, are individually strong alone and amazing together. Just when I thought I was settling into a steady pace with the story’s events, Mr. Jones would throw in a curve ball and I would be spinning again with excitement and fear. It was easy to perceive what each character was feeling and experiencing. But, the absolute best part of the book was the plan to rid the house and town of the beast the house held. You will not want to miss the ending to this plot! If you are a mystery connoisseur, then this is your book!… (altro)